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

TornNatalie Imbruglia

Natalie Imbruglia – Torn (Official Video)

Natalie Imbruglia is a singer-songwriter from Australia who is based in the UK.

Her smash hit “Torn” was released in 1997 and was loved worldwide as a single from her debut album, Left of the Middle.

The song is a cover of a track originally released in 1995 by the American rock band Ednaswap, and Imbruglia’s voice—combining a unique sense of melancholy and strength—captured the hearts of millions of listeners.

“Torn” portrays the process of heartbreak and self-rediscovery, and its wistful melody and honest lyrics resonate with those mourning a lost love.

It’s especially relatable and comforting when you’re spending time alone or feeling emotionally unsettled.

With Imbruglia’s crystalline vocals and the song’s emotional impact, “Torn” stands out as a remarkable breakup anthem.

Back To DecemberTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Back To December

This song’s lyrics are about regretting breaking up with her boyfriend.

After losing him, she realized how important he was, but there’s no going back.

It’s a song that makes you think people only recognize the value of something after it’s gone.

I felt that singing these kinds of lyrics over a melody that isn’t too mellow creates an indescribably unique atmosphere.

AloneCéline Dion

Céline Dion – Alone (Taking Chances World Tour: The Concert)

Originally a song by the band Heart, this track was covered by Celine Dion.

Since the original comes from a rock band, its foundation is a solid, muscular 8-beat groove.

In contrast to that robustness, the lyrics feel delicate and fragile, and together with the overall harmonic texture, the sense of loneliness and poignancy stands out even more.

Listening to it alone in a moonlit room might make the experience even more emotional.

Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (Official Music Video)

It’s a classic by Ed Sheeran released in 2014.

No matter how many times you listen, it’s truly a beautiful song.

He also shows off his dancing in the music video, and apparently practiced five hours a day for three weeks.

Maybe thanks to that effort, it became a hot topic and has been played over 2 billion times.

He’s a genius at singing about heartbreaking love, but there isn’t a song more romantic than this, is there?

Back To BlackAmy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse – Back To Black

Amy Winehouse was a legendary singer-songwriter who achieved worldwide success—not only in her native UK—with a retro, 1960s soul style, yet tragically passed away at a young age.

The work that catapulted her to global fame was the 2006 album Back to Black.

The title track, Back to Black, was inspired by a turbulent romantic relationship and its end, imbued with heartbreak and deep emotion.

Its musical approach blends the essence of 1960s soul with a modern touch, and her uniquely husky voice makes the pain of heartbreak palpable—truly a masterpiece.

The song delicately portrays the emotional landscape after a breakup, allowing listeners to overlay their own experiences.

It’s highly recommended for anyone who has just gone through a separation or wants to share a bittersweet feeling through music.

Infused with Amy’s soul, this song will only grow in value as time goes by.

Lost (feat. The Kid LAROI)Bailey Zimmerman

Bailey Zimmerman – Lost (feat. The Kid LAROI) [Official Music Video]

American singer Bailey Zimmerman, who shot to stardom from posting on TikTok.

In this track, which features The Kid Laroi, he portrays the deep sense of loss and helplessness that follows a breakup.

It’s that feeling like half of you has been ripped away and you no longer know which way to go—an experience many can relate to.

Despite its uptempo, synth-forward sound, the protagonist’s pain, frozen in place, comes through and tightens your chest.

The song is included on the album “Different Night Same Rodeo,” released in August 2025.

It’s a breakup song that gently says, “You’re not alone,” to hearts that feel hopelessly lost.

Before You GoLewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi – Before You Go (Official Video)

Lewis Capaldi’s hit song “Before You Go.” It’s a track that portrays the raw feelings of a man after a breakup.

The song showcases Capaldi’s greatest strength—his mid-range vocals with a shouted edge.

In contrast to the power of his singing, the verses are arranged with a calm, restrained melody.

The performance consistently conveys a sense of delicacy from start to finish, which is also noteworthy.

It’s a high-level piece in lyrics, melody, and vocals alike.