[To Those in Love] Relatable Love Songs to Listen to When You’re Crushing Hard

LOVE LETTERMakihara Noriyuki

NORIYUKI MAKIHARA LOVE LETTER

Do you know the hidden gem by Noriyuki Makihara that portrays a faint, letter-bound first love? Centered around an undelivered love letter, it delicately captures the emotions of a protagonist seeing off someone dear who is leaving for a distant job.

The imagery—twilight at the station and scenes along the tracks—feels so vivid it tightens the listener’s chest with a poignant ache.

The song was included on the album UNDERWEAR, released in October 1996, and was later used as the theme for NTT East’s corporate commercial “Mother,” featuring Yui Aragaki.

This piece rekindles the unspoken kindness we couldn’t put into words and the bittersweet memories of youth.

It’s a song to savor, especially for those who’ve experienced a springtime parting or who carry unspoken feelings in their hearts.

Love letternatsuiro matsuri

[Original Song] Love Letter [hololive / Natsuiro Matsuri / Secret Piercing]

This track, which unveils a dark and luscious worldview that overturns her previously cheerful and bright image, is Natsuiro Matsuri’s digital single released in March 2025.

Set to a piano-and-synth sound crafted by Naisho no Pierce, it portrays a deep affection—bordering on possessiveness and obsession—that spills out precisely because it’s written like a letter.

Sung by Natsuiro Matsuri, the piece features a striking vocal performance where cuteness and madness coexist, revealing a different side of her compared to solo songs like “HiHi High Tension!” Conveying an earnest desire to know everything about the other person, it’s a perfect song to savor on nights when you want a more provocative love song than usual.

Trancybiz×ZERA feat suiso

Trancy / biz × ZERA feat. Suisou

This song portrays the runaway feelings of love that can’t be contained within the bounds of friendship.

Released in September 2023, it centers on the ache of unrequited love.

The other person has a different partner, and while the singer knows their feelings won’t reach them, they still can’t hold them back.

Mizusou’s cool, sultry vocals capture that pain beautifully.

The trance-tinged dance beat stirs both elation and impatience at once.

It’s sure to resonate deeply with anyone wavering on the border between friendship and romance, or carrying feelings they’re not allowed to have.

By your side.riria.

riria. / By Your Side [Music Video]

Many people have probably fallen for someone who’s popular and kind to everyone, and felt restless with jealousy.

Riria’s new work portrays the sweet yet bittersweet longing of wishing that person would look only at you.

You might even see yourself in the protagonist, who wants to have them all to herself but can’t be honest about it.

The song was included on the May 2022 EP “Kiroku” (“Record”) and served as an insert track in a romantic reality show, quietly watching over the twists and turns of love.

If you’re struggling to confess your feelings to someone you like, why not let this song give you a gentle push?

Love thief.Yuika

Love Thief. / “Yuika” [MV]

Its relaxed, sweet vocals and lyrics that candidly portray a girl falling in love are striking! This is a cute love song sung by singer-songwriter Yuika, who’s active on YouTube and TikTok.

Many people have probably experienced being captivated the moment their eyes met, unconsciously following their crush with their gaze, or feeling their heart race just from hearing their laughter.

Released in March 2022, this song gently encourages those who want to make their one-sided love come true with the twist that “it turns out the other person liked me too.”

Ambiguous BlueKawasaki Takaya

Takaya Kawasaki - Ambiguous Blue [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A heart-stirring love song that portrays jealousy born from lovesickness and feelings that can’t be grasped.

Its simple yet striking piano and acoustic guitar melodies further highlight the frustration of a hesitant heart.

As the affection that grows with getting to know someone more deeply intertwines with aching emotions, Takaya Kawasaki’s gentle voice weaves them together with care.

Chosen as the theme song for the MBS drama “Fukushū Kareshi: Deki-Ai Shachō no Kao ni wa Ura ga Aru” (“Revenge Boyfriend: The Doting CEO Has a Hidden Side”), this track speaks to anyone in love who wants to know more about their partner yet feels anxious when they know too much.

Recommended for those struggling with the delicate distance in a relationship.

A Naked Heartaimyon

Aimyon – Naked Heart [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

I think many people love the songs sung by the popular singer-songwriter Aimyon because her unadorned words pierce the heart.

This work is a ballad that gently stays close to a heart that has become timid about love.

Feeling lonely and wondering if you’ll always be alone, or envying someone who seems happy… It sings of the earnest desire to be loved by someone just as you are, without hiding those feelings.

The song was released in June 2020 as her 10th single and became a hot topic as the theme song for the drama “My Housekeeper Nagisa-san.” With a characteristically Aimyon, slightly nostalgic melody, it will gently embrace the pain of your struggles in love and make you feel like you can try again.