Music has a knack for capturing our deepest emotions. Obsession, that all-consuming fixation, finds its voice in countless songs across genres. Artists like
These tunes range from haunting ballads to upbeat pop hits. They explore the fine line between love and obsession, often blurring the boundaries. Some celebrate the thrill of infatuation, while others warn of its darker side. The best songs about obsession don’t just tell a story – they make you feel it in your bones.
Contents
- 1. Every Breath You Take – The Police
- 2. I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE – Måneskin
- 3. Animals – Maroon 5
- 4. A Little Piece of Heaven – Avenged Sevenfold
- 5. Your Love Is My Drug – Kesha
- 6. Obsessed – Mariah Carey
- 7. Tear You Apart – She Wants Revenge
- 8. Shiver – Coldplay
- 9. READ YOUR DIARY – Måneskin
- 10. Father Figure – George Michael
- 11. Love You to Death – Type O Negative
- 12. An Unhealthy Obsession – The Blake Robinson Synthetic Orchestra
- 13. Obsessed With You – The Orion Experience, ORION, Linda XO
- 14. Super Psycho Love – Simon Curtis
- 15. (One of Those) Crazy Girls – Paramore
- 16. Spiracle – Flower Face
- 17. Run For Your Life – The Beatles
- 18. Escape – Enrique Iglesias
- 19. Goodnight and Go – Imogen Heap
- 20. Girlfriend – Badflower
- 21. The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get – Morrissey
- 22. Obsession (feat. Muni Long) – Eric Bellinger, Muni Long
- 23. I Put A Spell On You – Marilyn Manson
- 24. Night Vision Binoculars – Passenger
- 25. I Am You – Depeche Mode
- 26. Follow You – Night Riots
- 27. Crazy Love – Mindy Gledhill
1. Every Breath You Take – The Police
Track Name: Every Breath You Take
Release Year: 1983
The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” is a masterclass in obsession disguised as a love song. Its haunting melody and Sting’s silky vocals mask a darker undertone of possessiveness. The track’s simple yet effective arrangement, dominated by Andy Summers’ iconic guitar riff, creates an atmosphere of uneasy longing.
This chart-topping hit from 1983 has left an indelible mark on pop culture. It’s been misinterpreted as a romantic ballad at countless weddings, despite Sting’s insistence on its sinister nature. The song’s enduring popularity and numerous covers attest to its powerful portrayal of obsessive love, cementing its place among the most memorable tracks about fixation.
2. I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE – Måneskin
Track Name: I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE
Release Year: 2021
Måneskin’s “I Wanna Be Your Slave” is a raw exploration of obsessive desire. The track’s gritty rock sound and provocative lyrics capture the intensity of infatuation. Its pulsing bass line and electric guitar riffs create a sense of urgency that mirrors the song’s theme.
The music video amplifies the song’s message with its bold, BDSM-inspired visuals. It’s sparked conversations about power dynamics and sexual freedom. The band’s energetic live performances of the song have become fan favorites, showcasing their magnetic stage presence.
3. Animals – Maroon 5
Track Name: Animals
Release Year: 2014
Maroon 5’s “Animals” is a pulsating anthem of obsession. The track’s driving beat and Adam Levine’s falsetto create a primal atmosphere. Its lyrics paint a picture of unbridled desire, comparing the pursuit of love to a predator stalking its prey.
The music video amplifies the song’s themes with disturbing imagery. It shows Levine as a blood-soaked butcher, stalking a woman through dark streets. This visual representation sparked controversy but also cemented the song’s place in pop culture. “Animals” remains a standout in Maroon 5’s catalog, showcasing their ability to blend catchy hooks with edgy themes.
4. A Little Piece of Heaven – Avenged Sevenfold
Track Name: A Little Piece of Heaven
Release Year: 2007
A Little Piece of Heaven by Avenged Sevenfold is a twisted tale of obsession gone wrong. This progressive metal track blends dark humor with macabre storytelling. The song’s protagonist takes his love to deadly extremes, showcasing the band’s knack for shock value.
The music video amplifies the song’s unsettling vibe with its Tim Burton-esque animation. Fans embraced this controversial track, making it a cult favorite in A7X’s catalog. Its theatrical arrangement and haunting melodies create an unforgettable listening experience that sticks with you long after the final note fades.
5. Your Love Is My Drug – Kesha
Track Name: Your Love Is My Drug
Release Year: 2010
Kesha’s “Your Love Is My Drug” captures the intoxicating nature of obsessive love. The electropop banger’s pulsing beat and catchy hook mirror the rush of infatuation. Its lyrics paint a picture of all-consuming desire, with Kesha comparing her feelings to addiction.
The song’s music video adds a trippy visual element to the obsession theme. Kesha romps through a desert landscape, chasing a tiger-headed lover. This surreal imagery perfectly matches the song’s dizzy energy. “Your Love Is My Drug” became a dance floor staple, cementing Kesha’s status as a pop provocateur.
6. Obsessed – Mariah Carey
Track Name: Obsessed
Release Year: 2009
Mariah Carey’s “Obsessed” is a catchy pop anthem that dives into the world of unwanted attention. The song’s upbeat tempo and Carey’s signature vocal runs create an infectious rhythm. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of dealing with a relentless admirer, resonating with anyone who’s faced similar situations.
The music video adds another layer to the obsession theme. Carey transforms into different characters, including a stalker version of herself. This visual storytelling amplifies the song’s message and showcases Carey’s versatility as an artist. “Obsessed” became a fan favorite and solidified Carey’s status as a pop culture icon in the late 2000s.
7. Tear You Apart – She Wants Revenge
Track Name: Tear You Apart
Release Year: 2005
“Tear You Apart” by She Wants Revenge is a masterclass in obsessive desire. The song’s dark, pulsing rhythm and haunting vocals capture the essence of uncontrollable infatuation. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of a fixation that borders on madness, with lines that stick in your mind long after the song ends.
The track’s music video amplifies its unsettling vibe. It follows a man’s intense pursuit of a woman through dimly lit streets, mirroring the song’s theme of relentless obsession. The video’s noir-like aesthetic perfectly complements the band’s post-punk revival sound. It’s no wonder this song has become a cult favorite for those who’ve experienced the all-consuming nature of obsessive love.
8. Shiver – Coldplay
Track Name: Shiver
Release Year: 2000
Coldplay’s “Shiver” captures the essence of obsessive love with its haunting melody and raw lyrics. The track’s driving guitar riffs and Chris Martin’s emotive vocals create a sense of yearning that’s hard to shake. Its stripped-back production allows the song’s intensity to shine through, making it a standout on their debut album “Parachutes.”
The music video adds another layer to the song’s obsessive theme. It features Martin chasing a woman through snowy streets, never quite catching up to her. This visual metaphor perfectly complements the lyrics, bringing the song’s desperate longing to life. “Shiver” remains a fan favorite and a powerful example of Coldplay’s early work, showcasing their knack for crafting emotionally charged anthems.
9. READ YOUR DIARY – Måneskin
Track Name: READ YOUR DIARY
Release Year: 2023
Måneskin’s “Read Your Diary” dives deep into obsessive love. The track’s raw energy and pulsating rhythm mirror the intensity of fixation. Damiano David’s vocals drip with desperation, perfectly capturing the song’s theme of all-consuming infatuation.
The music video amplifies the obsession narrative. It features the band in a voyeuristic setting, spying on their love interests. This visual representation adds another layer to the song’s exploration of unhealthy attachment. Fans have embraced the track, praising its honest portrayal of love’s darker side.
10. Father Figure – George Michael
Track Name: Father Figure – Remastered
Release Year: 1987
George Michael’s “Father Figure” delves deep into obsessive love. The sultry R&B ballad showcases Michael’s velvety vocals over a slow, hypnotic beat. Its lyrics blur the lines between romantic passion and paternal care, creating an unsettling yet captivating atmosphere.
The song’s music video amplifies its obsessive theme. It portrays a taxi driver’s fixation on a model, blending reality and fantasy. This visual storytelling, coupled with the song’s sensual production, earned “Father Figure” critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. It’s a prime example of how obsession can be both alluring and disquieting in music.
11. Love You to Death – Type O Negative
Track Name: Love You to Death
Release Year: 1996
Type O Negative’s “Love You to Death” is a haunting anthem of obsession. The gothic metal track oozes with dark romance and intense longing. Its brooding lyrics and Peter Steele’s deep baritone vocals create an atmosphere of passionate desperation.
The song’s slow-burning melody builds to a crescendo of raw emotion. Heavy guitar riffs and somber keyboard notes blend seamlessly, mirroring the all-consuming nature of obsessive love. This 1996 hit from the album “October Rust” remains a fan favorite, showcasing the band’s knack for crafting deeply evocative music.
12. An Unhealthy Obsession – The Blake Robinson Synthetic Orchestra
Track Name: An Unhealthy Obsession
Release Year: 2017
“An Unhealthy Obsession” by The Blake Robinson Synthetic Orchestra dives deep into the mind of a stalker. The 2017 track blends eerie synths with a pulsing beat, creating a soundscape that’s both catchy and unsettling. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of obsessive behavior, making listeners squirm while they bop along.
The song’s production shines with its crisp, digital sound that mirrors the protagonist’s detached state of mind. It’s become a fan favorite in the synthetic orchestra community, often praised for its ability to make obsession feel uncomfortably relatable. The track’s standout moment comes in its bridge, where the music builds to a fever pitch, mirroring the escalating nature of unhealthy fixations.
13. Obsessed With You – The Orion Experience, ORION, Linda XO
Track Name: Obsessed With You
Release Year: 2006
The Orion Experience’s “Obsessed with You” is a catchy indie pop anthem about infatuation. Its upbeat melody masks lyrics that explore the darker side of obsession. The song’s bouncy rhythm and sing-along chorus make it easy to overlook its unsettling theme.
Linda XO’s vocals shine against a backdrop of jangly guitars and retro synths. The production gives the track a nostalgic 80s feel, enhancing its appeal. Fans often cite the bridge as a standout moment, with its sudden shift to a dreamlike atmosphere. This song’s clever blend of peppy music and edgy lyrics makes it a unique entry in the obsession song canon.
14. Super Psycho Love – Simon Curtis
Track Name: Super Psycho Love
Release Year: 2016
Simon Curtis’s “Super Psycho Love” is a pulsating electropop anthem about obsessive desire. The track’s driving beat and soaring synths create an intense, almost manic atmosphere. Curtis’s vocals oscillate between seductive whispers and urgent cries, mirroring the song’s theme of all-consuming infatuation.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love so strong it borders on madness. Lines like “Pull me off to darkened corners” hint at the dangerous allure of obsession. The music video amplifies this theme, featuring Curtis in various states of ecstasy and torment. It’s a captivating portrayal of love’s power to both elevate and destroy.
15. (One of Those) Crazy Girls – Paramore
Track Name: (One of Those) Crazy Girls
Release Year: 2013
Paramore’s “(One of Those) Crazy Girls” dives deep into the mind of an obsessed lover. The song’s catchy pop-rock melody masks its unsettling lyrics about stalking and desperate attachment. Its upbeat tempo contrasts sharply with the narrator’s unhinged behavior, creating an eerie listening experience.
The track’s production shines with crisp guitars and Hayley Williams’ powerful vocals. Fans have praised the song’s relatability, despite its uncomfortable subject matter. The music video adds another layer to the obsession theme, featuring Williams in various disguises as she follows her love interest. It’s a standout example of Paramore’s ability to blend dark themes with infectious tunes.
16. Spiracle – Flower Face
Track Name: Spiracle
Release Year: 2022
Flower Face’s “Spiracle” dives headfirst into the murky waters of obsession. The song’s haunting melody and ethereal vocals create an atmosphere of unease and longing. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of infatuation bordering on mania, with the narrator trapped in a cycle of desire and despair.
The production on “Spiracle” is a masterclass in tension-building. Subtle electronic elements weave through acoustic instrumentation, mirroring the push and pull of obsessive thoughts. The track’s climax hits like a tidal wave of emotion, leaving listeners breathless. It’s no wonder this song has resonated with fans of dark, introspective indie pop.
17. Run For Your Life – The Beatles
Track Name: Run For Your Life – Remastered 2009
Release Year: 1965
“Run for Your Life” by The Beatles takes obsession to a chilling extreme. John Lennon’s menacing vocals paint a picture of a jealous lover threatening his partner. The song’s upbeat melody contrasts sharply with its dark lyrics, creating an unsettling vibe.
The track’s production is crisp and clear in the 2009 remaster. Its folk-rock style features jangly guitars and tight harmonies. Despite its catchy tune, the song’s possessive themes have sparked controversy. It’s a haunting reminder of toxic relationships and the dangers of obsessive love.
18. Escape – Enrique Iglesias
Track Name: Escape
Release Year: 2001
Enrique Iglesias’s “Escape” is a pop anthem that oozes obsession. The catchy tune and pulsing beats perfectly capture the frenzy of infatuation. Its lyrics paint a picture of all-consuming desire, with the singer unable to think of anything but his lover.
The music video adds another layer to the obsessive theme. It showcases Iglesias pursuing a woman through various scenarios, mirroring the song’s relentless energy. This track’s infectious chorus and driving rhythm have made it a staple on dance floors since its 2001 release. It’s no wonder “Escape” became one of Iglesias’s signature hits, embodying the intense emotions of an obsessive romance.
19. Goodnight and Go – Imogen Heap
Track Name: Goodnight and Go
Release Year: 2005
Imogen Heap’s “Goodnight and Go” captures the essence of obsessive infatuation. The song’s dreamy electronic soundscape mirrors the protagonist’s swirling thoughts. Heap’s breathy vocals and intricate layering create an intimate atmosphere, drawing listeners into her world of secret longing.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of unrequited desire. Heap imagines scenarios with her crush, from stolen glances to fantasy conversations. The song’s climax builds to a frenetic energy, mirroring the intensity of obsessive thoughts. This track from Heap’s 2005 album “Speak for Yourself” remains a fan favorite, resonating with anyone who’s experienced all-consuming attraction.
20. Girlfriend – Badflower
Track Name: Girlfriend
Release Year: 2019
Badflower’s “Girlfriend” dives deep into the mind of an obsessive stalker. The alt-rock track’s haunting melody and intense lyrics paint a vivid picture of unhealthy fixation. Josh Katz’s raw vocals capture the desperation and instability of the protagonist, making listeners squirm.
The song’s dark themes are amplified by its driving guitar riffs and pulsating drums. Its music video adds another layer of discomfort, showing the lead singer’s character spiraling into madness. “Girlfriend” stands out as a chilling exploration of obsession that’s both captivating and unsettling.
21. The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get – Morrissey
Track Name: The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get – 2014 Remaster
Release Year: 1994
Morrissey’s “The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get” is a masterclass in obsessive love. The 1994 track, remastered in 2014, showcases his signature wit and melancholy. Its jangly guitars and upbeat tempo mask the dark, stalker-like lyrics. This juxtaposition creates an unsettling yet oddly catchy tune.
The song’s narrator grows more fixated as his target pulls away. Morrissey’s crooning delivery adds a layer of desperation to lines like “I will be in the bar with my head on the bar.” The music video features him pursuing a disinterested woman, perfectly capturing the song’s theme. It’s a haunting ode to unrequited love that’s stood the test of time.
22. Obsession (feat. Muni Long) – Eric Bellinger, Muni Long
Track Name: Obsession (feat. Muni Long) – Remix
Release Year: 2022
Eric Bellinger and Muni Long’s remix of “Obsession” is a sultry R&B track that dives deep into the throes of infatuation. The song’s smooth production and hypnotic beat perfectly capture the all-consuming nature of obsessive love. Muni Long’s vocals add a layer of raw emotion, complementing Bellinger’s sensual delivery.
The remix takes the original’s theme and amplifies it, creating an even more intense exploration of desire. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love so powerful it borders on addiction. The track’s popularity on streaming platforms shows how its message resonates with listeners who’ve experienced similar feelings of overwhelming attraction.
23. I Put A Spell On You – Marilyn Manson
Track Name: I Put A Spell On You
Release Year: 1995
Marilyn Manson’s cover of “I Put a Spell on You” drips with obsession and dark desire. The industrial rock rendition transforms the blues classic into a haunting anthem of possession. Manson’s guttural vocals and the track’s eerie soundscape create an unsettling atmosphere that perfectly captures the song’s theme.
The music video amplifies the obsessive nature of the lyrics. It features Manson in various disturbing scenarios, including being submerged in a bathtub full of black liquid. This visual representation adds another layer to the song’s exploration of toxic infatuation. The track’s raw intensity and Manson’s unhinged performance make it a standout in the realm of obsession-themed music.
24. Night Vision Binoculars – Passenger
Track Name: Night Vision Binoculars
Release Year: 2007
Passenger’s “Night Vision Binoculars” is a haunting folk-rock ballad that dives into obsessive love. The song’s sparse acoustic guitar and Mike Rosenberg’s raw vocals create an intimate atmosphere. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of a stalker watching their object of desire from afar, capturing the dark side of infatuation.
The track’s production enhances its eerie mood, with subtle ambient sounds adding depth. Fans have praised the song’s honest portrayal of unhealthy fixation. It’s become a staple in Passenger’s live shows, often performed with just Rosenberg and his guitar. This stripped-back approach amplifies the song’s unsettling narrative, leaving audiences captivated and slightly unnerved.
25. I Am You – Depeche Mode
Track Name: I Am You
Release Year: 2001
Depeche Mode’s “I Am You” from 2001 is a haunting exploration of obsessive love. The track’s pulsing electronic beats and Dave Gahan’s intense vocals create an atmosphere of unease. Its lyrics blur the lines between lover and stalker, painting a picture of unhealthy attachment.
The song’s production stands out with its layered synths and distorted guitar riffs. It’s a prime example of Depeche Mode’s ability to blend dark themes with catchy melodies. Fans often cite the chorus as a memorable moment, with its eerie declaration of becoming one with the object of obsession.
26. Follow You – Night Riots
Track Name: Follow You
Release Year: 2015
Night Riots’ “Follow You” is a haunting anthem of obsession. The song’s driving rhythm and soaring vocals create an atmosphere of intense longing. Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of all-consuming desire, with the protagonist vowing to follow their object of affection anywhere.
The track’s production enhances its theme, featuring echoing guitars and pulsing synths that mirror the relentless nature of obsession. Fans have embraced the song’s raw emotion, making it a standout in Night Riots’ repertoire. The music video amplifies the obsessive theme, showcasing a surreal chase through dreamlike landscapes.
27. Crazy Love – Mindy Gledhill
Track Name: Crazy Love
Release Year: 2010
Mindy Gledhill’s “Crazy Love” captures the essence of obsessive romance with its dreamy indie-pop sound. The song’s gentle ukulele strums and Gledhill’s ethereal vocals create an atmosphere of whimsical infatuation. Its lyrics paint a picture of all-consuming love, likening the feeling to a sweet addiction that’s hard to shake.
The track’s production shines with its crisp, airy quality that enhances the song’s lovesick theme. Gledhill’s live performances of “Crazy Love” often leave audiences spellbound, as she channels the song’s intense emotions on stage. This tune has become a favorite among fans of quirky love songs, cementing its place in the pantheon of obsession-themed music.