That flutter in your stomach, the goofy grin plastered across your face, the constant replaying of their last text… having a crush is a universally relatable experience, filled with a potent mix of excitement and anxiety. Navigating those heady early days requires the perfect soundtrack, and that's where we come in. This curated list of the best songs for when you have a crush will help you soundtrack your secret admiration, whether you’re feeling giddy with hope or nervously anticipating their next move. From classic love songs that capture the sweet vulnerability of new feelings to upbeat tunes that reflect the pure joy of a burgeoning connection, we've got the perfect playlist to match every stage of your crush. Whether you're looking for something to play while daydreaming, working up the courage to talk to them, or celebrating a blossoming romance, prepare to have your heartstrings tugged (in the best way possible). Get ready to dive into the ultimate playlist for that special someone.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Thinking out Loud | Ed Sheeran | x (Deluxe Edition) | 4B+ |
| 2. Perfect | Ed Sheeran | ÷ (Deluxe) | 4B+ |
| 3. Treat You Better | Shawn Mendes | Illuminate | 2B+ |
| 4. Love Me Like You Do | Ellie Goulding | 2B+ | |
| 5. Just the Way You Are | Bruno Mars | Doo-Wops & Hooligans | 2B+ |
| 6. Say You Won't Let Go | James Arthur | Back from the Edge | 2B+ |
| 7. Call Me Maybe | Carly Rae Jepsen | Kiss (Deluxe) | 2B+ |
1. Thinking out Loud
Romantic Lyrics: Ed Sheeran's heartfelt lyrics in "Thinking Out Loud" perfectly capture the giddy excitement and hopeful vulnerability of a new crush, expressing a desire for a long-lasting love that resonates deeply.
Acoustic Warmth: The song's gentle acoustic melody creates an intimate and cozy atmosphere, ideal for those quiet moments when you're letting your feelings for your crush simmer.
Emotional Resonance: Its sincere and tender tone makes it easy to imagine sharing this song with your crush – or simply letting the music amplify your own romantic feelings.
2. Perfect (Ed Sheeran - 2025)
Sound: Ed Sheeran's gentle acoustic guitar and warm vocals create an intimate and romantic atmosphere, perfect for expressing those shy, burgeoning feelings.
Emotional Impact: The lyrics' heartfelt vulnerability and longing perfectly capture the bittersweet joy and anxiety of having a crush, making it incredibly relatable.
Vocals: Sheeran's emotive delivery adds a layer of sincerity that enhances the song's already tender atmosphere, making it ideal for sharing or quietly reflecting on your feelings.
3. Treat You Better (Shawn Mendes)
Sweet Melodies: Shawn Mendes's vocals in "Treat You Better" are smooth and tender, perfectly capturing the vulnerable feeling of a burgeoning crush.
Upbeat Tempo: The song's rhythm is subtly upbeat, creating a joyful energy that mirrors the excitement of new romantic interest without being overwhelming.
Relatable Lyrics: The lyrics express longing and a desire to be better for someone special, making it incredibly relatable for anyone experiencing the thrill of a crush.
4. Love Me Like You Do
Sound: Ellie Goulding's breathy vocals and the pulsing synth beat create a dreamy, romantic atmosphere perfect for expressing those early-crush butterflies.
Emotional Impact: The lyrics express longing and vulnerability, capturing the intense feelings of a new crush with honesty and relatable emotion.
Perfect Moment: Put this on while you're daydreaming about your crush, or even while working up the courage to talk to them – it sets the perfect mood.
5. Just the Way You Are (Doo-Wops & Hooligans - 2025)
Smooth Vocals: Bruno Mars' velvety voice perfectly captures the tender feelings of a new crush, making the song incredibly endearing.
Upbeat Tempo: The song's cheerful rhythm subtly conveys the excitement and joy associated with having a crush, creating a lighthearted and infectious vibe.
Relatable Lyrics: The lyrics express admiration and adoration in a simple, honest way, making it easy to relate to the giddy feelings of a blossoming crush.
6. Say You Won't Let Go (Back from the Edge)
Heartfelt Lyrics: James Arthur's vulnerable vocals perfectly capture the nervous excitement and hopeful longing of a new crush, making the lyrics deeply relatable.
Acoustic Intimacy: The stripped-down acoustic arrangement creates a feeling of intimacy, ideal for quiet moments of reflection on your burgeoning feelings.
Emotional Resonance: The song's emotional honesty and powerful chorus make it the perfect soundtrack for those moments when you're dreaming of that special someone.
7. Call Me Maybe - Kiss (Deluxe)
Catchy Melody: "Call Me Maybe" boasts an instantly memorable melody that's both upbeat and subtly yearning, perfectly capturing the giddy excitement and nervous anticipation of a crush.
Relatable Lyrics: The lyrics' playful yet honest portrayal of shy affection resonates deeply with anyone who's ever felt the thrill and uncertainty of unspoken feelings.
Nostalgic Vibe: Its massive pop culture impact in the early 2010s adds a layer of nostalgia, making it a fun and familiar soundtrack for navigating those early stages of a crush.
8. You Belong With Me - Fearless (Taylor's Version)
Relatable Lyrics: Taylor Swift masterfully captures the yearning and hope of a secret crush with lyrics that resonate deeply with anyone who's ever felt that way.
Upbeat Melody: Despite the underlying longing, the song's melody is infectiously catchy and upbeat, making it the perfect soundtrack for those giddy, hopeful feelings.
Perfect for Daydreaming: Close your eyes, put on "You Belong With Me" and let the sweet sounds transport you to a world where your crush notices you.
9. Photograph
Acoustic Intimacy: Ed Sheeran's gentle vocals and acoustic guitar create a vulnerable and intimate atmosphere, perfect for reflecting on the sweet anxieties of a crush.
Relatable Lyrics: The lyrics capture the bittersweet joy and uncertainty of new feelings, making it incredibly relatable to anyone experiencing a crush.
Nostalgic Vibe: The song's warm, nostalgic sound evokes a feeling of cherished memories, ideal for soundtrack a budding romance.
10. You Are The Reason - Only Human (Deluxe)
Vocal Performance: Calum Scott's emotive vocals perfectly capture the vulnerability and joy of a burgeoning crush, making "You Are The Reason" deeply resonant.
Emotional Impact: The song's heartfelt lyrics and tender melody create a romantic atmosphere, ideal for sharing with your crush or simply daydreaming about them.
Perfect Moment: Its gentle rhythm and uplifting vibe make it perfect for a quiet evening, a shared moment, or even as a soundtrack to creating a special playlist for your secret admiration.
11Into You
Ariana Grande
2024
12I'm Yours
Jason Mraz
2008
We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
13One Thing
One Direction
2011
Up All Night
14Love Story
Taylor Swift
2009
Barton Hollow
15ME!
Taylor Swift,Panic! At The Disco,Brendon Urie
2019
Lover
16Can't Help Falling in Love
Elvis Presley
1961
Blue Hawaii
17Everything Has Changed
Taylor Swift,Ed Sheeran
2013
18I Like Me Better
Lauv
2017
19Teenage Dream
Katy Perry
2010
Teenage Dream
20Lucky
Jason Mraz,Colbie Caillat
2008
We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
21Crush
David Archuleta
2008
22Ocean Avenue
Yellowcard
2003
23Adore You
Harry Styles
2019
Fine Line
24Enchanted
Taylor Swift
2010
Speak Now (Taylor's Version)
25Can't Stop Loving You
Phil Collins
1984
Testify (Deluxe Edition)
26Smile
Uncle Kracker
2003
27Can't Take My Eyes off You
Frankie Valli
1967
Lesley Gore Sings Of Mixed-Up Hearts
28All of Me
Hunter Hayes,John Legend,Jennifer Nettles
2013
Wild Blue, Part I
29Falling For You
Colbie Caillat
2009