Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music: Ranking [2026]

Want U BackCher Lloyd15rank/position

Cher Lloyd – Want U Back (US Version)

This number passionately belts out, “Come back to me!” to an ex.

It’s a cute, poppy track from teen star Cher Lloyd, who rose to fame on an idol discovery show.

In the music video, she causes trouble out of lovesickness and ends up dealing with the police—but let’s chalk that up to charm.

CreepRadiohead16rank/position

Creep

This song is a major hit by Radiohead, a rock band that represents the UK, and the track that launched their career.

The lyrics, in which the singer calls himself a “creep” in contrast to an angelic woman who’s out of his reach, are dark yet striking, making it one of the defining songs of the 1990s rock scene.

It is included on their debut album, Pablo Honey, released in 1993.

I Wish You Loved MeTynisha Keli17rank/position

Tynisha Keli – I Wish You Loved Me (Official Music Video) | Warner Records

It’s a song that captures a common crush-time dilemma: wanting to be more than friends but being afraid that making a move might end the relationship.

It’s an unrequited-love track that makes you want to sink into your feelings while empathizing with Tynisha Keli’s poignant lyrics.

Thinking Of YouKaty Perry18rank/position

Katy Perry – Thinking Of You (Official)

This is an unrequited love song by Katy Perry, who has produced many danceable tracks that are catchy yet girlish, with a touch of nostalgia.

As a highly polished work, it’s valued even among dance tunes, and is characterized by lyrics that delve into an introspective view of love.

Careless WhisperGeorge Michael19rank/position

George Michael – Careless Whisper (Official Video)

It’s a dramatic, moody, and mature ballad with a striking saxophone intro.

However, the lyrics tell a self-inflicted tale of a player who hits on another girl and ends up getting dumped by his girlfriend.

It feels like a scene straight out of a lively ’80s disco.

UnconditionallyKaty Perry20rank/position

Katy Perry – Unconditionally (Official)

This is a song by America’s iconic songstress, Katy Perry, about unconditional love.

She sings very soulfully that she doesn’t expect anything in return—she simply loves you.

Just having someone who can pour so much love into you is, in itself, a blessing, isn’t it?

When I Was Your ManBruno Mars21rank/position

Bruno Mars – When I Was Your Man (Official Music Video)

It’s a poignant male love ballad by Bruno Mars.

A simple, piano-led melody is complemented by his soaring vocals, heightening the sense of melancholy.

With rich emotion, it sings of a man’s regret—wishing he had done those things for her back when he was her man.