Unrequited love breakup songs in Western music. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
When a one-sided love comes to an end—whether you’ve totally moved on or still have lingering feelings—give this playlist a listen.
From songs that let you sink into your emotions and have a good cry to tracks that help you feel ready to move on, you’re sure to find the perfect one that matches how you feel.
Unrequited love breakup songs in Western music: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (1–10)
Born With a Broken HeartDamiano David
This is a song that gently embraces wounded hearts, sung by Damiano David, frontman of the world-renowned Italian rock band Måneskin.
It’s a pop ballad that portrays the struggle of facing new love while still carrying one’s own weaknesses and the pain of the past.
Even as he admits, “I was born with a broken heart that no one can fix,” his determination to move forward will deeply resonate with anyone who can’t shake the pain of heartbreak.
Released in October 2024 as a lead single from the album Funny Little Fears, it drew major attention, becoming the most-added track at U.
S.
radio in its first week.
When you can’t forget a past love but still want to take the next step, this song might just give you a gentle push forward.
Always Been YouJessie Murph
This is a heart-wrenching love song sung by Jesse Murph, an American singer-songwriter drawing attention for her genre-defying musicality.
It portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love—realizing that no matter how you compare them to others, it’s always been “you” in my heart.
The more you try to forget, the more their smile and voice stick in your mind—a familiar experience in love.
Through her husky, soulful vocals, the unstoppable longing and the frustration of being unable to confess come through with piercing clarity.
The fusion of country and pop further dramatizes and colors these pure emotions.
IrresponsibleKiana Ledé
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.
Better NowPost Malone
This is a song by American artist Post Malone about the lingering feelings for a former lover.
Even while putting on a brave face and saying “I’m fine without you,” the heart can’t help but keep thinking of that person—many of us have probably felt that way.
Despite its upbeat melody, the lyrics lay bare a painfully straightforward longing that tightens the chest.
An unforgettable love can be agonizing, but the experience of loving someone that deeply will surely help you grow.
Listen to “Better Now,” accept your feelings just once, and take your next step forward.
Call Out My NameThe Weeknd
This is a song by The Weeknd, a singer from Canada.
It expresses an unbreakable attachment and poignant lingering feelings toward a former partner.
Even while knowing she’s no longer his, he vows to drop everything if she ever calls for help—a one-sided devotion.
Such feelings, with nowhere to go, tighten the heart.
His vocals, like a cry from the soul, and the ethereal, beautiful melody pierce deeply into the chest.
Anyone who has suffered the pain of still thinking about someone even after the relationship has ended will likely empathize acutely with this feeling.
It might be a song that stays by your side until the very moment this love truly ends.
Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi
A gem of a ballad that gently stays close to the hearts of those in pain.
Hailing from Scotland, Lewis Capaldi is a singer-songwriter known for his powerful vocals and deep emotional expression.
Released in November 2018, this work is a soulful song that tenderly embraces the ache of heartbreak and loss.
Set to the sound of piano, it quietly portrays the earnest feelings of a protagonist who has lost someone dear.
The music video features actor Peter Capaldi, and through a story of organ donation, it conveys both the sorrow of parting from a loved one and the connection to a new life.
Included on the album “Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent,” it won Song of the Year at the 2019 Brit Awards.
It’s a track that gently gives you a push when you stand at a crossroads in life with a deeply wounded heart.
IDGAFDua Lipa
A powerful message of self-affirmation that firmly rejects the clingy advances of an ex resonates deeply.
British artist Dua Lipa brilliantly captures the feelings of a woman who rises from sorrow and moves forward.
Combined with her deadpan vocal style, a core strength comes through.
Released in January 2018 and included on the album “Dua Lipa,” the work’s music video—shot over 22 hours—drew attention for its concept of two versions of herself facing each other.
As a song that gives you the courage and determination to value yourself, it’s sure to support anyone looking to recover from the pain of a breakup.