Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music: Ranking [2025]

She Will Be LovedMaroon 585rank/position

Maroon 5 – She Will Be Loved (Official Music Video)

This is an unrequited-love song by Maroon 5, a band highly acclaimed across genres for their pop vocals and high-level track work.

Moody and adult yet familiar to listeners of all ages, it stands out as a polished piece with a memorable melodic line.

I hate u, I love u(feat. olivia o’brien）gnash86rank/position

gnash – i hate u, i love u ft. olivia o’brien (music video)

The lyrics are highly relatable for anyone who can’t get over a broken heart.

It’s quite a sad song, so it might be perfect for those who feel like crying.

Since it’s a duet between a man and a woman, it’s easy to relate to regardless of gender.

In this song, the man might actually be the one who’s more deeply hurt.

Love You Like a Love SongSelena Gomez & The Scene87rank/position

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

Formed in the United States in 2008, Selena Gomez & The Scene, a group under Selena Gomez’s alternate moniker, quickly gained immense popularity especially among young people despite their brief period of activity.

“Love You Like a Love Song,” the second single from their album When The Sun Goes Down, was released in 2011 and became a beloved track worldwide with its catchy melody and sweet atmosphere.

This song particularly resonates with women who feel the spark of a fresh romance or who are in the midst of a bittersweet crush.

Its lyrics, which carry a magical pull that makes you want to hit repeat, capture both the sweetness and the sting of unrequited love, evoking a sense of both transience and strength.

For women yearning for love yet troubled by feelings that may not be returned, Selena Gomez’s catchy refrain offers encouragement.

May the power of music lighten even a little of that heavy heart.

With YouChris Brown88rank/position

Chris Brown – With You (Official HD Video)

A heartfelt love anthem that expresses romantic feelings straight and true.

Over gentle guitar tones, Chris Brown’s sweet, aching vocals seep into your heart.

The honest sentiment—“If I have you, I don’t need anything else”—is sure to stir anyone with an unrequited crush.

Released in December 2007, the song appears on the album Exclusive and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Billboard charts.

It’s a perfect pick for those struggling with love or wanting to convey their feelings to someone special.

Listen to this song and find the courage to share what’s in your heart.

Where Have You BeenRihanna89rank/position

Rihanna – Where Have You Been

It’s a song that asks, “Where are you now?” to someone who makes you happy.

In the music video, Rihanna is portrayed as Snow White, complete with seven dwarfs.

It’s a dance tune entirely different from Disney’s, but perhaps a girl’s heart is the same everywhere.

Say SomethingA Great Big World90rank/position

A Great Big World, Christina Aguilera – Say Something

It’s a story where the protagonist asks their love interest to say something, but receives no reply.

Despite the bittersweet lyrics, the beautiful vocals and harmonies are incredibly soothing, making it a song you can’t help but be enchanted by from beginning to end.

When You Were YoungAdele91rank/position

Adele – When We Were Young (Live at The Church Studios)

In this song, the protagonist suggests, even just a little, that they might talk with someone incredibly charismatic.

Just seeing this person makes them feel like they’re in a movie—someone like that isn’t easy to find, right?