The Essential Playlist for Life in New York
New York City is one of a kind. So it’s no surprise that there have been more songs written and inspired by this great place than almost any other city. So many, in fact, that there is an entire Wikipedia page dedicated solely to this specific genre. Not all of them are entirely about life in New York—some only mention the city once, or merely allude to it, making only a few essential listening. Here are some of the very best songs about life in New York. If you’re moving to New York City, you should become familiar of the famous songs about New York. You should also use a professional moving service such as Roadway Moving.
New York Classics
From Sinatra to John Lennon, U2 to Billy Joel, it seems that any music legend, living or dead, needs to have at least one New York song in their repertoire.
New York, New York – Frank Sinatra
Talkin’ New York – Bob Dylan
53rd and 3rd – The Ramones
New York City – John Lennon
Angel of Harlem – U2
Empire State – Fleetwood Mac
New York State of Mind – Billy Joel
Leaving New York – REM
New New York
More recent stars have also been getting in on the NYC love, and there is no shortage of new hits and New York anthems from the past decade.
Empire State of Mind – Jay Z feat. Alicia Keys
Empire State of Mind, pt. II – Alicia Keys
Jenny from the Block – Jennifer Lopez
Welcome to New York – Taylor Swift
Manhattan – Kings of Leon
Brooklyn Baby – Lana Del Rey
Back to Manhattan – Norah Jones
New York – Ed Sheeran
New York City – Chainsmokers
Holidays and Other Hits
And then there are a random assortment of other New York-themed songs that either re-emerge around every December (e.g. Silver Bells), are from a musical (e.g. Newsies), or are only kind of about New York and were too good to leave out (e.g. Living for the City). Here are a few of our favorites:
Fairytale of New York – The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl
Christmas in Harlem – Kanye West
Silver Bells – Bing Crosby and Carol Richards
Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell
Macy’s Day Parade – Green Day
Bright Lights Bigger City – Cee Lo Green
King of New York – Newsies
Living for the City – Stevie Wonder
Spotify Playlist:
[Note: some songs may contain explicit lyrics]
