Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music: Ranking [2026]

You sent me flyingAmy Winehouse50rank/position

Amy Winehouse – You sent me flying

A song about her feelings toward the ex-boyfriend who broke Amy Winehouse’s heart.

Amy was known for dedicating this song in concerts to “those who have loved someone who didn’t love you.” It was released in the UK as a double A-side single together with ‘In My Bed.’

I think about youAustin & Ally51rank/position

Austin & Ally | Think About You Song | Official Disney Channel UK

A song by Austin & Ally that portrays sweet, bittersweet feelings of love.

It captures the heartache of unrequited love—when you can’t help thinking about your crush all day long.

Featured in the Disney Channel TV series “Austin & Ally,” this track served as the theme song for the popular show that aired from December 2011 to January 2016.

The lyrics depict thinking about someone from the moment you wake up until you fall asleep, a sentiment sure to resonate with anyone experiencing one-sided love.

It’s a recommended track not only for teenage girls struggling with romance, but also for adults who want to bask in a bit of nostalgia.

Bad ReligionFrank Ocean52rank/position

Bad Religion

This is a song by American artist Frank Ocean that likens unrequited love for someone he can never be with to a “bad religion.” Structured as a confession to a taxi driver, the lyrics ache as he sings that his feelings for the other person are like a kind of faith.

Even knowing it won’t be returned, the inner conflict of loving as if in prayer will resonate painfully with anyone who’s been there.

Set against a solemn soundscape, his candid monologue conveys the helpless loneliness and sanctity of this love.

Perhaps that anguish is something no one else can truly understand.

Love Is A LaserquestArctic Monkeys53rank/position

Arctic Monkeys – Love Is A Laserquest (Live on KEXP)

A track that sings about feelings for a woman who has already passed away and the pain in the heart from being in love.

It is included on the 2011 album “Suck It and See” by the British indie rock band Arctic Monkeys.

The track is influenced by country music.

I’m a MessBebe Rexha54rank/position

I’m a Mess

American singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha is known not only as a vocalist but also for writing many songs.

This track is included on her 2018 album Expectations, released as a singer.

Her distinctive voice and candid, straightforward lyrics about seeking love are likely to hook many listeners after just one play.

Memphis ft. Big SeanJustin Bieber55rank/position

Memphis

Memphis ft.

Big Sean, which vividly portrays the pain and longing of unrequited love, is a memorable collaboration between Justin Bieber and Big Sean.

Featured on the 2013 album Journals, the song is supported by a bright melody and an engaging beat, giving it a catchy quality that lingers.

In particular, the desire to spend the whole night together conveys a pure feeling that anyone can relate to.

IrresponsibleKiana Ledé56rank/position

Kiana Ledé – Irresponsible (Official Music Video)

This song by American R&B singer Kiana Ledé conveys her aching emotions.

Carried by a melancholic melody, it tells the story of a heart shattered by the irresponsibility of someone she trusted.

The despair of realizing that the flirtatious signals that made her believe the feelings were mutual were nothing but her own misunderstanding is truly painful.

The way she wavers between blaming the other person and being unable to let go of her feelings is something anyone who has experienced unrequited love can painfully relate to.

Kiana Ledé’s soulful voice seems to envelop and soothe this unbearable suffering.