Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music: Ranking [2025]

GirlfriendAvril Lavigne15rank/position

Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend (Official Video)

A powerful, Avril Lavigne-style girls’ rock unrequited love song.

The dead-straight lyrics like “I hate your girlfriend!” and “I know you like me!” speak for how girls feel, and it’s refreshing to listen to.

CrushDavid Archuleta16rank/position

David Archuleta – Crush (Official Video)

David Archuleta, a singer from American Idol who captivated the entire United States.

His debut single “Crush” was released in 2008 and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song portrays the beginning of romantic feelings with lyrics full of excitement and uncertainty, set to a refreshing melody.

The lyrics express wavering emotions, as if asking, “Is this real love?”—capturing the thrill and anxiety of a one-sided crush in a very real way.

“Crush,” which brings back the hot memories of summer 2008, is a work I highly recommend to both men and women, and especially to anyone experiencing an unrequited love!

CreepRadiohead17rank/position

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 Perry18rank/position

Katy Perry – Thinking Of You (Official)

This is an unrequited love song by Katy Perry, who has produced many danceable tracks that are catchy yet girlish, with a touch of nostalgia.

As a highly polished work, it’s valued even among dance tunes, and is characterized by lyrics that delve into an introspective view of love.

I Wish You Loved MeTynisha Keli19rank/position

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

It’s a song that captures a common crush-time dilemma: wanting to be more than friends but being afraid that making a move might end the relationship.

It’s an unrequited-love track that makes you want to sink into your feelings while empathizing with Tynisha Keli’s poignant lyrics.

Careless WhisperGeorge Michael20rank/position

George Michael – Careless Whisper (Official Video)

It’s a dramatic, moody, and mature ballad with a striking saxophone intro.

However, the lyrics tell a self-inflicted tale of a player who hits on another girl and ends up getting dumped by his girlfriend.

It feels like a scene straight out of a lively ’80s disco.

UnconditionallyKaty Perry21rank/position

Katy Perry – Unconditionally (Official)

This is a song by America’s iconic songstress, Katy Perry, about unconditional love.

She sings very soulfully that she doesn’t expect anything in return—she simply loves you.

Just having someone who can pour so much love into you is, in itself, a blessing, isn’t it?