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

Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)Looking Glass

Looking Glass – Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) (Official Audio)

The four members of Looking Glass are a pop music group originally formed by graduates of Rutgers University.

This song was released in 1972 from their self-titled debut album and reached No.

1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Cash Box Top 100 chart.

Find U Again ft. Camila CabelloMark Ronson

Mark Ronson – Find U Again (Official Video) ft. Camila Cabello

This is an unrequited-love song by the Japanese singer Gen Hoshino—who has performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen—DJ Mark Ronson, who has collaborated with him live, and the American singer Camila Cabello.

The lyrics express longing: searching for you and wanting to see you, while knowing we’ll never meet again.

Its R&B-tinged sound underscores the heartache.

Dancing On My OwnRobyn

Robyn – Dancing On My Own (Official Audio)

This is a song featured on Swedish singer Robyn’s 2010 album Body Talk Pt.

1.

In 2015, British singer Calum Scott performed it on a talent show, leading to a renewed hit.

While Calum’s version is arranged as a ballad, the original is a danceable pop tune.

The contrast with the lyrics—about going to check on a rumor that the person you like has gotten a girlfriend—is striking.

just my imaginationThe Temptations

The Temptations-just my imagination

A song that describes the feelings of a man who is deeply in love with a girl.

In reality, she doesn’t know him, and it’s an unrequited love.

The Rolling Stones covered this song in 1978 on the album Some Girls.

Everything You WantVertical Horizon

Vertical Horizon-Everything You Want

A single from the self-titled debut album by the American alternative rock band Vertical Horizon.

Released in 2000, it became their most successful single.

The song is about merciless love.

Wait For YouElliott Yamin

Elliott Yamin – Wait For You

This is one of Elliott’s signature songs, a big hit in Japan as well.

It’s a track about a mature, unrequited love—still loving her and thinking about her even after the breakup.

The lyric “I’m waiting for you” and his beautiful, tear-inducing vocals make you want to listen again and again.

Mr. BrightsideThe Killers

Mr. Brightside

With just one kiss, his heart is stolen, and he can think of nothing but her.

He can’t control his jealousy toward her boyfriend.

That male emotion is what the American rock band The Killers sings about in “Mr.

Brightside.” It’s included on their first album, “Hot Fuss,” released in 2004.

Many men may find themselves relating to the lyrics, which depict someone desperately trying to keep himself in check.