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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Unrequited Love Songs Recommended for Teens (21–30)
It feels like I’m in love.Yuika
A song that beautifully captures the sweet-and-sour feelings of teenage love has been born.
Singer-songwriter Yuika breaks new ground in love songs.
This track, released in February 2024, marks her major-label debut.
It was selected as an insert song for ABEMA’s original romance show “Koisuru Weekend Homestay 2024 Winter.” The lyrics delicately portray the emotions of a single-minded girl—the frustration of wanting to confess her feelings but lacking the courage comes through vividly.
It’s a warm, comforting piece that resonates with young people struggling in love.
Recommended not only for those nursing a crush but also for anyone feeling nostalgic for their youth.
Try loving—it's not like you'll lose anything.bedhead
A one-sided crush song from a woman’s perspective crafted by Neguse.
, depicting unreciprocated feelings and complex emotions.
Released in April 2023, the track gained traction on social media, and by September its music video surpassed 2 million views.
In contrast to its poppy, catchy sound, the lyrics convey the weight and ache of saying “I like you.” It’s a song that offers comfort to those struggling with emotional distance or anxiety in love—highly recommended for anyone who relates to the frustration of a bittersweet crush.
Ah, geez.Saucy Dog
This is a song by the three-piece band Saucy Dog that captures the delicate feelings of a woman with an unrequited crush.
It portrays her emotional ups and downs in response to the other person’s suggestive behavior, and the anxiety and self-loathing she falls into while waiting for a reply on LINE.
Featured in collaboration with Morinaga’s “DARS” and as the theme song for the drama “Dekinai Futari,” the track sings of a resolve to drown in love.
It’s a must-listen for high school students who can’t hold back their feelings for someone they like.
Why not listen to this song and find the courage to take a step forward?
That’s not fair...Are-kun
Are-kun’s song, which beautifully portrays aching love and suffering, has deeply moved many listeners.
While harboring intense feelings for the other person, the work delicately weaves the complex emotions of a woman swayed by ambiguous behavior.
Released in August 2021 as an advance track from the album “Breath,” it was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “BREAKOUT” in September, allowing it to resonate with an even wider audience.
Confused and hurt by the other person’s vague kindness, yet unable to suppress her feelings—this piece offers heartfelt empathy and comfort to anyone who bears the pain of an unrequited love.
You look like an idiot.Saucy Dog
It carefully portrays the delicate feelings of a woman who can’t express herself well: while harboring the desire to know the other person more and to have them all to herself, and feeling love for them, she’s already fed up, believing there’s nothing more she can do.
Chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating reality show “Don’t Be Fooled by Me and Mr.
Wolf,” the track was released digitally in August 2024, and is memorable for its emotional band sound and Shinya Ishihara’s vocals.
It’s a perfect song for those who can’t grasp how the person they like truly feels and are struggling with inner conflict.
Recommended for anyone who can relate to the sorrow of loving someone yet being unable to move forward.
Love is hard.Lilia.
This song gently accompanies the start of love, portraying the bittersweet feelings within.
It interweaves the perspective of a girl who struggles because she can’t read the other person’s feelings and a boy who can’t quite express his own, vividly capturing the miscommunications of romance.
Riria’s clear, translucent voice and Aru.
’s gentle vocals match exquisitely, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released digitally in November 2023, it sparked a big response, especially on social media.
It’s a must-listen for high school students wrestling with love.
If you listen while thinking of someone you like, you’re sure to find moments you can relate to.
seesawtuki.
A bittersweet love song by tuki.
that overlays the delicate distance between two people in romance with the image of a seesaw.
It’s a track we hope those in relationships that aren’t progressing—and who feel that frustrating stagnation—will listen to.
When you’re struggling with the distance or mismatch in feelings between you and your partner, you’re sure to find moments that resonate.
The album “15,” releasing in January 2025 and featuring this song, is a collection of tracks she created up to the age of 15—be sure to check it out along with this track.