Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music: Ranking [2025]

IrresponsibleKiana Ledé57rank/position

Kiana Ledé – Irresponsible (Official Music Video)

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.

Teenage DirtbagWheatus58rank/position

Wheatus – Teenage Dirtbag (Clean)

It’s an unrequited love song told from the perspective of a teenage protagonist with a nerdy, outsider vibe.

In the lyrics of this track, released in 2000 by the American rock band Wheatus, his feelings for the girl he’s into are expressed with striking directness—something many listeners can’t help but relate to.

It also drew attention when the hugely popular UK group One Direction covered it and performed it live.

Every Love That Ever WasHome Video59rank/position

Home Video – “Every Love That Ever Was”

When you’re feeling down after a heartbreak, I’d love for you to listen to this song while watching its music video.

The sound that lets you feel the vastness of the universe and the gentle synth tones will soothe a heart that’s on the verge of breaking.

When you’re struggling, I recommend grand, expansive songs like this.

See You Again ft. Charlie PuthWiz Khalifa60rank/position

Wiz Khalifa – See You Again ft. Charlie Puth [Official Video] Furious 7 Soundtrack

Many of you have probably heard this as a song from the movie Fast & Furious.

Matching the film’s theme, it’s crafted as a farewell song to someone you’ll never meet again, someone dear to you.

Its heartrending melody brings tears to your eyes.

Recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in that bittersweet feeling.

Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran61rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (Official Music Video)

This is an unrequited-love song by Ed Sheeran, whose melodious tracks and deeply wistful vocals have cemented his place on the global stage.

With its moody sound that resonates in the heart, it stands out as a memorable classic.

A Thousand YearsChristina Perri62rank/position

Christina Perri – A Thousand Years [Official Music Video]

A heartrending unrequited-love song that portrays love transcending time.

Its melody, where aching sorrow and burning passion intertwine, resonates deep in the heart.

Christina Perri’s delicate yet powerful vocals make this an especially moving track that elevates the feeling of love.

Released in October 2011, it was written for the soundtrack of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.

Centered on the theme of eternal love, it expresses both the ache of waiting for the one you love and the hope that love brings.

It’s a supportive song we’d love those in unrequited love to hear—you just might find a bit of courage.

MAGIC!Rude63rank/position

MAGIC! – Rude (Official Video)

The lyrics are comical and funny.

The reggae rhythm is arranged in a pop style, making it very easy to listen to, and I’m sure many people got hooked on it.

The lyrics about wanting to get married but not getting the girlfriend’s father’s approval are just so amusing—it’s like reading a manga.