Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music: Ranking [2026]

Ocean EyesBillie Eilish92rank/position

Billie Eilish – ocean eyes (Official Music Video)

Released independently in 2015, “Ocean Eyes” is the song that put Billie Eilish’s name on the map.

It’s about unrequited love for a partner with eyes like the ocean.

The romance with someone whose eyes evoke the deep sea’s mysterious illusions blends with Billie Eilish’s transparent, airy vocals to create a unique world of its own.

It’s astonishing to think she was just 14 when the track came out.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hito Sui

Report a problem

HeroEnrique Iglesias93rank/position

Enrique Iglesias – Hero

This is a song by Enrique Iglesias, a singer from Spain famous as a Latin singer.

His laid-back, sweet vibe and vocal style as a Latin artist are perfect for a romantic ballad.

It was his first album in English, and the love song reached No.

1 on the UK charts.

You’re sure to be captivated by his sweet, heartrending voice.

DelicateTaylor Swift94rank/position

Taylor Swift – Delicate

Taylor Swift, an American singer-songwriter leading the contemporary music scene, released “Delicate” in 2017 through her album Reputation, delicately portraying the vulnerability of love and the impact a public image can have on a new relationship.

The song captures, in a distinctive musical style, the pressure that public scrutiny places on romance and the accompanying anxiety and tension.

Inspired by Taylor’s personal experiences, the lyrics especially resonate with women experiencing unrequited love, as if giving voice to their feelings.

With its delicate sound and piercing lyrics, it’s an emotional track that cheers on anyone in love.

Recommended for moments when you’re harboring secret feelings yet want to take a hopeful step forward.

Bye Bye ByeNSYNC95rank/position

*NSYNC – Bye Bye Bye (Official Video)

For people who aren’t into ornate wording or metaphors, this kind of breakup song is recommended.

Even though it’s a breakup song, it’s a track with a lively, upbeat parting vibe.

It makes you feel like maybe you need to be a little short on self-reflection to get through the pain of heartbreak.

This irresistibly pop song, just under four minutes long, is guaranteed to be one you’ll want to listen to over and over.

Time After TimeCyndi Lauper96rank/position

Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time (Official HD Video)

“Time After Time” is a ballad by American singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper.

Its Japanese title is “Sugisarishi Omoi” (Past Feelings).

The song is included on Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 album “She’s So Unusual.”

Wish You Were HereAvril Lavigne97rank/position

Avril Lavigne – Wish You Were Here (Official Video)

This song sorrowfully asks, “How can I get you back?” after being left by someone deeply loved.

It expresses a straightforward longing—feeling lonely and pleading, “Come here.” You might even melt from how adorable Avril looks as she sings through tears in the music video.

Me and My Broken HeartRixton98rank/position

Rixton – Me and My Broken Heart

Normally, it’s more common to see the opposite setup, but this one is a slightly unusual scenario where a man is toyed with and hurt by a woman.

The song is quite catchy, so once you hear it, it might keep playing in your head and be a bit hard to forget.