Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!  Some cynics may say it’s just a Hallmark holiday, but it’s generally a nice way of celebrating love on one day all around the world. Love is never a bad thing, no matter what your definition of the term may be. Couples, you know what we mean. Single guys and gals, well you all know how great temporary love can be as well. (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.)

Cupid and his holiday may come with its clichés, but you can’t deny how much fun you can have on this day either. To honor Valentine’s Day, we here at BeatCrave have put together the perfect playlist to get down (and dirty) to on the big day. Need to set that mood for your man or your special lady? Oh, we got you! Count down our favorite songs for the occasion with us and take a listen below…

13. The Kills – Cheap and Cheerful

UK post-punk rockers, The Kills, may know how to sound tough with their music, but it’s songs like this one that makes leading lady, Alison Mosshart, such a fantasy for guys around the globe. This upbeat track doesn’t lay you down on a soft rose petal-covered bed, but pushes you up against the wall in passion instead – without a care for public eyes. It’s a great way to start a wrestling match where it’s “okay to be mean” because some people agree with Mosshart. They’d rather have you “be crazy, ’cause you’re boring baby when you’re straight.”

Album: Midnight Boom

Buy Now: CD – $12.99 | Vinyl – $23.98

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12. Groove Theory – Tell Me

Oh, the 90s. There were some great R&B groups out there making some love anthems that just hit the spot with every beat back then. Duo, Groove Theory, did just that with their hit single, “Tell Me.” Slow beats, smooth vocals repeatedly singing the phrase, “Tell me if you want me to give you all my time, ’cause I want to make it good for you” should sound pleasing to anyone. Truly a song about being straight up about passionate feelings, it’s a shame there are rarely any current songs that sound this slick.

Album: Groove Theory

Buy Now: CD – $7.99

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11. Mazzy Star – Fade Into You

Hope Sandoval has made music by herself before but her career took off when she became the lead vocalist for Mazzy Star. Taking on the role of lead songwriter, Sandoval has written songs like “Fade Into You” that pushes the buttons on our souls until our hearts are just mush. Unlike some love songs, Mazzy Star keeps it clean and romantic in this one – perfect for a candlelit dinner.

Album: So Tonight That I Might See

Buy Now: CD – $10.99 | Vinyl – $18.03

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10. Beatles – Why Don’t We Do It In The Road

There’s nothing quite like PDA that get on people’s nerves, but the Beatles really don’t care in this song about getting it on in public. Sure, the Fab Four may have some more romantic songs in their catalog, but this track is one of the funnest ones when it comes to being with someone whose company you enjoy. If you’re one of those who like it short, simple and straight to the point, this is your jam for Valentine’s Day.

Album: The Beatles (The White Album)

Buy Now: CD – $18.99 | Vinyl – $265.99

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09. Aaliyah - Rock The Boat

The video shoot in the Bahamas to accompany the song, “Rock the Boat,” was unfortunately the event that led to Aaliyah’s tragic death in the airplane crash that followed. However, the song managed to top the charts afterward with this incredibly sensual and melodic metaphor for the pleasurable female body parts. In a way, the song is almost a guide for men in bed.  At least this manual sounds sexy.

Album: Aaliyah

Buy Now: CD – $28.78

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08. TLC – Red Light Special

As one of the most successful female groups of all time, TLC chose their name carefully. Sure the acronym may stand for their names, (T-Boz, Left Eye and Chilli), but we all know the most common definition for the term: Tender, lovin, care. The trio lives up to their name in this ridiculously sexy song about the first time with your significant other. Perhaps, not as dirty as an actual Red Light District in Amsterdam, but definitely steamy enough for the airwaves in the 90s.

Album: CrazySexyCool

Buy now: CD – $6.99

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07. Maxwell – Whenever, Wherever, Whatever

There is no doubt that neo-soul and R&B singer, Maxwell,  has got some mad sex appeal going on. Even after an eight year hiatus, his latest album, BLACKsummers’night, earned a grammy nomination proving that this tall, dark and handsome gentleman has the falsetto chops to woo anyone’s pants off. This track, however, comes off of his debut album, Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite, and is another song that gently tells lovers that the heat of passion couldn’t care less about location.

Album: Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite

Buy Now: CD – $7.99 | Vinyl – $79.99

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06. D’Angelo – (Untitled) How Does It Feel

D’Angelo. If that name doesn’t instantly imply sex, we don’t know what to tell you. “(Untitled) How Does It Feel)” was not only one of the most provocative videos in MTV’s history, but it was also very well recieved. It probably had to do with those perfectly chiseled abs of his, but the fact that he was one of the artists to pave the way for people such as Maxwell also gave him some credibility. Gritty, soulful, and incredibily enticing – it should definitely not be a surprise to see this song on our playlist.

Album: Voodoo

Buy Now: CD – $10.99

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05.  Marvin Gaye – Sexual Healing

Sure, Marvin Gaye’s other hit, “Let’s Get It On” may have been the obvious choice, but we think there’s plenty of obvious already going on in here. Besides, “Sexual Healing,” has got an energetic beat to jump start some important rhythm for the night. Also, what’s better than healing someone with some love? “It’s so good” to everyone involved!

Album: Midnight Love

Buy Now: CD – $15.98 | Vinyl – $55.95

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04. Isley Brothers – Between The Sheets

No, this isn’t Notorious B.I.G’s “Big Poppa” or Gwen Stefani’s “Luxurious.” You youngins need to learn that the R&B/Soul/Funk group, Isley Brothers are ones responsible for this great masterpiece. In most cases, the original is always better and this song in particular proves to be even more riske than calling someone a nickname or lying on a bed of candy. “Between the Sheets” is exactly what you think it’s about and this song has every single element a successful sexual song should have. Thank you, Isley Brothers. Thank you for lending a hand to couples all around the world.

Album: Between The Sheets

Buy Now: CD – $12.85 | Vinyl – $10.00

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03. Chris Isaak – Wicked Game

As if this song weren’t heavy enough with the crooning, the lyrics, and the mystique, Chris Isaak also made a very sexy video to go along with it. If you’re not a fan of the rock musician, this song may just be the one to change your mind. (Especially after watching the video. Girls will adore, and guys will die of envy.) Games are all part of the fun and the winner can either play gently with someone’s heart or conivingly crush it.

Album: Heart Shaped World

Buy Now: CD – $8.97

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02. Sade – Smooth Operator

Sade is just a given when it comes to seductive music. This woman is the epitome of exotic beauty and her smokey vocals heighten senses for an atmosphere of sophisticated sex so much, it’s unbelievable. Even when using a telephone operator metaphor, she and her band have successfully coaxed listeners with their spell. You don’t have to take our word for it. Just take a listen and you’ll agree; this song is pretty timeless.

Album: Diamond Life

Buy Now: CD – $6.99 | Vinyl – $3.98

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01.  R. Kelly – Bump N’ Grind

The title says it all, people. This song is literally about GETTING DOWN. If you don’t know this song by now, it may be a little to blunt for you but for those of us that do know it – it’s a classic! R. Kelly may be a crazy, but he’s damn good at laying those vocals on top of those R&B beats with some, well… “grind” to them. When it comes down to it, “There ain’t nothing wrong with a little bump n’ grind.” Seriously.

Album: 12 Play

Buy Now: CD – $7.99

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We hope you enjoy our Valentine’s Day playlist!

What are some of your favorite songs to get down to?