Unrequited love breakup songs in Western music. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.

BrokenheartedKarmin

Karmin – Brokenhearted (Official Video)

The song title is downright straightforward.

It’s as if there’s nothing to hide—just boldly declaring “I got my heart broken.” If you only listen to the music, it’s so bright and upbeat you’d wonder if they really did get dumped.

It’s a full-course track packed with jealousy, regret, and sentimentality.

The One That Got AwayKaty Perry

Katy Perry – The One That Got Away (Official Music Video)

Rather than a heartbreak song, it’s closer to a memory song—or even a regret song.

The lyrics capture a very teenage vibe, about cutting loose and doing reckless things.

It’s poppy and easy to listen to, with an addictive hook that makes you want to sing it at karaoke.

The music video, which builds to a shocking ending, is a must-see.

All I WantKodaline

Kodaline – All I Want (Part 1)

They’re a rock band from Ireland.

Their beautiful vocals and the simple, acoustic guitar-driven sound are captivating.

There’s a certain rustic quality that evokes Irish folk music, and it has a strangely nostalgic feel for anyone who listens.

The lyrics tell a bittersweet breakup story, but the music video ends on a fairly happy note.

Hold Me While You WaitLewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi – Hold Me While You Wait (Interlude Session)

The heart-stirring ballad woven by Scotland’s Lewis Capaldi vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak and the aching hope for reconciliation.

Released in May 2019, the song was included on the album “Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent.” It reached No.

1 on the singles charts in Ireland and Scotland, and climbed to No.

4 on the UK chart.

Capaldi’s powerful vocals brilliantly convey the emotions of a protagonist struggling with the uncertainty of a relationship.

Sensing the end of love yet wanting to cherish the final moments—this song resonates with anyone navigating such complex feelings.

Lost The BreakupMaisie Peters

Maisie Peters – Lost The Breakup [Official Audio]

This is a song by Maisie Peters, a singer-songwriter from the UK, that gently accompanies the hearts of those carrying the pain of heartbreak.

Released in June 2023, the track is included on the album The Good Witch.

Set to a bright, guitar- and drum-driven melody, it vividly portrays the emotional shifts that follow a breakup.

It powerfully sings about the journey of overcoming heartache and reaffirming one’s self-worth.

Just as Peters herself put it—“like wearing a sequined dress and going to a party with your best friend”—listening to it is likely to put you in a positive mood.

It might be the perfect song for anyone who wants to bounce back from a breakup or regain their confidence.