Call them bedroom music, or quiet storm, or mood setters, if you really want to be polite about it. But basically what they are is sex songs, songs about getting a little somethin.' Unlike other romantic songs, these R&B songs aren't talking about love - they're all about good old-fashioned lust. So if you're looking to put together a mix CD of songs that convey that emotion, your Guide has 10 suggestions. Don't get it twisted, though - no perverted stuff or anything too explicit allowed.
"Between the Sheets," The Isley Brothers
There's now way that any song other than this one could top a list such as this. Even though it was released all the way back in 1983, it still remains the standard-bearer for bedroom music. The combination of Ronald Isley's soft vocals and simple synthesized beat are a perfect combination. Even today, the song is still well-beloved by music fans and performers alike. If someone were to ask what seduction sounds like, this would be the quintessential answer.
"Sexual Healing," Marvin Gaye
Interestingly, The Isley Brothers have said in the past that "Between the Sheets" was influenced by this Marvin Gaye hit from the early 1980s. Just like the Isleys' song, this track has stood the test of time. "Sexual Healing" was originally released on Marvin Gaye's 1982 album, Midnight Love, but has since appeared on literally dozens of compilations that have been released since then. It has also been widely covered by many artists, including Ben Harper.
"Bump N Grind (Remix)," R. Kelly
Cover © Jive Records.
A song so powerful, it inspired a new name for sex songs: "bump and grind music." But my words won't do this song justice, so instead, here's a sample of the track's opening lyrics: "Sit down on the couch, Take your shoes off/Let me rub your body before I tear it off/The honey lover man is ready to flex/Girl flex, time to have sex/We'll start right here and work our way around/I won't stop until I hear the 'oooh, R' sound." R. Kelly may (allegedly) be a pervert, but damned if he doesn't know how to do music.
"So Anxious," Ginuwine
If you plan on listening to this one in bed with that special someone, make sure you have good springs in your mattress, ones that won't wear out easily after frequent usage.
"Till (Your Legs Start Shaking)," Sleepy Brown
Album cover © Virgin Records.
Mr. Brown, the 2006 album by Soul singer (and OutKast family member) Sleepy Brown may have been uneven and lukewarm, but it had one hell of a seductive song on it called "Till (Your Legs Start Shaking)." The track is an ode to vigorous lovemaking sessions. "I'm on top of you, you're under me, there's no other place I'd rather be," he coos at one point in his best falsetto.
"My Love," Joe
Album cover © Jive Records.
Don't let the title of this song fool you: "My Love" is a yearning-for-sex ode that's more subtle than "Bump N Grind," but still is pretty potent. The song, which was written by Johnta Austin and produced by Bryan Michael Cox, includes lyrics like: "I ain't never been the type for holdin' in/Or holdin' out for sex/But lady I guess I see you as different/But girl I can't hold it no more." "My Love" is on Joe's most recent album, 2007's Ain't Nothing Like Me.
"Rock the Boat," Aaliyah
Cover © Blackground/Virgin Records.
It was the video for the very sensual "Rock The Boat" that Aaliyah had just filmed in the Bahamas in August 2001 when her plane crashed on the way back to the U.S. Despite the tragedy associated with it though, "Rock the Boat" went on to become a hit on the charts as well as a mainstay on late night "Quiet Storm" radio. (By the way, the 'boat' Aaliyah sings about in the song is actually a metaphor for part of the female genetalia.)
"Bed," J. Holiday
J. Holiday image © Capitol Records.
Using a very clever metaphor, J. Holiday put a whole new spin on seduction on his hit song "Bed." Holiday had girls from Paris, France to Paris, Texas swooning over this song that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'getting tucked in.'
"PDA (We Just Don't Care)," John Legend
Album Cover © Sony/Columbia.
PDA stands for public display(s) of affection. And this song (which is on John Legend's second studio album, Once Again), is an ode to making out in public and other forms of exhibitionism. It's a rare bit of kinkiness for Legend, who generally keeps his music clean and classy in comparison to some of his R&B contemporaries. But on "PDA (We Just Don't Care)," Legend lets his inner freak out.
