Read the full list on Complex.com!
In the world of hip hop and R&B, cuffing season is all-year round, and the genres provide the perfect soundtrack to any love affair. Whether you have a boo, you’re looking for a boo, or you have several boos, you can always rely on that one record to take you back to a special time and place—that moment in your life that will never be forgotten—or to help you make new memories with a special someone. With society’s ever-changing fads, trends, and fashions, one thing remains constant: love.
The options for your perfect soundtrack are endless. Whether you’re lighting candles to set the mood, cuddling up for warmth, or ready to make some babies, there’s only one thing left to do: put on the most romantic playlist known to mankind. The slow jams are inevitable, but sometimes, you just want to kick things up a notch.
It goes all the way back to the classics—after all, Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On”remains one of the sexiest songs ever invented. Fast forward a couple decades, and Usher single-handedly takes over the R&B baby-making genre as a whole; at least until Chris Brown comes along. “Yo” had guys sweeping their female crushes off their feet from across the room . And let’s not forget about Frank Ocean, who brought the phrase “Thinking Bout You” to a whole nother level. And at the tail end of last year, Kendrick Lamar released the music video for “LOVE.”, redefining the word for all of mankind.
And still, many of us remain skeptical on this notion of true love. While humans may let us down, music never disappoints. No matter the genre and no matter the location—music is universal. Don’t know where to begin? We’ve got you. Here’s a cheat sheet of 50 songs to make love to, from Prince to Drake.
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Childish Gambino “Redbone” (2016)
Video via YouTube
“If you want it, you can have it.” The go-to soundtrack for the most scandalous love affair.
Mario “Let Me Love You” (2014)
Video via YouTube
Shout out to Mario for asking for permission.
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“Keith Sweat” Nobody (2009)
Video via YouTube
It’s just you and me, baby—nobody else.
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Usher “U Got It Bad” (2009)
Video via YouTube
“I’m sprung” Is an understatement.
Kendrick & Zacari “LOVE.” (2017)
Video via YouTube
True love does exist. Just look at K Dot and his fiancé — high school sweethearts.
Chris Brown “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” (2009)
Video via YouTube
Saved the last dance for you.
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Baby Bash f/ Frankie J “Suga Suga” (2009)
Video via YouTube
“Ooohwee, it’s the ultimate feelin’.” Let’s get lifted together.
Cassie “Me & U” (2009)
Video via YouTube
Now that it’s just us, “tell me if you like it.”
Drake “Practice” (2011)
Video via YouTube
All that practice has led up to this moment.
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John Legend “All Of Me” (2013)
Video via YouTube
A track about swimming in love. All of me loves all of you; imperfections and all.
Ryan Leslie “I Choose You” (2009)
Video via YouTube
Life aside, I choose you. Just have faith (I got you).
Aminé f/ Charlie Wilson “Dakota” (2017)
Video via YouTube
I wanna make you feel something—this is that drunken love.
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Miguel “Sure Thing” (2011)
Video via YouTube
“‘Cause you’re the cigarette, and I’m the smoker.” This love is for real.
Miguel “Adorn” (2012)
Video via YouTube
So sensual, Miguel made it on here twice. Let my love adorn you, baby.
Lloyd f/ Lil Wayne “You” (2009)
Video via YouTube
We all need a little love. Let’s dip up out of here.
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Trey Songz “Can’t Help But Wait” (2009)
Video via YouTube
Not to be a homewrecker, but you can do way better. Patience is not a virtue here.
J. Cole f/ Miguel “Power Trip” (2013)
Video via YouTube
Love is a drug. You got me up all night…
Bobby V “Slow Down” (2014)
Video via YouTube
You look bomb from behind. Now, turn around (or don’t).
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Frank Ocean “Thinkin Bout You” (2017)
Video via YouTube
No matter the status, I’m still thinking about you. Let’s live in the moment.
Brandy “Have You Ever?” (1998)
Video via YouTube
Have you ever loved somebody so much, it makes you cry? Love so good, it hurts.
Barry White “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” (1974)
Video via YouTiube
You are very very important right now, more important than Playstation 3.
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Mariah Carey “Touch My Body (Cyril Hahn Remix)” (2012)
Video via YouTube
Wasn’t thinking of touching anything else anyway.
The Weeknd f/ Drake “The Zone” (2011)
Video via YouTube
Usually between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. aka “booty call hours.”
J Holiday “Bed” (2007)
Video via YouTube
After being positioned in-between your legs and watching your eyes do some shit from The Exorcist, you’re going to fall into a coma that lasts about 10 hours.
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Sons of Funk “Pushin’ Inside You” (1998)
Video via YouTube
There wasn’t any nicer way to put this.
Rose Royce “I Wanna Get Next To You” (1976)
Video via YouTube
So tell your homegirl it’s time for her to roll.
Paris “I Choose You” (1984)
Video via YouTube
All because you’re special.
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Donna Summer “Love to Love You Baby” (1975)
Video via YouTube
Loving you is fun as hell.
Wale f/ Miguel “Lotus Flower Bomb” (2011)
Video via YouTube
Smell is one of the main senses that triggers attraction. It’s also linked to memory. No wonder we can’t forget you.
Marvin Gaye “Let’s Get It On” (1973)
Video via YouTube
No time for the games or sensual fruits, lets just get straight to it.
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Robin Thicke “Teach U a Lesson” (2006)
Video via YouTube
You gon’ learn today.
Miguel f/ J. Cole “All I Want Is You” (2010)
Video via YouTube
And breakfast in the morning as a reward.
Maxwell “Ascension (Don’t Even Wonder)” (1996)
Video via YouTube
Legs ascend to the ceiling, the rest of you stays put.
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The Weeknd “What You Need” (2011)
Video via YouTube
What we need, are those Vicky draws to decorate the floor right about now.
Ciara “Promise” (2006)
Video via YouTube
Promises aren’t enough these days, sign this love contract too.
Avant “Read Your Mind” (2003)
Video via YouTube
Didn’t even need your palms or any other type of voodoo.
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Aaliyah “One in a Million” (1996)
Video via YouTube
One million isn’t a lot these days, but it’ll do for now.
D’Angelo “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” (2000)
Video via YouTube
Did about 200 push-ups followed up with straight shots of creatine for this right here.
Janet Jackson “Any Time, Any Place” (1993)
Video via YouTube
Basically there’s no such thing as “innapropriate” or “not a good time.”
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Prince “Scandalous!” (1989)
Video via YouTube
Disgracefully bad and offensive against morality, but in a good way.
The-Dream “Purple Kisses” (2007)
Video via YouTube
Purple lipstick is cool until it gets on that shirt collar.
Maxwell “This Woman’s Work” (2001)
Video via YouTube
She deserves her compensation.
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The Isley Brothers “Between The Sheets” (1983)
Video via YouTube
It’s in the top five most cliché locations on Twitter, but very fitting considering the circumstances.
Sade “Soldier of Love” (2009)
Video via YouTube
Because fighting real wars is kinda dangerous.
Robin Thicke “Sex Therapy” (2009)
Video via YouTube
Not prescribing any Xanax, only draws.
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Elle Varner “Sound Proof Room” (2012)
Video via YouTube
No one can hear us from the outside, but please respect the pair of eardrums sharing this space with you.
Lauryn Hill f/ D’Angelo “Nothing Even Matters” (1998)
Video via YouTube
A nuclear explosion couldn’t even distract us right now.
Minnie Riperton “Inside My Love” (1975)
Video via YouTube
What kind of treats are in there?
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James Blake “The Wilhelm Scream” (2011)
Video via YouTube
No one has to worry about falling because beds are meant for laying, but screaming though…
Frank Ocean “Nature Feels” (2011)
Video via YouTube
Pro tip: When sexing in the neighbors’ tomato patch, stay clear of poison ivy disguised as regular old leaves.
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