Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all sweetness and fluff. Along with gifts of lingerie and massage oils, a sultry mixed tape with personal meaning could be just what the doctor ordered.
Choosing Sexy Songs
A sexy mixed tape has to be tasteful, and built for its audience. There is no point in offending the object of affection. Better to err on the side of caution, unless certain that the recipient will love that Nine Inch Nails song. Otherwise it may have the opposite effect to the one intended.
However, it is difficult to be sexy while completely avoiding the sensuality of describing the act. So, if the intended Valentine recipient is easily offended, perhaps a more romantic mixed tape would be appropriate. Here are suggestions for romantic songs for a Valentine’s Day mixed tape.
List of Sensual Love Songs for Valentine’s Day
"Fever", Peggy Lee, 1958
"Fever" was originally written by Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell (under the pseudonym John Davenport) in 1956. It has been recorded by many different artists, including Elvis Presley, but the definitive version is Peggy Lee’s from 1958.
"I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl", Nina Simone, 1967
This song was written by Simone and released on the album Nina Simone Sings The Blues. "I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl" is a dreamily passionate, bluesy song with provocative lyrics.
"Suck My Kiss", Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1991
This classic Chili Peppers single from the album Blood Sugar Sex Magik is probably the most explicit of all the songs on this list and also has the fastest pace. However, the underlying theme of inciting a partner to greater passion may help evoke a sensual response, and some people just gotta rock.
"Black Star", Radiohead, 1995
Reportedly Thom Yorke once described this song as being about "sex in the morning". "Black Star" is from the album The Bends and is a slow but surprisingly upbeat alternative rock song, featuring Yorke’s crooning vocals.
"Feelin’ Love", Paula Cole, 1996
"Feelin’ Love" is from Paula Cole’s self produced album, This Fire. It was also included in the soundtrack for City of Angels. It is performed with husky vocals and laced with vivid sensual metaphors.
"Everybody Here Wants You", Jeff Buckley, 1998
This song was sadly released posthumously, after the tragic early death of Jeff Buckley. It was written as a love song for his then girlfriend. "Everybody Here Wants You" is a sweet and soulful easy rock song with poignant lyrics.
"Black Milk", Massive Attack, 1998
"Black Milk" was included in the album Mezzanine. This downtempo tune, with its sparse, velvety vocals could provide the perfect background beat for a couple having a night in.
"When The World Ends", Dave Matthew's Band, 2001
This song was to be released as a single from the album Everyday, but was not out of respect for the victims of 9/11. The Paul Oakenfold remix was included on The Matrix Reloaded soundtrack. The darkly sensual lyrics and breathy vocals inspire a sense of urgency and surrender.
"Business Time", Flight Of The Conchords, 2008
The way to someone’s heart (or into their pants) is sometimes through their funny bone. In that case, "Business Time" makes a perfect bonus track. Featured in the Flight Of The Conchords episode "Sally Returns", the bumbling gaffs described in the lyrics will not inspire great passion, but might score a few points for laughs.
Support these great artists by downloading their songs legally (or by buying their albums) and enjoy the benefits of giving a very personal Valentine’s Day gift this year.
Rachel Sawaya - Rachel Sawaya is a freelance writer from New Zealand (who also has US citizenship), and currently lives in Auckland, the big smoke of New ...
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