Recommended unrequited love songs for teens
If you’re a teenager, chances are you’re right in the middle of romance—and many of you are probably struggling with a crush.
Whether it’s someone in your class, an upperclassman or underclassman in your club, that person at your part-time job, or someone you pass by every morning, the situations vary.
We’ve gathered a selection of one-sided love songs that are perfect for teens.
Sometimes you’re buzzing with excitement from being in love, and other times you get anxious and down wondering if your feelings will ever be returned—those emotional ups and downs are classic crush experiences.
We hope you find one song that resonates with how you feel right now.
Top 10 unrequited love songs recommended for teens (1–10)
Because I like you.Yuika
Starting in 2020, Yuika began posting videos of herself singing and playing guitar on video platforms and social media, gaining attention as a high school singer-songwriter.
Her song “Suki Dakara,” released on YouTube, became a major hit not only in Japan but also across various Asian regions such as Taiwan and Hong Kong, bringing her widespread recognition.
The lyrics depict a story from the perspectives of two people with unrequited feelings for each other—an arrangement that might seem frustrating to outsiders.
Featuring a gentle ensemble centered on acoustic guitar, it’s a comfortable pop tune especially recommended for teens.
Unrequited loveAimer
We bring you a straightforward love song that makes feelings of romance well up inside.
Aimer’s husky voice heightens the sense of poignancy in this piece, which is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
Featured on the album “daydream,” it was released in September 2016.
By August 2021, it had become so popular that it surpassed 100 million streams.
The lyrics, filled with the bittersweet pain and joy of unrequited love, gently embrace the hearts of those in love.
It’s perfect for teenagers harboring feelings for someone close—like a classmate or a senior or junior in a school club.
Listen to this song, and your romantic feelings will surely be encouraged.
SparkleIkuta Rira
A song was born that likens a fleeting encounter and its beauty to a shooting star.
Sung by Rira Ikuta, this piece beautifully captures the aching tenderness and purity of young love.
Included on the album “Sketch,” released in March 2023, it is also known as the theme song for ABEMA’s popular romance show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.” Its lyrics—filled with the longing to cling to a love that may never come true and the wish to never wake from a dream—are sure to resonate with many.
When you want to bask in the bittersweetness of unrequited love, why not give this song a listen? It will surely stay close to your heart.
IoNEW!rokudenashi
Even knowing it will never come true, you still can’t let go—this bittersweet number likens such yearning to celestial orbits.
Sung by Rokudenashi, the track also drew attention for having NayutalieN handle everything from lyrics and composition to arrangement.
Its catchy, addictive melody melds beautifully with lyrics that tighten around the heart.
Released as a digital single in August 2025, it was also included on the album Rokka, released that December.
Following “Spica” and “Albireo,” it’s another song themed around celestial bodies that fans hold dear.
Ninjin’s fragile yet steadfast vocals gently embrace listeners who carry unrequited feelings.
It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to quietly while gazing up at the night sky.
Ah, geez.Saucy Dog
Saucy Dog is a three-piece rock band that gained attention with the huge hit of their 2021 release, Cinderella Boy.
Their major 10th digital single, “Ah, Mou,” was selected as the theme song for TV Asahi and TELASA’s special drama The Incompetent Duo, as well as a collaboration track with Morinaga’s DARS chocolate.
The lyrics, depicting the emotional ups and downs of unrequited love, are likely to resonate with many teenagers.
It’s a clear, transparent number whose refreshing ensemble—marked by memorable guitar strumming—ironically makes it all the more poignant.
crescendoM!LK
This is a coupling track from the single “Bakuretsu Aishiteru / Sukisugite Metsu!” released in February 2026.
It drew attention for being produced by member Hayato Sano.
Created with the theme of a “classic idol song,” its lyrics depict the flutter of unrequited love gradually growing stronger, making listeners’ hearts skip a beat.
The transparent sound and straightforward melody build a sense of elation and draw you in.
It’s a sweet-and-sour pop tune that gives a gentle push to those in love.
Tell me your phone number!NEW!≒JOY
≒JOY, an idol group that captures the fluttering thrill of first love as you think about your crush.
This track, the title song of their 4th single releasing in February 2026, is a number that sings of the impulse of unrequited love.
With classic J-POP sounds that sparkle with romantic feelings and a chorus that suddenly turns up the heat of love, it’s a song even those who don’t usually listen to idol music can get hooked on thanks to its catchy melody.
Kanoa Amano serves as center—listen to the lyrics that wish to bravely close the distance with the one she likes.
In the music video released in January 2026, the dance performed under a shower of numbers leaves a strong impression.
If there’s someone you’re interested in, listening to this will give you the courage to take a step forward.