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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- Unrequited love songs by bands. Japanese pop/rock love songs.
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Ballad songs about unrequited love (41–50)
If only I could just come to hate you.Ryohei Ab

A pop song that tugs at the heart with the ache of being unable to confess your feelings even while carrying love inside.
Featured on the album “THE BEST 2020 – 2025,” releasing in January 2025, this track pairs warm, rich production with emotional lyrics that gently support anyone struggling with love.
Ryohei Abe’s delicate vocals and expressive delivery resonate deeply with those holding on to fragile feelings.
The song carefully portrays the frustration of being unable to let go of your emotions while agonizing over the distance between you and the one you like.
If you haven’t been able to tell that special someone how you feel, you’ll surely relate.
Ballad songs about unrequited love (51–60)
ContrastTOMOO

A gem of a love song that exquisitely interweaves longing for someone with a tender ache.
The feelings TOMOO weaves—wavering between the joy and loneliness of love—gently embrace emotions anyone can relate to.
That bittersweet yearning of having someone right before your eyes yet being unable to close the distance between your hearts.
The pure emotion that slips out despite putting on a brave face.
Carefully giving voice to the heart of someone in unrequited love, this song has been airing since January 2024 as the ending theme for cour 2 of the anime Blue Box.
It’s a track we especially recommend to those who are in the midst of a romance, with their loved one nearby yet unable to be fully honest about their feelings.
CHE.R.RYYUI

This pop tune, packed with sweet-and-sour feelings of first love, vividly paints a timeless page of youth.
Expressing the emotions of unrequited love through delicate exchanges via cell phone messages, the song captivates with YUI’s clear, translucent vocals and acoustic sound.
Released in March 2007, it became a memorable track as a commercial jingle.
It was also included on the album CAN’T BUY MY LOVE and selected as the ending theme for the TV anime ReLIFE: Final Arc.
It’s a refreshing, encouraging song perfect for the season when spring arrives—one that anyone harboring feelings of love can relate to.
I like you.YUTORI-SEDAI

A bittersweet love song by YUTORI-SEDAI packed with the flutter and ache of unrequited love.
Changing your nails or makeup, trying a new hair color… You can’t help but root for someone doing everything they can to get their crush to notice them.
Released in February 2023, this track became a huge hit on TikTok.
Haven’t you experienced something like this yourself? Before you work up the courage to confess, why not listen to this song and get yourself in the mood?
I’ve fallen in love.YUTORI-SEDAI

A heartrending song that portrays an unstoppable longing, even while knowing you shouldn’t move forward.
It’s a rock track YUTORI-SEDAI delivers in July 2024.
With a sense of urgency like a racing heartbeat, it captures the emotional sway of not being able to suppress your feelings, even as you worry you might just be getting played.
The song was selected as the 50th anniversary commercial track for Aeon Topvalu, and the music video features Rio Kitano, a TikTok sensation.
It’s sure to resonate with anyone who can’t stop thinking about that special someone.
Being a little short is just right.YUTORI-SEDAI

The lyrics sweetly and poignantly portray a girl’s feelings of love—truly memorable! YUTORI-SEDAI’s song is a love anthem that stands by the hearts of high schoolers dealing with unrequited feelings.
Its unique take on romance—“love that’s a little lacking is just right”—has resonated with many.
Released in October 2023, the track became a viral hit on TikTok, and the music video featuring cast members from a popular dating show also drew attention.
It’s the perfect song for those in the midst of youth, to listen to while thinking of someone they like.
High school students struggling with love—why not listen to this song and find a bit of courage?
Mutual loveaiko

From the flutter in your chest the moment you fall in love to the ache of feelings that don’t reach the other person, Aiko’s crystal-clear voice resonates deep in the heart.
Delicately portraying the emotions of longing for someone, this work—released in May 2024 and spotlighted as the theme song for a popular animated film—has struck a chord with many listeners.
Aiko’s vocals and the film’s world blend beautifully, further enhancing the piece’s allure.
It’s the perfect song for those experiencing unrequited love or looking to boost their motivation in romance.
Why not listen to this track and find the courage to share your feelings?


