Even among unrequited love songs, there are works with a variety of characteristics—some have “poisonous” lyrics, while others feature very bright melodies.
In particular, Western music tends to have a wider range in this respect compared to Japanese music.
This time, we’ve picked out Western songs about unrequited love.
Even though they all fall under the same theme, the atmosphere and content vary greatly from track to track, so we also explain the lyrical themes and the background behind the songs’ creation.
If you’re currently experiencing unrequited love, you’ll likely find many songs you can relate to, so be sure to check them out!
- Unrequited Love in Western Music: A Collection of Heart-wrenching Classics [2026]
- Unrequited love songs that strike a man's heart. Love songs from a male perspective that really hit home.
- Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music: Ranking [2026]
- [Tearjerker Guaranteed!] A Heartbreak Song Told from a Male Perspective
- [Foreign-Love Songs] A roundup of popular overseas love songs and romance songs [2026]
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- [Mutual Crush Song] Stuck before confession, not quite lovers!? A love song capturing wavering emotions
- Confession songs in Western music I want to dedicate to someone in love. World-famous classics and popular hits.
- Hidden gems of unrequited love songs in Western music. Recommended popular tracks.
- Bittersweet love songs to listen to when the person you like already has a girlfriend or boyfriend
- Tear-jerking unrequited love songs in Western music: recommended classics and popular tracks
- Unrequited love breakup songs from Western music. World-famous classics and popular hits.
- Unrequited love breakup songs in Western music. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
Recommended Western one-sided love songs for men: World classics and popular tracks (1–10)
How Would You FeelEd Sheeran
This is a single by Ed Sheeran, famous for writing beautiful, moving lyrics.
It’s crafted as a love story.
When you listen to his music, I’d like you to focus not only on the melody but also on the lyrics.
His beautiful words will soothe you and enhance your romantic sensibilities.
You’re BeautifulJames Blunt
It’s a song released in 2005.
With this single, James Blunt was propelled to worldwide fame.
The music video feels a bit risky, but it’s a poignant song that stays by your side when you fall for someone who feels out of your league.
It helps you while you face your own wretchedness head-on.
See You Again ft. Charlie PuthWiz Khalifa
Many of you have probably heard this as a song from the movie Fast & Furious.
Matching the film’s theme, it’s crafted as a farewell song to someone you’ll never meet again, someone dear to you.
Its heartrending melody brings tears to your eyes.
Recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in that bittersweet feeling.
GrenadeBruno Mars
Bruno Mars’s signature song “Grenade” dynamically expresses the weight of love.
Since its 2010 release, it has enjoyed enduring popularity.
The track is marked by passionate vocals and a powerful melody.
Its lyrics, which portray unrequited love through grand metaphors, are especially striking.
The raw emotion hits hard, so it might really resonate with men struggling with the dilemma of unrequited feelings.
The song’s emotional atmosphere has a once-heard, never-forgotten allure.
Without YouDavid Guetta
As the title “Without You” suggests, a male vocalist sings with aching emotion.
It’s a song about a love that leaves him feeling so powerless he believes he can’t do anything without you.
Despite the theme, the tune is pop, making it a track you can listen to without it feeling overly sad.