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Dec 9, 2021 · 32. ‘Down and Out in New York City’ by James Brown (1973) The immortal theme to Blaxploitation classic Black Caesar finds Brown at his most bracing, crying out ‘I was born in New York City ...
- Andy Kryza
- LCD Soundsystem: “New York, I Love You, but You’re Bringing Me Down” As the last song performed during its last show at Madison Square Garden (before returning to the spotlight in 2017), to the surprise of no one, LCD Soundsystem busted out “New York, I Love You but You’re Bringing Me Down,” the perfect way to conclude such a perfect night.
- Beastie Boys: “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” Few bands evoke The City That Never Sleeps quite like the Beastie Boys, whose standout Licensed to Ill track is a rightful fixture on lists like this one.
- The Strokes: “New York City Cops” “New York City Cops” is one of modern rock’s most mythical songs. Everyone knows any time you ban something, that makes it much more desirable, but even if “New York City Cops” wasn’t removed from the U.S. version of The Strokes’ debut album, it would still be just as good (Funnily enough, even the album cover was banned in America).
- St. Vincent: “New York” Few lyrics have resonated more this decade than “You’re the only motherfucker in the city who can handle me.” But “New York’s” strength doesn’t necessarily come from its refrain as much as its hyper-specific ode to Manhattan crossed with a breakup song.
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- “New York, New York,” Frank Sinatra
- “Empire State of Mind,” Jay-Z Ft. Alicia Keys
- “No Sleep Till Brooklyn,” The Beastie Boys
- “Welcome to New York,” Taylor Swift
- “Autumn in New York,” Billie Holiday
- “New York Groove,” Russ Ballard
- “New York State of Mind,” Billy Joel
- “Living For The City,” Stevie Wonder
- “Brooklyn’s Finest,” Jay Z & Biggie Smalls
- “N.Y. State of Mind,” Nas
Would it really be a list of iconic songs about New York without this classic by Frank Sinatra? This tune gained popularity on Frank Sinatra’s 1980 album Trilogy: Past Present Future. It’s so famous it has even become the New York Yankees victory song!
Played in every bar and club in NYC, Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” simply never gets old. As a matter of fact, the track is actually one of Jay-Z’s most successful singles, according to Genius and actually nods to Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind,” and Nas’ “N.Y. State of Mind.”
New York-born band, the Beastie Boys, wrote this popular track about their tiring time on tour, anticipating their arrival home.
Swifties will know all about Cornelia Street and how Ms. Taylor made her move to NYC in 2014. This track reflects that monumental time for her, relocating from Nashville to NYC.
Composed by Vernon Duke, “Autumn in New York” has been sung by legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, and most famously, Billie Holiday.
This sing-along song was written by English musician and songwriter, Russ Ballard, but truly came to life after Bronx-born Ace Frehley from Kiss recorded it on solo album.
According to a 2010 interview with Howard Stern, Billy Joel wrote “New York State of Mind” in 15 minutes on an upstate-bound bus. “Piano Man” was actually born in the Bronx but grew up on Long Island.
This song by the legend, Stevie Wonder, reflects on his move from Mississippi to New York City and the difficulties that ensued thereafter.
This iconic duo both got on the track to touch upon growing up in Brooklyn and how their struggles have turned to success.
Nas (Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones) raps about the inescapable violence and dangers surrounding him on the streets of NYC. He was born in Crown Heights and dominated the rap game in the 90s.
- “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel. Prepare for a ton of Billy Joel tunes on this list of the best songs about New York City. However, the aptly named, “New York State of Mind” is extra special since it’s filled with ab-libs and free-form solos that make it feel very spontaneous.
- “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra. Easily one of the most famous songs about NYC on this list, this immortal ballad from the one and only Frank Sinatra was originally written in 1977 by Fred Ebb, composed by John Kandler, and sung by Liza Minnelli for the Martin Scorsese film, “New York, New York”.
- “No Sleep til Brooklyn” by the Beastie Boys. Easily one of my all-time favorite songs about New York City, this classic party anthem pays tribute to one of my favorite boroughs.
- “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. Easily one of the most recognizable and best songs about New York City on this list, this iconic tune has become a veritable NYC anthem since it features a great beat that is coupled with catchy lyrics – words that perfectly describe what it’s like to live in the Big Apple.
- New York New York. 143 votes.
- New York State of Mind. 130 votes.
- Empire State of Mind. 159 votes. More Empire State of Mind. #53 of 207 on The Best Rap Songs of All Time. #13 of 47 on The Most Underrated Jay-Z Songs. #22 of 46 on The Best Karaoke Duets Of All-Time.
- A Fairytale of New York. 5 votes.
From Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' anthem "Empire State of Mind" to Taylor Swift's "Welcome to New York" song, over the years, there has been a lot of music showcasing New York. We compiled the best songs written about New York City to tribute this robust and beautiful city. Songs About New York. 1. “New York, New York” Artist: Frank Sinatra.
Oct 23, 2014 · Half of the time we're gone but we don't know where, And we don't know where. "Walk On The Wild Side" by Lou Reed Little Joe never once gave it away Everybody had to pay and pay A hustle here and ...
