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

GrenadeBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Grenade (Official Music Video)

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.

ImaginationShawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes – Imagination (Official Audio)

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.

Always On Your SideSheryl Crow ft. Sting

Sheryl Crow – Always On Your Side 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.”

Just a Friend to YouMeghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor – Just a Friend To You (Vevo Presents)

“Just a Friend to You,” sung by American artist Meghan Trainor.

Though its cheerful ukulele tones feel comforting, the song actually tells a bittersweet story of unrequited love—wishing to be more than “just friends.” You want to be lovers, but the other person only sees you as a friend… By pairing those frustrating feelings with an unapologetically bright melody, the poignancy hits even deeper.

Many of us know that sweet-yet-bitter experience of laughing beside the person we love as their “best friend,” while crying on the inside.

Let this song help you breezily get through the helpless ache of a one-sided crush!

FallingforyouThe 1975

The 1975 – fallingforyou

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.

FeelingsJohn Newman

John Newman – Feelings (Lyric Video)

This song by John Newman from England expresses feelings that keep growing even though you know they won’t come true.

Set to an electronic dance sound, it portrays a bittersweet unrequited love, singing “I can’t stop how I feel about you.” Even if your head understands that this love is a mistake, your heart won’t listen—a dilemma anyone who’s experienced unrequited love can painfully relate to.

Despite the powerful, uplifting melody, the heart-wrenching lyrics leave a deep impression.

If you’re struggling with these uncontrollable feelings, listen to this track and turn your hidden emotions into positive energy!

Always Been YouJessie Murph

Jessie Murph – Always Been You (Official Video)

This is a heart-wrenching love song sung by Jesse Murph, an American singer-songwriter drawing attention for her genre-defying musicality.

It portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love—realizing that no matter how you compare them to others, it’s always been “you” in my heart.

The more you try to forget, the more their smile and voice stick in your mind—a familiar experience in love.

Through her husky, soulful vocals, the unstoppable longing and the frustration of being unable to confess come through with piercing clarity.

The fusion of country and pop further dramatizes and colors these pure emotions.