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.
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Top 10 unrequited love songs recommended for teens (1–10)
loveback number
A song that portrays the faint stirrings of youthful love.
It expresses bittersweet feelings and the ache of unrequited affection.
The protagonist keeps thinking about the other person but lacks the courage to confess, a situation many can relate to.
Released in March 2012 as back number’s fourth single, the track was also used as the theme song for TV Asahi’s “Music-Ru TV.” It’s a love song that makes your heart swell, makes you want to see the one you like, and inspires you to share your feelings—a piece that resonates especially with teenagers.
I like you.Little Glee Monster
This song, which sings about the sweet-and-sour feeling of first love, resonates in the heart with Little Glee Monster’s straightforward vocals.
Released in January 2016 as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Omotesando Koukou Gasshou-bu!” it captured the hearts of many.
It’s also included on the album “Colorful Monster,” and has become a fan favorite at live shows and arena tours.
The music video even features a one-take filming challenge, showcasing the members’ dedication.
If you’re a teen carrying a secret crush, why not listen to this song for a boost of courage? It just might help you be honest with your feelings.
Come, springthe shes gone
The rock band the shes gone captivates fans with down-to-earth, everyday lyrics themed around “May our songs be close to your daily life.” Their track “Haru yo, Koi,” released in advance from the mini-album HEART, features refreshing vocals and a comfortable ensemble.
The lyrics portray feelings so overwhelming that even the singer can’t control them—something that anyone with experience in love will likely find overlapping with their own memories.
It’s a heartfelt number that shows how falling in love can lead you to discover a version of yourself you never knew.
Unrequited Love Songs Recommended for Teens (11–20)
Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai
This song is memorable for Hirai Dai’s sweet vocals and positive lyrics.
I can’t help but swoon over the lyrics depicting a happy romance, and the phrase “Out of 7.
5 billion people, two meet and fall in love” especially resonates with me.
Released in September 2020, the track became a massive hit, surpassing 300 million streams.
It’s a heartwarming number that lets even those with unrequited feelings imagine a future filled with love.
I’d recommend it to anyone in love.
If you listen when you want to picture a happy future, it will surely give you courage.
I can’t get used to itYOAKE
YOAKE is a band project that’s been turning heads by changing its vocalist and musical genre with each track.
Their digital-only single “Fuwanarenai,” released on March 19, 2021, sticks in your ears with its airy ensemble featuring a sprightly piano sound.
The lyrics, which express feelings that can’t be suppressed even while recognizing a more-than-friends-but-not-quite-lovers relationship, will likely resonate—especially with teens, for whom romance often begins as friendship.
Packed with memorable lines that create a strong hook, it’s a refreshing pop tune.
SparkleLila Ikuta
A song was born that likens a fleeting encounter and its beauty to a shooting star.
Sung by Rira Ikuta, this piece beautifully captures the aching tenderness and purity of young love.
Included on the album “Sketch,” released in March 2023, it is also known as the theme song for ABEMA’s popular romance show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.” Its lyrics—filled with the longing to cling to a love that may never come true and the wish to never wake from a dream—are sure to resonate with many.
When you want to bask in the bittersweetness of unrequited love, why not give this song a listen? It will surely stay close to your heart.
Heart ForecastEVE
If you’re looking for a sweet-and-sour unrequited love song that’ll make you hum along without thinking, I recommend this track by Eve.
It’s included on the album “Smile,” released in February 2020, and it was also used as a Valentine’s campaign song in collaboration with Ghana Chocolate.
The song is packed with classic “unrequited love moments,” like the fluttery excitement, getting carried away in your own head, and then feeling down again.
It’s a perfect fit for lovestruck middle and high school students.
Listen to this song, lift your spirits, and do your best to confess your feelings!