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

RiskGracie Abrams

Gracie Abrams – Risk (Official Music Video)

A song by Gracie Abrams that cheers on unrequited love, capturing both the risk and exhilaration of stepping into romance.

It portrays the precarious yet sweet impulse of being drawn to someone you barely know.

Nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy, she enlisted Aaron Dessner as producer; the track was released ahead of the album The Secret of Us in May 2024.

The lyrics vividly depict a protagonist who recognizes they’re rushing in but can’t stop their feelings.

In contrast to its uplifting pop melody, the words blend heartache with resolve.

It’s a piece that will surely give a push to anyone hesitating to take that first step in love.

B-e-a-utifulMegan Nicole

“B-e-a-utiful” – Megan Nicole

It’s a song that portrays a girl who’s in love with the idea of love, spending her youth.

As friends around her keep finding boyfriends and girlfriends and growing happy, she’s left with the aching loneliness of feeling left behind—thinking, “My ideal guy still hasn’t appeared.”

Pretty EyesAlex Goot

“Pretty Eyes” – Alex Goot

The charm of his songs lies above all in his gentle singing voice and flowing piano performance.

It’s a truly lovely song with pure lyrics from a boy who, upon falling in love with a girl with beautiful eyes, wonders, “Why does the world feel so beautiful?”

You Are Not AloneMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson – You Are Not Alone (Official Video)

An R&B ballad about love and loneliness that reached No.

1 on the charts in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Written by R.

Kelly, the song was inspired by a difficult period in Michael Jackson’s life.

Lisa Marie Presley, who was married to Michael at the time, appears in the music video.

P.S. I Hope You’re Happy ft. blink-182The Chainsmokers

The Chainsmokers – P.S. I Hope You’re Happy (Lyric Video) ft. blink-182

This is a song by The Chainsmokers, a New York–based DJ and singer-songwriter duo.

It’s an unrequited love song about a man who regrets breaking up with his ex and still loves her.

The mix of cheering on his ex, who has found a new love, and the lingering feelings he can’t let go of is heartbreaking, isn’t it? Perhaps it makes you feel that the next love will surely be a good one.

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StoreCarly Rae Jepsen

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This is a song included on Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen’s 2016 EP, Emotion Side B.

Following the opening line, “I woke up next to you,” the shocking lyric, “but honestly, I wish I were next to him,” could be seen as a new take on the unrequited love song.

It’s a track where you can enjoy the contrast between the upbeat pop sound and the lyrics.

Marry MeJason Derulo

Jason Derulo – Marry Me [Official HD Music Video]

This song portrays the electrifying surge of emotion and honest feelings you experience when, among so many people, you meet the one—the person you truly want to marry.

If someone sang to you like this, of course any woman would be completely smitten.