Tear-jerking unrequited love songs in Western music: recommended classics and popular tracks

Lily (My one and only)The Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins – Lily (My one and only)

A track by the American alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins.

It is included on the 1995 album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.

The album was nominated for a Grammy Award and was selected by Rolling Stone as one of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

I Want The One I Can’t HaveThe Smiths

The Smiths – I Want The One I Can’t Have

A track by the British rock band The Smiths.

It is included on the 1985 album Meat Is Murder.

The album was a hit in the United States, New Zealand, and various European countries, and was selected by Rolling Stone for its list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Song to the SirenTim Buckley

Tim Buckley – Song to the Siren

A track released in 1970 by American singer-songwriter Tim Buckley.

It is one of his most famous tracks and has been recorded by many artists, including Pat Boone.

The version by This Mortal Coil was used in the 1997 film Lost Highway.

ScientistColdplay

Coldplay – The Scientist (Official 4K Video)

It’s a poignant song by Coldplay.

Both the melody and the lyrics are heartbreaking.

The airy, floating vocals really hit you in the heart.

The Japanese translation is excellent too, so why not look it up? The way it parallels scientific progress with the distance between people is also very moving.

I’m SorryAli Gatie

Ali Gatie – I’m Sorry ( Official Music Video)

Ali Gatie, known for his sweet singing voice, released a new song in January 2024 that gently wraps the pain of heartbreak.

A heartfelt plea that admits mistakes and asks for forgiveness is expressed over a beautiful three-and-a-half-minute melody that blends pop and R&B.

The regret of losing a lover and the wish for another chance are universal themes anyone can relate to.

Many listeners will likely see their own experiences in the sleepless protagonist who stays up all night.

When your heartbreak hasn’t healed, this is a song that will surely stay close to your heart.

TenderBlur

Blur – Tender (Official Music Video)

Speaking of Blur, this is the song.

It’s well known that it was sent to his girlfriend, Justine.

While they usually write cynical lyrics and twisty pop songs, this one is relatively straightforward and hits you directly.

With its grand gospel elements, it more than showcases the breadth of their musicality.

AlwaysBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Always (Official Music Video)

Even a handsome guy like Jon Bon Jovi sings clingy, lovesick songs like this one, which makes him feel more relatable.

As a piece of music it’s excellent too—a cool track featuring his soaring vocals.

The music video is also brimming with Jon’s charm.