Tear-jerking unrequited love songs in Western music: recommended classics and popular tracks

GorgeousTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Gorgeous (Lyric Video)

Feeling so mad at someone for being just too “gorgeous”!? This is a humor-filled unrequited love song sung by American artist Taylor Swift.

Set to a lively synth-pop sound, the lyrics strikingly portray being tongue-tied in front of a love-at-first-sight crush and the complicated feeling of liking someone so much it actually makes you angry.

Many people have probably experienced going blank the moment they see their crush or being swept away by their own emotions.

You could say it’s a song packed with that uncontrollable rush and flutter of the very moment love begins.

FallingforyouThe 1975

The 1975 – fallingforyou

Featuring a floating, atmospheric sound and breathy, sweet vocals that leave a strong impression! This is a melancholic unrequited-love song by the popular British band The 1975.

Asking, “Is it okay for me to fall in love with you?” while already being completely captivated—aren’t there many people struggling with that kind of inner conflict in a one-sided crush? The push and pull between the fear that your feelings might be exposed and the emotions you still can’t stop is heart-wrenching.

Even if you don’t know how this love will turn out, the experience of loving someone deeply will surely help you grow.

Listen to “Fallingforyou” and gently lean into the bittersweet yet beautiful feelings of love.

Call Out My NameThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Call Out My Name (Official Video)

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.

GrenadeBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Grenade (Official Music Video)

A bittersweet track that sings about a hopeless unrequited love.

It was released in 2010 by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars.

It topped charts around the world and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

The music video was filmed in Los Angeles.

Always On Your SideSheryl Crow ft. Sting

Sheryl Crow – Always On Your Side ft. Sting

A collaboration between American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow and British musician Sting.

It’s a duet released in 2006, nominated for a Grammy Award and featured in the 2006 TV series “Desire.”

All Over YouThe Spill Canvas

The Spill Canvas – All Over You (Video)

The Spill Canvas is an American alternative rock band active since 2002.

This track was released as a single from their 2007 album “No Really, I’m Fine.” It reached No.

18 on the U.

S.

charts.

I think about youAustin & Ally

Austin & Ally | Think About You Song | Official Disney Channel UK

A song by Austin & Ally that portrays sweet, bittersweet feelings of love.

It captures the heartache of unrequited love—when you can’t help thinking about your crush all day long.

Featured in the Disney Channel TV series “Austin & Ally,” this track served as the theme song for the popular show that aired from December 2011 to January 2016.

The lyrics depict thinking about someone from the moment you wake up until you fall asleep, a sentiment sure to resonate with anyone experiencing one-sided love.

It’s a recommended track not only for teenage girls struggling with romance, but also for adults who want to bask in a bit of nostalgia.