“Sex Playlist” represents American singer Omarion’s fourth studio album, and it was officially launched on December 2, 2014, through the collaborative efforts of Maybach Music Group and Atlantic Records. Serving as a direct sequel to his previous album, “Ollusion,” released in 2010, this project signified a significant juncture in his musical journey.
Background
In November of 2014, Omarion unveiled both the album’s tracklist and its impending release date, generating a palpable sense of anticipation. Notably, this album marked his inaugural full-length release under the banner of Maybach Music Group, a milestone in his career trajectory. Additionally, he introduced the album’s cover art, which featured Apryl Jones, Omarion’s girlfriend, in an intimate pose with him, capturing attention and curiosity in equal measure.
Omarion offered insight into the thematic essence of the album, highlighting its maturity and conceptual depth, setting it apart from his previous works. He conveyed, “It’s not about merely having a playlist for sexual encounters; it’s about curating the perfect playlist for lovemaking, emphasizing the inseparable connection between love and physical intimacy. This is more than a collection of sensual tunes; it’s a musical journey for lovers.”
Singles
The inaugural single from the album, entitled “You Like It,” was officially released on February 14, 2014, setting the tone for what was to come.
Subsequently, the album’s second single, “Post to Be,” featuring the talents of Chris Brown and Jhené Aiko, was introduced to the world on November 11, 2014. The song achieved remarkable success, securing the 13th position on the prestigious US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Over time, it earned the distinction of a triple platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Critical Reception
Upon its release, “Sex Playlist” received favorable reviews from music critics, validating the anticipation surrounding the project. Andy Kellman of AllMusic commended the album, stating, “After overcoming some challenges, Omarion finally presented his inaugural Maybach Music Group album, ‘Sex Playlist,’ in late 2014. Despite its initial release as a digital download, it undoubtedly deserved more extensive promotion and a physical release from Maybach’s parent label, Atlantic, as it emerged as one of the year’s standout contemporary R&B collections. In perfect harmony with its title, ‘Sex Playlist’ leans heavily into the realm of slow jams, distinguishing itself from Omarion’s prior works with Epic and EMI.” Justin Charity from Complex echoed this sentiment, referring to the album as “one of the most sophisticated, polished, and restrained male R&B projects offered by a major artist in 2014.” He went on to emphasize Omarion’s evident musical evolution, praising the album for its sincerity and cohesiveness.
Commercial Performance
“Sex Playlist” made its debut on the US Billboard 200 chart, entering at the 49th position, with an initial sale of 16,000 copies, even without extensive promotional efforts. In the subsequent week, an additional 5,000 copies found their way into the hands of listeners. Following the release of the album, it re-entered the Billboard 200 and went on to sell more than 23,000 copies in the United States. On December 13, 2014, “Sex Playlist” achieved a notable milestone, peaking at the second position on the US R&B Albums Chart, solidifying its place in the R&B music landscape.
