A lovely unrequited love song

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Suddenly, but have you ever experienced unrequited love?

For those who can’t help but feel a pang in their chest when they think back to those days, or for women who are currently experiencing unrequited love, this article introduces some wonderful Western songs about unrequited love.

There are many forms of unrequited love.

Whether the feelings are straightforward or complicated, artists have shared songs shaped by their own experiences.

You’re sure to find a song that resonates with your own story of unrequited love!

Please take a look.

[2026] Recommended for women! A collection of unrequited love songs in Western music (21–30)

Want U BackCher Lloyd

Cher Lloyd – Want U Back (US Version)

Want U BackCher Lloyd

This number passionately belts out, “Come back to me!” to an ex.

It’s a cute, poppy track from teen star Cher Lloyd, who rose to fame on an idol discovery show.

In the music video, she causes trouble out of lovesickness and ends up dealing with the police—but let’s chalk that up to charm.

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Where Have You BeenRihanna

Rihanna – Where Have You Been

Where Have You BeenRihanna

It’s a song that asks, “Where are you now?” to someone who makes you happy.

In the music video, Rihanna is portrayed as Snow White, complete with seven dwarfs.

It’s a dance tune entirely different from Disney’s, but perhaps a girl’s heart is the same everywhere.

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Anything Could HappenEllie Goulding

Ellie Goulding – Anything Could Happen (Official Video)

Anything Could HappenEllie Goulding

A synth-pop track released in 2012 by British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding.

It became a hit around the world and reached No.

1 on the U.S.

charts.

The music video was filmed in Malibu, California.

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RiskGracie Abrams

Gracie Abrams – Risk (Official Music Video)

RiskGracie Abrams

A song by Gracie Abrams that cheers on unrequited love, capturing both the risk and exhilaration of stepping into romance.

It portrays the precarious yet sweet impulse of being drawn to someone you barely know.

Nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy, she enlisted Aaron Dessner as producer; the track was released ahead of the album The Secret of Us in May 2024.

The lyrics vividly depict a protagonist who recognizes they’re rushing in but can’t stop their feelings.

In contrast to its uplifting pop melody, the words blend heartache with resolve.

It’s a piece that will surely give a push to anyone hesitating to take that first step in love.

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OneEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – One [Official Music Video]

OneEd Sheeran

A track released in 2014 by Ed Sheeran.

It is the final track, written for his girlfriend with whom he had been in a relationship for decades since his teenage years.

An acoustic version was released on YouTube in May 2014.

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