

And believe it or not, this New York song is actually a parody poking fun at glam and heavy metal music.īecause they needed the song to sound the part, they needed a guitar riff which was played by a guest guitarist Kerry King from the band Slayer. Here’s another one of our favorite songs about NYC and songs about Brooklyn by the Beastie Boys dedicated to our borough, Brooklyn. The song was said to have been influenced by his decision to move back to New York City after living in Los Angeles for four years and was really riding the Greyhound on the Hudson River line when he thought of the lyrics to this New York City anthem.īilly Joel performed this in 2001 at the Tribute to Heroes telethon event and benefit to the victims of 9/11 while wearing a helmet of one of the firefighters on the rescue team who lost their life on that day.įavorite Lyric: “I’m just taking a Greyhound on the Hudson River line, ‘Cause I’m in a, I’m in a New York state of mind” No Sleep Till Brooklyn by Beastie Boys Keys additional version titled Empire State of Mind (Part II) with this as well!įavorite Lyric: “Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, There’s nothing you can’t do, Now you’re in New York, These streets will make you feel brand new, Big lights will inspire you, Hear it for New York, New York, New York” New York State of Mind by Billy JoelĪ classic hit and song about New York is by Billy Joel and was released in 1976. This New York song also won 2010 Grammy Awards for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Rap Song.īonus! We are going to include Ms.

In the song, Jay-Z even references our previous song about NYC in his lyrics, “Since I made it here, I can make it anywhere,” referencing Sinatra’s hit, another fellow New Yorker. Blige but opted for Alicia Keys because of her talented piano playing skills. Initially, Jay-Z was going to record this song with Mary J. This is one of those songs that really gets the crowd going and singing along which makes it one of our top picks for New York City anthems. You can find this number on Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 album. The New York Yankees famously play this New York City anthem after each game at their stadium, win or lose!įavorite Lyric: “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere, It’s up to you, New York, New York” Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z & Alicia KeysĮasily the other most recognizable songs about New York and New York City anthems is Empire State of Mind by Brooklyn rapper Jay-Z and fellow New York artist Alicia Keys. The song lyrics are from the perspective of a small town entertainer who moves to New York to make it in the city with a wholesome and positive attitude towards the challenges they may face in the big city. This is single-handedly the most famous and well known of all New York songs! This was the last hit song that famous crooner, Frank Sinatra released in 1980 which is pretty surprising as we always assumed it was much earlier as he was one of the most popular singers of the 1940s and 1950s.īelieve it or not, but this song about NYC also wasn’t originally recorded by Sinatra but by Liza Minnelli in a 1977 film by Martin Scorsese where she starred alongside Robert De Niro. It’s no surprise so much great music is written about this city, so much talent wan not only born and bred here, but talent is attracted to this city.Ĭheck out all our favorite songs about NYC and extra New York anthems and New York songs to get inspired before your next visit or to listen to when you’re missing this energetic city.įrom classic jazz hits from the 1930s to famous Broadway hits, hip hop artists, to rock music, and today’s biggest pop stars, we’ve got them all on our guide! Our Favorite Famous Songs About NYC Looking for the best songs about NYC? We have you covered in this packed list of fun New York songs to add to your playlist before your next visit to the Big Apple.
