Unrequited love breakup songs in Western music. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.

HappierEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Happier (Official Music Video)

It’s a masterpiece whose warm melody gently wraps the pain of heartbreak and whose bittersweet yet forward-looking lyrics resonate deeply.

Hailing from the UK, Ed Sheeran delicately portrays the complex emotions that arise when he sees his ex looking happy with someone new.

Included on the album ÷, the song was released as a single in April 2018 and reached No.

6 on the UK charts.

Simple guitar arpeggios and restrained strings tenderly support the aching vocal.

For anyone who’s said goodbye to someone important and, while wishing them happiness, can’t quite shake the lingering loneliness—this is a heartwarming song that stays by your side at the end of love we all experience.

Better VersionFLETCHER

FLETCHER – Better Version (Lyric Video)

The bittersweet love songs crafted by American pop singer Fletcher brilliantly capture the complex emotions that follow a breakup.

She sings of her tangled feelings about an ex’s new relationship, pairing them with delicate guitar melodies and laying bare the truths hidden deep in her heart.

Released in September 2022, the track appears on the album “Girl of My Dreams,” and a duet version with country singer Kelsea Ballerini was unveiled in November of the same year.

The interplay of their differing perspectives elevates the piece, making it even more compelling.

It’s a song that offers solace not only to those suffering from heartbreak but to anyone who has said goodbye to someone they love.

Wrapped in gentle tones, this gem of a ballad is perfect for moments when you want to sort through your feelings.

CreepRadiohead

Radiohead – Creep

A track released in 1992 by the British alternative rock band Radiohead.

It was inspired by Albert Hammond’s 1972 track “The Air That I Breathe.” The music video, directed by Brett Turnbull, was filmed at the club The Zodiac in Oxford.

Teardrops On My GuitarTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Teardrops On My Guitar

A love song about a teenager’s unrequited crush.

It’s a country-pop track released when Taylor Swift was 17, and it became a hit in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries.

The music video features Tyler Hilton, also known for his role in the TV drama One Tree Hill.

I Don’t Think That I Like HerCharlie Puth

Charlie Puth – I Don’t Think That I Like Her (Official Audio)

This is a song by Charlie Puth that poignantly portrays the heartbreak of unrequited love.

Released in September 2022, it’s included on the album “Charlie.” The lyrics vividly capture a man’s feelings of uncertainty about dating after a disappointing romantic experience.

His complex emotions—tired of the dating game and wanting to take a temporary step back—resonate with listeners.

Puth’s clear, transparent vocals and the captivating sound that blends pop and R&B further enhance the song’s appeal.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who has been hurt in love or has lost hope in finding a new connection.

AlwaysSaliva

Saliva – Always

A track that sings about a dysfunctional relationship.

It was released in 2002 by the American rock band Saliva.

The track reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts and was used as the theme song for WWE’s Survivor Series.

Teenage DirtbagWheatus

Wheatus – Teenage Dirtbag (Official Video)

A track released in 2000 by the American pop rock group Wheatus.

It samples James Brown’s 1976 track “Get Up Offa That Thing.” The track has been used in many forms of media, including the film “Bully,” and has been covered by artists such as Weezer and One Direction.