Recommended unrequited love songs for teens
If you’re a teenager, chances are you’re right in the middle of romance—and many of you are probably struggling with a crush.
Whether it’s someone in your class, an upperclassman or underclassman in your club, that person at your part-time job, or someone you pass by every morning, the situations vary.
We’ve gathered a selection of one-sided love songs that are perfect for teens.
Sometimes you’re buzzing with excitement from being in love, and other times you get anxious and down wondering if your feelings will ever be returned—those emotional ups and downs are classic crush experiences.
We hope you find one song that resonates with how you feel right now.
Top 10 unrequited love songs recommended for teens (1–10)
My cute unrequited loveOtonia
A song by Onriame that captures the sweet-and-sour feelings of unrequited love.
It’s packed with instantly relatable “been there!” moments—doodling a shared umbrella in your notebook, chatting on LINE, sleepless nights, and those heart-pounding rainy-day scenes.
Its charm also lies in the cute way it portrays jealousy and the struggle to be honest with yourself.
Released digitally in March 2023, the track showcases a new side of Onriame, who drew attention with the TikTok hit “A Song About a Shy Introvert JK Who Admires Outgoing JKs.” If you’re a teen with a crush, why not give it a listen and pick up a little courage?
Because I like you.Yuika
Starting in 2020, Yuika began posting videos of herself singing and playing guitar on video platforms and social media, gaining attention as a high school singer-songwriter.
Her song “Suki Dakara,” released on YouTube, became a major hit not only in Japan but also across various Asian regions such as Taiwan and Hong Kong, bringing her widespread recognition.
The lyrics depict a story from the perspectives of two people with unrequited feelings for each other—an arrangement that might seem frustrating to outsiders.
Featuring a gentle ensemble centered on acoustic guitar, it’s a comfortable pop tune especially recommended for teens.
Unrequited loveAimer
We bring you a straightforward love song that makes feelings of romance well up inside.
Aimer’s husky voice heightens the sense of poignancy in this piece, which is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
Featured on the album “daydream,” it was released in September 2016.
By August 2021, it had become so popular that it surpassed 100 million streams.
The lyrics, filled with the bittersweet pain and joy of unrequited love, gently embrace the hearts of those in love.
It’s perfect for teenagers harboring feelings for someone close—like a classmate or a senior or junior in a school club.
Listen to this song, and your romantic feelings will surely be encouraged.
Because I fell in loveAimyon
A song where the comforting sound of the acoustic guitar and Aimyon’s gentle voice seep into your heart.
Included on the album “Momentary Sixth Sense,” this track portrays the ordinary yet special moments when falling in love changes the way you see the world.
Released in February 2019, it features memorable lyrics filled with the joy, anxiety, and tenderness of being in love.
It’s a song that stands by teenagers as they experience the happiness and heartache of love.
Recommended not only for those with unrequited feelings, but also for times when you want to reminisce about past romances.
Listening to this piece might help you sort out your feelings.
Lemon pieMacaroni Enpitsu
Set to a gentle melody like a soft spring breeze, this song captures the bittersweet feelings of teenage love.
Released in October 2018, it drew attention as Macaroni Empitsu’s second single.
Hattori’s tender vocals skillfully express the ache, anxiety, and hope of unrequited love.
The protagonist’s emotions—caught in that space between friends and lovers—are sure to resonate with listeners.
If you’re savoring a romance as sweet as lemon pie, this is a track you won’t want to miss.
Ah, geez.Saucy Dog
Saucy Dog is a three-piece rock band that gained attention with the huge hit of their 2021 release, Cinderella Boy.
Their major 10th digital single, “Ah, Mou,” was selected as the theme song for TV Asahi and TELASA’s special drama The Incompetent Duo, as well as a collaboration track with Morinaga’s DARS chocolate.
The lyrics, depicting the emotional ups and downs of unrequited love, are likely to resonate with many teenagers.
It’s a clear, transparent number whose refreshing ensemble—marked by memorable guitar strumming—ironically makes it all the more poignant.
cherry blossom colorKaneyori Masaru
A song by Kaneyori Masaru that resonates in the season when cherry blossoms dance.
The lyrics, which overlay the bittersweet feelings of a first love with the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, are deeply moving.
Minna Chitose’s clear, translucent vocals brilliantly capture the delicate emotions of adolescence.
This track is included on the album “Watashi no Nocturne,” released in January 2023.
It was also featured in Yamada Denki’s “New Life Campaign” commercial, winning the hearts of many.
The budding feelings of love that arrive with spring, the aching thoughts for someone special—this is the perfect song for anyone in the midst of unrequited love.
It’s the kind of track you’ll want to listen to on a fresh spring day as you ride your bike through an avenue of cherry trees.