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.

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.”

All Over YouThe Spill Canvas

The Spill Canvas – All Over You (Video)

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.

I think about youAustin & Ally

Austin & Ally | Think About You Song | Official Disney Channel UK

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.

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 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.

IrresponsibleKiana Ledé

Kiana Ledé – Irresponsible (Official Music Video)

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.