Suggestions for a romantic playlist?

July 20, 2005 12:41 PM

Romantic Songs? Hi. I like to keep a playlist handy on the iPod for those times when me and the wife are having some private time which may or may not lead into that most blessed of acts...

Problem is, said playlist is rather short. We both like classic soul stuff, anything that's sexy and happenin' but not gonna crack us up. Currently in there are things like Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Sly...what am I missing? Is there a genre I should maybe try? We both enjoy Miles Davis/Coltraine/Mingus as well...

What are your favorite songs/albums to put on when you're wanting to create an atmosphere of romance?

posted by glenwood to Media & Arts (20 answers total)

Some of Prince's stuff is up there with Marvin & Al: When 2 R In Love, Man O' War, Come, etc.

But the sexiest album of all time is Tricky's Maxinquaye, hands down.
posted by gottabefunky at 12:52 PM on July 20, 2005

(Aside from the PE cover on Track 3, of course.)

I generally find trip-hop and electronica to be quite the turn-on genres. Portishead, Morcheeba, Massive Attack, etc.

Godspeed You Black Emperor (where are they putting the exclamation point nowadays?) can be a bit heavy, but it's great in the build-up department.

Jane's Addiction, "Three Days" was the tune of choice in college...
posted by gottabefunky at 12:57 PM on July 20, 2005

If you like Miles, I cannot recommend "Kind of Blue" highly enough. Also, Chet Baker in mellow mood. Depends on your own mood too: Mrs Starling and I have also had fun with Billy Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Erykah Badu and Rod Stewart. Rod Stewart?!?
posted by TiredStarling at 1:02 PM on July 20, 2005

Check out Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite.
posted by sudama at 1:07 PM on July 20, 2005

Tom Waits, I'm a big fan of Hed Kandi's "Back to Love" or "Winter Chill" mixes. Awesome, especially if you're on the town and just went to the cool bar with nice flat surfaces and brought her back to your place to bullshit about music until everything kicks in.
posted by geoff. at 1:10 PM on July 20, 2005

jamiroquai - travelling without moving. just get it already.
posted by contessa at 1:30 PM on July 20, 2005

previous "mood music" thread.
posted by whatnot at 1:46 PM on July 20, 2005

There is only one answer:

Lovage - Music To Make Love To Your Old Lady By

Sweet old style jazz riffs coupled with extremely sexual lyrics and the smooth soul stylings of Jennifer Charles and Mike Patton. Some of the songs even have subliminal-esque panting and moaning in the background to get the mood right.
posted by cyphill at 2:05 PM on July 20, 2005

Might I recommend Fela Kuti, for that perfect mix of soul and jazz?
And, although it's off your mark a bit, Martin Denny's stuff is excellent - sorta jazz-y and very atmospheric. It'll turn your room in a jungle paradise.
The Getz/Gilberto album is also great.
Even further off your mark - Dub. The instrumental stuff in particular. Old - King Tubby, Lee Perry. New - Rhythm & Sound, Deadbeat.
Sexy stuff.
(sorry, i want to link allmusic pages, but my ancient browser doesn't like that site)
posted by hellbient at 2:40 PM on July 20, 2005

Cyphill: Are you serious? Listening to Lovage would crack my ass up.
Oh, and note that despite the prior recommendation, Prince is often some of the worst music you can have on during sex.The 1999 album, specifically.
I suppose most of the music depends on the type of sex you want to have. Massive Attack's Mezzanine is good for soulful fuckin', whereas you might want some Nine Inch Nails when you're brandishing the whip. Kraftwerk's Concert Classics is good for melodic German sex, while Autobahn is good for efficient German sex.
But really, you can fuck to about anything, from Ride of the Valkyries to Whitesnake. Just depends on the mood.
If you like jazz though, try McCoy Tyner's Sama Layuca or Song For The New World. Both are excellent. Also, Alice Coltrane's Ptah the El Daud or Wayne Shorter's Moto Grosso Feio. All sexy. (You might also like Nomo for a Coltrane-meets-Kuti experience).
Or you can always switch it up with a little Buzzcocks...
posted by klangklangston at 3:35 PM on July 20, 2005

Oh, and Chairmen of the Board's Skin I'm In is really good too.
posted by klangklangston at 3:36 PM on July 20, 2005

Hello?! Barry White. C'mon.
Or watch more late-night TV. There are always commercials for such collections - The Time Life Romantic Moments CDs, Volumes 1-12. :) If you don't want to buy them, you can probably look online and see what's on the CDs that might work for you.
posted by clh at 4:37 PM on July 20, 2005

Joabim/Stan Getz Bossa Nova. Especially in the summer time.
posted by slimslowslider at 5:26 PM on July 20, 2005

Oh, also:
Portishead, Massive Attack, Morcheeba
posted by slimslowslider at 5:29 PM on July 20, 2005

I forget the singer I think its janet or mariah but "Anytine Anywhere" is amazing... if you like a little hip hop soul try My Body and Pony by genuine

i would stay away from Marvin, its cliche..
posted by crewshell at 6:30 PM on July 20, 2005

Medeski, Martin, and Wood (jazz) would do you well. Try any album. Sharon Jones makes some damn fine soul. If you don't mind some weird vocals, try Gang Gang Dance. It's the sexiest music, ever.
posted by Laugh_track at 10:09 PM on July 20, 2005

D'angelo needs to be present if you are into that neosoul thing

(when's his next album coming out????)
posted by afu at 10:41 PM on July 20, 2005

Thanks to all! I couldn't begin to mark a best answer...
posted by glenwood at 6:49 AM on July 21, 2005

Might I suggest dobbs' "mattress music" suggestions from this old gem.
posted by longbaugh at 5:47 AM on July 30, 2005

If you like indie-esque jazz, check out Bitter Sweet (sometimes Bitter:Sweet). Especially "Mating Game" or "Dirty Laundry". Sultry and jazzy without being overly intellectual, including elements of techno. Gets my mind straight in the gutter.
posted by cynthia_rose at 1:37 AM on July 16, 2006