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

Last Love Lettermoon drop

moon drop [Last Love Letter] Music Video

From an intro that bursts with the sweet tang of youth and sets your heart dancing, this is the quintessential popular number by moon drop.

Many listeners are sure to feel their chests tighten at the lyrics’ worldview, where the frustration of unrequited love and unspoken feelings intersect.

The track is included on their first full-length album, “Kono Tenohira ga Mada Kimi o Oboete Iru,” released in January 2022.

It was also used as a CM song for Honda Cars, broadcast across seven prefectures in the Chubu region, including Aichi and Mie, so plenty of people have likely heard its refreshing melody on TV.

This song sets indecisive feelings toward someone you love and a premonition of love’s end to an easygoing beat.

It’s perfect not only for students swaying with tender crushes, but also for anyone who wants to bask in bittersweet memories from the past.

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.

Because I like you.Yuika

Because I love you. / “Yuika” [MV]

Starting in 2020, Yuika began posting videos of herself singing and playing guitar on video platforms and social media, gaining attention as a high school singer-songwriter.

Her song “Suki Dakara,” released on YouTube, became a major hit not only in Japan but also across various Asian regions such as Taiwan and Hong Kong, bringing her widespread recognition.

The lyrics depict a story from the perspectives of two people with unrequited feelings for each other—an arrangement that might seem frustrating to outsiders.

Featuring a gentle ensemble centered on acoustic guitar, it’s a comfortable pop tune especially recommended for teens.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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.

More than friends, less than loversmatsumura kanau

More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

A song that delicately portrays the inner conflict between the desire to grow closer and the anxiety that keeps you from taking that first step.

The frustration of romantic feelings sprouting from a close friendship, and the pain of being unable to confess those feelings, are fully conveyed through Kanau Matsumura’s clear, translucent vocals.

Released in July 2022, the track sparked a major response on social media and has surpassed 5 million views on YouTube.

It has drawn attention as a song that deeply resonates with those struggling in a mutual but hesitant relationship, where both feel the same yet can’t move forward.

Becoming lovers can mean losing something precious; that’s why some choose to keep things as they are.

This song is recommended for anyone who relates to such complex emotions.

I want to be your lover.Chōkyūmei

“I Want to Be Your Lover” Music Video / Cho Kyumei

Some of you might be feeling antsy because you have a crush but can’t seem to get closer to the person you like.

If that’s you, I really recommend listening to “I Want to Be Your Lover.” This song frankly portrays the feelings of someone in love.

By gently repeating the title phrase in an ultra-high register, it expresses that ineffable, heart-fluttering emotion.

The jazz-tinged sound also adds a pop brightness, making it a great pick-me-up when you need a boost!

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yamamoto

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I hate this love songchanmina

I hate this love song

This is a heartfelt love song by Chanmina that vividly captures the sweet-and-sour and complicated feelings of first love.

Written as the theme song for the film based on Yoru Sumino’s work, “Ka『』ku『』shi『』go『』to『」, it is set for release in May 2025.

With lyrics that convey the frustration of wanting to tell the truth but being unable to, and a delicate yet cute vocal tone, it leaves a strong impression.

The sound blends elements of hip-hop and R&B with the accessibility of pop.

Listening to it will likely bring back memories of your first love and tighten your chest with emotion.