Forbidden Love: A Collection of Classic Western Songs About Infidelity [2026]

Secret LoversAtlantic Starr

Atlantic Starr – Secret Lovers

If you think of a classic adultery song from the ’80s, this might be the one.

It’s a single cut from their 1985 album “As the Band Turns.” They also have the huge hit “Always,” which reached No.

1 on the Billboard charts, but that one’s a standard wedding song—so it’s kind of amusing, isn’t it?

TemptedSqueeze

Squeeze – Tempted (Official Music Video)

A song by the British band Squeeze, released as a single in 1981.

In the United States, it was used in commercials for Burger King and Heineken.

A new version was included on the soundtrack of the 1994 film Reality Bites.

You’re The OneSWV

SWV – You’re The One (Official Video)

A trio from New York.

As a female R&B vocal group emblematic of the ’90s, their vocal prowess is overwhelming.

While calling it a secret romance, it’s a positive love song where she confidently sings, “She could never love you the way I do!”

Take Her Place (feat. A R I Z O N A)Don Diablo

Don Diablo ft. A R I Z O N A – Take Her Place | Official Music Video

The collaboration song “Take Her Place” by Dutch DJ Don Diablo and American electro band A R I Z O N A.

Its mellow, beautiful tone is incredibly soothing, and Don Diablo’s dance beat makes it both dramatically charged and highly danceable.

As for the lyrics, the song carries a deep sense of loneliness, expressing a longing for warmth.

It’s impressive how they can turn such ordinary human emotions into something so dramatic.

This is a track you’ll want to listen to while gently moving your body.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

New RulesDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – New Rules (Official Music Video)

This is a song by British singer Dua Lipa that lays out rules to avoid slipping back into a forbidden relationship with an ex.

The lyrics are striking as she reminds herself of three rules: don’t pick up the phone, don’t let him in, and don’t be his friend.

Dua Lipa herself said she related to it because “it’s the same as what I’d tell my friends.” Released as a single from her debut album “Dua Lipa” in July 2017, it reached No.

1 on the UK charts.

For anyone struggling to cut off a love they know is bad for them, the song offers comfort—“you’re not alone”—and the strength to move forward.

The video, showing friends supporting one another, is also sure to give you courage.

Apologize ft. OneRepublicTimbaland

Timbaland – Apologize ft. OneRepublic

If you’ve ever made an irreversible mistake and been told “it’s too late to apologize,” you’ll probably feel a deep connection to this song.

In the face of shattered trust, any words ring hollow.

That kind of hopeless situation is unbearably painful.

Produced by American hitmaker Timbaland and fused with OneRepublic’s plaintive vocals, this track tightens its grip on the listener’s heart.

Released in September 2007 from the album Shock Value, it reached number one in the charts of 16 countries and was also featured in the TV drama Cold Case.

When you realize you won’t be forgiven, all you can do may be to fully sink into that sense of powerlessness.

Me And Mrs. JonesBilly Paul

Billy Paul – Me And Mrs. Jones

A song written by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Carey Gilbert.

It is sung from the perspective of a couple in an extramarital affair who meet every day at the same time and place.

The backing vocals are by Carla Benson, Evette Benton, and Barbara Ingram.