[Heartbreak Songs] A selection of poignant love songs that pierce the heart of those with unrequited love
A bittersweet crush that makes your chest tighten.
But have you ever had a moment when you suddenly realized that your feelings would never come true?
Like when the person you like asks you for love advice and your heartbreak is sealed, or when you and a friend fall for the same person and you can’t bring yourself to confess—things like that.
Unrequited love can end for many reasons besides confessing and being rejected.
In this article, we’ve gathered “unrequited love heartbreak songs” for those who can’t forget the one they love and feel pangs of regret whenever they remember.
May you find a song that gently stays by your aching heart.
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[Heartbreak Songs] A selection of bittersweet love songs that pierce the heart of those with unrequited love (61–70)
Best Friend’s GirlSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
A song from the perspective of a man who has a crush on his male friend’s girlfriend.
The person he’s in love with already has a partner, and that partner is the man’s best friend.
The chances of this love coming true are very slim.
The lyrics say he can never confess his feelings, yet he can’t give up on her.
Anyone who’s experienced an unrequited crush is sure to find plenty to relate to!
Because it’s important…kerakera
Kerakera became widely known to the public with “Starlaboration,” which was chosen as the theme song for the drama Last Cinderella.
During their indie days, they released this unrequited-love song, “Taisetsu dakara… (Because You’re Important…).” Without confessing their feelings, they try to keep the same distance as before by staying close as a friend.
The lyrics, which portray a heartbreakingly bittersweet love, resonated with listeners and drew a lot of attention.
even ifHirai Ken
Ken Hirai’s timeless classic “even if” always brings me to the verge of tears whenever I listen to it.
Released as a single in 2000, it serves as the theme song for “Ken’s Bar,” his acoustic live series performed in a bar-style setting.
The song captures the reality of having a good rapport and an enjoyable connection, yet knowing the other person already has someone they like.
The opening lines are deeply relatable, highlighting the special and fragile nature of the moments you can spend together.
It’s heartbreaking how, overwhelmed by love, you want to confess your feelings but can’t—and how those unreturned emotions ache so deeply.
The final chorus, where raw feelings burst forth, is utterly tear-jerking.
It’s a bittersweet heartbreak song and a mature piece that gently accompanies all kinds of love.
Unrequited lovemiwa
This song marks a new frontier for miwa, as it’s her first to feature a piano performance since her official debut.
You usually picture miwa bouncing around energetically when she sings, right? In contrast to that familiar image, the somewhat mature and gently mellow melody here tenderly echoes the song’s motif of unrequited love.
The lyrics—about liking someone for so long but not knowing what to do—straightforwardly capture the feelings of a woman encountering her first love, and it’s refreshing to hear.
It’s a track I’d love anyone currently in love to listen to.
Love SongGO!GO!7188
A lovely ballad by GO!GO!7188, a three-piece rock band that sadly disbanded in 2012.
The band name is pronounced “Go-Go Nana-Ichi-Hachi-Hachi.” Centered on a love that ended without ever revealing one’s feelings to the other person, the lyrics capture the heart of a young woman who still wants to stay in love.
There’s an old-fashioned, modest elegance to the words that really draws you in.
You can also hear shades of GS (Group Sounds) and the classic vibes of vintage Japanese pop.
It’s a heartbreak ballad, but it feels like it gives you real strength!
I want to forget.wacci
This is a song by wacci that portrays the feelings of someone suffering from the pain of heartbreak.
Have you ever had the experience where the more you try to forget, the more vividly the memories come back? The repeated phrase “I want to forget the voice of the person I loved” carries a heartrending poignancy.
Released in July 2024, this track is wacci’s third love song release of 2024.
Actress Aju Makita appears in the music video, beautifully embodying the world of the song.
It’s recommended for times when you want to be alone with your sadness or when you’re trying to overcome the pain of a broken heart.
It will surely be there to comfort you.
SuddenlyEXILE ATSUSHI
In 2020, EXILE ATSUSHI announced he would focus on solo activities.
That doesn’t mean he quit EXILE, though, so I hope we’ll see him sing in front of EXILE’s performers again someday.
This song portrays a man’s shock and regret after being abruptly told it’s over.
Yet the lyrics feel completely free of the clichés and inertia of old-school pop.
I think that’s a testament to ATSUSHI’s passion for songwriting.
Not every breakup leaves you feeling upbeat and positive.
This is a recommended track for those who want to properly mourn a heartbreak.