Since the very name rock ’n’ roll was a 1940s metaphor for doing the nasty, it’s no surprise that there’s never been a shortage of rock tunes about sex.
-By Jim DeRogatis
In picking our favorites, we focused on tunes that have themes as exciting as their sound (so no “Why Don’t We Do It in the Road” by the Beatles); are actually about sex; and have some degree of sen sual subtlety and artistry. Hence the absence of Bad Company’s “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” Color Me Badd’s “I Wanna Sex You Up,” Meat Loaf’s “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” and Tool’s “Hooker With a Penis”—though to each his own.
1
MARVIN GAYE, “LET’S GET IT ON” (1973)
No other singer makes sex sound as spiritual, and this transcendent hit simultaneously works as a blatant come-on, a smooth seduction, and a soulful prayer.
No other singer makes sex sound as spiritual, and this transcendent hit simultaneously works as a blatant come-on, a smooth seduction, and a soulful prayer.
2
JAMES BROWN, “SEX MACHINE” (1970)
In contrast, there’s nothing subtle about this, though any man who can match that rhythm is guaranteed to please.
In contrast, there’s nothing subtle about this, though any man who can match that rhythm is guaranteed to please.
3
LITTLE RICHARD, “LONG TALL SALLY” (1956)
Regardless of Richard Penniman’s particular proclivities, his soaring yowl captures the ecstatic joy Uncle John found in his adulterous trysts with Sally, who was built for speed, not comfort—unlike, we assume, Aunt Mary.
Regardless of Richard Penniman’s particular proclivities, his soaring yowl captures the ecstatic joy Uncle John found in his adulterous trysts with Sally, who was built for speed, not comfort—unlike, we assume, Aunt Mary.
4
THE ISLEY BROTHERS, “BETWEEN THE SHEETS” (1983)
More than 20 years into their career, the Isleys reclaimed the charts with a Gayelike invitation—“I’ll always be your freak / Let’s make sweet love between the sheets”—and a hot, slow jam that truly conjured a quiet storm.
More than 20 years into their career, the Isleys reclaimed the charts with a Gayelike invitation—“I’ll always be your freak / Let’s make sweet love between the sheets”—and a hot, slow jam that truly conjured a quiet storm.
5
THE TROGGS, “COME NOW” (1970)
These British Invasion protopunks expressed raw lust better than anyone, but they thought about their lovers, too: That title (and the song’s only lyric) is an eager provocation.
These British Invasion protopunks expressed raw lust better than anyone, but they thought about their lovers, too: That title (and the song’s only lyric) is an eager provocation.
6
DAFT PUNK, “HARDER, BETTER, FASTER,
STRONGER” (2001)
The undeniable modern electronic offspring of “Sex Machine,” with a groove as inspiring as the advice in the title and choruses.
STRONGER” (2001)
The undeniable modern electronic offspring of “Sex Machine,” with a groove as inspiring as the advice in the title and choruses.
7
THE BUZZCOCKS, “ORGASM ADDICT” (1977)
An urgent pop-punk masterpiece about an unapologetic satyromaniac—but, really, who among us isn’t addicted?
An urgent pop-punk masterpiece about an unapologetic satyromaniac—but, really, who among us isn’t addicted?
8
HOWLIN’ WOLF, “BACK DOOR MAN” (1961)
Songwriter Willie Dixon was referring to a guy who’s screwing another fella’s wife. The fact that it’s now a double entendre for a lover of anal sex only makes it more delightfully decadent.
Songwriter Willie Dixon was referring to a guy who’s screwing another fella’s wife. The fact that it’s now a double entendre for a lover of anal sex only makes it more delightfully decadent.
9
NINE INCH NAILS, “CLOSER” (1994)
Who but Trent Reznor would mix the disparate lyrical styles of Gaye and the Troggs—“I want to fuck you like an animal…. You get me closer to God”—over the soundtrack for an S&M club on Mars?
Who but Trent Reznor would mix the disparate lyrical styles of Gaye and the Troggs—“I want to fuck you like an animal…. You get me closer to God”—over the soundtrack for an S&M club on Mars?
10
THE VELVET UNDERGROUND & NICO, “VENUS IN FURS” (1967)
And staying on the tip of that whip, we have, “Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather / Whiplash girlchild in the dark.” ’Nuff said?
And staying on the tip of that whip, we have, “Shiny, shiny, shiny boots of leather / Whiplash girlchild in the dark.” ’Nuff said?
11
BLUR, “GIRLS & BOYS” (1994)
Like Woody Allen, these Britpoppers believe that being bisexual doubles your odds of getting a date on Saturday night. Or they’re just mocking those sexually confused, Ecstasy-dropping ravers.
Like Woody Allen, these Britpoppers believe that being bisexual doubles your odds of getting a date on Saturday night. Or they’re just mocking those sexually confused, Ecstasy-dropping ravers.
12
BRAZILIAN GIRLS, “PUSSY” (2005)
She’s actually German and Italian, but Sabina Sciubba is still our vision of the ideal girl from Ipanema—especially when she’s chanting about pussy and marijuana.
She’s actually German and Italian, but Sabina Sciubba is still our vision of the ideal girl from Ipanema—especially when she’s chanting about pussy and marijuana.
13
THE RASPBERRIES, “GO ALL THE WAY” (1972)
It may sound innocent now, but it’s still goading her to put out.
It may sound innocent now, but it’s still goading her to put out.
14
MUDHONEY, “TOUCH ME I’M SICK” (1988)
Whoever said grunge wasn’t sexy? “I won’t live long / And I’m full of rot / Gonna give you, girl / Everything I got!”
Whoever said grunge wasn’t sexy? “I won’t live long / And I’m full of rot / Gonna give you, girl / Everything I got!”
15
SOFT CELL, “TAINTED LOVE” (1981)
It acquired a cautionary reading with the onset of AIDS, but we prefer to think of tainted’s original meaning: wicked, dirty fun.
It acquired a cautionary reading with the onset of AIDS, but we prefer to think of tainted’s original meaning: wicked, dirty fun.
16
SALT-N-PEPA, “PUSH IT” (1987)
As sexy as rap has ever been.
As sexy as rap has ever been.
17
NINA SIMONE, “FEELING GOOD” (1965)
Delivered in a way that urges you to make her feel even better.
Delivered in a way that urges you to make her feel even better.
18
BARRY WHITE, “CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF YOUR LOVE, BABE” (1974)
The Round Mound of Sound may have been an unlikely stud, but that just gives the rest of us hope—if only we could master that velvet voice and unique way with words.
The Round Mound of Sound may have been an unlikely stud, but that just gives the rest of us hope—if only we could master that velvet voice and unique way with words.
19
PEGGY LEE, “FEVER” (1958)
Simply scorching.
Simply scorching.
20
PULP, “THIS IS HARDCORE” (1998)
Britpop goes Dirk Diggler: “You are hardcore / You make me hard.”
Britpop goes Dirk Diggler: “You are hardcore / You make me hard.”
21
MADONNA, “JUSTIFY MY LOVE” (1990)
Generally speaking, we’ve never found Maddy all that sexy—except when she brought out the masks, whips, and handcuffs.
Generally speaking, we’ve never found Maddy all that sexy—except when she brought out the masks, whips, and handcuffs.
22
LED ZEPPELIN, “YOU SHOOK ME” (1969)
Yes, Muddy Waters got there first. But Zep added Jimmy Page’s orgasmic guitar and John Bonham’s throbbing bass drum.
Yes, Muddy Waters got there first. But Zep added Jimmy Page’s orgasmic guitar and John Bonham’s throbbing bass drum.
23
BERLIN, “SEX (I’M A …)” (1982)
A lot of eighties synth pop is an icy turnoff now, but Terri Nunn’s “I’m a goddess … a virgin … a bitch … a geisha” still gets us hot.
A lot of eighties synth pop is an icy turnoff now, but Terri Nunn’s “I’m a goddess … a virgin … a bitch … a geisha” still gets us hot.
24
FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS, “BUSINESS TIME” (2008)
Because a well-timed laugh makes a torrid night even steamier, and because these musical comedians from New Zealand cut an R&B jam that out-horndogs R. Kelly.
Because a well-timed laugh makes a torrid night even steamier, and because these musical comedians from New Zealand cut an R&B jam that out-horndogs R. Kelly.
25
AALIYAH, “ROCK THE BOAT” (2001)
Speaking of that overrated lothario, his protégée got a lot sexier when she split from him and started telling us what she wanted.
Speaking of that overrated lothario, his protégée got a lot sexier when she split from him and started telling us what she wanted.
26
VANESSA DAOU, “THE LONG TUNNEL OF WANTING YOU” (1994)
We could have chosen any track from this sizzling acid-jazz album, Zipless, an homage to author Erica Jong, whose “zipless fuck” in Fear of Flying inspired women to get into casual sex.
We could have chosen any track from this sizzling acid-jazz album, Zipless, an homage to author Erica Jong, whose “zipless fuck” in Fear of Flying inspired women to get into casual sex.
27
RADIOHEAD, “EVERYTHING IN ITS RIGHT PLACE” (2000)
Evidence that sex with a robot can be the ultimate kick.
Evidence that sex with a robot can be the ultimate kick.
28
THE WHO, “SQUEEZE BOX” (1975)
Mama’s got one, and Daddy doesn’t sleep at night—not that he’s complaining.
Mama’s got one, and Daddy doesn’t sleep at night—not that he’s complaining.
29
MY BLOODY VALENTINE, “FEED ME WITH YOUR KISS” (1988)
These psychedelic shoe-gazers’ songs weren’t about any thing, but the dizzying head rush of sound made their meaning obvious.
These psychedelic shoe-gazers’ songs weren’t about any thing, but the dizzying head rush of sound made their meaning obvious.
30
FATSDOMINO,“BLUEBERRYHILL”(1956)
As sexy for that barrelhouse piano as for the lingering question of where exactly Antoine found that thrill.
As sexy for that barrelhouse piano as for the lingering question of where exactly Antoine found that thrill.
31
RICK JAMES, “SUPER FREAK” (1981)
No matter how twisted you are, you always imagine meeting someone who’s an even bigger perv—and for James, that was really saying something.
No matter how twisted you are, you always imagine meeting someone who’s an even bigger perv—and for James, that was really saying something.
32
DONNA SUMMER, “I FEEL LOVE” (1977)
After gasping out a love song to her vibrator (“Love to Love You Baby”), Summer went even further with the moans and shrieks, providing inspiration for countless house and techno sex jams.
After gasping out a love song to her vibrator (“Love to Love You Baby”), Summer went even further with the moans and shrieks, providing inspiration for countless house and techno sex jams.
33
D’ANGELO, “FEEL LIKE MAKIN’ LOVE” (2000)
The Roberta Flack original was hot. This rewrite is incendiary.
The Roberta Flack original was hot. This rewrite is incendiary.
34
PRINCE, “LITTLE RED CORVETTE” (1983)
Only the Purple Wonder could write a pop hit about a clit …
Only the Purple Wonder could write a pop hit about a clit …
35
THE B-52’S, “ROAM” (1989)
… and only these New Wave art-popsters could pen one about analingus.
… and only these New Wave art-popsters could pen one about analingus.
36
MASSIVE ATTACK, “BLACK MILK” (1998)
A sensual trip-hop invitation to dine at the Y.
A sensual trip-hop invitation to dine at the Y.
37
LIL WAYNE, “LOLLIPOP” (2008)
Sure, the lollipop=fellatio metaphor is tired. But the Archies’ “Yummy Yummy Yummy” didn’t have a groove this enticing.
Sure, the lollipop=fellatio metaphor is tired. But the Archies’ “Yummy Yummy Yummy” didn’t have a groove this enticing.
38
THE DIVINYLS, “I TOUCH MYSELF” (1991)
And, as we near the end of this list, we’d like to remind you that masturbation is sex, too …
And, as we near the end of this list, we’d like to remind you that masturbation is sex, too …
39
THE VAPORS, “TURNING JAPANESE” (1980)
… whether you’re a guy alone in a jail cell …
… whether you’re a guy alone in a jail cell …
40
CYNDI LAUPER, “SHE BOP” (1984)
… or a girl who just wants to have fun.
… or a girl who just wants to have fun.
-
http://lilwaynelollipopyf.blogspot.com/ Jaylin Klein
