A recent study has revealed the most popular songs and artists people choose to play when setting the mood, providing insight into current preferences for intimate music. According to new research analyzing thousands of Spotify playlists, Chris Brown’s “Under the Influence” stands as the most-played track on playlists designed for romantic moments. Since its release in 2019, the song has been streamed over 1.8 billion times, reflecting its widespread appeal.
The study, conducted by Fanstats, reviewed public Spotify playlists with titles containing terms such as “sex playlist.” Researchers found that The Weeknd was the artist who appeared most often on these playlists, making 231 appearances. The Weeknd’s hit “Often,” released in 2014 and noted for its sultry lyrics, is particularly popular and has racked up 1.25 billion streams. The Weeknd’s slow jams and R&B style seem to make him a top choice for those looking to create a romantic atmosphere.
Other artists who frequently appear on these playlists include Two Feet with songs like “I Feel Like I’m Drowning” and “Love Is a B—h,” Chase Atlantic with “Into It” and “Swim,” Artemas with “If You Think I’m Pretty,” and Isabel LaRosa with “I’m Yours” and “Older.” Doja Cat, Labrinth, The Neighbourhood, and Tory Lanez also make the top 10, confirming that slow R&B and pop continue to set the tone for listeners in intimate settings.
Music’s role in romantic experiences is not a new phenomenon. Fanstats noted that using music to set a sensual mood dates back thousands of years to ancient Roman gatherings, but what has changed is the way people access music, shifting from live performances to playlist streaming services like Spotify.
In a related look at how sensual songs carry cultural significance, Color Me Badd’s 1991 hit “I Wanna Sex You Up” remains a memorable example. The track reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, became part of film and television history, and sparked conversation about its influence. The long-standing appeal of songs about intimacy shows that the connection between music and romance is as strong as ever.
