[2026] A roundup of classic and popular Western songs about jealousy

JealousyLiz Phair

Liz Phair – Jealousy

Liz Phair is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist.

Since the 2000s, she has been creating music with a more pop and rock direction.

This song is included on her second album, Whip-Smart, released in 1994.

My Best Friend’s GirlThe Cars

The Cars – My Best Friend’s Girl

A 1978 hit by The Cars written by frontman Ric Ocasek.

It’s a catchy, straightforward song about jealousy toward a best friend who has a cute girlfriend.

On March 1, 1994, at Nirvana’s final concert in Munich, Germany, “My Best Friend’s Girl” was used as the opening.

Secret Love SongLittle Mix ft. Jason Derulo

Little Mix – Secret Love Song (Official Video) ft. Jason Derulo

Two people, each already with a partner, fall into a forbidden love.

From both the woman’s and the man’s perspectives, the song expresses their intense longing for each other.

Little Mix and Jason Derulo’s harmonies are perfectly in sync, and the music video—set against London’s breathtaking night skyline—is absolutely irresistible.

Don’t Talk To StrangersRIck Springfield

Rick Springfield – Don’t Talk To Strangers (Official Video)

A song by Australian musician and actor Rick Springfield.

It portrays paranoia stemming from jealousy toward his then-girlfriend, who later became his wife.

At his concerts, it’s popular as a sing-along number that brings together everyone from security guards to children.

The Jealous KindJoe Cocker

Joe Cocker – The Jealous Kind

Joe Cocker is a British musician and a Grammy Award winner.

This song is included on his sixth album, Stingray, released in 1976.

It sings about the jealousy that arises from the desire to have the one you love all to yourself.

FoolishAshanti

Ashanti – Foolish

This R&B classic captures the frustration and unbreakable attachment of being unable to leave an unfaithful lover.

It’s performed by Ashanti, a powerhouse American singer and Grammy winner.

Even when you know you’re being cheated on, even as you blame yourself for being foolish, you still can’t stop loving them…

Have you ever found yourself stuck in that kind of messy relationship? If trying to forget only makes you think about them more, then, like this song suggests, letting yourself sink fully into the melancholy might actually help you confront your own feelings.

Released in February 2002, this track achieved the remarkable feat of spending 10 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 as a single from the acclaimed album “Ashanti.”

Ring The AlarmBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Ring The Alarm (Video)

From the blaring siren in the intro, this song by American diva Beyoncé drags you into a whirlpool of passion.

With vocals that are almost a scream, it expresses blazing jealousy and possessiveness toward a lover who’s had a change of heart for another woman.

That raw feeling of “I don’t want to give you to anyone,” precisely because of love, pierces the listener’s heart as well.

Featured on the album B’Day, released in September 2006, this track received high acclaim, including a nomination at the 49th Grammy Awards.

Still, surrendering to aimless anger can happen precisely when a love is real.

When distrust of your partner makes your heart feel like it’s going to break, letting your emotions explode—like in this song—might actually help you face forward.