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

Want U BackCher Lloyd

Cher Lloyd – Want U Back (US Version)

This is the one song I absolutely want girls with unrequited love for their ex to listen to.

“I still want you to come back,” “I get jealous of other girls”—those honest, pure feelings are so relatable.

The colorful music video is also really fun to watch.

CrushDavid Archuleta

David Archuleta – Crush (Official Video)

“Can’t you feel the same way?” This is David’s smash hit that captures the feelings of a boy in a bittersweet one-sided love.

It’s a moving song that every boy going through his youth can relate to.

His clear, crystalline vocals never get old no matter how many times you listen.

CreepRadiohead

Creep

This song is a major hit by Radiohead, a rock band that represents the UK, and the track that launched their career.

The lyrics, in which the singer calls himself a “creep” in contrast to an angelic woman who’s out of his reach, are dark yet striking, making it one of the defining songs of the 1990s rock scene.

It is included on their debut album, Pablo Honey, released in 1993.

Thinking Of YouKaty Perry

Katy Perry – Thinking Of You (Official)

This is a love ballad by Katie, who usually has a lot of upbeat, pop-tinged songs.

Even while she’s with her current boyfriend, she can’t help but suddenly remember her ex, making it hard to move forward—it’s a song about a girl still hung up on a past love.

Her beautiful voice and unwavering feelings are sure to bring you to tears.

Beautiful People Beautiful Problems ft. Stevie NicksLana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey – Beautiful People Beautiful Problems (Official Audio) ft. Stevie Nicks

Lana Del Rey is a Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter.

Her cinematic music, melancholy voice and songs, and style infused with 1950s–1960s Americana have captivated people around the world.

This is a song she performed together with Stevie Nicks.

While speaking of her love for a certain man, it also sings of love and compassion for people.

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I Wish You Loved MeTynisha Keli

Tynisha Keli – I Wish You Loved Me (Official Music Video) | Warner Records

This song captures the raw feeling of a bittersweet one-sided crush! It’s about a timid girl who wants to be more than friends but can’t be honest about her feelings because she doesn’t want to push him away.

The straightforward lyric, “I wish you loved me too,” really hits home in this heart-wrenching unrequited love song.

Nothin’ On YouB.o.B feat. Bruno Mars

B.o.B – Nothin’ On You (feat. Bruno Mars) [Official Video]

Among all the many beautiful people, there isn’t a single one who surpasses you.

That sweet chorus makes girls in love feel happy, and it’s a song that boys currently in love can really relate to.

You’ll also be drawn in by the sweet vocals.