[2026] Recommended for women! A roundup of Western unrequited love songs

LovefoolThe Cardigans

The Cardigans – Lovefool (Official Music Video)

Lovefool by the Swedish band The Cardigans is a classic song that poignantly yet sweetly captures the theme of unrequited love.

Released as the lead single from their 1996 album First Band on the Moon, it became a global hit.

Its use in the film Romeo + Juliet drew even more attention.

The song skillfully portrays the complex emotions of a woman in one-sided love; even if her feelings aren’t returned, the lyrics convey her longing simply to be by his side.

The band’s energetic pop sound and Nina Persson’s clear, crystalline vocals elevate this brisk yet profound track.

It’s a timeless tune recommended for every woman who knows the ache and hope of unrequited love.

Emily I’m Sorryboygenius

boygenius – Emily I’m Sorry (official music video)

Hailing from the United States, boygenius is truly a supergroup in the indie rock scene, bringing together Julian Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus—each a successful singer-songwriter in her own right.

Their album The Record, released on January 18, 2023, was widely acclaimed around the world and remains fresh in our memories.

This time, let’s focus on the track Emily I’m Sorry.

The song lays bare personal growth and inner conflict, as well as the remorse that follows a failed relationship.

Those complicated emotions also overlap with the pain of unrequited love.

Because it expresses, through music, the delicate mix of doubt, regret, and compassion that many people may experience, it resonates with a wide audience.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you’re trying to understand your own feelings—that’s its true appeal.

Brass in PocketThe Pretenders

“Brass in Pocket” – **The Pretenders**

A track released in 1979 by The Pretenders.

It features lyrics with extensive use of slang.

It reached the Top 10 on charts around the world.

It was sampled in Kaleef’s 1997 track “Trials of Life.”

Unrequited LoveYuna

Yuna – Unrequited Love

Yuna, an artist from Malaysia known for her innovative musicality, drew significant attention with “Unrequited Love” from her album Chapters—a song that, as the title suggests, explores one-sided love.

The track exquisitely captures both the ache and the beauty of unreturned feelings, conveying Yuna’s deep emotions with striking directness.

It gracefully portrays the struggles women face in one-sided love, and its delicacy is one of its charms.

In particular, the poignant melody—singing of the sorrow of love that isn’t accepted, and the resolve to love nonetheless—deeply resonates with listeners.

It’s a song I’d recommend to women experiencing unrequited love and to anyone carrying a hidden affection.

Its beautiful melody and lyrics are sure to kindle a new light in your heart.

PayphoneMaroon 5 ft.Wiz Khalifa

Maroon 5 – Payphone ft. Wiz Khalifa (Explicit) (Official Music Video)

A collaboration between the American pop-rock band Maroon 5 and rapper Wiz Khalifa.

The music video, directed by Sam Bayer, was filmed in the California desert.

It was sampled in DJ Earworm’s 2012 track “Shine Brighter.”

JubelKlingande

Klingande – Jubel (Official Video HD)

French DJ and producer Klingande’s 2013 smash hit “Jubel” means “jubilation” or “joy” in German.

The song is known for its minimalist lyrics and catchy melody that connect with listeners on an emotional level.

In particular, the repeated phrase “Save me” expresses the intense emotional fluctuations of unrequited love and is likely to resonate with many.

Characterized by a melodic, tropical sound, “Jubel” carries a bittersweet yet hopeful atmosphere, symbolizing both the tanginess and beauty of one-sided love.

It’s recommended for women who want to express their feelings brightly and positively while experiencing unrequited love.

Through its excellent music and melody, the track conveys the happiness that arrives after setbacks and long anticipation.

UnconditionallyKaty Perry

Katy Perry – Unconditionally (Official)

This is a song by America’s iconic songstress, Katy Perry, about unconditional love.

She sings very soulfully that she doesn’t expect anything in return—she simply loves you.

Just having someone who can pour so much love into you is, in itself, a blessing, isn’t it?