From pop to metal: What music sets the mood for sex and romance?

A recent study conducted by ZipHealth has shed light on the music genres and artists people prefer to listen to during intimate moments. The survey analyzed over 11,000 songs and 150 playlists, collecting data from 1,000 individuals to determine which tracks are most popular during sexual encounters. According to the findings, pop music is the leading genre among those who enjoy listening to music while getting intimate.

That would make sense because, really, at least 90% of pop music is about dating/sex. This is followed by hip hop, R&B/Soul, indie rock, alternative, and EDM. Interestingly, heavy metal and classic rock rank the lowest, coming in at seventh and eighth place, respectively.

That doesn't mean a "metalhead" doesn't get freaky, of course, though it might be trickier with stereotypes making people think metal music makes people violent (and such things). Despite the low ranking of heavy metal, the survey reveals that certain rock and alternative tracks still find their way into intimate playlists. Nine Inch Nails' "Closer," a song known for its provocative and explicit lyrics, ranks at number five on the list of the most popular tracks used in such moments.

This song, from the 1994 album The Downward Spiral, is often associated with themes of BDSM and has become an anthem within certain subcultures (and the album has been studied academically, too). Nicki Minaj’s "Super Freaky Girl" tops the list as the sexiest song (though "sexy" is a relative term), indicating that upbeat and playful tracks resonate with many during their intimate moments. This song, released in 2022, samples Rick James' 1981 hit "Super Freak," blending nostalgia with modern hip hop flair.

Deftones has the sexiest metal music?

The sex/music survey also highlights Deftones as the third most popular artist in these playlists, right behind The Weeknd and Kanye West. Deftones, known for their atmospheric sound that blends alternative metal with shoegaze, have long been recognized for their sensual and often darkly romantic lyrics. Their music, particularly tracks like "Change (In the House of Flies)" and "Digital Bath," is frequently described as having an erotic undertone, which might explain their popularity in this context.

Why is a song with "flies" in the title considered so sexy? Who knows? It's not a bad song, as far as I am concerned, but it's not much sexier to my mind than giggling at a sign saying "Please enter through rear." The song has lyrics like "I took you home/Set you on the glass/I pulled off your wings/Then I laughed..." That's some kinky sh*t right there!

System of a Down and Slipknot

Interestingly, when looking at the preferences of heavy metal fans, the study reveals that bands like System Of A Down and Slipknot are commonly featured in their intimate soundtracks (regarding that news, Hesher Keenan from Metal Sucks joked: "Because nothing says 'let’s f**k' like nine grown men in f**ed up masks and politically charged songs rallying against endless war and pizza pies").

System Of A Down, known for their politically charged lyrics and unique fusion of metal and Armenian folk music, and Slipknot, with their aggressive sound and intense stage presence, might seem like unlikely choices for such moments.

Serk Tankian of SOAD himself has described the odd elements of their sound: "Armenian-Americans playing a practically unclassifiable clash of wildly aggressive metal riffs, unconventional tempo-twisting rhythms, and Armenian folk melodies, with me alternately growling, screaming, and crooning lyrics that could pivot from avant-garde silliness to raging socio-political rants in the space of a single line. I'd be the first to admit it: It's not easy listening."

Yet, these findings suggest that some (malfunct?) metal fans are sensually drawn to the intensity and emotional release these bands provide.

Metalheads as freaky fetishists

Moreover, the data delves into the sexual behaviors of heavy metal enthusiasts, noting that they are the most likely to have fetishes, with 72% of metal fans reporting having a fetish of some kind. Though some might get it on to Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On," it seems people are a little more kinky if they are headbangers. Additionally, 82% of these fans have reportedly experienced a one-night stand.

The study also touches on other aspects of their sexual preferences, including participation in orgies and threesomes, underscoring a trend towards unconventional sexual experiences within this group. If stereotypes hold true about metalheads harboring anger are accurate, then it must be true that negative feelings and kinky sexual desire go together like hand in glove.

For those interested in exploring more detailed statistics and findings, again, the full study is available in the ZipHealth link above. It's so fast and easy (if you get the double entendre). While the survey provides a fascinating glimpse into the connection between music and sexual activity, it also raises questions about how personal tastes and subcultural affiliations influence such intimate aspects of life. Where's punk rock in the list? Well, punk's dead! Didn't you get the memo?!