Ah, crushes. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? That flutter in your stomach when they walk by, the way your heart skips a beat when they smile at you, and how you suddenly become a fumbling mess trying to string two words together in their presence. As someone who’s had more than their fair share of crushes over the years, I can attest to the rollercoaster of emotions they bring – equal parts exhilarating and terrifying.
Music has always been my go-to for expressing those complicated feelings that come with having a crush. Whether I’m daydreaming about my latest infatuation or nursing a broken heart after an unrequited love, there’s always a perfect song to capture the moment.
That’s why I’ve compiled this list of 20 songs about crushes and having a crush. Each track on this list resonates with a different aspect of that giddy, nerve-wracking experience we call crushing on someone.
Contents
- 1. “Crush” by Yuna Ft. Usher
- 2. “Shower” by Becky G
- 3. “Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney
- 4. “Crush” by Mandy Moore
- 5. “This Time I Know It’s For Real” by Donna Summer
- 6. “Complicated” by Carolyn Dawn Johnson
- 7. “I Try To Think About Elvis” by Patty Loveless
- 8. “Smile” by Uncle Kracker
- 9. “Things I’ll Never Say” by Avril Lavigne
- 10. “Can’t Blame A Girl For Trying” by Sabrina Carpenter
- 11. “Cupid” by Sam Cooke
- 12. “I Wanna Get Next To You” by Rose Royce
- 13. “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes
- 14. “Crush” by David Archuleta
- 15. “Yeah Boy” by Kelsea Ballerini
- 16. “#1 Crush” by Garbage
- 17. “Enchanted” by Taylor Swift
- 18. “Crush On You” by Lil’ Kim Ft. Lil’ Cease and The Notorious B.I.G.
- 19. “Black Butterflies and Déjà Vu” by The Maine
- 20. “One Day” by Tate McRae
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
1. “Crush” by Yuna Ft. Usher
“Crush” by Yuna featuring Usher is a smooth R&B track that delves into the early stages of romantic attraction. Released in 2016 as part of Yuna’s third international studio album, Chapters, the song captures the excitement and nervousness that come with having a crush. The lyrics describe the subtle and tender moments shared between two people who are beginning to realize their feelings for each other. Usher’s soulful voice complements Yuna’s delicate vocals, creating a harmonious blend that enhances the song’s romantic vibe. The song’s commercial success is notable, peaking at No. 3 on the US Adult R&B Billboard chart and earning a gold certification from the RIAA for selling 500,000 copies by April 2019.
2. “Shower” by Becky G
“Shower” by Becky G is a bubbly pop anthem that celebrates the joy and euphoria of being in love. Released in 2014, the song quickly became a summer hit, known for its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo. The lyrics convey the happiness and carefree feeling that come with having a crush, likening the experience to singing in the shower. Produced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut, the song was initially intended for Katy Perry, but Becky G’s energetic performance made it her own. “Shower” helped Becky G gain significant recognition in the pop music scene, reaching No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple in her live performances.
3. “Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney
“Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney is a heartfelt pop song that expresses a deep and genuine admiration for someone special. Released in 2004, the song became McCartney’s breakout hit, resonating with listeners for its sincere and earnest lyrics. The chorus emphasizes that the singer is not just attracted to the person’s appearance but is captivated by their inner beauty and soul. The song’s message is clear: true love goes beyond superficial looks. “Beautiful Soul” reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidified McCartney’s status as a teen heartthrob.
4. “Crush” by Mandy Moore
“Crush” by Mandy Moore is a classic teen pop song from her second studio album, Mandy Moore (2001). The song captures the innocent and overwhelming feelings of having a crush on someone. With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, Moore sings about the nervousness and excitement that come with wanting to confess her feelings but being too shy to do so. The song’s music video, directed by Chris Applebaum, features various whimsical and colorful settings that reflect the playful nature of a teenage crush. “Crush” peaked at No. 35 on the US Billboard Mainstream Top 40 chart and No. 25 in Australia, making it one of Moore’s memorable hits from the early 2000s.
5. “This Time I Know It’s For Real” by Donna Summer
“This Time I Know It’s For Real” by Donna Summer is a dance-pop track that captures the certainty and excitement of realizing that a romantic crush has turned into genuine love. Released on February 13, 1989, as the lead single from her album Another Place and Time, the song was produced by the famous British team Stock Aitken Waterman. The lyrics express the narrator’s confidence that her feelings are real and deep, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has experienced the transition from infatuation to true love. The song was a commercial success, reaching number three in the UK and number seven in the US, making it one of Summer’s most memorable hits of the late 1980s.
6. “Complicated” by Carolyn Dawn Johnson
“Complicated” by Carolyn Dawn Johnson is a country ballad that explores the emotional complexity of having a crush on a close friend. Released in April 2001 from her debut album Room with a View, the song describes the internal conflict and fear of ruining a friendship by revealing romantic feelings. The narrator is caught in a web of emotions, feeling both the joy of attraction and the anxiety of potential rejection. The song’s relatable theme and heartfelt delivery helped it peak at number five on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100.
7. “I Try To Think About Elvis” by Patty Loveless
“I Try To Think About Elvis” by Patty Loveless is a playful country song that humorously addresses the distraction caused by a powerful crush. Released in July 1994 as the lead single from her album When Fallen Angels Fly, the song depicts the narrator’s attempt to divert her thoughts from her overwhelming feelings by thinking about various unrelated topics, including Elvis Presley. The catchy tune and witty lyrics resonated with audiences, helping the song reach number three on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The accompanying music video, directed by John Lloyd Miller, adds a visual layer of humor and charm to the song’s narrative.
8. “Smile” by Uncle Kracker
“Smile” by Uncle Kracker is a heartwarming pop-rock song that celebrates the joy and positivity brought by a romantic crush. Released on July 13, 2009, from his album Happy Hour, the song’s lyrics describe how the narrator’s crush makes him feel happy and uplifted, causing him to smile uncontrollably. The infectious melody and feel-good message made “Smile” a commercial hit, reaching number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the ARIA Singles Chart in Australia. The song’s music video, set in Northern Michigan, further emphasizes the cheerful and carefree nature of having a crush.
9. “Things I’ll Never Say” by Avril Lavigne
“Things I’ll Never Say” by Avril Lavigne, from her debut album Let Go (2002), is a pop-rock song that encapsulates the anxiety and excitement of having a crush. The lyrics describe the narrator’s struggle to express her feelings, fearing that she might not be able to convey her emotions perfectly. The song is filled with vivid imagery of nervousness, such as tugging at her hair and turning red, which many listeners can relate to when they think about their own crushes. The chorus highlights the desire to confess love and the frustration of keeping those feelings bottled up.
10. “Can’t Blame A Girl For Trying” by Sabrina Carpenter
“Can’t Blame A Girl For Trying” is the debut single by Sabrina Carpenter, released in 2014. This light-hearted pop-folk track captures the misadventures of teenage romance. The lyrics reflect the innocence and naivety of young love, where the narrator acknowledges making mistakes and acting foolishly when it comes to crushes. Despite the setbacks and embarrassing moments, the song maintains a positive outlook, suggesting that trying and failing is a natural part of growing up and falling in love. The song’s relatable theme and catchy melody helped it win a Radio Disney Music Award for “Best Crush Song”.
11. “Cupid” by Sam Cooke
“Cupid” by Sam Cooke, released in 1961, is a classic rhythm and blues song that has stood the test of time. The song features Cooke’s smooth vocals pleading with Cupid, the Roman god of love, to help him win the heart of his crush. The lyrics are simple yet poignant, expressing a deep desire for the object of his affection to notice and reciprocate his feelings. “Cupid” became one of Cooke’s most enduring hits, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 7 on the R&B chart. Its timeless appeal lies in its universal theme of longing and hope in love.
12. “I Wanna Get Next To You” by Rose Royce
“I Wanna Get Next To You” by Rose Royce is a soulful ballad from the 1976 soundtrack of the movie Car Wash. The song narrates the story of a man deeply infatuated with a woman who does not seem to notice him. Despite spending his time and money trying to get her attention, she remains indifferent. The lyrics convey a mix of yearning and determination, as the narrator dreams of being close to her and making her his own. The emotional depth of the song, combined with its smooth melody, made it a hit, and it remains a beloved classic in the genre of soul music.
13. “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes
“Wanted” by Hunter Hayes is a heartfelt country ballad that expresses a deep desire to make a loved one feel cherished and valued. Released in March 2012 as the second single from his debut album Hunter Hayes, the song was co-written by Hayes and Troy Verges. The lyrics convey the narrator’s wish to make his partner feel special and appreciated beyond superficial compliments. Hayes sings about wanting to wrap his partner up, kiss their lips, and hold their hand forever, emphasizing a deeper connection that transcends physical beauty. The song’s emotional depth and sincerity helped it become a major hit, reaching number one on the Hot Country Songs chart and earning multiple platinum certifications.
14. “Crush” by David Archuleta
“Crush” by David Archuleta is a pop ballad that captures the emotional whirlwind of having a crush. Released in 2008 as his debut single following his stint on American Idol, the song explores the vulnerability and raw emotions that come with falling in love. The lyrics describe a young man who is friends with a girl but believes they could be more than friends. He struggles with his feelings, questioning whether it’s real love or just another crush. The song’s relatable theme and Archuleta’s heartfelt delivery resonated with listeners, helping it reach number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
15. “Yeah Boy” by Kelsea Ballerini
“Yeah Boy” by Kelsea Ballerini is a flirty and upbeat country-pop song that captures the thrill and excitement of having a crush. Released in 2016 as part of her debut album The First Time, the song describes a girl who is enamored by a guy and is not afraid to let her feelings be known. The lyrics are playful and confident, reflecting the narrator’s desire to spend time with her crush and have her feelings reciprocated. The catchy melody and infectious energy of the song made it a fan favorite and a staple in Ballerini’s live performances.
16. “#1 Crush” by Garbage
“#1 Crush” by Garbage is a dark and intense rock song that explores the obsessive side of having a crush. Originally released in 1996 as part of the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack, the song’s lyrics reveal a narrator who is willing to go to extreme lengths for their crush, including praying, crying, and even dying for them. The emotional intensity and overwhelming feelings of love and devotion depicted in the song border on obsession, highlighting the consuming nature of such emotions. The song’s haunting melody and raw lyrics have made it a memorable and impactful track in Garbage’s discography.
17. “Enchanted” by Taylor Swift
“Enchanted” by Taylor Swift is a dreamy pop ballad from her 2010 album Speak Now. The song captures the magical feeling of meeting someone special for the first time and being instantly captivated by them. Swift’s lyrics describe the excitement and wonder of a chance encounter that leaves her longing for more. The chorus, with its repeated plea “Please don’t be in love with someone else,” highlights the vulnerability and hope that come with having a crush. The song’s lush production and Swift’s emotive vocals create an enchanting atmosphere that perfectly conveys the theme of romantic infatuation.
18. “Crush On You” by Lil’ Kim Ft. Lil’ Cease and The Notorious B.I.G.
“Crush On You” by Lil’ Kim, featuring Lil’ Cease and The Notorious B.I.G., is a hip-hop track from her 1996 debut album Hard Core. The song is known for its catchy hook and playful lyrics that explore the theme of having a crush. Lil’ Kim and Lil’ Cease trade verses about their romantic interests and the excitement of pursuing someone they are attracted to. The Notorious B.I.G. contributes a memorable verse that adds to the song’s appeal. The upbeat production and infectious melody make “Crush On You” a fun and energetic anthem about the thrill of romantic attraction.
19. “Black Butterflies and Déjà Vu” by The Maine
“Black Butterflies and Déjà Vu” by The Maine is an indie rock song from their 2017 album Lovely Little Lonely. The track explores the overwhelming emotions that come with a sudden, intense crush. Lead vocalist John O’Callaghan describes the feeling of being rendered speechless and captivated by someone special. The lyrics convey a sense of wonder and confusion, likening the experience to black butterflies and déjà vu. The song’s energetic guitars and driving drum beats create a dynamic backdrop for O’Callaghan’s heartfelt vocals. “Black Butterflies and Déjà Vu” received positive reviews for its relatable theme and captivating sound.
20. “One Day” by Tate McRae
“One Day” by Tate McRae is a poignant pop song that delves into the bittersweet emotions of having a crush. Released in 2017, the song features McRae’s expressive vocals and introspective lyrics that reflect on the longing and uncertainty of unrequited love. The narrator dreams of a future where their feelings might be reciprocated, but also grapples with the reality that it may never happen. The minimalist production, with its delicate piano and subtle beats, allows McRae’s voice and lyrics to take center stage, creating an intimate and emotional listening experience. “One Day” resonates with anyone who has experienced the heartache of wanting someone who may not feel the same way.
Submit Your Song to This Playlist
Do you have a track or song you’d like to feature on this playlist? If so, please fill out the form below for our evaluation.
Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.