Whether you’re planning a cosy night in, putting together a pre-wedding playlist or simply looking for songs that set a romantic mood, one artist appears to have the nation’s vote: The Weeknd.
New research from AdultWork has named the Canadian singer the most popular artist across Spotify playlists created for sex and intimacy. The study analysed 12,356 public playlists containing more than 2.8 million tracks, looking at which songs people return to when they want to create an unmistakably romantic, after-dark atmosphere.
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‘Earned It’ takes the top spot
The Weeknd’s Earned It was the most frequently included track, appearing on 541 playlists analysed in the research. Originally released in late 2014 for the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, it remains one of the artist’s most recognisable slow-burn hits, having reached number six in the UK singles chart and earned more than 2.2 billion Spotify streams.
The artist made 3,195 appearances overall, across 20 different tracks. He also claimed three more spots in the top 10 songs, with Often appearing on 481 playlists, The Hills on 383 and Call Out My Name on 379.
For couples curating music for a relaxed date night, a honeymoon suite or even those quiet moments while getting ready together on the wedding morning, it’s clear that The Weeknd’s atmospheric R&B-pop sound continues to be a firm favourite.
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The artists setting the mood
Two Feet placed second in the artist ranking, appearing 1,174 times across six songs. The singer-songwriter’s Love Is A Bitch was the second most commonly selected track, while I Feel Like I’m Drowning also featured among the top 10.
USHER came third, with 703 playlist appearances across 13 songs. His catalogue has long been synonymous with smooth R&B, and Nice & Slow remains his most popular entry in the analysis. Jeremih, Chris Brown, Bryson Tiller, Rihanna, Chase Atlantic, Doja Cat and Ginuwine also made the top 10 artists.
| Rank | Artist | Playlist appearances |
| 1 | The Weeknd | 3,195 |
| 2 | Two Feet | 1,174 |
| 3 | USHER | 703 |
| 4 | Jeremih | 688 |
| 5 | Chris Brown | 685 |
| 6 | Bryson Tiller | 670 |
| 7 | Rihanna | 660 |
| 8 | Chase Atlantic | 621 |
| 9 | Doja Cat | 608 |
| 10 | Ginuwine | 582 |
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Why R&B still wins for romance
The research found that R&B is the leading genre among the 200 most popular tracks, accounting for 106 selections. Pop followed with 49 songs and alternative music with 31, suggesting that rich vocals, gentle rhythms and understated production remain the go-to ingredients for an intimate playlist.
The 2010s were also the most popular decade, producing 105 of the top 200 songs. That is perhaps no surprise for couples who grew up with streaming, curated playlists and the ability to make a soundtrack that feels entirely personal to their relationship.
A playlist that feels like you
Images courtesy of Unsplash.