A ballad song about unrequited love
There are many different styles of unrequited love songs, but I’ve put together a selection of “ballad-style unrequited love songs” that I especially recommend to those who love gentle, heartfelt romance tracks.
Some are about love that will never come true, and others are lingering-love songs about still having feelings after a breakup.
Every song hits you right in the heart, so please give them a listen.
Ballad-style unrequited love songs are also perfect for when you just want to cry.
I hope you find one song on this list that stays close to your feelings.
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Ballad songs about unrequited love (41–50)
Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER
A gem of a love song that portrays the bittersweet unrequited love almost everyone experiences at least once.
In this work by SUPER BEAVER, the emotional band sound seems to directly embody the world of the lyrics.
It’s featured as an insert song in NHK General’s late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi,” beautifully aligning with the show’s atmosphere.
Shibuya Ryota’s deeply expressive vocals are truly moving.
It’s a song that stays close to the hearts of those currently facing their feelings for someone.
petalback number
A heartbreaking breakup song that overlays the fleeting memories of love with cherry blossom petals.
The lyrics delicately portray how memories with a lover linger everywhere in the city, turning even everyday scenes into amplifiers of pain.
While still holding on to love, the reality is that they will never meet again.
This song carries a message that gently embraces that hurt.
Released in April 2011, it was featured as the ending theme for JAPAN COUNTDOWN.
It is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced a painful romance.
My name is Unrequited Loveindigo la End
This is a song by indigo la End that portrays a heartrending unrequited love beginning with love at first sight.
Set to a lively mid-tempo track crafted by Enon Kawatani in January 2023, it sings of the protagonist’s complex emotions after falling for someone of the same sex.
While feeling the pain of social prejudice and unspoken pressures, the story tightens the chest as the protagonist suppresses their own feelings for the sake of the other person’s happiness.
It’s a song that will resonate with those who, having fallen in love, lose sight of themselves yet can do nothing but carry those feelings, as well as those struggling with a love they can’t tell anyone about.
Unrequited lovemiwa
With a relaxed tempo, this unrequited love song conveys an overwhelming sense of sorrow, singing of the pain and sadness of harboring feelings for someone whose love will never be returned.
Though love is supposed to be free, it expresses the doubt of whether one is even allowed to fall for that person.
wishsumika
A song by sumika that portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love and hope for the future.
The protagonist’s inner struggle—wishing happiness for the one they love while being unable to suppress their own feelings—is especially striking.
Released in December 2019 as the theme song for the drama “Ossan’s Love -in the sky-,” it reached No.
6 on the Oricon charts.
The music video has also been viewed over 20 million times, capturing the hearts of many.
It’s recommended not only for those wrestling with love, but also for anyone who wants to cherish the feeling of wishing someone else happiness.
Why not listen to this piece and face the “wish” that lies within you?
I’m really sorry.≠ME
This song beautifully captures the ache of unrequited love.
The lyrics convey the struggle of staying just friends while being unable to confess your feelings.
Even knowing they’re drawn to someone else, you can’t hold back your own emotions—the complexity of that inner turmoil hits close to home.
Included on ≠ME’s ninth single, “Because Summer Has Come,” this track feels like peeking into a lovestruck girl’s diary.
It’s perfect for anyone stuck between friends and lovers or gathering the courage to confess.
Give it a listen—and take the leap to tell them how you feel!
Leading someone on is a serious offense!arekunn
This song depicts the heartache of an unrequited crush tossed around by someone’s teasing behavior, all through a comedic lens.
Its lyrics capture a racing heartbeat, affection for the other person, and mounting frustration, resonating deeply with listeners.
Showcasing Are-kun’s unique expressive style, the track gained buzz after its September 2023 release, especially on social media, with numerous TikTok videos using parts of the song.
It’s recommended for anyone troubled by a crush’s mixed signals or feeling the frustration of unrequited love.
The relatable lyrics will encourage and uplift you.