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

Love You Like A Love SongSelena Gomez

Selena Gomez & The Scene – Love You Like A Love Song

You’ll find yourself hooked on its catchy chorus, “I love you like a love song,” and Selena’s deep vocals as you listen.

The song’s slow, easy-to-sing tempo is also popular.

Japanese appears in the music video, so be sure to take a close look.

Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself)Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo – Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself)

Ne-Yo, an American artist who showcases his rich talents widely as a singer-songwriter and producer.

This song is a love confession from a man to a woman whose heart has been hurt and closed off—he wants to teach her what true love is by loving her and bring back her smile.

It’s striking how he repeatedly sings “Let me love you,” conveying the man’s strong feelings throughout the track.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

HATSUMI

Report a problem

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!

Old NewsMitch James

Mitch James – Old News

“Old News,” sung by New Zealand artist Mitch James, is a bittersweet acoustic song about someone who still lingers in your heart even after a breakup.

Even though they should be “old news,” you find yourself checking in on their life or remembering them and feeling your chest tighten—anyone who’s been there will relate all too well.

You know you need to move on, but your heart won’t catch up with your head, and that frustration is real.

This song wraps those complicated emotions in his gentle voice, making you feel seen.

It’s like a quiet nudge telling you it’s okay not to force yourself to forget.

Listen to this track and take your time, at your own pace, to sort through your feelings.

WeightlessArlo Parks

Arlo Parks – Weightless (Official Video)

This is a song by Arlo Parks from the UK that portrays the pain of a one-sided love where you’ve given too much.

Even after giving everything to the other person, all you get in return is a small kindness.

The emptiness of such an unreciprocated relationship is expressed through a light beat and a delicate voice.

Prioritizing the other person’s feelings so much that your own heart is treated as if it were weightless—that’s one of love’s dilemmas.

But losing sight of who you are would surely be sad.

Doesn’t listening to this song make you feel like starting by taking care of yourself first?

I’m a MessBebe Rexha

I’m a Mess

American singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha is known not only as a vocalist but also for writing many songs.

This track is included on her 2018 album Expectations, released as a singer.

Her distinctive voice and candid, straightforward lyrics about seeking love are likely to hook many listeners after just one play.

You’re BeautifulJames Blunt

You’re Beautiful

Released in 2005, this song became a massive hit, even being used as a TV drama theme and in commercials in Japan.

The memorable chorus that repeats “You are beautiful” is likely familiar to everyone.

Although it was often mistaken for a simple love song, it’s actually a bittersweet song about unrequited love—no matter how exhilarated the feelings become, they still can’t be together.