
From Summer Flings To Boo'd Up Bliss: 10 Songs That Give Big 'Cuff It' Season Energy

Admit it, you have a playlist for everything. You have a playlist for when you're in your car, and driving on the way to a bar. You have a playlist for when you're in the shower, or when you have to relax for an hour. You have a playlist for getting ready for bed, a playlist for when you want to get some-- you have a playlist for everything. Almost everything, that is. Chances are, you've probably overlooked one of the autumn season's most crucial musical collections: the cuffing season playlist.
Though in your defense how were you to know? The season falls awkwardly between the summer and the holidays, so it is sometimes utterly forgotten until lighthearted romances need to be explained and cuddling becomes essential (cue "Big Boy" by SZA).
Fear not, however, as I have created a playlist for you that is designed to ring in the new season in the classiest manner possible. You'll have a soundtrack this season to help you remember all of the good, and sometimes bad, times for when the trees begin to thaw out and the buds have started to bloom. Here are your top ten songs to add to your cuffing season playlist.
"Banana Clip" - Miguel
Try singing this song without smiling, I dare you.
What a beautifully written song that portrays the joy that a romantic journey may provide and the necessity one feels to protect that exuberance. The R&B hit "Banana Clip" feels like happiness, passion, and a little bit of fairy dust. It wonderfully portrays the tingling, fluttering emotions you get when you have a crush and/or are perhaps falling in love. Miguel paints an image of someone who has at last found the person they can rely on, be open, grow, and fly to new heights with.
Using several allusions to weapons, missiles, and other multiple military motifs throughout the song, the R&B musician explores the lengths he will go to protect the love he has finally found. The song produces a more captivating embrace than its allusions do and due to its exquisite harmonies, finely layered vocal arrangement, and funky tempo, this melodic embrace is perfect for falling in love with.
"Hello Love" - Jessie Ware
The opening of "Hello Love" has a summery vibe about it. It reminds me of a period of time when people felt too hot to continue in monogamous relationships, so they ended them in a roaring fire and went back to their old ways. However, by the time the bridge appears, it feels like the steadiness of fall, and the lovers have returned to one another a bit battered and bruised, but with brand-new insights that can only be discovered after they have been burnt a few times too many during their period of singledom.
Jessie Ware's sweet song "Hello Love" is like a breath of fresh air when one realizes something that has been so evident. It feels as though one has finally found the love that one can only experience upon coming home after a long, laborious journey abroad.
"Waste My Time" - Ari Lennox
Ari Lennox's song "Waste My Time" is ideal for the cuffing season, as the song urges her lover to back up their words while squandering her time. In contrast to songs written in the past, "Waste My Time" aggressively requires Ari Lennox to realize the probable outcomes of her request and to be ready for any inevitable adversarial impacts that may follow.
She understands that there can be a satisfying reward to allowing herself to make judgments that don't always bring the best results. Nevertheless, the benefits of this arrangement outweigh any potential negative outcome that is destined to happen when the season finally concludes.
"Come to My Room" - Jesse Boykins III
Even though it might be nice to have someone flirt with you all night, there comes a time when you wish they would stop and express their true desires. This song exemplifies just that. "Come to My Room," is audacious, assured, slick, and sickeningly endearing. With an invitation to his bedroom, Boykins invites his love to see things she has never seen before. Embodying a seducer with his smoky, featherlight, and lulling vocals, he offers to show his love the stars, the universe, and so much more.
Expertly, he strikes a balance between being demanding and beguiling, as he sings over an acoustic guitar and enticing backup vocals. Concluding by promising a pleasurable evening that is full of unending happiness and tenderness, "Come to My Room" makes for the perfect opening number of the soundtrack to your cuffing season.
"P*$$Y Fairy (OTW)" - Jhené Aiko
Another song about an intimate relationship is Jhené's sensual and seductive song "PU$$Y Fairy (OTW)." Throughout the tune, she arouses the desire, pleasure, and physical tension that both people feel and experience during a sexual encounter. The sensual jam, in which Jhené flirts sexily with a lover, is perfect for the season and captivating your new suitor.
This song, like "Come to My Room," succeeds because of its assurance and capacity to convince the listener's crush that complying with their demands and suggestions. Although both songs are specific, they both have unwavering faith in their capacity to suggest meaningful, private times with one another.
"Rocket" - Beyoncé
We don't speak about this song nearly as often as we should. We loved it when it originally came out, but lately we've forgotten how stunning this Beyoncé masterpiece with backing vocals from Miguel and Justin Timberlake is. From Beyoncé's self-titled album, "Rocket," a six-minute slow R&B ballad, is a sex jam that begins with the singer doing a lap dance and progresses into a night of sexual puns on the terms "rock" and "rocket" as she sings about having sex.
This D'Angelo-inspired song brilliantly captures the passion experienced by two people when romance is in full flow. In addition to exploring female sexuality, this song creates a sensuous ballad that would be comforting in any atmosphere on these chilly winter nights.
"After Last Night (w/ Thundercat & Bootsy Collins)" - Silk Sonic
Lately, I've grown uninterested when people recommend Bruno Mars' music. It is unclear where he stands in terms of appropriation and appreciation, and occasionally his romantic gestures come out as a little cheesy. However, the song "After Last Night," performed by Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars as the pair Silk Sonic, demonstrates exactly how great they both are. The guys sing in this ballad about having a passionate, earth-shattering night with their loves and then falling in love with them.
The lyrics of this song, which croon and yell as if pleading for the woman's return, ask when they will be able to see her once more. The song is amusing and beautifully expresses how you feel when the person you intended to see for one night ends up staying for much longer. This song strikes the ideal balance between romantic musings and lighthearted conversation, making it deserving of a spot on your cuffing season playlist.
"Coastin'" - Victoria Monét
"Feels like a Thursday how I'm throwing it back."
Even if it seems a little bit like summer, "Coastin'" is the perfect song for the season since it is, in three words, sweet, delightful, and witty. The tune's '70s-inspired sound perfectly captures the laid-back mood, creating an incredibly assured track to glide in the direction of one's affection. There is a sun-like aspect to this song. It mirrors the sensation of having a crush, but without the anxiety that might accompany it. Instead, it has the lovely familiarity you have when you think you've known your love for ages. You are totally in a trance when you finally feel understood.
"Will I See You Again?" - Thee Sacred Souls
Everybody is questioning their lovers, "Will I See You Again?" during this time of connection and hibernation. In this song, it is often asked whether the sweethearts would return to one another after they have spent time apart. Although not in a demanding manner, the song questions if the two are truly in love or just infatuated superficially.
As the song progresses, the singers grow fonder of their lover and plead for a hardline to be inserted into the relationship while simultaneously wooing their loves by demonstrating how really "good" they can be. The song is endearing and a great complement to a season when many people are looking to settle down, but not just with anybody.
"In the Morning" - Marzz
There are times when I'm listening to this song and I don't pay attention to the message it's trying to convey. Why? I'm preoccupied, I guess. It could be the chorus and bridge's Erykah Badu-like coo. It could be the way Marzz layers her voice to give them a beseeching and longing sensual feeling. It may even be the second verse's sudden finish and rapid progression shift.
Regardless, Marzz's song "In the Morning" explores the largest and most evident danger associated with participating in this season of cuffing: falling in love and having that love rejected. Be sure of where you stand before participating in the seasonal games. Otherwise, you'll be left wondering why the season didn't go on forever and what to do when you wake up in the morning after it's over.
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Taysha Robinson is a writer and high school English teacher, based in metro-Atlanta. A self described philomath, you can find her reading books and articles of every genre, attending educational conferences, and hiking wherever the terrain will allow.
Your April 2025 Horoscopes Are All About Softening Into Love & Speaking Your Truth
April is a month to slow down and to fully grasp what has been. The month starts in fiery Aries Season, but we are also in the thick of Retrograde Season as we begin the month as well. Thankfully, Mercury finally goes direct on April 7, after being retrograde mid-March, and communication matters are clearing up. This is a month of mental clarity, a fresh start, and not being afraid to dream a little bigger.
On April 12, there is a Full Moon in Libra, and this Full Moon brings relationship and financial matters full circle. This is the time to let go of what doesn’t make you feel balanced or in harmony and to create space for more peace to enter your life. Venus goes direct in Pisces on the same day, after being retrograde since March 1, and love is healing. With Venus now direct, there are more opportunities for commitment and longevity in love, and there is overall a greater feeling of romance, receptivity, and compassion in the air now.
Mercury enters Aries from April 16 until May 10, and what you were trying to see through or understand better while Mercury was retrograde here last month, you are experiencing a breakthrough now. Mercury in Aries is insightful and courageous, and people are more likely to speak their minds and initiate conversation with this energy. Mars then enters Leo from April 18 until June 17, reminding us that sometimes it’s okay to be a little more selfish and to focus on what you need right now. Mars in Leo brings forth confidence, creativity, and passion, and brings an exciting energy to charge of your life and advocate for yourself.
Taurus Season officially begins on April 19, bringing some earth sign energy into the mix, grounding and nurturing what you are creating in your life right now. On April 27, we have a New Moon in Taurus, and this is an abundant and fruitful New Moon. This is one of the best New Moons of the year for you to set your intentions for your financial world and a time for seeing new opportunities for abundance. On the last day of the month, Venus moves into Aries until June 6th, and love requires a little more passion, independence, and excitement during this time.
Overall, April is a month of feeling things through, taking more intuitive risks, investing in yourself, and balancing your needs with the needs of your relationships.
Read for your sun and rising sign below to see what April has in store for you.
ARIES
April is your month to shine, Aries. With the chaos of March now over, you are starting to see the progress of where life is and how everything has turned out even better than you were expecting. The month begins with the Sun in your 1st house of self, and you are feeling more confident, courageous, and in tune with yourself. With a Full Moon in your sister sign on April 12, relationships are also coming full circle for you now, and you are claiming your peace this month.
Mercury finally goes direct on April 7 and then enters your sign from April 16 to May 10, and this is going to clear up any miscommunications that you have been through. With Mercury now in your sign, your conversations are lively, your mind is inspiring, and you are thinking one step ahead. Before the month ends, Venus enters your sign from April 30 to June 6, and love is also moving forward for you now. Overall, this is a month where you are experiencing some happy outcomes and loyal support.
TAURUS
April is a month of passion and purpose, Taurus. You are living in your abundance, and are focused on valuing yourself and the things you are bringing to fruition right now. Venus, your ruling planet, goes direct on March 12 after being retrograde in your financial house since March 1, and you are moving into the month experiencing more opportunities and also feeling more respected in what you are accumulating for yourself and standing your ground on.
Taurus Season officially begins on April 19, and it’s all about you right now. This Taurus Season is smoothing things out for you in love, with new relationship developments unfolding and life flourishing for you. The New Moon this month is in your sign on April 27, it’s time for a new beginning. You are truly embracing your strength in April, making things happen for yourself, and no longer doubting your future and what is possible for you.
GEMINI
This month is all about the options becoming available to you now, Gemini. With your ruling planet Mercury going direct at the beginning of the month on April 7, you no longer feel as held back or out of place as you may have in the past weeks. With Mercury now direct, your thinking is clearer, and you are seeing the opportunities in your career and professional world that you may have missed before.
The more you can embrace your authenticity, the less time you will spend doubting how others perceive you, remember that this month.
On April 12, there is a Full Moon in Libra, highlighting the romance in your life and bringing forth understanding and compassion within your close relationships. You are letting go of old attachments or self-doubts that haven’t been serving your love life, and are growing closer to your own heart in the process. Before April comes to an end, Mars enters your 3rd house of communication, and you are overall leaving the month focused on your progress, your vision, and taking up space because you deserve to.
CANCER
This month is all about balancing your time and energy wisely, Cancer. You are being reminded not to overwork or overwhelm yourself in April, and to focus on doing the things that are within your control right now. The Sun is in your 10th house of career for most of the month so you are feeling really passionate about the things you are developing in your life right now, but it’s all about finding the right balance between your personal goals and your needs in your relationships as well.
The Full Moon in Libra on April 12 will be a time to devote your energy to self-care, close loved ones, and overall getting some time to decompress. You are ready to let go of the things that don’t make you feel safe or nurtured and are receiving an emotional renewal right now. The New Moon in Taurus at the end of the month is a time to focus on your intentions on your community, friendships, and aspirations in life, and to pay attention to where you can create more abundance here.
LEO
Things are turning around for you for the better, Leo. April is a dynamic month, and you are owning your inner alchemist. With a Full Moon in your 3rd house of communication on April 12, you are getting the messages you have been looking for and the mental clarity you have found is bringing closure to some of your close relationships. This month is about being flexible and trusting the changes that are happening for you right now.
On April 18, Mars enters your sign until June 17, and this is huge for you. You began the year with Mars retrograde in your sign, so you are getting the opportunity now, to rewrite some of the things that weren’t working for you at the beginning of the year. You are overcoming previous obstacles, and experiencing a breakthrough in your life this month. Before April ends, there is a New Moon in Taurus, highlighting your career, reputation, and professional life. This is a good New Moon to set your intentions for what goals you want to come to fruition for you now.
VIRGO
This month is all about building new foundations in your life, Virgo. You are feeling more supported and in tune with your own inner needs and interests, and it’s bringing you closer to people and systems that resonate. Your ruling planet Mercury goes direct this month on April 7 after being retrograde for the past few weeks; bringing more clarity, understanding, and compassion to your partnerships in life. You are focused on love this month and are working together with others to make your dreams come true.
Mid-month, Mars moves into your 12th house of closure and endings, and there is a journey of healing that you experience until June 17. You are motivated to understand yourself better and are looking at the past more right now in order to do so. This is a month of recovering and healing from what has been, for new foundations to be built upon. The New Moon on April 27 is a beautiful way to end the month, as you are getting glimpses of a new, abundant, adventure that is ahead of you.
LIBRA
This is a big month of closure for you, Libra. The Sun is in your 7th house of love for most of April, and your heart is in the right place. With Venus, your ruling planet, going direct on April 12 after being retrograde since March 1, you are finally able to take a breath. You are not experiencing as many obstacles when it comes to communication matters and you are feeling like you have the tools you need to move forward right now.
The Full Moon of the month is in your sign on April 12, and you are ready to let go of what isn’t working for you. You have been through a lot recently and have gained the clarity you need to let go of old attachments. Venus moves into your house of love before the month ends, and you are leaving the month feeling more in tune with where things are moving forward for you, rather than what you are leaving behind. Your heart moves through a journey in April, and your emotions are showing you a lot.
SCORPIO
April is a month of success, progress, and dreams coming to fruition, Scorpio. You are focused on your health, your priorities, and creating space for the new beginnings that you are creating in your life right now. The Full Moon mid-month is a big closure moment for you, and you are owning the fact that you have healed and you are no longer the same person you were in the past. This is a month of stepping into your power and feeling supported in doing so.
Mid-month, Mars enters your 10th house of career and public life and you are shining within your purpose. Over the next month and a half, you are going to be gaining some new opportunities that will be serving your professional life and goals. This is the month to show up and to let your skills, talents, and authenticity shine. On April 17, there is a New Moon in your opposite sign, Taurus, and you are leaving the month with some pleasant surprises in store for you in love as well.
SAGITTARIUS
April is a new beginning for you, Sagittarius. You are focused on putting the action and effort behind your goals, and you are being proactive within the opportunities that you are looking for right now. With a Full Moon in your 11th house of aspirations mid-month, you are letting go of the way you thought things would play out for you and are owning a more abundant version of things.
On April 27, there is a New Moon in Taurus, which will be highlighting your health and what your body needs more of right now. This is a New Moon to set your intentions for your everyday life and to create a new, beneficial routine that will make things easier for you at the end of the day. Before the month ends, Venus enters your 9th house of adventure, and you are leaving the month with your sights set high. Travel plans are likely, and this is a good time to create some new plans for yourself.
CAPRICORN
April is about putting one step in front of the other with patience and dedication and trusting the decisions you are making for yourself right now, Capricorn. The Sun is in your 4th house for most of the month, and you are yearning for your safe spaces, comfort foods, and loyal people. Giving yourself more time to decompress, take care of yourself, and ground your energy is essential this month.
Mars enters your 8th house of transformation mid-month and will be fueling your need for some change, excitement, and emotional rejuvenation over the next month and a half. You are entering an impactful moment of the year for you, and you are motivated toward change right now. The New Moon at the end of the month is in a fellow earth sign, highlighting the romantic new beginnings you are entering now. Overall, this month is a process, and you are opening new doors while finding gratitude in what is here for you now.
AQUARIUS
April is about giving yourself time to process, accept, and gain a new perspective, Aquarius. You are being guided towards friendship, connection, and community, and are understanding what may be creating the discord in your life that has been distancing you from that. The Full Moon this month is happening in Libra on April 12, and you are ready to let go of feeling like you have to do it all at once or all alone. This month is a reminder to take your time with all the experiences you want to have, trusting that they will come to fruition for you.
Mars enters your house of love and partnership on April 18, and you enter a passionate and steamy time. Romance is in the air for you as you move through the month, and you are spending more of your time with those who you want to move forward with. Venus also moves into a relationship area of your chart before April ends, and you are surrounded by love and community. Overall, this month is showing you that you are not alone and you don’t have to go through the heavy stuff alone either.
PISCES
This is a month where your heart is shining, and you are feeling in tune with the progress you have made in your life and within your relationships, Pisces. You are owning your value, your worth, and the beauty of who you are, and are ready to leave the past behind. With Mercury and Venus both going direct in Pisces this month after being retrograde in your sign for the past few weeks, you are in a better space than you have been, and there are fewer obstacles and miscommunications in your life.
You have been through a journey of understanding yourself better through your goals, perspectives, and interests, and have been committing yourself to your authenticity. On April 27, there is a New Moon in Taurus happening, and this New Moon is a good time for communication matters, getting your message across, and for your creative pursuits. With the clarity you feel within your mind and heart right now, you are making a lot of progress in April and feeling pleased with where life is headed.
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When celebrating a new year, we are often told to start setting goals for the upcoming year. While there’s nothing wrong with that, I don’t believe that it should only be limited to the beginning of the year. Why not establish goals every season and periodically review where you are and where you want to be. This is called a life audit.
What is a life audit?
A life audit involves taking a comprehensive inventory of various aspects of your life, including finances and relationships. This process provides valuable insights into what’s working and what needs improvement, enabling you to make informed decisions and take necessary steps for growth.
Beyond its practical benefits, life auditing also serves as a powerful journaling practice that can have a profound transformative impact on your life. Even if you only engage in it a few times a year, the act of self-reflection and clarity it brings can lead to significant changes and improvements.
What are some life audit questions?
The first time I conducted a life audit, I focused three key areas: health, relationships, and spirituality. For each category, I asked myself five thought-provoking questions:
What’s going well?
What are the challenges?
What lessons have I learned from those challenges?
What’s my vision for this area in my life?
What steps can I take to achieve these goals?
Asking these questions allowed me to dig deep and get to the root of it all. Some other questions you can ask yourself are: “what’s bringing me joy?” “What have I been neglecting?” “What’s troubling me?”
There are many approaches to a life audit. You can create columns and write the category followed by the question at the top and answers below.
You can write one category on the top of one page and list the questions out and do the same for another category on a separate sheet of paper. Find what works best for you.
Now that we are in a new season, why not audit your life? The spring is the perfect time to take stock of your life and check in on the goals you may have set for yourself in the new year.
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