25 Songs to Play on a Boombox Outside a Girl's Window to Win Her Back

Sounds Like: She needs to know you're consistent.

Countdowns have never been sexy per se, but somehow Brian McKnight turns the simple repetition of numbers into a song that is moving beyond belief. The best part about this song is that he turns a linear countdown into something that is circular, promising even through the structure of the song to be a consistent force of love in the life of his baby—that takes skill. Sometimes the only way to get your girl back is a slow jam, so play this one if you think your girl wants that extra reassurance and will quickly run down into your arms for that slow dance.

Sounds Like: Her beauty is more than skin-deep.

Telling a woman that she's beautiful is a time-worn classic step on the path to winning her back. For some reason, the belief that beauty leads to happiness persists stronger than ever, so maximizing on that is always a good call. Honestly though, Joe Cocker's song on the subject isn't just about physical beauty, it's about being with someone who actually has all the qualities you're looking for in a lifelong partner. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so if this is the girl you can't live without, let her know how you feel.

Sounds Like: You need this amazing woman in your life.

Paul McCartney is one of the few songwriters who can admit to being afraid, lonely, and in need of help he is and still sound like a complete bad-ass. The candid admissions in this song serve as the perfect fodder for softening the heart of a scorned lover and there's no denying his vocal flourishes and the guitar lines that keep this song from falling into the lowly ranks of power ballad and keep it up in the realm of rock song. If you're chasing after a girl who really does amaze you with her power to make you need her, why'd you let her go in the first place? Regardless, Paul is always on deck to help you get her back.

Sounds Like: Living without her is impossible.

More than any other U2 song, this one really hits on the difficulties that life can throw at two people trying to make a relationship work. Bono's falsetto does a lot to help this song feel poignant, as does some pretty breaking edge guitar-playing from The Edge. Off Joshua Tree, what many consider to be the group's best record, this track is probably the one on our list that runs the most along the lines of Lloyd's original choice "In Your Eyes"—but when those drums hit it assumes a whole life of it's own. Emotionally-charged and full of intense moments, this is a perfect boombox track, if for no other reason than it's volume.

Sounds Like: She needs to know that you'd do anything for her.

Acoustic guitars are romantic. Vulnerability is romantic. Desperation (to some degree) can be romantic. The lengths to which Chris Martin would go for his lover (Gwyneth Paltrow is a lucky girl) are limitless, and his love for her knows no bounds. Hyperbole or not, "For you I'd bleed myself dry" are some of the most romantic lyrics if you can get over the whole dying aspect of it. When these lyrics are paired with the persistent strumming of the guitars, "Yellow" has this sense of urgency, as if Chris Martin can barely contain his love for his love interest. This song lets your girl know that she's the center of your universe, and not only would you do just about anything for her, but she affects you so intensely that the stars wouldn't even glimmer as bright when you're not with her. Those stars, "they shine for [her]."

Sounds Like: You don't feel whole when she's not there.

With its whistling, tambourines, and banjos, "Home" is a whimsical, carefree song, but it doesn't take long for one to figure out the real meaning behind the song. They're overwhelmed with each other's incredible presence, in awe of how much they love the other person. "Home is whenever I'm with you," sing Jade Castrinos and Alex Ebert joyfully. It doesn't matter where lovers venture off to; as long as they have one another, they're comforted and at ease. After all, home is where the heart is, and your girl just might have to know that she's got yours.

And as a bonus, here's the cutest cover of this song you will ever encounter.

Sounds Like: She's really into Victorian poetry and orchestras.

Sure it's on the slower, orchestral side, but it's pretty much guaranteed that if you play a song with the lines "Skin like silk / face like glass" any girl will ditch her hurt feelings and at least come to the window to hear what you have to say. Plus, there's always something about winning a girl back with a song that's sung by a girl that just seems very sly. The repeated refrain "call on me, call on me" holds so much more weight than the '80s hit, and Angel Deradoorian's voice adds that extra touch of emotion that will push her over the edge. Also the Dirty Projectors are a very artsy band so she will be impressed by your knowledge of #indiedeepcuts.

Sounds Like: A drop of water in the ocean of your love for her.

No one covers a song better than Chan Marshall, and as usual she takes this soul classic from the '50s and updated it into a delicate, beckoning ballad that would win over any girl. The strings on this song really transform it in a key way into one romantic enough to blast on a stereo outside your (probably sleeping) ex's window. Here's the clincher: "Do you remember when we met / that's the day I knew you were my pet" talking about the first time you met always melts a girl's heart, emphasize that for sure.

Sounds Like: Life is short, the planet is floating in space, but you're both here right now.

This song is possibly the best love song penned in the year 2002. Although most everything else the Flaming Lips do is garbage, this song singlehandedly redeems them. Weird noise-makers and bells don't often go hand-in-hand with romance but heartfelt lyrics like "Do you realize / that you have the most beautiful face" tend to work no matter what sounds are backing them. "Do You Realize??" also places an emphasis on the fleeting nature of life, how short the time we have on this beautiful planet really is, so forgiveness and love are important to embrace now, before it's too late. Later, you can remind her that the song has a double question mark in the title and that the use of those punctuation mark it as even more intense than most songs! Probably shouldn't use this song if she's a big Erykah Badu fan though, remember that awful fight she and Lips frontman Wayne Coyne got into? Yuck. But do use it if your girl is really into science, that verse at the end that talks about the fact that the sun doesn't actually go down is a very rare fact that many people forget!

Sounds Like: She's the best damn thing that's ever happened to you.

You've had a shitty day and you come home, only to realize and you and your girl aren't together anymore. You start reflecting on just how much better she makes your life; even the little things that used to annoy you don't seem all that bad anymore. She's the best thing that's happened to you, and Ray LaMontagne articulates it perfectly: "It's like you see right through me / and make it easier." You know it's love when they improve the quality of your life.

Sounds Like: She looks the best when she's next to you.

Clapton is a no-brainer when it comes to woo-ing your lady. Although "Layla" might have more gut-wrenching passion behind it, the slow burn of "Wonderful Tonight" is enough to reduce even the strongest lady to tears, this song is so subjective and yet so universal at the same time. Although the focus is surreptitiously on looks, the whole undertone of this song is that love makes everyone beautiful, regardless of occasion or circumstance. If flattery isn't enough to woo her back into your arms, then that guitar line will.

Sounds Like: She needs to know you'll be there for her.

Some girls are only moved by a bluesy guitar line, shakers and a Dan Auerbach's growling vocals. Luckily,The Black Keys crafted the perfect take-me-back song, and it's swaggering, confident rock at it's finest. This song emphasizes that even when no one else is by her side, you will definitely be there. This is probably a good time to note that note that both members of The Black Keys have been divorced before, so even if they wrote a great song about commitment, they haven't been all that successful in the realm themselves. Don't let their pasts deter you from pursuing your own happiness though!

Sounds Like: Her presence is enough to woo the natural world, too.

Karen Carpenter's voice feels like it's actually caressing you when she sings, an aspect of comfort to it that feels like a physical touch. This song is basically a hug in sonic form. It's debatable whether there has been a better line written about the way it feels when you see your one and only than "Why do birds suddenly appear / every time you are near?" It's completely original and yet makes perfect sense to anyone who has ever been drawn to that one individual that seems to make wildlife itself want to draw near. The piano lines in this song are subdued and equally beautiful, play this song and don't be surprised if the love of your life melts into a beaming, giddy mess. If there's any song that can win a girl over, it's one about how good it feels just to be near her.

Sounds Like: You're better than the rest.

Seattle's own Band of Horses specialize in emotive folk-rock, but this is their best song by far. The examination of how life wears us down and the myriad challenges that strong commitment presents are reflected in apt metaphors and personal anecdotes, but the conclusion is always the same—"Anything to make you smile." Although the overall tone of this song is subdued, there's still some elements of anthemic rock to it, making it the perfect track to hold over your head in a sonic declaration of love.

Sounds Like: She's your future wife.

Obviously, this one would be after a break-up that was really just a hiccup on your way to the altar. Fighting while in a relationship with the person you know you're probably going to marry can be even more stressful than a regular argument, so coming back strong with an emphasis on how you want to spend your whole life together is a good move. Bringing Bruce Springsteen into the situation is always a good idea, there's no one sexier or more earnest about his emotions than The Boss. Don't be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve a little and croon along with Springsteen on this one, it's basically a fact that a sung marriage proposal has never been turned down. One final hint, don't use this one if you haven't ever discussed marriage in real life, springing the question on her while you two are on the rocks might not be the best idea.

Sounds Like: Love crossed over from a want to a need.

It makes more sense to play a classic love song to win the love of your life back, because you have years of history and cultural references to boost your choice. In Say Anything Lloyd plays the Peter Gabriel song because it was essentially "their" song, but playing a universally acclaimed love song can be a good decision if your current situation isn't necessarily marked by it's own tune yet. Also using a song that has been seen as the perfect declaration of adoration for decades aligns you with a very powerful tradition of successful romancers. Telling a girl you need her, not just want her but need her is a bold move but one that works without fail. Snap along while holding the boombox with one hand if you're coordinated enough to manage that.

Sounds Like: A sugary sweet romance with '80s beats.

Hall and Oates have built an empire breaking up with, pining after, and celebrating the women they're in and out of love with. This upbeat ditty emphasizes the ever useful metaphor involving flames and candles, the popular dance "Twist and Shout" and of course, compares being in love to a daydream. But these tropes are tried and true for a reason—they get the point across. If they seem corny to the casual reader they will not seem that far off the mark to someone who is head over heels in love. Let your girl know that she's the one who makes reality feel like a daydream and odds are she'll put the past in the past.

Sounds Like: She's the only one in the whole wide world.

There's really nothing like declaring you'd commence a world-wide march just to be back with your baby. This song is so grandiose in its claims and so raw in its delivery that getting swept away in the stomping rhythms and driving guitars feels like second nature. Definitely use this song if you're trying to woo a girl who's really into straight up rock & roll or British bands. Keep in mind that this track really gained its current cultural momentum when Will Ferrell sang it in Stranger Than Fiction so make sure to use this song if that's her favorite movie.

Sounds Like: She really wants to know you need her.

Chicago is one of those bands that occupies a special place in a lot of people's hearts, so if your girl is into jazz fusion or soft rock then the stately horns of "If You Leave Me Now" will have her tearing up the moment they blast through those boombox speakers. This song hits the right note between adoration and desperation, although it's technically begging, it comes off as sweet and not despairing. The sweet orchestral accompaniment keeps the tone low-key sweet instead of creepy and then there's just the fact that history is on your side—almost every girl is familiar with this song even if she doesn't know who it's actually by. Crack up that volume knob and get her back!

Sounds Like: Dylan's best love poetry through the lens of Adele's powerhouse vocals.

Although this is a Bob Dylan cover, let's face it, Adele is just a lot more palatable to an estranged lover than Bob's growling croon, no matter how fervent he may be. The poetry contained in this song is what does make it markedly Dylan though, and Adele's delivery highlights the deep-seated love in the track. Unshakeable against the elements, un-bothered by the inconsistencies of others and not even disturbed by the doubts of the other person, the sentiments of this song are powerful enough to erase even the worst fights or doubts from a girl's mind, and assure her that you're willing to do any thing to make her feel loved.

Sounds Like: A hopelessly romantic take on the world.

This one seems like a no-brainer. The Beatles have composed some of the most beloved and well-known love songs in the English language, but the simplicity and belief contained in this track has easily kept thousands of relationships and love stories afloat. Obviously, use this one if the object of your affections is a Beatles fan, but it also would work well on a hopeless romantic who doesn't really believe in logistical restrictions or cultural norms as important and seriously values love above all else. But please, make sure you use the original version and not one from Across the Universe or one of those embarrassing cover bands—have some self-respect.

Sounds Like: A declaration of unparalleled love.

The drums on the beginning of this song are so distinct, that if your girl has any love in her heart for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs she'll probably run to her window and throw open the shutters before Karen O even starts singing. This song is just too compelling to be ignored, "Wait, they don't love you like I love" is the most emotionally charged claim anyone can make and Karen's voice carries that unbending adoration so fervently. Then there's the extended metaphor of the map itself... well actually the rest of the lyrics to this song are a little ambiguous. But that chorus is so clear it should do all the work for you.

Sounds Like: Admitting you're wrong with an undeniable charm.

Michael Jackson's adolescent voice is one of the most endearing sounds on earth, it's irresistible in all iterations, but especially when he was just a little pre-pubescent teen singing about very adult topics. Everyone on earth has felt this way at some point in their life, and there's no shame in admitting you want someone back, especially when you do it with such a positive outlook. This song lays out the apology for you, tapping human nature in general as the scapegoat and lifting the blame off you as an individual. "When I had you to myself / I didn't want you around"—come on, everyone knows that when something seems to easy most humans start looking at their other options. But pair that with "Trying to live without your love / is one long sleepless night" and the romance will be back to normal. It's perfect song in so many ways, because the bright, brassiness of will erase any dark memories from the past. Seriously who doesn't love Michael Jackson? Have MJ begging on your behalf and you're guaranteed to rekindle the flame.

Sounds Like: Soul grooves with enough persuasion to convince any cynic.

There's no one on earth more convincing than Al Green is there? It seems like even if he was a serial philanderer, all Green would have to do was start humming the opening bars to this classic and all would be forgiven, every time. This is the quintessential "win her back" song and one of the few that seems crafted for that specific purpose. Hey, everyone that's ever been in a relationship knows how hard it can be, but Al's velvet voice backed by staccato bursts of brass make staying together feel like an elegant, easy affair. Bonus feature on this song is that it kind of works to put on even if everything is going smoothly, so you can occasionally throw it on in the background to remind her of that time when you wooed her back with a boombox! Try telling the impressive story to your kids, but be prepared for the inevitable "What's a boombox??" question.

Sounds Like: Ethereal harmonies about someone who makes you a better person.

The best part about this song is it acknowledges just how pivotal the presence of a significant other can be in our lives. No matter how successful or happy we may be on our own, there's a depth and a beauty that sharing your life with someone else adds to existence—it's truly an incredible feeling. Play this song for your girl pretty much no matter what, because honestly isn't the idea of making someone else a better person through your relationship the whole point of love? Can't really miss with those Beach Boys harmonies either, Brian Wilson remains one of the most genius composers and arrangers modern music has seen. The genius of that opening line "I may not always love you / but long as there are stars above you / you never need to doubt it / I'll make you that sure about it" is that one can barely even type it without tearing up—much less hear it sung in parts! Oh, and definitely choose this jam to lure your estranged lover if she's into music theory because then she'll realize that you chose one of Wilson's most complex arrangements.