[Songs for Thinking of Someone You Love] Love Songs That Make Your Chest Tighten—From Unrequited to Mutual Love

more than anyoneBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Stronger Than Anyone -Lyric Video- (Theme song for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone”)

A gem of a ballad where longing and love intersect has arrived from BE:FIRST.

Delicately portraying the frustration of not being able to touch the one you love, and the unwavering feelings that persist nonetheless, this piece gently envelops listeners’ hearts with its sophisticated melody and meticulous arrangement.

Included on the double A-side single “Spacecraft / Sailing,” released on February 5, 2025, it also serves as the theme song for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone,” which premiered around the same time.

With lead actor RYOKI contributing to the lyrics, the work achieves a beautiful harmony between visuals and music.

Recommended for those who resonate with the feelings of loving someone and the bonds shared with someone precious.

Selfish JulietBOØWY

Wagamama Juliet

Set to a romantic kayō-style melody, this classic song dramatizes the feeling of being in love.

Released by BOØWY in February 1986 as the lead single from the album “JUST A HERO,” it weaves pure affection with bittersweet longing in its lyrics, which pair the gentle phrase “Don’t cry” with a powerful devotion to a loved one.

From the guitar-led intro to the melodious development and chord progression that exudes a romantic mood, the track seems to capture the heart-fluttering excitement of a girl in love.

It peaked at No.

39 on the Oricon Singles Chart and became a pivotal number, performed at every BOØWY concert up until their breakup.

An eternal masterpiece best enjoyed while thinking of someone special.

HappinessChe’Nelle

Che’Nelle – Happiness ft. Nao Matsushita

A heartwarming medium-tempo ballad overflowing with love for that special someone.

The pure feelings of wanting to stay by their side and the simple happiness of their mere existence are gently wrapped in a clear, pristine vocal.

Released by Che’Nelle in October 2014, the song drew attention as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Dear Sister,” and was later included on the album “Che’Nelle World.” Its lyrics—marked by an earnest desire to express one’s true feelings, even clumsily, and a powerful sense of devotion—will gently encourage those who struggle to put their love into words.

I want to be your boyfriend.Cody Rī (Ri)

Cody・Lee (Li) – I Want to Be Your Boyfriend (Music Video)

Here’s a pop number that sings of sweet young love.

It’s a track by Cody・Lee (Li), released in November 2024.

Positioned as the concluding chapter to the album “Last First Love,” this song features catchy melodies and a breezy rhythm, with lyrics that reflect unwavering devotion.

Blending elements of indie pop and rock while retaining the accessibility of J‑POP, it’s a polished piece that’s sure to lift your romantic mood.

Be sure to give it a listen.

To you, beloved just as you areDISH//

DISH// – To You, Whom I Love Just As You Are [Official Video]

DISH//’s third single, written with gentle words straight from the heart.

It’s filled with a heartwarming message: having someone by your side gives you the courage to face forward.

In the lyrics crafted by Takumi Kitamura, you can feel the love for someone special and the wish for a relationship where you can accept each other just as you are.

Paired with a refreshing melody, it becomes a gem of a love song that resonates deeply with listeners.

Released digitally in September 2021, it was featured in a commercial for Sunstar’s oral care brand Ora2 me.

Highly recommended for anyone who finds it hard to be honest about their feelings, or who wants to express gratitude to someone important.

Only youDani.

Dani. – “Only You Alone” [Lyric Video], love song, ballad

A gem of a love song where inorganic, Auto-Tuned vocals blend beautifully with passionate lyrics about pure love.

Dani.’s delicate voice gently embraces the vow of eternal love.

Rather than someone out in the world, the lyrics plainly trace the changing emotions brought about by meeting that one special person.

Released in November 2024 as a track on the album “Unmei tte.” (“Fate, you know.”), the song drew wide attention on social media and reached No.

2 on Spotify’s Viral Chart.

It’s a warm, comforting track that stays close to your heart when you want to reaffirm your feelings for a cherished partner or feel grateful for meeting your destined person.

Lovers AgainEXILE

EXILE / Lovers Again

While it’s a bittersweet romantic ballad, this song is also a masterpiece that exudes mature allure.

Released in January 2007, it originated as the required piece for EXILE’s vocalist audition and was featured in au’s “LISMO!” campaign commercial.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart, selling over 250,000 copies, and ranked in the top 10 of karaoke charts for three consecutive years.

The melodic composition and deeply poetic lyrics that portray two lovers draw listeners in.

This track is perfect for a night when you want to spend time leisurely by candlelight or reminisce about precious memories with someone special.

It also makes a great soundtrack for a calm nighttime drive.

Be sure to give this sophisticated, adult-tinged song a listen.