Unrequited love songs in Western music recommended for men. World-famous classics and popular hits.

Not In That WaySam Smith

Not In That Way

“Not In That Way,” included on Sam Smith’s album In the Lonely Hour released on May 26, 2014.

In this work, Sam Smith’s vulnerable yet passionate vocals convey the delicate but profound emotions of unrequited love.

The simple, piano-only accompaniment highlights his aching voice and slowly etches itself into the listener’s heart.

So when you listen to this song, you might want to sit down, brace yourself, and be ready to dive deep into your emotions.

This ballad, which portrays the bittersweet feelings experienced by a man, likely resonates strongly with many male listeners.

Take CareDrake

Drake – Take Care ft. Rihanna

This is a love song produced by Drake, who was hailed as a rising star in the hip-hop scene.

Released in 2011, it was included on his second album.

It can be considered one of his signature songs, and it was created through a collaboration with Rihanna.

WeightlessArlo Parks

Arlo Parks – Weightless (Official Video)

Arlo Parks’s track “Weightless” vividly portrays unwavering feelings and the inner conflicts they bring.

Melancholic yet melodic, the song’s arrangement gently cradles the sweet-and-bitter emotions of unrequited love.

Released on May 26, 2023, it quietly stays close to the listener’s heart and sketches an introspective world.

Its delicate lyrics—blending a longing for deep affection with the ache of feelings that can’t reach their destination—will especially resonate with male listeners experiencing one-sided love.

By listening closely to the story Arlo Parks has crafted and overlaying it with your own experiences, you may discover a deepened, newfound sense of emotion.

When I Was Your ManBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – When I Was Your Man (Official Music Video)

It’s a poignant male love ballad by Bruno Mars.

A simple, piano-led melody is complemented by his soaring vocals, heightening the sense of melancholy.

With rich emotion, it sings of a man’s regret—wishing he had done those things for her back when he was her man.

Secret Love SongLittle Mix

Little Mix – Secret Love Song (Official Video) ft. Jason Derulo

It’s a song about a bittersweet love that must be kept hidden in public.

If the person you care about already has someone they like or a partner, the lyrics may really resonate with you.

The song is written from both male and female perspectives, and it’s sure to empathize with both sides’ feelings.