Unrequited Love Songs in Western Music: A Collection of Heartbreaking Classics [2025]

IfJanet Jackson

Janet Jackson – If

A single released in 1993.

It reached No.

4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No.

3 on the Canadian singles chart.

The song is about a girl who goes to a club and fantasizes about a man.

Think I’m Still In Love With YouJoyce Manor

Think I’m Still In Love With You

Joyce Manor is a popular American punk band.

When you think of punk, many people imagine fast, intense music, but this song rides a somewhat languid melody to sing about an unforgettable love.

It’s included on their fifth album, “Million Dollars to Kill Me,” released in 2018.

Love At First SightKYLIE MINOGUE

Kylie Minogue – Love At First Sight (Official Video) [Full HD Remastered]

A song by Kylie Minogue that captures the moment of love at first sight set to exhilarating dance-pop.

Released as a single from the 2002 album “Fever,” it became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the UK charts.

The fluttering heartbeat and the joy of falling in love are expressed through a catchy melody and rhythmic beat.

Nominated for a Grammy, this track cemented Kylie’s international success.

It’s perfect not only for those with a crush, but for anyone who wants to revel in the feeling of being in love.

StephenKe$ha

Ke$ha – Stephen (Official Video)

A song by Kesha that portrays the aching feelings of unrequited love.

Every listen stirs the heart—a captivating track.

It’s distinctly early Kesha, marked by the striking fusion of accordion tones and electropop.

Included on her debut album Animal, it was released in 2010.

The lyrics capture complex emotions—longing for someone out of reach, obsession, and self-loathing.

Recommended for those currently in unrequited love or wanting to revisit a past romance.

It might also be the perfect song for basking in the bittersweet memories of youth.

Knock KnockLenka

★ Knock Knock ★

A song filled with bittersweet, passionate emotion.

Set to a relaxed tempo, Lenka’s clear, airy vocals resonate with the heart.

The lyrics, calling out “Knock, knock on my heart,” seem to capture the ache of unrequited love.

Included on her debut album “Lenka,” released in September 2008, it stands as one of the works that symbolizes her musical career.

This track gives courage to anyone struggling with love.

Listen to it when you’re going through the pain of a one-sided crush or feeling that sweet, bitter distance from the one you long for.

It will surely warm your heart.

Little BitLykke Li ft. Drake

Little Bit (With Lyrics) Lykke Li Feat.Drake

A song from the debut album “Youth Novels,” released in 2008 by Swedish artist Lykke Li.

It’s about a miserable unrequited love.

It was remixed in 2009 by Canadian singer Drake.

It Takes a MuscleM.I.A.

M.I.A. – It Takes a Muscle [HQ].mp4

Originally recorded in 1982 by the Dutch synth-pop group Spectral Display, this dancehall jam cover version by the British artist M.

I.

A.

was released in 2010.