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

Thinking Of YouKaty Perry

Katy Perry – Thinking Of You (Official)

A power ballad from 2009 by American singer Katy Perry that blends elements of pop, soft rock, and country music.

The song portrays a woman who questions her relationship with her current boyfriend while nostalgically longing for a past lover.

Ex-FactorLauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor (Official HD Video)

Lauryn Hill, the legendary singer-songwriter and rapper, grew up in a musically rich household and also rose to fame as a member of the Fugees.

Her 1998 album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, in particular, showcased her talent to the world.

Among its tracks, Ex-Factor—released first in the United States on December 14, 1998—became a major hit, earning a Platinum certification in the United Kingdom.

The song delicately portrays the pain and confusion of a relationship that ends despite lingering love, striking a deep chord with listeners.

Drawing on Hill’s own experiences, the lyrics depict emotional scars that many can relate to.

Listening to this song may even help you find the strength to overcome heartbreak and bittersweet feelings.

Dancing on My OwnRobyn

Robyn – Dancing On My Own

Robin, hailing from Sweden, has created many songs throughout her career that resonate with people’s emotions.

In particular, the single “Dancing On My Own,” released on April 20, 2010, is a masterpiece that captures deep feelings anyone who has experienced heartbreak can relate to.

The song portrays the perspective of a protagonist “watching from the corner” as an ex-lover happily spends time with someone new, showcasing Robyn’s refined electropop style.

Conveying both the pain of heartbreak and the resolve to overcome loneliness, this track becomes a powerful companion when you’re on your own.

Captivating audiences, it has had a significant cultural impact, inspiring numerous cover versions and appearing in films and television series.

Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” is bittersweet yet energizing—a song that gives you courage when you’re alone.

GrenadeBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Grenade (Official Music Video)

Bruno Mars is highly acclaimed even in Europe, where the level of music is exceptionally high.

“Grenade” is one of the works that showcased his talent to the world.

Bruno Mars’s vocals feature shouts spanning from the mid to high range, and this song’s melody is crafted to highlight that vocal character.

Pay attention to the melody and lyrics that convey both power and heartache.

The chorus melody is insanely cool—give it a listen!

Lose ControlTeddy Swims

Teddy Swims – Lose Control (Live)

Despite being in love, it feels like the relationship is breaking me.

This song, sung by American singer-songwriter Teddy Swims, portrays the pain of a codependent romance.

It’s included on his debut album, “I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1),” and in March 2024 it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 after a record-setting 32-week climb for a solo male artist.

The dependence that makes you unable to hold yourself together without the other person—and the struggle that keeps you from leaving anyway.

Anyone who has ever felt on the verge of losing themselves in love will recognize these helpless emotions.

If you’re forcing yourself to forget, letting yourself sink into this song might be what helps you finally take the next step.

I’d Rather Go BlindEtta James

I’d Rather Go Blind

Etta James, born in 1938 in Los Angeles, California, was a legendary artist who excelled across a wide range of genres, including jazz, blues, soul, and pop.

Her signature song, “I’d Rather Go Blind,” released in 1967, is a classic of blues and soul.

The song symbolically expresses a love so strong it would rather not see, and the fear of losing that love.

James’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery resonate deeply with listeners.

For those suffering from heartbreak or the pain of unrequited love, it is a song that echoes in the depths of the heart every time you listen.

Through Etta James’s voice, allow yourself to feel deeply the pain of heartbreak and the aching longing for the one you love.

Kill This LoveBLACKPINK

BLACKPINK – ‘Kill This Love’ M/V

This song made headlines for reaching 100 million views on its music video in record time, and it’s a powerful track released by the now world-famous group.

Rather than mourning an unrequited love, it’s more like, “Let’s let go cleanly!”—a portrayal of a strikingly cool woman that perfectly matches BLACKPINK’s character.

In any case, their singing, dancing, and looks are so captivating you just can’t take your eyes off them!