Unrequited Love in Western Music: A Collection of Heart-wrenching Classics [2026]

First Dateblink-182

blink-182 – First Date (Official Video)

It’s a fun rock band’s love song that captures the fresh feelings after a first date.

Even people who don’t like rock might get hooked on its fresh, pure lyrics, upbeat rhythm, and the music video’s amusing story.

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.

Somebody To LoveOneRepublic

OneRepublic – Somebody To Love (Lyric Video)

OneRepublic, who have been nominated for Grammy Awards, are a five-member rock band from the United States.

Have you ever felt conflicted when the person you broke up with after a heartbreak found a new partner? This song sings about that lingering attachment.

Pay attention to OneRepublic’s vocals that evoke a sense of bittersweet yearning.

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What A Fool BelievesThe Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers – What A Fool Believes (Official Music Video) [HD]

A song created by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald, the lead singer of The Doobie Brothers.

It won a Grammy Award.

The track features the use of the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, an analog synthesizer.

Walk On ByDionne Warwick

Walk on By

A song written by the songwriting team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

It was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1965.

The song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Carnival, Connie Francis, Aretha Franklin, and Cyndi Lauper.

All Out Of LoveAir Supply

Air Supply – All Out Of Love (Official HD Video)

A pop ballad that sings of the sense of loss toward a loved one.

It was released in 1980 by the Australian soft rock duo Air Supply.

It is their only song to enter the UK top charts, peaking at No.

11.

Almost LoverA Fine Frenzy

Almost Lover

Titled with a phrase meaning “less than lovers,” this song is an unrequited-love track by the American singer-songwriter A Fine Frenzy, included on her debut album One Cell in the Sea.

True to its name, it’s a poignant ballad; its lyrics about parting with a man she had thought of as a lover are achingly resonant.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when someone you can’t forget comes to mind.