Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music: Ranking [2026]

Story Of My LifeOne Direction78rank/position

One Direction – Story of My Life

An emotional breakup song by the hugely popular boy group One Direction.

The song portrays the confusion of realizing that the life he had imagined with his girlfriend is gone, yet its refreshing melody conveys a sense of optimism, making it feel like a page from their youth that’s quintessentially them.

PayphoneMaroon 5 ft.Wiz Khalifa79rank/position

Maroon 5 – Payphone ft. Wiz Khalifa (Explicit) (Official Music Video)

A collaboration between the American pop-rock band Maroon 5 and rapper Wiz Khalifa.

The music video, directed by Sam Bayer, was filmed in the California desert.

It was sampled in DJ Earworm’s 2012 track “Shine Brighter.”

Un-Break My HeartToni Braxton80rank/position

Toni Braxton – Un-Break My Heart (Official HD Video)

It’s a ballad in which the singer pleads with the person who left them to come back just once more and mend their wounded heart.

Judging by how things are going, getting back together probably isn’t likely, but right after a breakup, isn’t this how anyone would feel?

One Call AwayCharlie Puth81rank/position

Charlie Puth – One Call Away [Official Video]

Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, known for crafting numerous hits with catchy melodies.

This ballad from his debut album Nine Track Mind is a song that cheers on the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love.

The message that he’ll come running with just one phone call portrays a steadfast heart that longs to always be there for the one he loves.

Though he can’t be Superman, he wants to be your own personal hero—an emotional sentiment that really hits home.

Released in August 2015, the song was even nominated for Best Crush Song, making it a quintessential anthem for unrequited love.

With its warm sound, it’s a must-listen for anyone who hasn’t yet found the courage to confess their feelings.

She Will Be LovedMaroon 582rank/position

Maroon 5 – She Will Be Loved (Official Music Video)

This is an unrequited-love song by Maroon 5, a band highly acclaimed across genres for their pop vocals and high-level track work.

Moody and adult yet familiar to listeners of all ages, it stands out as a polished piece with a memorable melodic line.

Love You Like a Love SongSelena Gomez & The Scene83rank/position

Selena Gomez & The Scene – Love You Like A Love Song

Formed in the United States in 2008, Selena Gomez & The Scene, a group under Selena Gomez’s alternate moniker, quickly gained immense popularity especially among young people despite their brief period of activity.

“Love You Like a Love Song,” the second single from their album When The Sun Goes Down, was released in 2011 and became a beloved track worldwide with its catchy melody and sweet atmosphere.

This song particularly resonates with women who feel the spark of a fresh romance or who are in the midst of a bittersweet crush.

Its lyrics, which carry a magical pull that makes you want to hit repeat, capture both the sweetness and the sting of unrequited love, evoking a sense of both transience and strength.

For women yearning for love yet troubled by feelings that may not be returned, Selena Gomez’s catchy refrain offers encouragement.

May the power of music lighten even a little of that heavy heart.

Where Have You BeenRihanna84rank/position

Rihanna – Where Have You Been

It’s a song that asks, “Where are you now?” to someone who makes you happy.

In the music video, Rihanna is portrayed as Snow White, complete with seven dwarfs.

It’s a dance tune entirely different from Disney’s, but perhaps a girl’s heart is the same everywhere.