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

Best FriendJason Chen

Best Friend – Jason Chen (Official Music Video)

This is a bittersweet, boy’s-eye-view song about the moment he realizes he’s fallen for his childhood friend and best girl friend.

It portrays the complex feelings of wanting to confess while not wanting to ruin the friendship, yet the vocals and melody never get overly sad—instead they’re somehow warm, so it might make those lonely worries feel a little lighter.

I Hate Myself For Loving YouJoan Jett & The Blackhearts

Joan Jett – I Hate Myself For Loving You [ Original HQ ]

Even if you don’t usually listen to rock, you can relate to this hard rock track that straightforwardly sings about a cute maiden’s heart—“Why did I end up falling for someone like you?” Joan Jett’s powerful vocals radiate girl power, and because it’s rock, it fires you up to face unrequited love head-on.

UnconditionallyKaty Perry

Katy Perry – Unconditionally (Official)

This song, which conveys a strong message of “I will love you unconditionally,” is one many people can relate to when they’re in love.

But the lyrics—especially the part that says “So please open your heart”—also convey a one-sided feeling.

When you’re nursing a crush, you can’t help but want to hum these lyrics to let out the feelings you can’t say aloud.

Heartbeat SongKelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson – Heartbeat Song

This adorable song, bursting with the feeling of your excitement steadily rising when you fall for someone, makes you think that having a crush can be fun just by listening to it.

Since it’s sung by Kelly Clarkson, who often portrays strong women, it also reveals a cute side—like “I fell in love and now I’m not my usual self”—which makes you feel even more positive about romance.

It’s a Beautiful DayMichael Bublé

Michael Bublé – It’s A Beautiful Day [Official Music Video] (New 4K Upgrade)

It’s a bright, uplifting song about how you feel after confessing and getting rejected, and just listening to it gives you a real boost.

I think it will encourage anyone hesitating to confess, too: no matter the outcome, it’s not the end of the world.

You’ll be fine—just go for it.

Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo – Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself)

It’s an up-tempo song that expresses the feelings of a boy who has a crush on a girl lacking confidence, as in the title: “Let me keep loving you until you can love yourself.” Told from a boy’s perspective, it’s easy for guys to relate to, and unlike many songs that sing “I love you” or “Please love me,” the stance of “Let me keep loving you” gives confidence to the girl who hasn’t yet been able to return his feelings.

What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)

It’s a bright, straightforward song about feelings for a girl he has a crush on.

It might be close to a confession song, but it’s upbeat, and from a boy’s perspective it poppily sings “I like you” to the fullest, making you innocently feel that simply liking someone is fun.