When you can’t quite express your feelings to someone you like, or when you’ve told them but it isn’t going well, what do you do?
I’ve gathered classic Western songs themed around unrequited love across different ages for those struggling with all kinds of crushes.
If you look into the lyrics’ meanings, you might discover charms you won’t find in Japanese songs!
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- Unrequited love breakup songs from Western music. World-famous classics and popular hits.
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Hidden gems of one-sided-love songs in Western music. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
Careless WhisperGeorge Michael

“Careless Whisper” was released by Wham! and issued as a single from their second album, Make It Big, in 1984.
It also became the number-one song of the year in the United States, and has been covered by various artists around the world.
Right Here WaitingRichard Marx

“Right Here Waiting” is a ballad by Richard Marx and is included on his album “Repeat Offender.” The song reached the prestigious No.
1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a major hit, charting in the United States and other countries.
Ordinary DayAce of Base

Ace of Base is a mixed-gender music group from Sweden, consisting of four members: two women who handle vocals and two men.
“Ordinary Day” is the sixth track on their album “Da Capo.”
To Love You MoreCéline Dion

“To Love You More” is a single by Celine Dion, released in Japan on October 23, 1995.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Koibito yo” and was also featured in commercials for the English conversation school AEON.
The lyrics and composition were handled by David Foster.
helloLionel Richie

“Hello” is a single by singer-songwriter Lionel Richie, released by Motown on February 13, 1984.
The lyrics and music were written by Lionel Richie himself.
There is an anecdote that the song was based on an experience Richie had when he was young.
AlmazRandy Crawford

Randy Crawford is a renowned jazz and R&B singer from Macon, Georgia, in the United States.
This song was used as an insert track in the Fuji TV drama “Mou Daremo Aisanai,” which aired in 1991.
In Japan, the title is “Sweet Love.”
I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys

“I Want It That Way” is a classic by the American five-member male group Backstreet Boys, released in 1999, and it became a worldwide hit ballad.
It was the lead single from their album “Millennium” and became one of their signature songs.



