Whether it’s a continuing habit or just a one time occurrence, most people at one point or another have let music play in the background of a steamy make out session. It’s an inexplicable but widely accepted and simple truth: music influences the mood. So whether you’re a hopeless romantic or just plain hopeless, here’s a list of songs sure to intensify the moment when you’re smacking lips.
#20: “Dreams” by Buckcherry
Perfect for the summer fling that you wish would turn into a relationship. Though Buckcherry is usually known for their affinity for sex, drugs, and rock and roll, this tender song comes with enough subtlety to seal the deal on your couch.
#19: “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
Let’s face it, you can’t get this melody out of your head. Since 2008, this song has had you smitten, don’t even try to deny it.
#18: “Baba O’Riley” by The Who
You ever make out with someone you’ve had your sights on for a particularly long time prior? Celebrate your victory with this classic heartfelt anthem.
#17: “Tongues” by Pepper
Self explanatory…
#16: “Your Love” by The Outfield
Come on, you know this one. They were a one-hit-wonder, but they made a lasting impression to happy flirts everywhere. Use this to your advantage.
#15: “One Headlight” by The Wallflowers
It may just run in the family, but Jakob Dylan can lay down a sultry melody fit for the moment.
#14: “Motorcycle Drive By” by Third Eye Blind
“I’ve never been so alive.” Truer words are seldom spoken when you’re in a full on lip-lock.
#13: “Colorful” by Verve Pipe
It may come from left field, but if it’s the song that plays while Mark Wahlberg faces redemption and gets the girl in the end (last scene of Rock Star), then it will work for you too.
#12: “Tonight, Tonight” by The Smashing Pumpkins
This one’s got everything; poignant lyrics, soft melodies. But if you can’t stand to hear Billy Corgan’s whiny voice while you’re trying to be intimate, you best skip to the next song…
#11: “My Girl” by The Temptations
Is it creepy that Grandma and Grandpa made out to this song? Not at all! It’s a timeless classic; quit being a prude, put The Temptations on, and pucker up.
#10: “Black Magic Woman” by Santana
For when you don’t know which is sexier, the person you’re fooling around with or the sound of Santana’s guitar–and you want to combine the two.
#9: ANY SONG BY JACK JOHNSON
Jack Johnson’s music is good for two things: surfing and swapping spits. But proceed with caution if you’re a multi-tasker or you’ll be kissing the bottom of the ocean.
#8: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli
It may get a little lively in the choruses…but still. This is the be all, end all when it comes to quirky romance. It worked for Heath Ledger in Ten Things I Hate About You, so why not you?
#7: “Alison” by Elvis Costello
It is very possible get slapped if your new crush’s name happens to be Veronica, but it may be alright to play this one if you’re in a serious relationship and the foundation is set to begin with.
#6: “Mondo Bongo” by Joe Strummer
You may recognize this song from that intense make-out scene with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Spicy melodies and slow rhythms make this one a must have for anyone with delusions of a super-spy romance.
#5: “Hysteria” by Def Leppard
It may be all those goofy high school love movies from way back when, but something about this 80’s ballad fits in that vein and breathes nostalgia.
#4: “Everlong” by The Foo Fighters
There’s magic in those chords and everybody knows it. It’s the first song most teenage boys learn to play on guitar in hopes of swooping the girl of their dreams off their feet, it’s the song that fits any season, it’s the song that will help your chances every time.
#3: “Don’t Worry, Baby” by The Beach Boys
Three words that have brought mouths together for over forty years–and it doesn’t look like that’s changing any time soon.
#2: “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
Perfect for either the person you just started seeing or the person you’ve been seeing for a long time. Added bonus: this also happens to be a great way to get you out of the doghouse if the situation calls for it.
#1: “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey
As if the number one make out song would be anything else! Whether it’s a girlfriend/boyfriend, husband/wife, (or even a complete stranger) this song has always been there to add fire to the heat of the moment. On an iPod player in the living room, on the dance floor at a wedding reception, or from the speakers of a cover band when it’s last call at the bar as everyone shouts the wrong words and you grab a total stranger…this is the song that most of us have or will have made out to.