Music has always had a way of evoking all the feels. When you’re down bad, mid-breakup, there’s nobody propping you up quite like music. The same goes for when you’re feeling love or lusty. When you look back in time, you’ll likely associate songs with the struggle. I mean, just think of the days of delicately crafting a playlist (to burn) that stimulated one emotion or another, allowing you to vibe out was a vibe in and of itself. It's the equivalent of that scene from Say Anything with John Cusack.
There’s nothing like a good soundtrack, so consider this your soundtrack to slow-burning, passionate sex. Each of the 20 songs below for sure passed the vibe check – from today’s R&B to a sprinkle of indie rock andthrowback (because you can never go wrong with some “oldie but goodie.”). Download these songs via your favorite streaming app, set the mood with your favorite wine, and hit play the next time you have a cute, in-house dinner date or purely a sex date – whichever is preferable on your menu that evening.
Try to keep in mind: vibes over everything. In no particular order, here are 20 slow jams that are as sensual as they are vibey.
"You Right" x Doja Cat & The Weeknd
In true Doja Cat style and, hell, even The Weeknd for that matter, this song comes equipped with a futuristic sound, immoral message, and overall it somehow sets a very sensual mood. The whole song is about infidelity but that never stopped a song from doing numbers – the people seem to love a lowkey sneaky link song. Plus, with this one in particular you can’t help but admire the audacity.
"Like I Want You" x Giveon
"Falsetto" x The Dream
"Hrs and Hrs" x Muni Long
It may be too soon to refer to this as a TikTok classic, but in due time it will certainly become that. For now, we’ll simply classify Muni Long's "Hrs and Hrs" as a TikTok hit. This song went up right before Valentine’s Day, and we were all taken by its cathartic melodic sounds.
"So Anxious" x Ginuwine
"Anointed" x Miguel
"Customer" x Raheem DeVaughn
"Nothing Without You" x Tanerélle
This neo-soul jam by Tanerélle is so vulnerable and raw – it puts the blues in R&B. It’s the way love was intended to be, both beautiful and authentic. It’s a love letter. It’s Boyz II Men's “On Bended Knees” but from a woman’s POV in a new era with a different sound.
"Slow Down" x VanJess & Lucky Daye
"Company" x Tinashe
"pov" x Ariana Grande
Say what you want about Ariana Grande but she never misses. However, she does have some songs that are more prominent than others, especially when it comes to a more gentle vibe. This is one of my favorites because not only is it a lyrical manifestation of self-love wrapped in a love song, but the beat is very soothing.
"Bluff" x Kelela
"Wild Irish Roses" x Smino
"Body" x Summer Walker
Summer Walker knows how to make a toxic love anthem. With "Body" though, there's a subtle vulnerability to her usual choice of subject matter as there's a hint of more self-awareness. She is aware that she shouldn't want or what she feels she needs, but she is revelatory in the fact that it's her body in the driver's seat. The sensual feel of the song and the lyrics are what make it an addition to this playlist.
"PILLOWTALK" x ZAYN
"Sativa" x Jhené Aiko ft. Rae Sremmurd
"Just Another Interlude" x Bryson Tiller
The 'trapsoul' genre is a bad bitch genre, indeed. Bryson Tiller has created something special, to say the least! This song reminds me how much I miss rappers riding the R&B wave with the roughneck rhythm and blues. Not going to lie, this song is personal for me! It tells the story of long-term lovers who can’t help but find their way back to one another despite it only ever resulting in a situationship – they know other people are only temporary. We’ve all been here before. I can’t think of one person who can’t relate to this seemingly perfect summer bop.
"Vibin' Out with ((( O )))" x FKJ
"Get You" x Daniel Caesar ft. Kali Uchis
"Leave the Door Open" x Silk Sonic
Remember what I said about oldies being goodies? Yeah, well, this is definitely not an old song but the whole intention behind it is to provide old-school sounds in a modern era. And though I can count on Bruna Mars to always, always deliver in this niche this one hits something different – providing the sounds and simplicity of the '60s and '70s. By simplicity, I mean lyrics didn’t have to be super intricate; they just put whatever they were feeling out on paper and somehow it sounded seductive. Seriously, my guy said he had some weed, potato chips, and romantic dick – we ate it up.
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Motor City native, Atlanta living. Sagittarius. Writer. Sexpert. Into all things magical, mystical, and unknown. I'll try anything at least once but you knew that the moment I revealed that I was a Sag.
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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