Songs About New York

Are you ready to explore the city that never sleeps through music? In this post, we'll dive into "Songs About New York," featuring tracks from diverse musical styles and genres. New York City has inspired countless artists to capture its vibrant energy, iconic landmarks, and rich culture. From jazz to hip-hop, rock to pop, these songs celebrate the essence of the Big Apple. Whether you're a fan of soulful ballads or upbeat anthems, there's something here for everyone. So, put on your headphones while you read and get ready to take a musical journey through the heart of New York City.

Spotify Playlist of Songs About New York

Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys

"Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys is a modern anthem celebrating New York City's grandeur and grit. The song, from Jay-Z's album The Blueprint 3, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its powerful chorus captures the city's energy and resilience, making it an iconic tribute. It won two Grammys for “Best Rap Song” as well as “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.”

New York, New York – Frank Sinatra

"New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra is a timeless classic that embodies the spirit of the city. Featured on the album Trilogy: Past Present Future, it speaks of ambition and dreams in the Big Apple. This iconic song is often played at city events, cementing its place in New York's cultural fabric.

New York – Ja Rule featuring Fat Joe & Jadakiss

"New York" by Ja Rule, featuring Fat Joe and Jadakiss, is a gritty hip-hop track celebrating the city's toughness. It highlights the challenges and pride of living in New York. The song's raw energy and Jadakiss’s verse make it a standout tribute to the city. This song was performed at the Verzuz and again Jadakiss's performance captured the eye.

Welcome to New York – Taylor Swift

"Welcome to New York" by Taylor Swift is an upbeat pop anthem from her album 1989. It celebrates the excitement and possibilities that New York offers. The song's catchy chorus and positive vibes capture the feeling of starting fresh in the city. It showcases Swift's love for her adopted hometown.

New York State of Mind – Billy Joel

"New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel, from the album Turnstiles, is a soulful ballad that reflects Joel's deep connection to the city. The song's rich piano melodies and lyrics paint a picture of life in New York. It's a classic ode to the city's allure and complexity.

Autumn in New York – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong

"Autumn in New York" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong is a jazz standard celebrating the city's charm in the fall. From their album Ella and Louis Again, the song's smooth vocals and elegant arrangement evoke the beauty of New York's autumn. It's a timeless piece that captures the season's magic.

Englishman in New York – Sting

This is the tale of an Englishman visiting NY. "Englishman in New York" by Sting, from the album ...Nothing Like the Sun, tells the story of an outsider embracing the city's uniqueness. The song's catchy melody and insightful lyrics highlight New York's diverse and welcoming nature. It celebrates individuality and the city's ability to accept everyone.

Harlem Blues – Nat King Cole

"Harlem Blues" by Nat King Cole is a smooth jazz tune that captures the essence of Harlem's vibrant culture. The song's mellow piano and soulful vocals paint a picture of life in this iconic New York neighborhood. It's a beautiful tribute to Harlem's rich musical heritage and community spirit.

Manhattan – Sara Bareilles

"Manhattan" by Sara Bareilles, from her album The Blessed Unrest, is a poignant ballad about love and loss in the city. The song's gentle piano and Bareilles' emotive vocals convey the bittersweet experience of parting ways in New York. It's a touching ode to the city's role in personal stories.

New York City Cops – The Strokes

"New York City Cops" by The Strokes is a raw, energetic rock song from their debut album Is This It. It critiques the city's police force while capturing the rebellious spirit of New York. The song's gritty guitars and catchy hooks reflect the band's signature style and the city's edgy vibe.

No Sleep Till Brooklyn – Beastie Boys

"No Sleep Till Brooklyn" by Beastie Boys is a high-energy rap-rock anthem from their album Licensed to Ill. It celebrates the band's hometown with humor and bravado. The song's infectious beat and playful lyrics make it a classic tribute to Brooklyn's lively and relentless spirit.

Theme from New York, New York – Liza Minnelli

"Theme from New York, New York" by Liza Minnelli is an iconic show tune from the musical New York, New York. The song's grandiose melody and optimistic lyrics capture the city's allure. It's a timeless anthem that has become synonymous with New York's vibrant, hopeful spirit.

On Broadway – George Benson

"On Broadway" by George Benson is a soulful cover of The Drifters' classic, featured on his album Weekend in L.A.. The song's smooth guitar riffs and Benson's rich vocals highlight the dreams and struggles of making it in New York. It became a hit, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

New York City – They Might Be Giants

"New York City" by They Might Be Giants is a quirky, upbeat song that celebrates the city's vibrant atmosphere. The track, originally by Cub, is featured on their album Factory Showroom. Its playful lyrics and catchy tune make it a fun tribute to New York's lively spirit.

New York City Serenade – Bruce Springsteen

"New York City Serenade" by Bruce Springsteen is a soulful, sprawling track from his album The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle. The song's rich instrumentation and vivid storytelling capture the romance and complexity of New York. It's a beautiful, heartfelt ode to the city's magic.

Angel of Harlem – U2

"Angel of Harlem" by U2 is a soulful rock tribute to New York's musical history, particularly the city of Harlem. From the album Rattle and Hum, it celebrates Billie Holiday and the city's rich cultural legacy. The song's vibrant horns and passionate vocals capture the spirit of New York.

New York Minute – Don Henley

"New York Minute" by Don Henley, from the album The End of the Innocence, reflects on the fleeting nature of life in the city. The song's haunting melody and introspective lyrics highlight the city's fast pace and constant change. It's a poignant reminder of New York's intensity and beauty.

New York – St. Vincent

"New York" by St. Vincent is a heartfelt ballad from her album Masseduction. It captures the emotional landscape of the city through personal loss and love. The song's minimalist arrangement and poignant lyrics make it a modern ode to New York's impact on personal experiences.

Back in N.Y.C. – Genesis

"Back in N.Y.C." by Genesis is a progressive rock track from their album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. It tells the story of a young man's gritty experiences in New York City. The song's intense energy and dramatic lyrics reflect the city's raw, unforgiving nature.

N.Y. State of Mind – Nas

"N.Y. State of Mind" by Nas the Queensbridge rapper is a seminal hip-hop track from his album Illmatic. It offers a vivid portrayal of life in New York's inner city. The song's raw lyrics and haunting beat capture the struggles and resilience of living in the city, making it a defining anthem for New York rap.

The Only Living Boy in New York – Simon & Garfunkel

"The Only Living Boy in New York" by Simon & Garfunkel is a melancholic yet hopeful song from the album Bridge Over Troubled Water. It reflects on isolation and longing in the big city. The song's gentle harmonies and introspective lyrics make it a poignant tribute to New York's emotional landscape. It's a beautiful addition to our "Songs About New York."

New York, New York – Tha Dogg Pound featuring Snoop Dogg

"New York, New York" by Tha Dogg Pound, released in 1995, is a classic West Coast rap anthem. The song features Snoop Dogg with production by DJ Pooh. It's a bold statement of West Coast dominance, with Kurupt delivering aggressive verses aimed at the East Coast rap scene. The music video famously features a giant Kurupt stomping through New York City, symbolizing the West Coast's impact on the rap game. This track was part of the infamous East Coast-West Coast rivalry and remains a significant piece of hip-hop history.

Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) – Christopher Cross

This is a soft rock classic from the movie Arthur. It celebrates the magic of New York City, where "the best that you can do is fall in love." The song won an Academy Award and remains a beloved tribute to the city's romance and a heartfelt addition to our "Songs About New York."

Coney Island – Taylor Swift

"Coney Island" by Taylor Swift, featuring The National, is a melancholic ballad from her album Evermore. It reflects on lost love and memories set against the backdrop of Coney Island. The song's haunting melody and introspective lyrics capture the bittersweet charm of this iconic New York location.

Brooklyn Baby – Lana Del Rey

"Brooklyn Baby" by Lana Del Rey is a dreamy, nostalgic track from her album Ultraviolence. It captures the hipster culture of Brooklyn with a touch of irony and affection. The song's lush production and Del Rey's sultry vocals make it a standout ode to Brooklyn's unique vibe.

Walk on the Wild Side – Lou Reed

"Walk on the Wild Side" by Lou Reed is a classic rock track from his album Transformer. It tells the stories of various New Yorkers living on the fringes of society. The song's laid-back groove and vivid lyrics offer a snapshot of the city's diverse, edgy culture.

Harlem – Bill Withers

"Harlem" perfectly fits the "Songs About New York" theme. It is a soulful track that captures the vibrant energy of Harlem. The song's rhythmic groove and Withers' smooth vocals celebrate the community's rich cultural heritage. It's a fitting tribute to one of New York's most iconic neighborhoods.

An Open Letter to NYC – Beastie Boys

"An Open Letter to NYC" by Beastie Boys is a heartfelt rap tribute to the city post-9/11. From their album To the 5 Boroughs, it celebrates New York's resilience and diversity. The song's patriotic lyrics and upbeat tempo make it a powerful ode to the city's enduring spirit.

New York's Not My Home – Jim Croce

"New York's Not My Home" by Jim Croce is a folk-rock ballad from his album You Don't Mess Around with Jim. It reflects on the feeling of displacement in the big city. Interestingly Jim wrote this song based on his own struggles as a young artist trying to make it in the big city. Released in 1973, the lyrics convey a sense of longing for a simpler, more familiar place.

New York Shit – Busta Rhymes featuring Swizz Beatz

"New York Shit" by Busta Rhymes, featuring Swizz Beatz, is a tribute to the vibrant and gritty spirit of New York City. Released in 2006, the song celebrates the city's culture and influence on hip-hop. Busta's energetic delivery and Swizz Beatz's signature production create an anthem that captures the essence of New York. The track samples "Faded Lady" by Soul Sensation Orchestra, giving it a classic feel. With references to various NYC landmarks and the city's unique vibe, "New York Shit" is a love letter to the place that shaped Busta Rhymes' career.

New York Giants – Big Pun featuring M.O.P.

"New York Giants" by Big Pun featuring M.O.P., released in 1999, is a hardcore hip-hop track that showcases the gritty essence of New York City. Big Pun and M.O.P. bring intense energy with their powerful lyrics and aggressive delivery. The song is a tribute to their hometown, emphasizing the strength and resilience of New Yorkers and it perfectly captures the spirit of the city. "New York Giants" is part of Big Pun's album "Yeeeah Baby," which was released posthumously.

Conclusion On Songs About New York

Exploring these "Songs About New York" showcases the city's profound impact on music across genres. From rock anthems to soulful ballads, each track captures the essence of the Big Apple—its energy, diversity, and spirit. These songs celebrate the dreams, struggles, and vibrant culture that make New York City iconic. Let this playlist take you on a musical journey through the heart of New York, inspiring you with its stories and sounds. Enjoy the timeless melodies that pay tribute to the city that never sleeps!