PSA: There’s no wrong way to have sex when everyone involved is a consenting adult. Some folks like it kinky, some like it chill, some like it quiet and passionate (think: romantic, stare-into-my-soul sex), and others like it loud. Like, really loud. And we’re not just talking about moans of pleasure, though those are also great and highly encouraged. A good sex playlist can totally change the vibes of your romp, taking it from slow and intimate, to fast and horny, to…whatever the hell you want, really. You’re in total control, and having a trusty list of songs to have sex to lets you and your partner set the pace for exactly the kind of intimacy you’re looking for.
A good sex playlist can also serve as a secret weapon when you want to, ahem, non-verbally guide your partner’s tempo. And if you want to mix it up, there’s no rule that says you can only have one sex playlist. You can make one for slow sex, one for harder thrusts, a shorter one for quickies—there is no limit, as long as, ideally, the songs you have sex to are ones that both you and your partner(s) enjoy. Plus, music during sex can also give you a hot soundtrack to fill the silence if you find quiet sex a little awk, or if you have roommates you’d rather spare the sound effects of your orgasm.
In need of a little inspo? That’s where we come in. As experts in all things love and sex (humble brag), we put together a master list of our favorite songs to have sex to. You’ll find something from all your faves and for every vibe. Use our picks as jumping-off points to create your own sex playlist, or just let go, hit shuffle, and thank us later. Your next sexy night awaits.
1. "I Wanna Be Yours" —Arctic Monkeys
This song is all about deep devotion and wanting to do anything for the person you love. Perfect for sex? We think so.
2. "How Are You True" —Cage the Elephant
Though the lyrics to "How Are You True" are actually pretty sad, the tempo of this song is slow, reflective, and perfect for an easy and passionate sesh.
3. "fue mejor (feat. SZA)" —Kali Uchis, SZA
The sensual rhythm of this collab between (former Cosmo cover girls!) Kali Uchis and SZA is exactly the kind of steady tempo we mentioned earlier—perfect for that ~non-verbal~ instruction.
4. "She" —Harry Styles
The beat here is perfect for long and steady loving—and it doesn't hurt that it's Harry Styles crooning about a mystery woman he can't stop thinking about.
5. "Nude" —Radiohead
This song is so slow, sexy, mysterious, and brooding—it's basically begging to be played during foreplay, or during that post-sex haze that feels oh-so good.
6.“I Was Never There (feat. Gesaffelstein)” —The Weeknd
The first 30 seconds alone will be enough to get you going, trust.
7. “Me Gustas” —Young Tender
The vibes here are perfect for chill, easy, happy banging.
8. “Gods & Monsters” —Lana Del Rey
You know what? I’m gonna let our good friend Lana take this one in her own words: “Fuck yeah, give it to me. This is heaven, what I really want.” Enough said.
9. “So It Goes…” —Taylor Swift
Okay, so zero shade to “Dress,” but “So It Goes…” is a sneaky strong contender for horniest Reputation track. Don’t believe me? Go give it another listen and get back to me.
10. “Slut!” —Taylor Swift
Did “Slut!” turn out to be the upbeat slutty girl anthem we anticipated when this 1989 TV vault track was first announced? No. Did it turn out to be something even better—namely, a shockingly intimate, extremely vulnerable love song that also happens to be perfect for some in-your-feels love-making? Yes. Yes, it did.
11. “Casual” —Chappell Roan
Is this scary-accurate ode to the emotional intensity and mental headfuck of situationships a bonafide tear-jerker on the same level as “All Too Well"? Uh, yes. Do I wanna fuck to the words, “Knee-deep in the passenger’s seat and you’re eating me out”? Also yes.
12. “Fuck It, I Love You” —Lana Del Rey
I’ve said this before but it bears repeating: “If I wasn’t so fucked up I think I’d fuck you all the time” hits different when you’re actually getting fucked. It just does.
13. “Slut Pop” —Kim Petras
Kim Petras’s “Slut Pop,“ a track as iconic as the Bunhead Queen herself, is not just a song—okay, yes, it’s a whole-ass album of songs (many more of which, ahem, will make an appearance on this list—consider yourself warned). But more than that, even, it’s a goddamn movement. Honestly, making a sex playlist and not including at least one track from Slut Pop should be illegal.
14. “XXX” —Kim Petras
Another sex playlist must from Slut Pop that will literally unleash your inner Sex Goddess. Be prepared!
15. “Treat Me Like a Slut” —Kim Petras
I mean, the title alone says it all, folks. This is *the* soundtrack to your slut era.
16. “Throat Goat” —Kim Petras
Because you have not given head till you’ve given head to this GD anthem.
17. “Hit It From the Back” —Kim Petras
Oh, you thought Ms. Kim was done releasing the most explicitly sex-playlist-worthy songs of our time after Slut Pop? Kindly feast thine ears on this masterful ode to getting railed from behind, the perfect soundtrack to, well, getting railed from behind.
18. “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” —Cigarettes After Sex
Let this slow, sultry song make your next sex session feel extra intimate.
19. “Japanese Denim” —Daniel Caesar
Save this one for someone you’re really in ~lurve~ with, largely because he does sing, “I’m so in love, so in love” within the first, like, minute, literally.
20. “Die For You Remix” —The Weeknd and Ariana Grande
This tempo behind this song is *chef’s kiss* for that non-verbal instruction we were talking about earlier.
21."Unholy (feat. Kim Petras)" Sam Smith
There is a 99 percent chance you've heard this song on TikTok, and if so, then congratulations because you already knoooow it’s the perfect song to do ~unholy~ things to.
22. “Love Language” —SZA
SZA’s album SOS is filled to the brim with sexy, vibey songs, but “Love Language” includes background snaps that are basically a roadmap for thrusting, k?
23. “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY Remix (feat. Kali Uchis and Moliy)”—Amaarae
This remix is all kinds of sexy. If you’re not grinding to it at the club, grind to it in the bedroom.
24. “HENTAI” —Rosalía
Besides the fact that hentai is a popular porn category (the sex is literally in the name, people), the start of the chorus of Rosalia’s “HENTAI” translates to, “I wanna ride you like my bike,” in addition to other very naughty bits that can and should inspire your own romp.
25. “Been Like This” —Doja Cat
The lyrics to this song are not particularly sexy, but the beat absolutely is. Paired with Doja’s breathy vocals in this and phew—just play it on a loop all night.
26. "Sex Talk" —Megan Thee Stallion
I mean, sex talk is literally the name of the song, so you can only assume what you're going to get when you press "play."
27. "Thinkin Bout You" —Frank Ocean
Think about forever with the person you're sexing with.
28. "Candy" —Doja Cat
Lyrics like "She's just like candy, she's so sweet" should totally be left up to interpretation however you see fit.
29. "WAP" —Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion
This needs—no, deserves—to be here.
30. "Confident" —Justin Bieber feat. Chance the Rapper
Because confidence makes sex sooo much better.
31. "Wow" —Zara Larsson feat. Sabrina Carpenter
If you want an upbeat anthem that will quite literally make your partner's jaw drop, hi, right this way.
32. "Or Nah" —Ty Dolla $ign featuring The Weeknd, Wiz Khalifa, and DJ Mustard
Umm, just a read through these lyrics will literally make you horny.
33. "Goosebumps" —Travis Scott feat. Kendrick Lamar
We all love those goosebumps during sex.
34. "Wants and Needs" —Drake feat. Lil Baby
Let someone fulfill all your wants and needs while listening to "Wants and Needs." :)
35. "Sweat" —Zayn
Remember when I said at the beginning that some songs are better for more passionate sex? Yeah, that's right here, folks.
36. "Popstar" —DJ Khaled feat. Drake
TBH, Drake's voice + a bumping bass = the best sex song.
37. "Damage" —H.E.R.
Another banger for all of you slow-loving sex peeps.
38. "Often" —The Weeknd
FWIW: Pretty much any song by The Weeknd is going to have you feeling extra good when you're getting laid.
39. "Do I Wanna Know?" and "Woman" mashup —Arctic Monkeys and Harry Styles
Yeah, seriously just trust me on this one. The mashup made the rounds on TikTok and it's just as sexy as you'd suspect.
40. "Formula" —Labrinth
This song made its debut on the HBO series Euphoria and, yeah, it's absolutely okay if Jacob Elordi popped into your head just now.
41. "Mount Everest" —Labrinth
... Another banger worth adding to your playlist from the Euphoria soundtrack.
42. “Lovers” —Anna of the North
You’ll remember this bop from the infamous jacuzzi scene in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. You might not have Noah Centineo, but playing this tune is *almost* as good.
43. “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” —Joji
More like slow grindin’ in the dark, amirite.
44. "Hold" —Vera
The song literally starts with “I love the way you tie me down.” Need we say more?
3
45. "Ribs" —Lorde
Let one of Lorde's more velvety tracks will whisk you away.
46. "Eyes on Fire" —Blue Foundation
Yes, this song was in Twilight. Yes, it’s still relevant. And yes, it’s on firrreee.
47. "Cherry Wine" —Hozier
Pour a glass of something good and let Hozier serenade you.
48. "Invite Me In" —Wild Ones
Like, allllll the way in. Ya feel me?
49. "Bags" —Clairo
Clairo is a lo-fi dream—her simple, husky vocals will have you vibing quick.
50. "Dress" —Taylor Swift
Let's hear it: Why'd you buy that dress?
51. "Adore You" —Miley Cyrus
Let your lover know, okay?
52. "Waiting Game" —BANKS
You could be doing anything else, and if you play BANKS, you will be mentally transported into your bedroom.
53. "Atmosphere" —Joy Division
Ever wonder what it’d be like to have sex in space? You are now.
54. "Lollipop" —Lil Wayne
This throwback needs no explanation.
55. "Hands to Myself" —Selena Gomez
For when you’re feeling really, really handsy.
56. "Paperbacks" —Arlo Parks
Break out a hit from this indie darling when the moment's right.
57. "Papi Pacify" —FKA Twigs
The video alone is enough to get you in the mood.
58. “Feelin’ Myself” —Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj
Perfect for, ahem, ~solo play~.
59. “Cola” —Lana Del Rey
If you're going to pick a song to enjoy cunnilingus to, one that starts with "My pussy tastes like Pepsi Cola" is a strong contender.
60. “Sexxx Dreams” —Lady Gaga
TBH, Gaga's best sex lyric ever was referring to a penis as a "disco stick" in "Love Game," but "Sexxx Dreams" is (duh) overall sexier.
61. "My Humps" —Black-Eyed Peas
This song is ridiculous. You need an LOL-level throwback in there, just to lighten the atmosphere, ya know? After all, nothing's sexier than laughter.
62. “Need You Tonight” —INXS
An oldie, but a real goodie.
63. “You Really Got Me” —The Kinks
Yeah, this song is used a lot in movie montages where the protagonist is stalking their crush or whatever, but it's also good for when you finally DO get with your crush, too.
64. “Partition” —Beyoncé
Honestly, if your playlist is just this song on repeat, that's fine. Great, actually.
65. “Side To Side” —Ariana Grande feat. Nicki Minaj
Being railed so good that you walk weird the next day is a good intention to set. This song just does that.
66. “Climax” —Usher
He's singing about a different kind of climax, but STILL. C'mon, this belongs here.
67. “Anaconda” —Nicki Minaj
Optional: Wear at least one of Nicki's outfits.
68. “Bad Liar” —Selena Gomez
It's flirty and fun! What's not to love?
69. "Pink + White" —Frank Ocean
Let Frank Ocean's smooth vocals guide you to orgasm.
70. “Taki Taki” —DJ Snake feat. Selena Gomez, Ozuna, Cardi B
Just wait till you get to Cardi's part. Wooooo, is it hot in here?
71. “Your Body Is a Wonderland” —John Mayer
If your partner doesn't treat it as such, say goodbye.
72. “Sex Machine” —James Brown
Embrace your inner sex machine, as you should.
73. “Earned It” —The Weeknd
The hottest song on the Fifty Shades soundtrack def "earned" its spot on this list.
74. “Please Me” —Cardi B and Bruno Mars
Just the art alone warrants this bop being included.
75. “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” —Ariana Grande
Another banger with the perfect tempo for "hitting it in the morning." You're welcome.
Kayla Kibbe (she/her) is the Associate Sex and Relationships Editor at Cosmopolitan US, where she covers all things sex, love, dating and relationships. She lives in Astoria, Queens and probably won’t stop talking about how great it is if you bring it up. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
