[2025] Western music songs that cheer on unrequited love: A roundup of classic tracks that speak to your feelings

PerfumeBritney Spears

Britney Spears – Perfume (Official Video)

This is a realistic and heartrending unrequited love song about believing that the person you like has feelings for someone else, and trying to mark you by wearing perfume.

The anxious feelings—like “Am I being too paranoid? Is it just my imagination?”—feel very real, and I think many women can relate.

I Want You to Want MeCheap Trick

Cheap Trick – I Want You to Want Me (from Budokan!)

It’s a bit old, but it’s a classic song for American graduation proms.

With an up-tempo country-rock feel, it’s a track that anyone nursing a crush can relate to, expressing the desire to “want me” in a very straightforward way.

Listening to it makes you realize how refreshing it would be to convey your feelings as directly as the lyrics do, and somehow it leaves you feeling invigorated.

Want U BackCher Lloyd

Cher Lloyd – Want U Back (US Version)

This cute song, which poppily sings about the straightforward wish to get back with an ex, is relatable for any girl who’s crushing on her former boyfriend.

Even within its pop melody, you can feel Cher Lloyd’s signature strength, which makes you feel like, “I’m definitely getting back together.”

Fine By MeChris Brown

Chris Brown – Fine By Me

Unlike other unrequited love anthems, this is a unique song that comically expresses a guy’s feelings by saying, “I’m not the main choice, but I don’t mind.” Men who find themselves stuck in the second-place position will relate, and at the same time, feel much more at ease with the message: “If you still love her, isn’t that enough?”

RealizeColbie Caillat

Colbie Caillat – Realize (Official Music Video)

This song, themed around the title “Realization,” is a gently sung ballad expressing a heartfelt wish: “Just as I realized it, I want you to realize that we are the best match for each other.” I think you’ll find yourself nodding deeply as you listen.

CrushDavid Archuleta

David Archuleta – Crush (Official Video)

A straight-from-the-heart unrequited-love song from a boy’s perspective, with lyrics any lovestruck male student can relate to and David Archuleta’s pure, resonant vocals.

Asking himself, “Is this just a crush? Or is it love?” and singing about feelings that won’t fade, this is a track you’ll want to listen to quietly and let sink in.

Still Falling for YouEllie Goulding

Ellie Goulding – Still Falling For You (From “Bridget Jones’s Baby” Original Soundtrack)

As the title “Falling for You” suggests, Ellie Goulding’s distinct, pure voice sings about meeting him and falling deeper and deeper in love.

It’s the kind of song that makes many women want to sink into the feelings of a one-sided crush while listening.

It was also featured in the beloved, down-to-earth heroine film Bridget Jones’s Diary, and I think it’s one of those songs women want to hear at the very moment they fall in love.