We're into the Top 20 now, which had damn well better include the Godfather of Soul Sex all right!
Anyway, as always, we welcome your suggestions...
To catch yourself up, check out 21-30, 31-40, and 41-50.
20. Hard Again – Muddy Waters
Yard work + shirtless + "Mannish Boy" blasting out of the garage stereo = guaranteed action.
19. A Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons – Blonde Redhead
Despite being an arguably more enticing singer, Kazu Makino has never achieved the same level of sex symbolism as a Liz Phair or a Jenny Lewis, but maybe that's because she's stayed in the indie underground... and, well, hasn't dated Jake Gyllenhaall. But anyone who has ever seen Blonde Redhead in concert can tell you they usually find themselves lost in a trance for the entire show, especially when Kazu and the guys play this album's best cut, “In Particular.”
18. White Blood Cells – The White Stripes
Guys across the world are in love with Meg White's large breasts, major cuteness, and apparent total shyness, while girls appreciate guys who sigh in agreement with “I'm Finding It Harder to Be A Gentleman,” and everyone loves the Lego video.
17. The Velvet Underground & Nico – The Velvet Underground
The greatest and most influential band to never make the big time, they arguably invented noise rock, punk, hard rock, drug songs, and having Warhol's Factory Girls whipped on stage. S&M anthems like “Venus in Furs,” even near-monotone vocals on songs like “Femme Fatale” are worth the price of this album-- hell, the 5-CD box set-- alone. By the way, the cover of that box (as well as the first album) features the famous peel-able banana designed by Andy Warhol. It reveals, ahem, a very pink phallic symbol underneath...
16. My Funny Valentine – Chet Baker
This one's all about the title track, a #1 hit in 1952 that made the jazz trumpeter famous the world over. There are 13 other love songs on this disc, but this is the only one you'll put on repeat.
15. Baduizm - Eryka Badu
Metro Active's review noted "Badu's delicately trilling, snaky voice," which is a pretty apt description for why this smash debut album still plays on our stereo. That and our gay neighbor in Louisiana told us it almost turned him straight-- now that's sexy.
14. Horses – Patti Smith
An odd choice, we'll admit, but if any single album can make a lanky, androgynous woman with a thick Yankee accent dressed in men's clothes sexy, it deserves a place among the essentials. The opening line alone has been known to turn those not previously disposed to the ladies into fervent fans. Of course, we won't ruin it for you if you don't know it...
13. Best of – B.B. King
Yep, “The Thrill is Gone” can be sexy in the right context-- more importantly, B.B. is sexy in any context.
12. Loveless – My Bloody Valentine
Kevin Shields broke new ground with this album in 1991, mixing the sensuous, ethereal vocals at the same level as the feedback-laden guitars, although few have tried to copy the expensive and grueling process. It's a shame, because it makes for great listening, especially when you skip to track 3, crank up the lava lamp, and take it real slow, like you would in space.
11. Live At the Apollo – James Brown
While we wouldn't exactly consider a near riot and frantic 40-second songs your best choice for mood music, there is no doubting the incredible sexual energy on this legendary live album. With each scream, with each “Please, Please, Please,” you can actually hear Brown make incredible love to each audience member-- who respond with equally ecstatic howls, moans, and shrieks. This is one that can never be topped because it was done perfectly.
Previously:
The 50 Sexiest Albums You Must Own (31-20)