[2026] Western Music Songs That Cheer On Unrequited Love: A Collection of Masterpieces That Echo Your Feelings

FeelingsJohn Newman

John Newman – Feelings

This song by John Newman carries the influence of 1960s Black music.

He’s known for his soulful, powerful vocals, and his expressive delivery makes the most of that strength.

Released in March 2019, the track is crafted as an electropop dance tune.

Its exhilarating sound feels like a direct expression of the uncontrollable emotions of unrequited love.

The straightforward lyrics about growing feelings, paired with Newman’s emotionally charged vocals, leave a strong impression.

When you can’t bring yourself to confess your feelings to someone you like, this energetic song will surely give you a push.

DiveEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Dive [Official Audio]

Ed Sheeran, a singer-songwriter who is hugely popular in Japan as well.

He’s known for numerous love songs, and this time we’re introducing a passionate track that resonates with the heart of unrequited love.

The song’s lyrics are striking for the way they seem to question your resolve before you truly take the plunge into love.

Because you care so much, you become timid, unable to help but seek reassurance about the other person’s feelings—such earnest emotion is sung here.

This track is included on the acclaimed 2017 album ÷, which won a Grammy, and was reportedly created in collaboration with top songwriters.

When you can’t quite take that final step, his powerful vocals will surely give you a push.

The melody is catchy too, so I think you’ll like it!

You Da OneRihanna

Rihanna – You Da One

An upbeat track that perfectly captures that common feeling at the very start of falling in love—when your head is completely filled with thoughts of him.

As you listen, you’ll want to do nothing but think about him and revel in the intoxicating feeling of being in love.

You Don’t Know My NameAlicia Keys

Alicia Keys – You Don’t Know My Name (Official HD Video)

Alicia Keys is a singer-songwriter who represents the R&B scene of the 2000s.

This piece from her early-career classic, The Diary of Alicia Keys, is known as a masterpiece that beautifully captures the bittersweetness of unrequited love.

The song tells the story of a protagonist working at a café, who can’t bring herself to speak to the customer she likes—a tender, aching crush.

In her head she imagines the perfect conversation, yet in reality she can’t even say her name.

That frustrating situation is portrayed over a warm, ’70s soul-inspired sound crafted by Kanye West.

Upon its release in November 2003, the song gained enormous popularity, spending eight weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

R&B chart.

It’s a gentle companion for anyone who finds themselves tongue-tied in front of someone they like.

Run Away With MeCarly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen – Run Away With Me

That striking saxophone tone that rings out from the intro feels like it’s expressing a racing heartbeat! It’s a celebrated song by Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen about the impulses of unrequited love.

The theme is a heartfelt wish to run away somewhere with the person you like, just as you are.

Glittering synth-pop textures and a driving beat capture both the frustration and the exhilaration of love at the same time.

The track is included on the acclaimed 2015 album E•MO•TION, and Jepsen herself reportedly wanted it to be the lead single because of its high level of polish.

If you listen to it on a night when you can’t bring yourself to confess your feelings, it’s sure to keep you company at heart.