Nobody likes an awkward silence. And while there’s nothing wrong with having sex in your quiet bedroom, a little music can set the mood and fill the space.

A “sexy songs" playlist has the potential to turn a ho-hum hookup into good sex and great sex into something mindblowing. It's an easy, inexpensive, and fun way to connect with yourself and your partner, even if you haven't been in the mood lately. 

While there's a time and place for quiet sex, you really can't go wrong with cueing up a playlist of the best sex songs. Here's what to add (and why). 

The psychology of sex and music 

Having a playlist of songs for the bedroom does more than just add spice to your soundscape. Listening to the right tunes during intimacy is all psychological. 

Music is a powerful mood enhancer, and when you listen to songs you love, your brain releases the happy hormone dopamine. This hit of dopamine adds to the hormones your body’s already releasing during sex, which is why the right playlist can take pleasure to the next level. 

Music also affects your emotions and body, speeding up your heartbeat and breathing — mirroring and adding to physical arousal. Plus, experts say that, when paired with sex, music creates feelings of pleasure and adds to your senses of psychological and physical reward. In other words, songs don’t just cover up your queefs or harmonize with your moans. They actually add to the experience. 

5 benefits of listening to music during sex  

Whether you’re listening to Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing," Barry White's "Sexy Undercover," or Beyoncé's "Naughty Girl," music is a natural enhancer for your sex life. And it has some similar benefits to sex and orgasms. Here's how turning on a song can improve your experience in the bedroom:  

1. Shakes off inhibitions: Music gets you out of your head and into the moment, filling any silences to make you feel more confident. If you're worried about your sexual performance or have low self-esteem, a good tune helps push those thoughts aside.

2. Relieves stress: Music reduces stress — a common libido killer. Less stress means you're more relaxed and present, which can lead to more satisfying sex. 

3. Boosts focus: Have you ever put on some lo-fi beats to focus on work? The same applies to sex. With music playing, you can concentrate on the experience and tune out distractions. 

4. Enhances bonding: Music isn't just background noise. Sharing songs you love with a partner can help you bond, intensifying intimacy.

5. Syncs rhythms: The beat in music can help you and your partner synchronize your movements. This makes things feel more natural and comfortable, especially if you need help keeping time in certain sex positions.

The 25 best songs to have sex to  

There's no shortage of steamy songs out there. But if you need a little inspiration, these picks have earned their stripes as some of the best sex songs out there: 

1. “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak: This ballad is a masterclass in longing and intensity. It was inspired by a telephone call from a woman wanting to hook up with Isaak.  

2. “Sex with Me” by Rihanna: When it comes to songs about sex, this one takes the cake. Rihanna brings her A-game to this confident anthem, the perfect track to play when you feel yourself and want to blow your partner's mind.  

3. “Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby" by Cigarettes After Sex: This song makes marathon sessions extra slow and sultry.

4. “Pillowtalk” by ZAYN: The title of this song says it all. ZAYN's smooth voice makes this song perfect for those sweet, sexy moments under the covers.  

5. “HENTAI" by Rosalía: In case you didn't know, hentai is a type of porn. Enough said.

6. “Wicked Games”' by The Weeknd: Let's face it, most of The Weeknd's songs are great to make love to. This tune adds an edge to your playlist, perfect for when the vibe is a little more passionate. 

7. “Set the Mood Prelude/Until the End of Time” by Justin Timberlake: This song's combination of soulful crooning and rhythmic beats makes it an excellent pick for in the sack.  

8. “Japanese Denim” by Daniel Caesar: if you have a case of the feels, throw this love song on. With lyrics like "I'm so in love," it sends quite the message.  

9. “Hotter than Hell" by Dua Lipa: Dua Lipa's fiery energy is contagious and sexy. Play this song when you want to turn the temperature up a notch.

10. “Unholy (feat. Kim Petras)" by Sam Smith: Do unholy things to your partner during this TikTok-popular song, and they'll melt in your hands.

11. "Been Like This" by Doja Cat: This erotic song is an excellent example of a sexy beat paired with less impressive lyrics. Chances are you'll still want to bang to it. 

12. "Die For You – Remix" by The Weeknd and Ariana Grande: Can it get any better than The Weeknd and Ariana? "Die For You" is one of the best love songs; its tempo is all you need to set the mood.  

13. “Adore" by Cashmere Cat feat. Ariana Grande: This fun, playful collaboration between Ariana Granda and DJ Cashmere Cat adds a sweet, seductive touch to any sex playlist.  

14. “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY Remix (feat. Kali Uchis and Moliy)” by Amaarae: The Quinn team loves a good remix. This one adds sexiness to the bedroom, the couch, the car, the shower… anywhere you want. 

15. “Kiss” by Prince: Prince's iconic track is chock full of sensuality. With its irresistible groove, it brings flirty energy to the bedroom. 

16. “Thinkin' Bout You” by Frank Ocean: This song packs a punch. Save it for sweet sex with the person you’ve been thinking of and you might just find they’ve been thinking about you too. 

17. “Candy” by Doja Cat: If you add another Doja Cat tune to your playlist, make it this one. It has innocent lyrics you can interpret (or misinterpret) to your heart's content. 

18. “Do Not Disturb” by Teyana Taylor feat. Chris Brown: Cue up this collaboration when you want the world to stay outside. The chemistry between Teyana Taylor and Chris Brown is palpable in this song, and it's hot. 

19. “Go All Night (Let Me Roll)” by Kelela: Kelela's unique blend of R&B and dance music is hypnotic, to say the least. This song's rhythms and vocals will have you up til dawn.  

20. “Love Language” by SZA: This song is on another level. It has nothing to do with the actual love languages, though, if you catch our drift.  

21. “Earned It” by The Weeknd: This song was featured in the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, telling you everything you need to know. It's become synonymous with eroticism, with The Weeknd's seductive voice and a pulsing beat making for some indulgent time together.  

22. “Adorn” by Miguel: Nothing's sexier than Miguel's sensual R&B hit about adoration. It's soulful, sexy, and perfect for celebrating your connection with your partners.  

23. “Good for You” by Selena Gomez feat. A$AP Rocky: This song blends the sexiest lyrics with a confident rhythm you won't be able to get enough of. Selena's breathy vocals and the track's subtle intensity are a must-have on any sex playlist. 

24. “I Was Never There (feat. Gesaffelstein)” by The Weeknd: Sorry not sorry for adding another song by The Weeknd. This tune has powerful lyrics and a beat to match, which isn't surprising.  

25. “Sex Talk” by Megan Thee Stallion: What's a sex playlist without Megan Thee Stallion? The title of this tune says it all, and with lyrics like "I wanna see your body, take your clothes off," you can't go wrong. 

Looking for more? These artists usually have sexy songs in their libraries, so check out what they have to offer and pick your favorites:

• Daniel Caesar 

• H.E.R.

• Ariana Grande

• Megan Thee Stallion

• Drake

• Usher

• Cardi B

• Fiona Apple

• Etta James

• SZA

• Beyoncé

• Boyz II Men

• Doja Cat

• Nina Simone

• George Michael

• Donna Summer 

Turn up the heat with Quinn 

Just like music, audio erotica is a pleasurable way to spice up your solo or partnered sex life. Quinn is an audio erotica app created by women, for everyone. It offers thousands of hours of ethical porn, including narrated sex stories, playlists, and guided masturbation sessions, exploring everything from bondage and different types of kink to LGBTQ+ content and much more. 

To access thousands of audio stories from talented creators, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.