Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music: Ranking [2025]

Somebody That I Used To KnowGotye64rank/position

Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video]

I recommend this for people who want to listen to breakup songs but aren’t into overly elaborate lyrics.

The words are pretty straightforward, and the episodes are quite specific.

I’m sure these episodes are based on real experiences.

Once you understand the meaning, you’ll find yourself laughing.

Bohemian RhapsodyQueen65rank/position

Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody (Official Video Remastered)

This is an unrequited-love song by Queen, popular for their style that conveys grandeur through rock-based, tasteful melodies and Freddie Mercury’s overwhelming vocal power.

It’s a polished, professional piece that can be enjoyed by many generations and reliably sets the mood.

Do I Wanna Know?Arctic Monkeys66rank/position

Arctic Monkeys – Do I Wanna Know? (Official Video)

You want to know how the other person feels, but you’re afraid of the truth.

Everyone’s felt that kind of dilemma.

This song by the UK rock band Arctic Monkeys captures exactly that late-night struggle.

The heavy, resonant guitar riff feels like the turmoil swirling in your chest.

If you’ve ever spent a night wide awake, desperate to reach out but unable to, you’ll feel this all too well.

The repeated line, “I’d crawl back to you,” conveys a raw urgency—wanting them so much you’d cast aside your pride.

Even if the answer scares you, you can’t hold it in anymore.

Maybe this song is the very embodiment of that knife-edge state of unrequited love.

I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston67rank/position

Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video)

This is an unrequited love song by Whitney Houston that, with its grand vocal phrasing and highly skillful key control, exquisitely conveys a luxurious sense of romance.

It sets a smooth, moody tone perfect for a sophisticated, grown-up moment.

I’m Not The Only OneSam Smith68rank/position

Sam Smith – I’m Not The Only One (Official Music Video)

This song portrays a heartbreaking story of a husband who is having an affair and a wife who realizes it yet can do nothing and cannot leave him.

The lyrics and melody are deeply sorrowful, but above all, watching the music video makes you want to cry.

What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction69rank/position

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)

It’s a bright, straightforward song about feelings for a girl he has a crush on.

It might be close to a confession song, but it’s upbeat, and from a boy’s perspective it poppily sings “I like you” to the fullest, making you innocently feel that simply liking someone is fun.

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys70rank/position

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

“I Want It That Way” is a classic by the American five-member male group Backstreet Boys, released in 1999, and it became a worldwide hit ballad.

It was the lead single from their album “Millennium” and became one of their signature songs.