Hidden gems of unrequited love songs in Western music. Recommended popular tracks.
When you can’t quite express your feelings to someone you like, or when you’ve told them but it isn’t going well, what do you do?
I’ve gathered classic Western songs themed around unrequited love across different ages for those struggling with all kinds of crushes.
If you look into the lyrics’ meanings, you might discover charms you won’t find in Japanese songs!
Hidden gems of one-sided-love songs in Western music. Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
Careless WhisperGeorge Michael
“Careless Whisper” was released by Wham! and issued as a single from their second album, Make It Big, in 1984.
It also became the number-one song of the year in the United States, and has been covered by various artists around the world.
IrresponsibleKiana Ledé
This song by American R&B singer Kiana Ledé conveys her aching emotions.
Carried by a melancholic melody, it tells the story of a heart shattered by the irresponsibility of someone she trusted.
The despair of realizing that the flirtatious signals that made her believe the feelings were mutual were nothing but her own misunderstanding is truly painful.
The way she wavers between blaming the other person and being unable to let go of her feelings is something anyone who has experienced unrequited love can painfully relate to.
Kiana Ledé’s soulful voice seems to envelop and soothe this unbearable suffering.
AlmazRandy Crawford
Randy Crawford is a renowned jazz and R&B singer from Macon, Georgia, in the United States.
This song was used as an insert track in the Fuji TV drama “Mou Daremo Aisanai,” which aired in 1991.
In Japan, the title is “Sweet Love.”
To Love You MoreCéline Dion
“To Love You More” is a single by Celine Dion, released in Japan on October 23, 1995.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Koibito yo” and was also featured in commercials for the English conversation school AEON.
The lyrics and composition were handled by David Foster.
Right Here WaitingRichard Marx
“Right Here Waiting” is a ballad by Richard Marx and is included on his album “Repeat Offender.” The song reached the prestigious No.
1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a major hit, charting in the United States and other countries.
helloLionel Richie
“Hello” is a single by singer-songwriter Lionel Richie, released by Motown on February 13, 1984.
The lyrics and music were written by Lionel Richie himself.
There is an anecdote that the song was based on an experience Richie had when he was young.
Close To YouGracie Abrams
An unforgettable blend of aching vocals and heart-stirring lyrics—this song captures the pain of unrequited love.
Even though the person she likes doesn’t even know her name, the overwhelming desire to give everything surges from the heart.
The sorrow of going unnoticed and the conflict of wanting to get closer but being unable to are portrayed beautifully.
Gracie Abrams wrote this song when she was 16 and released it in June 2024 after seven years, responding to fervent requests from fans.
She’s also scheduled for a U.
S.
tour in the fall, with even greater success anticipated.
It’s a must-listen not only for those struggling with one-sided love but also for anyone who wants to understand the feelings of being in love.