24 Most Famous Songs About Obsession (Compulsive Playlist)

Obsession can be an overwhelming and all-consuming emotion, and throughout music history, artists have explored its complex nature. Songs about obsession dive into the intensity of desire, portraying both the beauty and the darkness of fixating on someone or something.

Whether capturing the raw passion of infatuation or revealing the painful consequences of emotional entrapment, these songs speak to listeners who have experienced the powerful pull of love that transcends rationality.

Through diverse styles and lyrics, obsession in music shows how desire can be both exhilarating and destructive, leaving an indelible mark on the human heart.

24 Most Popular Songs About Obsession with Someone That You Need to Hear

Here is a list of 24 songs about obsession:

#1 “Every Breath You Take” by The Police

“Every Breath You Take” by The Police is a classic song about obsession disguised as a love song. The lyrics delve into the dark side of infatuation, where the protagonist’s intense focus on their partner becomes unsettling. The iconic line “every breath you take, every move you make, I’ll be watching you” highlights the obsessive nature of the singer, as he stalks and observes his love interest’s every action.

This seemingly sweet ballad becomes a haunting reminder of how desire can morph into unhealthy obsession. Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to make listeners question the boundaries between love and control, with a melody that remains captivating decades after its release.

#2 “Obsession” by Animotion

Animotion’s “Obsession” is a fast-paced, synth-driven anthem that perfectly captures the frantic energy of unrelenting desire. The song narrates the intensity of infatuation and the lengths to which someone will go to possess the object of their affection. With its catchy hooks and energetic beat, “Obsession” explores the feelings of passion that border on mania, where the line between admiration and unhealthy fixation is blurred.

The relentless repetition of “you are an obsession, you’re my obsession” amplifies the sense of helplessness in the face of overwhelming desire. It’s a song that lives up to its title, taking the listener through a whirlwind of emotions with its infectious energy.

#3 “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga

“Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga is a powerhouse anthem about wanting someone so intensely that you’re willing to accept the toxic elements of the relationship. Gaga’s lyrics speak to the twisted nature of obsessive love, where pain and desire are intertwined. The line “I want your love and I want your revenge” signifies a chaotic push-pull dynamic, where obsession becomes all-consuming and dangerous.

Her dramatic delivery, paired with the pulsating dance beat, drives home the intensity of the emotional turmoil. The song’s explosive energy and theatrical visuals made it a cultural touchstone, perfectly embodying the darker side of desire and the consequences of wanting someone too much.

#4 “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z

Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love” is an exuberant declaration of love that borders on obsession, with its high-octane beats and irresistible hooks. The song explores the dizzying effects of being infatuated to the point of losing control. Beyoncé’s powerhouse vocals convey the sense of excitement and vulnerability that comes with being “crazy in love,” while Jay-Z’s rap adds a cool swagger to the mix.

At its core, the song is about the head-spinning, all-consuming nature of a passionate romance, where emotions run wild, and nothing else matters. Its infectious energy and undeniable chemistry between the two artists make it an anthem for those who’ve been swept up in the whirlwind of obsessive love.

#5 “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell

Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” is a synth-pop masterpiece that explores the darker side of a relationship gone wrong, where love turns into obsession. The protagonist feels trapped in a toxic relationship, unable to escape the overpowering emotions that keep them tethered to their partner. With lyrics like “once I ran to you, now I run from you,” the song captures the suffocating grip of obsessive love that no longer feels healthy.

The song’s pulsating beats and melancholy melody add to its haunting appeal, making it a timeless anthem about the destructive consequences of love that has become more about fixation than affection.

#6 “You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt

“You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt is a wistful ballad about seeing someone and feeling an instant, overwhelming attraction that borders on obsession. The singer recounts a fleeting encounter on a subway, where he becomes enchanted by a woman he will never be with. The song’s soft melody and introspective lyrics express the sadness of knowing that this brief moment of intense infatuation will never turn into something real.

It’s a poignant reminder of how obsession can often be one-sided, fueled by longing and fantasy rather than reality. Blunt’s emotional delivery makes it a heartfelt reflection on unrequited love and its lasting impact.

#7 “Addicted to You” by Avicii

Avicii’s “Addicted to You” is an electronic dance anthem that encapsulates the addictive, all-consuming nature of love. The protagonist sings of being utterly dependent on their partner, comparing the intensity of their feelings to an addiction. The pulsating beats and catchy chorus mirror the rush of emotions that come with falling for someone in an obsessive way.

The lyrics “I’m addicted to you, hooked on your love” reveal a sense of helplessness, as the protagonist can’t escape the overpowering need for the person they desire. It’s a song that perfectly balances euphoria and desperation, capturing the highs and lows of obsessive love.

#8 “Stan” by Eminem ft. Dido

“Stan” by Eminem tells the haunting story of an obsessive fan whose admiration for the rapper spirals into dangerous obsession. Through a series of letters, Stan expresses his unhealthy fixation, hoping for a response from his idol. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Stan’s infatuation has escalated, leading to tragic consequences. Dido’s melancholic hook, “My tea’s gone cold, I’m wondering why I got out of bed at all,” contrasts with the increasingly disturbing tone of Stan’s letters, highlighting the destructive nature of unchecked obsession.

This chilling portrayal of fan devotion gone wrong remains one of the most powerful songs about obsession, illustrating the dangerous line between admiration and unhealthy fixation.

#9 “I Will Possess Your Heart” by Death Cab for Cutie

“I Will Possess Your Heart” by Death Cab for Cutie is a haunting track that explores the darker side of longing and fixation. The song’s extended instrumental intro builds tension, drawing listeners into the mindset of someone who is obsessively pursuing another person. The lyrics, “You gotta spend some time, love, you gotta spend some time with me,” highlight the protagonist’s belief that time and persistence will lead to reciprocation, even if the feelings aren’t mutual.

The chilling repetition and intensity of the vocals make this song a deep dive into the discomfort of unreciprocated obsession, blurring the line between desire and control.

#10 “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is a raw, intense portrayal of obsession through the lens of sexual desire. Trent Reznor’s provocative lyrics, “I wanna f*** you like an animal,” are as direct as they are unsettling, reflecting an almost primal need for closeness that borders on addiction. The pulsing industrial beats and dark, twisted energy of the song amplify the urgency of the lyrics, turning it into an anthem of obsessive, carnal desire.

The song delves into themes of control, submission, and desperation, capturing the destructive intensity that obsession can bring. It’s a disturbing but powerful exploration of the darker side of human longing.

#11 “Obsession” by Frankie J

Frankie J’s “Obsession” delves into the intoxicating and often overpowering emotions that come with being infatuated with someone. The smooth R&B melody contrasts with the intensity of the lyrics, which describe how the protagonist can’t stop thinking about the person who’s captured his heart. “I can’t get you out of my mind,” he sings, encapsulating the feeling of being trapped in a whirlwind of emotions.

The song’s repetition of the word “obsession” underscores the helplessness of the singer, who is consumed by his love for someone who may not feel the same. It’s a heartfelt expression of how quickly desire can turn into obsession.

#12 “Paparazzi” by Lady Gaga

In “Paparazzi,” Lady Gaga uses the metaphor of a photographer chasing a celebrity to explore the obsessive nature of fame and unrequited love. The song’s lyrics, “I’m your biggest fan, I’ll follow you until you love me,” blur the lines between admiration and stalking, capturing the dangerous allure of obsession. Gaga’s sultry vocals and the song’s haunting, electro-pop melody emphasize the darker side of infatuation, where boundaries are crossed in the pursuit of attention and love.

“Paparazzi” is both a commentary on the invasive nature of fame and a deeper exploration of obsession’s role in relationships, where love and desire become overwhelming forces.

#13 “I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick

“I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick is a lively power-pop anthem that expresses the desperation of longing for reciprocation. The protagonist’s repetitive plea, “I want you to want me,” captures the frustration and yearning of unrequited love, teetering on the edge of obsession. While the upbeat melody gives the song a feel-good vibe, the lyrics reveal the vulnerability of wanting someone so badly that it becomes all-consuming.

This energetic track is an ode to the desperation of desire, turning the pain of unreturned affection into a catchy, unforgettable tune that resonates with anyone who’s ever wanted something they couldn’t have.

#14 “Grenade” by Bruno Mars

“Grenade” by Bruno Mars tells the story of someone so consumed by their love for another person that they’re willing to sacrifice everything, even their life. The lyrics, “I’d catch a grenade for ya,” convey a level of devotion that goes beyond love and borders on unhealthy obsession. Despite the protagonist’s willingness to go to extreme lengths, his love is unreciprocated, which only intensifies the emotional turmoil.

Mars’s powerful vocals paired with the dramatic melody emphasize the overwhelming intensity of his feelings, capturing the pain of loving someone who doesn’t feel the same way. It’s a heart-wrenching portrayal of love that has turned into obsession.

#15 “Head Over Heels” by Tears for Fears

“Head Over Heels” by Tears for Fears is a beautiful yet bittersweet reflection on infatuation and the feeling of being completely consumed by another person. The lyrics explore the joy and vulnerability of falling deeply in love, yet the intensity of the emotions suggests that it could easily cross into obsession. With lines like, “I wanted to be with you alone,” the song reflects the desire to have someone’s full attention and the fear of being emotionally overwhelmed.

The sweeping melody and emotional vocals turn this track into an anthem for those who find themselves caught in the grip of powerful, potentially obsessive feelings.

#16 “Possession” by Sarah McLachlan

“Possession” by Sarah McLachlan is a haunting song about the darker side of love, where desire turns into obsession. Written from the perspective of an obsessed fan, the lyrics delve into the dangerous intensity of someone who believes they own the object of their affection. With lines like, “I would be the one to hold you down, kiss you so hard,” McLachlan portrays the suffocating control that often accompanies obsessive love.

The haunting melody and emotional depth of McLachlan’s vocals add to the unsettling nature of the song, making “Possession” a chilling exploration of how love can become possessive and destructive.

#17 “Addicted” by Kelly Clarkson

“Addicted” by Kelly Clarkson dives into the suffocating nature of an all-consuming obsession. In this powerful track, Clarkson sings about the emotional turmoil of being caught in a toxic relationship, where she compares her desire to an addiction she can’t break free from. The lyrics, “It’s like I can’t breathe, it’s like I can’t see anything, nothing but you,” highlight the protagonist’s struggle, portraying how love, or rather, obsession, can trap someone in an unhealthy cycle.

The intensity of Clarkson’s vocals, paired with the dramatic rock instrumentation, captures the pain and hopelessness of wanting someone so badly that it becomes a vice, leaving no room for anything else in life.

#18 “Every Breath You Take” by The Police

“Every Breath You Take” by The Police is a haunting song that often gets mistaken for a love ballad, when in reality, it’s about obsessive surveillance. The protagonist sings about watching every move his ex-lover makes, with the chilling chorus, “Every breath you take, every move you make, I’ll be watching you.” This sense of possessiveness and control illustrates how obsession can manifest as an unhealthy need to monitor and control another person.

The mellow, catchy melody contrasts with the dark, stalker-like lyrics, making this song a memorable exploration of fixation and obsession, revealing the fine line between affection and controlling behavior.

#19 “Obsession” by Animotion

Animotion’s “Obsession” is an iconic 80s anthem that tackles the theme of being consumed by infatuation. The driving synth beats and energetic tempo perfectly capture the sense of urgency and desire the protagonist feels, as they declare, “I will have you, yes, I will have you.” The song’s upbeat and infectious sound creates an ironic contrast to the theme of unhealthy obsession, making it both a dance-worthy track and a cautionary tale about the dangers of single-minded desire.

The lyrics reflect the intensity of obsession, where the object of affection is seen as something to be possessed, rather than someone to love freely. It’s a perfect mix of intensity and fun, wrapped in an 80s electro-pop vibe.

#20 “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell

“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell is a dark, synth-heavy song that captures the suffocating feeling of being trapped in a toxic, obsessive relationship. The repeated lines, “Once I ran to you, now I’ll run from you,” tell the story of a love that started with passion but quickly turned destructive. The protagonist realizes that the intense relationship has become overwhelming, likening it to tainted love—once sweet but now harmful.

The song’s repetitive beat and somber tone perfectly reflect the cycle of obsession and escape, making it a powerful anthem for those who have felt trapped in unhealthy emotional dynamics, yearning to break free.

#21 “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel

“In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel is a heartfelt song about deep emotional connection, but the lyrics also touch on the idea of being completely enraptured by another person. The protagonist expresses a longing to be seen and understood by their partner, singing, “In your eyes, the light, the heat, I am complete.” While it’s a song filled with warmth and affection, there is also an element of obsession in the intensity of the emotions conveyed.

Gabriel’s tender vocals and the song’s rich, layered instrumentation convey the overwhelming power of love, which can at times border on an almost addictive need for validation and completeness from the other person.

#22 “Control” by Halsey

“Control” by Halsey is a dark, introspective exploration of inner turmoil and the feeling of being consumed by one’s obsessions. The song delves into the complexity of the protagonist’s mental struggles, with lyrics like, “I’m bigger than my body, I’m colder than this home,” representing a sense of losing control over oneself. This theme of internal obsession and battling personal demons resonates deeply, as Halsey navigates the destructive side of being fixated on one’s own darkness.

The haunting melody and intense production create an eerie atmosphere, drawing listeners into the emotional chaos of obsession, where control is lost, and inner battles rage uncontrollably.

#23 “Creep” by Radiohead

“Creep” by Radiohead is a melancholic anthem for those who feel alienated and consumed by unrequited love. The protagonist, who views themselves as unworthy, sings, “I wish I was special, you’re so very special,” revealing a painful longing for someone they can’t have. This yearning turns into self-loathing, as the protagonist becomes obsessed with their perceived inadequacies in comparison to the person they idolize.

The song’s haunting vocals and slow, grunge-inspired instrumentation heighten the emotional depth of this obsession, making “Creep” a heart-wrenching exploration of feeling invisible and disconnected from the object of one’s affection.

#24 “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding’s “Love Me Like You Do” captures the overwhelming intensity of being completely absorbed by love and desire. The lyrics, “You’re the light, you’re the night, you’re the only thing I wanna touch,” illustrate how the protagonist is captivated by the object of their affection, making them the center of their world. This kind of emotional intensity can easily tip into obsession, as the protagonist’s identity becomes intertwined with their need for love.

The song’s lush production and Goulding’s ethereal vocals make “Love Me Like You Do” a soaring ballad of desire and infatuation, where love is all-consuming and intoxicating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common themes in songs about obsession?

Songs about obsession often explore themes of intense desire, fixation, and emotional turmoil. They depict how love or infatuation can become overpowering and unhealthy, leading to unhealthy attachments.

How do artists express obsession in their lyrics?

Artists convey obsession by using vivid imagery and repetition to highlight overwhelming emotions. The lyrics often describe an inability to escape thoughts about a person, with some songs delving into darker aspects like control or possessiveness.

Are all songs about obsession negative?

Not all songs about obsession have negative connotations. While many focus on the darker side, others frame obsession as passionate longing, with an emphasis on romantic intensity and desire.

Why do songs about obsession resonate with listeners?

Songs about obsession resonate because they tap into universal human experiences of longing and emotional intensity. Many listeners relate to feelings of overwhelming desire or unrequited love, making these songs emotionally impactful.