15 Compelling New York Songs | Playlist 🎧

1. Taylor Swift, “Welcome to New York”

💿 1989 • 🏷 Big Machine • 📅 2014

“Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you /… It’s a new soundtrack, I could dance to his beat, beat, forevermore.” 🎵 “Welcome To New York” commences the first pop album by 🏆 Grammy-winner 🎙 Taylor Swift, 💿 1989.  The NY-centric opener is the first taste glimpse listeners get of this new Swift, moving beyond her country roots and shifting to pop.

“Welcome To New York” is bright, sleekly produced (Swift, 🎛 Ryan Tedder, and 🎛 Noel Zancanella), and incredibly inviting.  Accurately, Swift sings on the first verse, “Everybody here wants something more / Searching for a sound we hadn’t heard before.” She follows up on the second with a similarly accurate statement: “Everybody here was someone else before / And you can want who you want / Boys and boys and girls and girls.” Love that LGBTQ+ nod for sure. “Welcome To New York” celebrates Swift’s move to the great city in the state of NY.

Also Appears On 🔽:

🔗 🎧 New York: 5ive Songs No. 13 (2021)

2. Jeremy Zucker, “Brooklyn boy”

💿 brent ii • 🏷 Republic • 📅 2021

Following three duets on 💿 brent ii, 🎙 Jeremy Zucker and 🎙 Chelsea Cutler each drop their own solo tracks. Zucker compels with 🎵 “Brooklyn boy,” among the top-three songs from the EP.  For much of the song, Zucker sings with great subtlety and showing incredible vulnerability.  The lyrics are quite emotional and thoughtfully penned, particularly given the ‘pandemic state of mind’ that has bogged the world down.

The final chorus of “Brooklyn boy” is terrific:

“You’ll be my savior, I’ll be your Brooklyn boy
Keep me from danger, ‘til I go overboard
I haven’t left my house in months
I’ll be your angel, you’ll be my flower girl
When it gets painful, I’ll take all I can endure
Fuck are we fighting for? The year’s already gone.”

Beyond the chorus, there’s a surprising outro, which features more electronic production touches and vocals effects that we don’t normally associated with Zucker.  He’s also quite overt which is a welcome change of pace by all means.

Also Appears On 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Brooklyn: 3BOPS No. 12 (2021)

🔗 🎧 New York: 5ive Songs No. 13 (2021)

3. Jay-Z, “Empire State of Mind”

Ft. Alicia Keys

💿 The Blueprint 3 • 🏷 Roc Nation • 📅 2009 

“Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game / Shit, I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can…” What happens when you put two 🏆 Grammy-winning musicians on the same track? Excellence, at least that’s the case with 🎙 Jay-Z and 🎙 Alicia Keys, who joined forces in 2009 to create a new anthem for the state/city with 🎵 “Empire State of Mind.”  “Empire State of Mind” marked one of the brightest spots of Hov’s 💿 The Blueprint 3, his final album of the aughts (his next album would arrive in 2011).  Keys would go on to record a solo version, 🎵 “Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down” to conclude her own 2009 album, 💿 The Element of Freedom.   

Keys, of course, gets the honor of performing the most memorable part of the song, the chorus, in all its glory.

“In New York
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There’s nothin’ you can’t do
Now you’re in New York
These streets will make you feel brand-new
Big lights will inspire you
Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York.”

Even if she’s the star in that regards, Jay-Z is on-point, dropping some of the best rhymes of his career.  Looking back on this gem, which is more than a decade old, it’s not surprising why it was so beloved at the time and still garners plenty of praise.

Also Appears On 🔽:

🔗 🎧 New York: 5ive Songs No. 13 (2021)

4. The Strokes, “Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus”

💿 The New Abnormal • 🏷 RCA • 📅 2020

🎵 “Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus” arrives as the third track on 💿 The New Abnormal, the sixth studio album by 🎙 The Strokes. The groove is ‘on 10’ to say the least.  The synths are prominent during the verses, bringing a disco, new wave vibe. The guitars dominate on the chorus, providing a stark contrast, yet remaining characteristic of the 80s inspired sounds.

🎙 Julian Casablancas informs us he’s hearkening back to the 80s in various instances, whether it’s “And the 80s song, yeah, how did it go?” or “And the 80s bands? Oh, where did they go?” Northeast successfully covered via this New York referencing joint.

Also Appears On 🔽:

🔗 🎧 United States by Region: 5ive Songs No. 3 (2020)

🔗 🎧 Brooklyn: 3BOPS No. 12 (2021)

5. St. Vincent, “New York”

💿 MASSEDUCTION • 🏷 Loma Vista • 📅 2017

“And if I call you from First Avenue / Where you’re the only motherfucker in the city / Who can handle me…” Wow! 🎵 “New York”, the two-and-a-half-minute promo single from 💿 MASSEDUCTION, the 2017 album by 🏆 Grammy-winner 🎙 St. Vincent, is chocked-full of personality. The aforementioned lyrics confirm such as “New York” adds a couple of f-bombs, with ‘mother’ preceding them.  Even with the swears, Annie Clark sounds cool, calm, and collected.

Well-written and enjoyable, she keeps things simple on “New York.” Arguably, the varying pre-chorus is the best part of “New York.” Nonetheless, the chorus, which doesn’t appear until after the second verse, is strong as well, adding to the allure of this NY-based gem.

“I have lost a hero
I have lost a friend
But for you, darling
I’d do it all again.”

Also Appears On 🔽:

🔗 🎧 New York: 5ive Songs No. 13 (2021)

6. Billy Joel, “New York State of Mind”

💿 Turnstiles • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 1976

“But I’m taking a Greyhound / On the Hudson River line / I’m in a New York State of Mind.” 🎙 Billy Joel – icon.  Need I say more? Amazingly, the gifted, 🏆 Grammy-winning musician hasn’t recorded new pop/rock songs in years.  Of course, when your catalogue of songs includes the likes of 🎵 “New York State of Mind,” there’s no need to.  His music has and always will speak for itself.  “New York State of Mind” is one of the best odes to the state you’ll ever hear from this legendary Bronx-born musician.  Hard to believe that the standout from 💿 Turnstiles is more than four decades old!

If I haven’t made it crystal clear, everything about “New York State of Mind” is perfect.  Billie Joel gives an awesome vocal performance.  The songwriting is on-point celebrating his home: “I don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside…” The production – sax, piano, guitars, bass, and drums – is heavenly.  What more is there to say? The music, in all its genius, speaks for itself.

7. Jeff Carl, “Buried in New York”

🎵 “Buried in New York” • 🏷 Jeff Carl • 📅 2018

“Thought I buried you / Back in New York / …So why are you still / Where it hurts.” 🎙 Jeff Carl is an eclectic singer/songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee.  Stylistically, his musical tastes encompass alternative, pop, ballad, acoustic, and more.  On his single 🎵 “Buried in New York”, Carl contributes another fine addition to a growing number of LGBTQ-oriented relationship songs 🏳️‍🌈, not to mention this NY-based list!

“And I’m a temporary lover
Livin’ in the shallow end of the pool
But I’ve been lookin’ for another’s
There’s something’ that I only have with you.”

“Buried in New York” was premiered by Billboard Pride and features a compelling accompanying music video.  Regardless of your sexuality, “Buried in New York” is relatable on a number of levels. The record features moody vibes from the onset, embodying the heartbreak. A sound palette of electronic sounds – synths, pads, and keyboards – helps to construct the moody backdrop.  Another pro is the thoughtful, memorable songwriting. Vocally, Carl stands out instantly with his beautiful, distinct tone. His approach helps to make the record captivating.  He maintains poise throughout much of it, avoiding histrionics, benefitting ultimately from his subtlety. He does bring more oomph towards the end of the record, intensifying the emotions.

Also Appears On 🔽:

🔗 🎧 A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs 🏳️‍🌈

8. Jon Bellion, “New York Soul – Pt. ii”

💿 The Human Condition • 🏷 Capitol • 📅 2016

“New Yorker in California, packed Brooklyn up in this bag / I’m in Malibu with the Bronx, she’s in Kevin Love with your man.” 🎙 Jon Bellion definitely brings a sense of adventure and plenty of alternativeness to pop music.  He even managed to get some more mainstream attention on his 2016 album, 💿 The Human Condition, thanks to a hit single, 🎵 “All Time Low”. “All Time Low” was a bop for sure, but a personal favorite moment from the album was when he decided to bust out the bars and show pride for his home state on 🎵 “New York Soul – Pt. ii.”

“New York Soul – Pt. ii” is Jon Bellion to the core.  There is colorful, intriguing production work, with some badass beat/production switches in the process.  Bellion is confident AF, packing some punch behind his bars, particularly the moment he denounces “fuck boy rap” on the second verse. Adding to the allure, my boy 🎙 Alec Benjamin serenades us on the Brooklyn-loving chorus (“Lay me down in Brooklyn if I lose my life /… I did everything for New York”).

Also Appears On 🔽:

🔗 🎧 New York: 5ive Songs No. 13 (2021)

9. Nas, “A Queens Story”

💿 Life is Good • 🏷 Def Jam • 📅 2012

“Rest in peace to Black Just / Riding through Jamaica Queens in his black truck / Timbs was forty below, waves to the side of his dome / Definition of good nigga, yo…” 🏆 Grammy-nominated rapper 🎙 Nas is one of the best to ever do it, period.  The fact that the NY rapper hasn’t won a Grammy (as of publication) is shocking – totally not right man.  Nas fits in perfectly with this NY-driven playlist thanks to 🎵 “A Queens Story,” the exceptional third track from his 2012 album, 💿 Life is Good.  Truly, listening to “Queens Story” confirms that life is indeed good.  Corny but true.  Moving on…

Notably, “A Queens Story” contains some killer samples.  The first is a sample of 🎵 “Peter Piper”, by the classic by iconic rap collective, 🎙 Run DMC.  This naturally gives the record both a vintage vibe as well as that signature, East Coast sound.  The record gets another lift courtesy of awesome production work by 🎛 Salaam Remi, as well as a sample of Remi’s lush, soulful recording, 🎵 “Queen’s Story”.  Damn is “Queen’s Story” an awesome recording on its on – the orchestration is amazing! Nas uses these samples as the ⛽ for his lyrical 🔥.  His flow over the course of four verses is simply impeccable – it’s everything!

“Champagne bottles drowning out the sorrows
Hope the memories’ll get us through tomorrow
I’m a real OG ‘cause back in '93
Niggas couldn’t fuck with me, sipping ‘gnac since I was little.”

The switch-up towards the end of the “A Queen’s Story” is nothing short of epic.  Notably, in the context of Life is Good, it precedes another epic cut, 🎵 “Accident Murderers” featuring 🎙 Rick Ross.

10. MAX, “Still New York”

Ft. Joey Bada$$

🎵 “Still New York” • 🏷 DCD2 / Crush Music • 📅 2018

“Everywhere I go, I ain’t changed at all / Always on the road / I’m still New York.” Ah, there’s nothing wrong in the least with exhibiting hometown pride! On the proud 🎵 “Still New York”, New Yorker 🎙 MAX (Max Schneider) gets an assist from fellow New Yorker 🎙 Joey Bada$$.  Yeah – that totally sounds and feels right! First and foremost, MAX delivers stellar vocals with a beautiful tone.  On the chorus, the energy that he brings is awesome – gotta love his grit in addition to his love for hometown/home state!

Another winning aspect to this NY-fueled record is the optimistic production work (🎛 Oak and 🎛 M-Phazes). It propels MAX forward – he totally owns it. Joey Bada$$ brings an excellent change of pace on the third verse without dare eclipsing the star (“I could never leave my city, ain’t nothing like it / Even if I do though, I could never hide it”).  Following the contrast, Schneider digs in even more, showing off the full breadth of his instrument.

11. Aloe Blacc, “Brooklyn in the Summer”

🎵 “Brooklyn in the Summer” • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 2018

“You feel like Brooklyn in the summer / Been hiding, had to wait for so long…” In 2018, following a four-year hiatus, 🏆 Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter 🎙 Aloe Blacc returned back in enthused fashion on 🎵 “Brooklyn in the Summer”.  “Brooklyn in the Summer” was written by Blacc alongside 🎼✍ Jake Scott, 🎼✍ Jay Stolar, and 🎼✍ Jordan Palmer. Palmer also handles the production 🎛.

Interestingly, on the verses, Blacc seems to struggle with romantic memories of the past.  In everything that he does and every place he goes he asserts, “You’re everywhere that I ever known.” So where does that aforementioned comparison to “Brooklyn in the summer” arrive exactly? That would be on the chorus, clearly the ‘happiest,’ most ‘major-key’ moment of the record. “Brooklyn in the Summer” sounds quite different than previous Blacc hits. Even so, the soulfulness and easy-going vocals remain intact to the fullest degree. Furthermore, we have another NY-associated song to add to the list, sigh.

Also Appears On 🔽:

🔗 🎧 13 Captivating Summer Songs

12. Lana Del Rey, “Brooklyn Baby”

💿 Ultraviolence • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 2014

🎵 “Brooklyn Baby” arrives as the fourth track from 💿 Ultraviolence, the 2014 studio album by 🏆 Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter 🎙 Lana Del Rey. “Brooklyn Baby” proves to be the perfect for record for hipsters.  She references artistic things popular in the 1970s.  This includes Lou Reed, Beat poetry, and a “rare jazz collection.”  Hmm, wonder what the dates are on the records from that “rare jazz collection?” If you are a hipster, this is a cut right up your alley. She’s a bit indulgent at times, and really loves her boyfriend (at the time), but ultimately, it’s a worthwhile listen.

Vocally, Del Rey is simply hypnotic.  Furthermore, the dreamy production by 🎛 Dan Auerbach only amplifies the hypnotic quality.  Also, worth mentioning are drug references, whether it’s “Churning out novels like / Beat poetry on Amphetamines” or “I’ve got feathers in my hair / I get high on hydroponic weed.”

Also Appears On 🔽:

🔗 🎧 10 More Intriguing Songs About the Baby

🔗 🎧 Brooklyn: 3BOPS No. 12 (2021)

13. Harry Styles, “Ever Since New York”

💿 Harry Styles • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2017

Following two raucous numbers on his 2017 💿 self-titled album, 🎙 Harry Styles settles things down on the eighth song, 🎵 “Ever Since New York.”  The vocal production on the chorus is absolutely stunning – smooth as silk (“Oh, tell me something I don’t already know”).

Lyrically, there are some truly thoughtful, poetic moments, including the second verse:

“Brooklyn saw me, empty at the news
There’s no water inside this swimming pool
Almost over, had enough from you
And I’ve been praying, I never did before
Understand I’m talking to the walls
I’ve been praying ever since New York.”

Clearly, whatever went down in New York has affected Styles deeply. That said, the result is one of the best songs of his debut album.  His pain, our listening pleasure?  

14. SBTRKT, “NEW DORP. NEW YORK.”

Ft. Ezra Koenig

💿 Wonder Where We Land • 🏷 Young Turks • 📅 2014 

“Flags flappin’ in Manhattan / New Dorp, New York / Gargoyles gargling oil / Peak of the empire, top of the rock.” Interesting, interesting, interesting! Just in case you managed to miss the gem of a song that is “NEW DORP. NEW YORK,” we bring introduce it to you in this NY-themed playlist! You’re welcome.  Only good (and weird) things can happen when you bring 🎙 SBTRKT and 🎙 Ezra Koenig of 🎙 Vampire Weekend together on the same track – FACTS.

As the aforementioned chorus suggests, SBTRKT highlights characteristics of city (a specific neighborhood, gargoyles, Empire State building, etc.).  Koenig contributes, of course, with his cool, easy going verses. “Never seen the color yellow, never seen the sun,” he asserts on the first verse, adding, “And he thinks I’m the negative one.”  Even better is his second verse, which he commences with the slick, “My girl’s got a little schtick / Keep you cooped up in the kitchen while you feed the kid.” It doesn’t stop there, as we get lines about “Late nights and black Israelites,” “The baseball bats never hit homeruns,” and the fact that “My girl’s got a city to run.” Again, if you’ve never partaken of this quirky gem, well this is your opportunity to go back to 2014 and indulge.  “NEW DORP. NEW YORK!”

15. Frank Sinatra, “Theme from New York, New York”

💿 Ultimate Sinatra • 🏷 Universal Music Enterprises • 📅 2015

“I want to wake up / In a city that doesn’t sleep / And find I’m king of the hill / Top of the heap.” No NY list is complete without the anthem – 🎵 “Theme from New York, New York”! “Start spreadin’ the news / I’m leavin’ today / I want to be a part of it / New York, New York.” This 🎙 Frank Sinatra joint is classic – iconic to the nth degree.  Written by 🎼✍ Fred Ebb and 🎼✍ John Kander, you don’t have to be a New Yorker to appreciate this superb, timeless record.

As always, the 🏆 Grammy-winning musician compels with his gorgeous tone.  That voice is simply magical, magical, magical.  Furthermore, the arrangement is definitely a ‘vibe’ as the kids say this day.  Of course, the ‘vibe’ accompanying ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’ is none other than a big band, which is definitely an awesome backdrop if I do say so myself.  Anyways, Frank has our attention from that swinging intro all the way to spirited close where he asserts:

“If I can make it there
I’m gonna make it anywhere
It’s up to you
New York, New York,
New York!”