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

First lovematsumura kanau

First Love – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

This is a song by Kanau Matsumura that’s packed with the sweet-and-sour feelings and frustrations of thinking about someone you like—the full spectrum of first love.

Released in June 2025, it’s a track that could be called the essence of his artistry.

The growing feelings for someone you can only meet in your dreams, the bittersweet longing that makes you take the long way home—listeners may find these emotions overlap with their own experiences.

When you like someone but can’t see them, even small things can make you anxious.

This gentle voice might softly stay by the side of that wavering heart.

habit of laughingIgarashi Haru

Haru Igarashi – Laughing Habit (Official Music Video)

A song that portrays the ache of a love too deep to forget, even as time passes.

In this track, Haru Igarashi delicately captures the frustration of how trivial everyday moments turn into special memories, and the poignancy of nights spent with those memories when you can’t move on.

Even the way the other person laughed and their gestures remain vividly etched in the mind, and the feeling is so intense that you find yourself praying to God, “Please let me forget everything.” Released in March 2025, this work will gently accompany those whose hearts are filled with memories they can’t forget, no matter how hard they try, and those who are still unable to accept parting from someone dear.

two peopleaiko

aiko - “Futari” music video

This is a song by aiko that captures the hazy, conflicted feelings in love.

The poignant lyrics contrast strikingly with the up-tempo melody.

It portrays a strong attraction to the other person while also expressing anxiety about falling too deep and a sense of self-protection, brilliantly conveying the complexity of romance.

Released in March 2008, it reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Six years later, in 2014, it was used in a Hoyu commercial, drawing renewed attention.

It’s a recommended track for those struggling with love or having trouble sorting out their feelings.

seesawtuki.

tuki. “Seesaw” Official Music Video

A bittersweet love song by tuki.

that overlays the delicate distance between two people in romance with the image of a seesaw.

It’s a track we hope those in relationships that aren’t progressing—and who feel that frustrating stagnation—will listen to.

When you’re struggling with the distance or mismatch in feelings between you and your partner, you’re sure to find moments that resonate.

The album “15,” releasing in January 2025 and featuring this song, is a collection of tracks she created up to the age of 15—be sure to check it out along with this track.

I hope I can be your lover.Kaneyori Masaru

Kaneyori Masaru [I Hope I Can Be Your Lover] Music Video

An emotional rock sound that soaks into the heart, blending aching longing with earnest wishes.

In the delicate lyrics woven by Kaneyori Masaru, the feelings of being unable to take a step forward while keeping love hidden are vividly portrayed.

Perfectly balancing the sweetness of young love with the fear it may never reach the other person, this track is included on the album “To Us Who Won’t Live Yesterday,” set for release in January 2025.

It also drew attention as the theme song for the film “Yoyogi Johnny’s Melancholy After School.” A must-listen for anyone who thinks of someone special yet struggles to put their feelings into words.

I Want to Be Honest feat. KagechiyoHisame

Hisame / I Want to Be Honest feat. Kagechiyo (Official Music Video)

A duet by Hisame and Kagechiyo that sets the complex emotions of a girl in love to a pop melody.

While hiding her feelings, she can’t help but be preoccupied with the person she likes—her wavering heart is delicately portrayed over a light, buoyant rhythm.

Released in March 2025, the music video has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who’s experienced that frustrating kind of love where you like someone so much you just can’t be honest about it.

the depths of the heartrokudenashi

Rokudenashi “In the Depths of the Heart” / Rokudenashi – Deep Down [Official Music Video]

A bittersweet love ballad by Rokudenashi that resonates deeply.

It weaves delicate words about the loneliness that comes at dusk and the urgent feelings hidden behind a smile.

While yearning to be loved, the wavering heart that hesitates to face its true feelings seeps in along with gentle piano melodies.

Released in February 2025 as the lead track from the album “Sigh,” this song reaches out to those who, even while carrying wounded, unsettled hearts, try to look ahead with cherished memories held close.