Lovely love song

[2025] Unrequited feelings, hearts out of sync… A collection of Western songs about impossible love

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

Musicians who are attuned to the complex movements of emotion we experience in life often share their own experiences with listeners in the form of songs.

It’s not uncommon to find lyrics that describe almost the exact same experience you’ve had—so much so that it hurts to relate.

This time, we’ve picked songs that portray unrequited love and the unresolved feelings that follow a breakup, compiling them across eras and genres—from the latest hits to timeless classics.

Many of these tracks express sadness in a straightforward way, so try listening while reflecting on your own feelings.

[2025] Unrequited feelings and hearts passing by... A roundup of Western songs about impossible love (61–70)

Anything Could HappenEllie Goulding

Ellie Goulding – Anything Could Happen (Official Video)

Anything Could HappenEllie Goulding

A 2012 track by Ellie Goulding, the British singer-songwriter often called one of the queens of pop love songs.

It expresses unwavering love for a beloved person tragically taken away by fate.

The song has also been used in commercials, TV dramas, and other media.

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Please Don’t Fall In Love With MeKhalid

Khalid – Please Don’t Fall In Love With Me (Visualizer)

Please Don't Fall In Love With MeKhalid

Known for his delicate vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Khalid’s music vividly captures the subtleties of love and human relationships.

This work is no exception, laying bare the pain and vulnerability born from past romantic experiences.

The melody line, which samples an Alicia Keys classic, carries on the R&B tradition while breathing new life into it.

Released in April 2024, the track has drawn attention as a single preceding Khalid’s third studio album.

Anyone who’s been hurt in love will surely relate to it.

It might be the perfect soundtrack for a late-night drive.

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Somebody’s MeEnrique Iglesias

Enrique Iglesias – Somebody’s Me

Somebody's MeEnrique Iglesias

A 2007 song by Enrique Iglesias, with the Spanish version titled “Alguien Soy Yo.” It’s a one-sided love song about a man who wants to be with the woman he loves.

Enrique’s voice and the soulful, romantic lyrics make it a beautiful piece.

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Unbreak My HeartToni Braxton

Toni Braxton – Un-Break My Heart (Official HD Video)

Unbreak My HeartToni Braxton

Here’s a song by R&B singer Toni Braxton, who has been active since around 1990.

It might be misleading to call it old-fashioned, but it has the kind of sound you used to hear quite often back then, and I feel that Toni’s rich, deep voice heightens the sense of sorrow even more.

Just as the title says—“heal my heart”—the plea comes through clearly, and I’d recommend this track to anyone who feels like they’re at rock bottom.

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You Were MineDixie Chicks

The Chicks – You Were Mine (Official Video)

You Were MineDixie Chicks

A 1998 song by the American country music group the Dixie Chicks that reached No.

1 on the country singles chart.

Inspired by the experiences of the Erwin sisters, members of the group, it sings about an unshakable longing and divorce in the face of a man leaving for another woman.

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Just A Friend To YouMeghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor – Just a Friend To You (Vevo Presents)

Just A Friend To YouMeghan Trainor

Here’s an introduction to Meghan Trainor’s “Just A Friend To You.” The music video has a live-performance vibe.

The soothing ukulele and the slightly hard-to-hear bass intertwine nicely to create a great sound.

It’s not a song that energizes you so much as one that brings a smile to your face—that’s the more accurate way to describe it.

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Hands To MyselfSelena Gomez

Selena Gomez – Hands To Myself

Hands To MyselfSelena Gomez

A 2016 single by American singer Selena Gomez.

It’s dance synth-pop influenced by Prince’s sound.

In the sexy music video, Selena plays a stalker who breaks into the penthouse of her love interest and indulges in various fantasies.

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