Unrequited love breakup songs from Western music. World-famous classics and popular hits.
I’m sure everyone has had times when their feelings didn’t get through and they ended up giving up.
It would be nice if the other person felt at least a little interest in return for how much you like them.
This time, I’d like to introduce some wistful, melancholy Western songs about unrequited love and heartbreak.
Even if you don’t understand the Japanese lyrics, I think the melody and the way they’re sung will still convey the feelings.
Unrequited love breakup songs in Western music. World-famous and popular tracks (1–10)
Someone Like YouAdele
Doesn’t everyone think Adele is a dignified woman in her forties? As of 2017, she’s still in her twenties.
It’s true that her lyrics have a certain maternal quality and convey a strong sense of warmth.
Why is it that, even though they’re breakup songs, we end up feeling encouraged? Her songs are filled with a powerful vitality.
What do you mean?Justin Bieber
Justin, who got a little carried away with his flirtations, returns a changed man in this bittersweet electronic track.
Its cool progression really makes you ponder what “What do you mean?” truly means.
His deep talent and clear vocals are especially popular with younger listeners.
Seeing how enthusiastically he appears in commercials, it seems he might have a fondness for Japan.
We Are Never Ever Getting Back TogetherTaylor Swift
I think it’s no exaggeration to call it the most famous breakup song in the world.
You can practically hear Taylor saying, “I’m done being the convenient girl,” and it feels refreshing.
She writes her lyrics based on real experiences—most of them are breakup or heartbreak songs.
From this, you can tell that Taylor Swift is a woman who’s very active in love.
Always Been YouJessie Murph
This is a heart-wrenching love song sung by Jesse Murph, an American singer-songwriter drawing attention for her genre-defying musicality.
It portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love—realizing that no matter how you compare them to others, it’s always been “you” in my heart.
The more you try to forget, the more their smile and voice stick in your mind—a familiar experience in love.
Through her husky, soulful vocals, the unstoppable longing and the frustration of being unable to confess come through with piercing clarity.
The fusion of country and pop further dramatizes and colors these pure emotions.
Stay with meSam Smith
A heart-wrenching, full-on ballad that catapulted Sam Smith to fame and earned a Grammy.
Beyond the lyrics, many are captivated by his angelic voice.
Though the song itself is simple, his vocals and the gospel elements elevate it into a one-of-a-kind, moving ballad.
A truly compelling track to listen to.
Let Her GoPassenger
The striking intro has a hook so strong it makes you stop whatever you’re doing.
That husky voice carries a curious persuasiveness and keeps you listening to the very end.
The worldview, narrated with a touch of novel-like storytelling, feels simple, warm, and distinctly its own.
You’ll definitely find yourself wanting to hear more of this voice.
IrresponsibleKiana Ledé
This song by American R&B singer Kiana Ledé conveys her aching emotions.
Carried by a melancholic melody, it tells the story of a heart shattered by the irresponsibility of someone she trusted.
The despair of realizing that the flirtatious signals that made her believe the feelings were mutual were nothing but her own misunderstanding is truly painful.
The way she wavers between blaming the other person and being unable to let go of her feelings is something anyone who has experienced unrequited love can painfully relate to.
Kiana Ledé’s soulful voice seems to envelop and soothe this unbearable suffering.