Rock music is not an exception to the widespread theme of unrequited love in the music business. Some of the most heartbreaking and moving songs about unrequited love have come from this genre, with lyrics that capture the agony, longing, and despair of unrequited feelings.
These rock songs about unrequited love have the ability to connect with listeners who have also gone through unrequited love, providing solace and a sense of community via similar experiences.
The most effective rock songs about unrequited love frequently delve into the complicated and turbulent feelings that go along with unreciprocated passions. They might discuss the anguish of being rejected, the sting of unrequited love, or the fervent wish that the person you’re in love with will someday feel the same way about you. Some songs may also explore the more sinister aspects of unrequited love, like the obsessive and possessive tendencies that can result from unmet needs.
The best rock songs about unrequited love frequently have soaring melodies, potent instrumentation, and voices that express the genuine feeling of the words, despite the serious subject matter.
The best rock songs about unrequited love span decades and genres, from vintage rock ballads to modern indie choruses. They provide a window into how people feel love and sorrow and serve as a reminder that music has the ability to bring people together and heal even in the worst moments. We shall examine some of the most enduring and influential rock songs in this post.
18 Best Rock Songs About Unrequited Love – Here are our recommendations!
18: The Heart Wants What It Wants – Selena Gomez
American artist Selena Gomez’s song “The Heart Wants What It Wants” is one of her songs. Her second studio album, For You (2014), included it as the lead single, which was released on November 6, 2014. Gomez, Antonina Armato, and Tim James wrote the song, and Rock Mafia oversaw its production.
Pop ballad “The Heart Wants What It Wants” with a drumbeat and string accompaniment. Lyrically, it describes the perplexing period of being in love with someone who is not right for you. When Gomez was going through a difficult breakup with Justin Bieber, she was recording the song.
17: Over My Head – Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac, a rock group, has a song called Over My Head. The track, which was released in 1976, peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song, which was written by Chrissie Hynde, is about a marriage that is breaking down. The feeling of being overcome by love and being unable to think straight is described in the lyrics.
The catchy tune and moving words of the song have received attention. Numerous musicians have covered Over My Head, including Kelly Clarkson, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash. Additionally, it has appeared in a number of films and television programmes.
16: You’re Beautiful – James Blunt
James Blunt, an English singer-songwriter, has a song called “You’re Beautiful”. On July 18, 2004, it was made available as the first single from Back to Bedlam, his debut album. In a number of nations, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and Italy, the song peaked at number one.
It reached its peak on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US at position twelve. Over 5 million copies of the song have been sold worldwide. Music critics gave the song favourable reviews.
15: I Hate Myself For Loving You – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
I Hate Myself for Loving You is a 1988 rock song by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts that became a tremendous hit and peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 list. Many listeners can relate to the song’s themes of obsession and addiction, and thanks to its memorable hook, it has become a timeless classic.
The song was co-written by Jett and Desmond Child, who also oversaw production. The song’s intense guitar riff and pounding tempo both add to its thrilling and anthem-like vibe. One of the first singles from Jett’s album Up Your Alley, I Hate Myself for Loving You, was a commercial hit and served to establish her as a potent rock vocalist.
14: Foolish Games – Jewel
Co-written with Steve Cooley and produced by Bruce Robb, “Foolish Games” is a song by American singer-songwriter Jewel from her debut album Pieces of You. The song explores the theme of unrequited love. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded it gold certification, and it reached its highest position of number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1997.
Paul Boyd, who also directed the music video, has Jewel performing in several locales while playing back footage of a couple. At the 40th Annual Grammy Awards, the song received a nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
13: Surrender – Billy Talent
Billy Talent, a Canadian rock band, has a song called “Surrender”. It was made available in 2003 as the follow-up single to their debut record of the same name. On the Canadian Hot 100 chart, the song peaked at number nine, indicating a modest commercial success. Music critics gave it excellent reviews as well, praising the song’s melody and lyrical content.
“Surrender” is a song about the struggles of maturing and making decisions in life. The lyrics depict the struggles of a young man trying to make his way in the world. The protagonist of the song must ultimately decide between two possible life pathways after being torn in two directions.
12: Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic – The Police
The Police, a well-known 80s band, wrote the song “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” The track appeared on the album Ghost in the Machine in 1981. One of the band’s most well-known songs, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, became an instant hit and peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart.
The song tells the story of a man who is madly in love with a woman who seems to have no flaws. Whatever she accomplishes, it will always be flawless in his eyes. The tune has a positive atmosphere and is ideal for dancing to.
11: Lovefool – The Cardigans
The pop song “Lovefool” by the Swedish group The Cardigans was released in 1996. On the band’s third studio album, First Band on the Moon, the song was written by Peter Svensson and Nina Persson. The song “Lovefool” became The Cardigans’ biggest hit, making it into the top ten in numerous nations and enjoying significant success abroad.
The song reached its highest position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US at number two. The success of the song contributed to First Band on the Moon’s financial and critical success, solidifying The Cardigans’ position as one of Sweden’s most well-liked bands. One of the group’s most recognisable songs and a pop classic, “Lovefool” is still played today.
10: Black – Pearl Jam
The American rock group Pearl Jam has a song called Black. On August 27, 1991, it was made available as the band’s Ten debut album’s sixth single. According to the Billboard Hot 100 list, the single peaked at number three. Lead vocalist Eddie Vedder and guitarist Mike McCready wrote the song.
The lyrics speak to internal conflict and relationship difficulties. Several publications have listed the song as one of the greatest songs of all time. It was ranked 216 in Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2006. It was ranked fourth on Triple J’s Hottest 100 of All Time list in 2009.
9: Just My Imagination – The Temptations
The Temptations issued the song “Just My Imagination” in 1971. Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield collaborated on the writing, and Whitfield oversaw production. The song reached number three on the UK Singles list and at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 list. Many musicians have covered it, including Rod Stewart, George Benson, and Michael Bublé.
A quiet, deep ballad called Just My Imagination tells the tale of a guy who dreams about the woman of his dreams. The song has a melancholy, well-known chorus, and the words are rife with longing and desire. One of the greatest vocal performances in the history of popular music is regarded to be The Temptations’ rendition of the song.
8: Stacy’s Mom – Fountains Of Wayne
A high school guy who falls in love with his best friend’s mother is the subject of Fountains of Wayne’s pop rock song Stacy’s Mom. The track was made available in 2003 as the band’s third studio album, Welcome Interstate Managers, first single.
The band’s highest-charting single to date and a commercial hit, the song peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. Numerous musicians have covered the song, including Weezer and Hayley Williams of Paramore. The song has also appeared in films and television shows, including the 2004 movie 50 First Dates.
7: I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bonnie Raitt
American singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt covered the Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin song “I Can’t Make You Love Me” for her eleventh studio album Luck of the Draw (1991). The song enjoyed tremendous commercial success, reaching the top of the Adult Contemporary chart and peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Additionally, the song was honoured with a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. Numerous musicians have covered “I Can’t Make You Love Me”, including George Michael, Adele, and Beyoncé. The song has received appreciation from music critics and is frequently mentioned as one of Raitt’s best-known tunes.
6: To Be With You – Mr. Big
A 1988-born hard rock band called Mr. Big is well-known for its songs “To Be with You” and “Alive and Kicking”. The band’s style combines elements from pop, heavy metal, and the blues. Eight studio albums by Mr. Big have been published, with the most recent being…What If in 2019. On the group’s 1991 album Lean into It, the song “To Be with You” can be found.
Paul Gilbert, a guitarist, wrote the song, which was first made available as a single in 1991. One of the band’s most well-known songs, it reached its peak at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1992.
5: Put You In A Song – Keith Urban
The song “Put You in a Song” was co-written and recorded by Australian country music performer Keith Urban. As the sixth single from his 2010 album Get Closer, it was made available in December 2010. Early in 2011, the song reached its highest position at number two on both the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts.
Urban and Sarah Buxton, a composer from Nashville who also contributed to his 2009 smash song “Sweet Thing”, created “Put You In A Song” together. Urban sings in the love song that he wants to write about his lover so that he may constantly think of her.
4: Everything You Want – Vertical Horizon
Vertical Horizon is an American alternative rock band, and “Everything You Want” is one of their songs. It was made available in 1999 as the follow-up single to the band’s eponymous album. The song became the band’s lone number-one single in the country when it peaked at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Mid-tempo ballad “Everything You Want” features a positive message about following one’s aspirations. The story of a young man in love with an unattainable woman is told by the song’s narrator. He attempts to get her attention even though he knows he will never have her.
3: Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad – Meat Loaf
A ballad called “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” was composed by Jim Steinman and American rock musician Meat Loaf. As the lead single from Meat Loaf’s album Bat Out of Hell, the song was made available in 1977. One of Meat Loaf’s most well-known songs, it reached number 11 on the American Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Several musicians have covered the song, including Bonnie Tyler, REO Speedwagon, and Poison. The song was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010. The sentimental ballad “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” is about a marriage that is in trouble.
2: Almost Lover – Alison Sudol
Alison Sudol, an American singer-songwriter, has a song called “Almost Lover”. On May 22, 2007, the song was made available as the first single from Sudol’s debut album, A Fine Frenzy. On the Billboard Adult Top 40 list and the Billboard Hot 100 chart, Almost Lover reached number 27 and 36, respectively.
At the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, the song was up for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The song is about regrets that come with a love that ended unexpectedly. One of the most well-known break-up songs of all time, Almost Lover features heartbreaking and touching lyrics by Alison Sudol.
1: Creep – Radiohead
One of the most spooky and disturbing songs of all time has been dubbed “Creep”, from the 1992 album “Creep” by the English alternative rock band Radiohead. The song tells the story of an unconfident man who is secretly in love with a woman he thinks is too good for him. The speaker of the song reveals his sentiments of inadequacy and self-doubt in the first-person lyrics.
With its sluggish, droning bassline and dissonant guitar chords, the music itself is unnerving. The speaker’s shouts of “I’m a creep, I’m a weirdo!” mark the song’s crescendo. These exact phrases express the sense of helplessness and loneliness that can result from unrequited love.
18 Best Rock Songs About Unrequited Love – Closing remarks and thoughts
The best rock songs about unrequited love, in conclusion, perfectly depict the anguish, heartbreak, and despair that accompany unrequited affections. They portray the emotional ups and downs of yearning for someone who doesn’t share those feelings as well as the fervent faith that love would someday be reciprocated. These songs reassure listeners that they are not alone in their sentiments and help them feel connected to others who have gone through similar sadness.
The greatest unrequited love rock songs have become timeless classics among audiences of all ages because of their stirring lyrics and soaring melodies. They stand as proof of music’s enduring ability to comfort and connect us, even in our most vulnerable circumstances.
There is a rock song about unrequited love that is certain to strike your heart, regardless of whether you prefer the timeless ballads of the 1970s and 1980s or the indie anthems of today. These songs serve as a reminder that even the most difficult situations may inspire beauty and art and that falling in love is not always simple.
Closing Remarks:
Put on your favourite rock song about unrequited love the next time you find yourself yearning for someone who doesn’t feel the same way, and let the music get you through. The melodies and words that have guided so many others through the difficult waters of love and heartbreak just could provide you with some relief and comfort.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
- Songs about determination
- Songs about the night sky
- Songs about rejecting someone
- Songs about getting better
- Songs about new love
- Songs about signs
- Songs about greed
- Songs to test speakers
- Songs about grandpa
A music enthusiast who has taken his passion for music to the next level by starting his own blog. He spends most of his free time listening to new albums, attending concerts, and researching emerging artists.
What sets John apart from other music bloggers is his ability to connect with his readers on a personal level. His writing style is warm and engaging, making it easy for readers to relate to him as both a fellow music lover and someone who truly cares about the art form.
John’s love for music started at a young age when he discovered classic rock through his father’s vinyl collection. Since then, he has expanded his musical horizons to include everything from indie rock to hip hop and beyond.
As a blogger, John has found a way to share his love of music with others while also providing valuable insights into the industry.