15 of the Best Songs About New York
Ever wonder what the best songs about New York are? We've got you covered. When it comes to the Big Apple, there's countless music about it - you'd be surprised. We went through all of the songs about New York, and found some of the very best. Lo and behold, here are 15 of the best songs about New York, the greatest city in the world.
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15. John Mayer - "City Love"
John Mayer is one of many songsters to make a hit song about New York City. "City Love" is one of his best songs, and also happens to be about the best city.
14. The Strokes - "New York City Cops"
The Strokes are one of the most reputable bands out of New York City, ever - and for good reason. Their song, "New York City Cops" is yet another track dedicated to the Big Apple, and it's some heat.
13. Bobby Womack - "Across 110th Street"
Bobby Womack's "Across 110th Street" is one of the most memorable New York songs of all time. It not only has substantial lyrics, but the overall sonic qualities of the song are very notable.
12. Fivio Foreign, Kanye West, Alicia Keys - "City of Gods"
In the pretty recent past, Brooklyn's own Fivio Foreign joined forces with Kanye West and Alicia Keys to make this timeless classic with an absolutely unforgettable hook: "New York City please go easy on me tonight."
11. John Coltrane - "Central Park West"
It's no easy journey to be regarded as one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, and such is true for John Coltrane. His song "Central Park West" is one of his best, and that means it's safe to say it's one of the best jazz songs in general.
10. Billy Joel - "New York State of Mind"
Billy Joel is a New York native through and through. Though he was born and raised in Long Island, the city clearly has a very special place in his heart. "New York State of Mind" is a quintessential example of this special passion he has for the greatest city in the world. He's set all kinds of records with his ongoing series of sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden.
9. Ol' Dirty Bastard - "Brooklyn Zoo"
Ol' Dirty Bastard had a legendary career both as a member of the iconic group Wu-Tang Clan and as an independent artist. In one of his most memorable independent releases, "Brooklyn Zoo" is a tribute to one of the city's best boroughs.
8. Bill Withers - "Harlem"
Another one of New York City's most storied boroughs is Harlem, and Bill Withers made a classic tribute to the area with his song "Harlem." There's really no other place like it.
7. Stevie Wonder - "Living for the City"
Stevie Wonder is a legend for many reasons, and "Living for the City" is one of his most iconic tracks ever. It does the city a justice, which is no easy feat. Take a listen for yourself.
6. Nas - "NY State of Mind"
Nas is one of the most celebrated artists hailing from New York City, and that comes as no surprise to those familiar with his catalog of timeless tracks. One of the most notable from his extensive catalog is "NY State of Mind."
5. Ramones - "Rockaway Beach"
Just like The Strokes, another one of New York City's staple bands are the Ramones. Their song "Rockaway Beach" is a hit in its own right, even outside of the NY-specific conversation. It also happens to be a great indication of the energy within this city.
4. Lou Reed - "Walk on the Wild Side"
Lou Reed is a rock and roll icon, and he also happened to pen one of the very best songs about New York City. You may not have known it, but his hit "Walk on the Wild Side" is about the Big Apple. Listen closely and hear it for yourself.
3. Beastie Boys - "No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn"
The Beastie Boys are yet another one of the best groups to emerge from New York City, which set the stage for their timeless song "No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn." It's not easy to stand out as a song about New York, but this one undoubtedly does.
2. Jay-Z - "Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys)"
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys created one of the most incredible songs about New York ever with their collaboration "Empire State of Mind." This song was on repeat for years, and for many, it still is. Talk about an iconic record - this song is high on the list of the very best.
1. Frank Sinatra - "New York, New York"
Frank Sinatra may be a Hoboken native, but he made what's likely the most iconic song about New York City ever. "New York, New York" is an absolute anthem for anybody who loves the city that doesn't sleep - whether you're a native or not. Nobody can dispute this track being the best song about New York - nobody. It's safe to say this record is the quintessential theme song for New York City.