Tear-jerking unrequited love songs in Western music: recommended classics and popular tracks
This is a playlist of tear-jerking unrequited love songs from Western music.
Even if you’re not good at English, just listening to the emotional vocals should let you feel what the singers are expressing.
Please enjoy these classic love songs that poignantly portray unrequited love.
Tear-jerking unrequited love songs in Western music: recommended classics and popular tracks (1–10)
GrenadeBruno Mars
A bittersweet track that sings about a hopeless unrequited love.
It was released in 2010 by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars.
It topped charts around the world and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
The music video was filmed in Los Angeles.
I think about youAustin & Ally
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.
Always On Your SideSheryl Crow ft. Sting
A collaboration between American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow and British musician Sting.
It’s a duet released in 2006, nominated for a Grammy Award and featured in the 2006 TV series “Desire.”
All Over YouThe Spill Canvas
The Spill Canvas is an American alternative rock band active since 2002.
This track was released as a single from their 2007 album “No Really, I’m Fine.” It reached No.
18 on the U.S.
charts.
IrresponsibleKiana Ledé
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.
FallingforyouThe 1975
Featuring a floating, atmospheric sound and breathy, sweet vocals that leave a strong impression! This is a melancholic unrequited-love song by the popular British band The 1975.
Asking, “Is it okay for me to fall in love with you?” while already being completely captivated—aren’t there many people struggling with that kind of inner conflict in a one-sided crush? The push and pull between the fear that your feelings might be exposed and the emotions you still can’t stop is heart-wrenching.
Even if you don’t know how this love will turn out, the experience of loving someone deeply will surely help you grow.
Listen to “Fallingforyou” and gently lean into the bittersweet yet beautiful feelings of love.
ImaginationShawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes, the Canadian singer-songwriter who’s won popularity with his sweet looks and catchy musical style.
This is a hidden gem included on the deluxe edition of his debut album, Handwritten, which drew attention when he was 16.
The song revolves around an achingly sad unrequited love: being unable to confess your feelings to the person you like and becoming their lover only in your imagination.
His crystalline vocals and the gentle tones of the acoustic guitar portray the protagonist’s pure, single-minded feelings, tightening your chest.
Released in April 2015, this emotional track is one you’ll want to hear if you’re holding onto a love you know will never come true.