[nextpage title=”intro” ]

19 Songs About Various Cities Around the World features songs with a city in their title. Camila Cabello, George Ezra & Travis Scott appear.

Prepare to go worldwide folks! Are you ready for a night (or day) out on the city – yeah that rousing intro was an epic fail! Anyways, 19 Songs About Various Cities Around the World explores songs that feature a specific city in their song title.  Just because the said city is part of the title doesn’t mean that the song has to be about the city. Some of the songs on this list have ties to the city named, while others have other topics on their mind, most frequently love. Artists fueling the fire for this 19-song affair include Camila Cabello, Chris Stapleton, George Ezra, Lauv, and Travis Scott among many others.

---

[/nextpage][nextpage title=”1-4″ ]

1. Travis Scott, “HOUSTONFORNICATION”

ASTROWORLD • Epic • 2018

City: Houston (Texas)

“I might need me some ventilation / A little vacation, Houston-fornication / Mind redefine new renovations / Space coupe back out of the space station / Float around town, do that on the daily.” Left-field, Houston, Texas rapper Travis Scott definitely reps for his city on “HOUSTONFORNICATION,” the smooth, mellow penultimate record from his intriguing 2018 LP, ASTROWORLD.  Normally, the term is ‘Californication,’ but Scott tailors it to his roots, while the concept is the same.  During the course of the record, he reflects on various life life experiences, including friendship with former President Bill Clinton, coming up, and of course building “the Astroworld playground to play with my baby, yuh.”

---

2. Panic! At the Disco, “Dying in LA”

Pray for the Wicked • Fueled by Ramen • 2018

City: Los Angeles (California)

“The moment you arrived, they built you up / The sun was in your eyes, you couldn’t believe it.”  Panic! At the Disco begins incredibly promising on “Dying in LA,” the closing song from their 2018 LP, Pray for the Wicked.  However, eventually, the song showcases the disappointing aspects of the dream destination.  “Drink of paradise, they told you, ‘Put your blood on ice’,” Brendon Urie sings on the second verse, continuing, “You’re not gonna make it.” The chorus sums up the harsh reality of anonymity and failure in Los Angeles.

“But nobody knows you now, when you’re dying in LA
And nobody owes you now, when you’re dying in LA…
Oh, the power, the power, the power
Of LA.”

---

3. Camila Cabello, “Havana”

Ft. Young Thug

Camila • Epic • 2018

Cities: Havana (Cuba), mostly; Atlanta (Georgia)

Ah “‘Havana’, ooh na-na,” the first big solo hit by Camila Cabello. The record’s Latin-tinged production is a huge selling point, not to mention sound, confident vocals by Cabello. Safe to say, Havana, Cuba is awesomely represented – at least in sound and vibe. Also, worth noting, Cabello shouts out East Atlanta, which would definitely make Gucci Mane happy.

Anyways, the hook is simply irresistible.

“Havana, ooh na-na (ay)
Half of my heart is in Havana, ooh na-na (ay, ay)
He took me back to East Atlanta, na-na-na, ah
Oh, but my heart is in Havana (ay)
My heart is in Havana (ay)
Havana, ooh na-na.”

Also, Young Thug appears in all his quirky glory. Don’t get it twisted though – Cabello is the star, holding down “Havana” like a champ.

---

4. Hawthorne Heights, “Starlighter (Echo, Utah)”

Bad Frequencies • Pure Noise • 2018

City: Echo (Utah)

Ah, things that come to mind with the state of Utah: Salt Lake City, the LDS church, and BYU.   There are lot of members of the Mormon church within the state, that’s a fact. On the song “Starlighter (Echo, Utah),” Hawthorne Heights focus on a very small town within the state, Echo. What’s the inspiration for the record? At least partially, a bad, snowy driving experience in Utah. Lyrically, it gets a bit more dramatic, of course: “I spent last summer falling apart / I felt the windows open and the rain did fall / I slept with the lights on in my clothes / I blurred lines like a picture that’s overexposed / Saw myself in the mirror and I froze.”

---

[/nextpage][nextpage title=”5-8″ ]

5. Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull, “Move to Miami”

Move to Miami – Single • Sony • 2018

City: Miami (Florida)

Madrid and Miami are in the house! That would be Grammy-winning Spanish icon Enrique Iglesias and Grammy-winning pop-rap sensation Pitbull. The two artists have joined forces numerous times over the years. “Move to Miami” keeps things brief, clocking in south of the three-minute mark. Regarding depth, there’s little on “Move to Miami,” where Iglesias and Pitbull are simply enamored with the women of Miami.  On the first verse, Iglesias, sings, “This girl got me feelin’ risky.” On the pre-chorus, Pitbull raps, “She got that ass, she make it clap / She’ll leave you shook.” The chorus, performed solely by Iglesias, is all about moving to Miami – duh. Yeah, this electro-pop, Latin pop, reggaetón joint is utterly ridiculous.  But, just because it’s ridiculous doesn’t strip it of being enjoyable or fun.

---

6. Lauv, “Paris in the Rain”

I Met You When I Was 18. • Lauv • 2018

City: Paris (France)

“Anywhere with you feels right / Anywhere with you feels like / Paris in the rain / Paris in the rain.” Rising pop/R&B artist Lauv shines on the smooth “Paris in the Rain” which is chill, refined, and, romantic. Early on, the single gives off warm and fuzzy vibes.  Jazzy, soulful cues help to make it sound incredibly distinct.  He matches the cool, smooth instrumental vibe vocally, delivering a sexy, suave performance, jam-packed with ripe falsetto.  Is the song really about Paris, France? No, it’s all about romance, and as long as he with her, it just feels that way.

---

7. Aaron Carter, “Seattle TideZ,”

LøVë • Sony • 2018

City: Seattle (Washington)

The first city that comes to mind when the state of Washington comes to mind? While it wouldn’t be horrible if Spokane was mentioned due to the success of the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, the most sensible answer is Seattle. Aaron Carter covers us with “Seattle TideZ,” from his comeback album, LøVë. Carter relates the weather of Seattle, Washington to a relationship: “Seattle tides / Seattle tides / This storm isn’t letting up / The currents too strong for us.”

---

8. blackbear, “Santa Monica & La Brea”

cybersex • Interscope • 2017

City: Santa Monica, California

“On the way down to your house / Santa Monica and La Brea / Watch the vampire score some dope / Tie my shoes, run through your mind.” On “Santa Monica & La Brea”, the closing track from cybersex, blackbear sings about a relationship. On the chorus, he has a number of things – good and bad – going through his mind.  Naturally, sex is part of that.  While “Santa Monica & La Brea” has a lot of hypothetical stuff going down, there’s also some authenticity.  On the second verse, when he talks about the state of his liver, he’s being legit, considering he’s mentioned his drinking problems previously.  As far as the relevance to California/California vibes, he’s referencing the city of Santa Monica, Santa Monica Boulevard, and La Brea Avenue.

---

[/nextpage][nextpage title=”9-12″ ]

9. Chris Stapleton, “Midnight Train to Memphis”

From a Room: Vol. 2 • Mercury • 2017

City: Memphis (Tennessee)

“Forty days of shotguns and barbed wire fences / Forty nights to sit and listen / To the midnight train to Memphis.” Grammy-winning country musician Chris Stapleton cranks up the energy and intensity level on the rocking “Midnight Train to Memphis,” the seventh track from his second album of 2017, From a Room: Vol. 2.  Stapleton is truly ‘turned all the way up’ and it’s nothing short of awesome.  The song is about a stint in prison, which isn’t pleasant in itself, but Chris makes it an alluring listening experience for all.

“Well now, ten for the jury, ten for the judge
Twenty more to forget my grudge
When I get to thirty-nine
That’s the longest day in a prisoner’s mind.”

---

10. The Chainsmokers, “Paris”

Memories…Do Not Open • Columbia • 2017

City: Paris (France)

“We were staying in Paris / To get away from your parents / And I thought, ‘Wow / If I could take this in a shot right now / I don’t think that we could work this out.’” Andrew Taggart handles the lead vocals on The Chainsmokers’ hit single “Paris.” He’s also assisted by frequent singer/songwriter collaborator, Emily Warren, though she goes uncredited. “Paris” thrives (perhaps an overstatement, but we’ll stick with it) off situational songwriting and its use of pop-rock production cues in addition to the electronic palette. The record eventually grows more dynamic towards the end, with respectable expansion of the production.

The chorus is unsurprisingly catchy:

“If we go down then we go down together
They’ll say you could do anything
They’ll say that I was clever
If we go down then we go down together
We’ll get away with everything
Let’s show them that we are better.”

---

 11. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Tupelo”

The Nashville Sound • Southeastern • 2017

City: Tupelo (Mississippi) 

“If I get out of this hole I’m going to Tupelo,” Jason Isbell proclaims on “Tupelo,” a mid-tempo, country-tinged number from 2017’s The Nashville Sound. Mississippi isn’t the most rousing choice for escapism (no offense Mississippians), but hey, “The Heart Wants What It Wants”, right?

“There is a girl out there that will treat me fair…
There ain’t no one from here that will follow me there.”

Within the context of the song, Tupelo, the city, can be viewed both literally and figuratively. Ultimately, more trouble would find the singer/songwriter any place he goes, even as he seeks to escape personal hell. I feel like I should apologize to Mississippi…

---

12. Drake, “Portland”

Ft. Quavo & Travis Scott

More Life • Cash Money • 2017

City: Portland (Oregon) 

“Flood my Rollie, told my bitch: ‘Let’s go snorkelin’!’ / Out in Portland, tryna get in her organs (yeah).” Did you catch that word play from Travis Scott? Anyways, Quavo and Scott join Drake for “Portland,” among the crème de la crème of More Life. They may not cover the entire state of Oregon, but hey – they cover Portland! Sure, the looped flute synth can annoy you pretty quickly, but it does give the record personality.  And think about it folks – doesn’t Portland just scream personality? The Portland Trailblazers… and whatever else is in the city.  I apologize for my West Coast naivety. Naturally, all three rappers brag about their status in the rap game.

---

[/nextpage][nextpage title=”13-16″ ]

13. Machine Gun Kelly, “Trap Paris”

Ft. Quavo & Ty Dolla $ign

Bloom • Bad Boy / Interscope • 2017

City: Paris (France)

“Woke up in Paris / Broke all the mirrors (that lean) / Watch me, last night was too turnt / They caught me fucking on camera.” Charming Machine Gun Kelly, charming. Despite its title, “Trap Paris” (bloom) featuring Quavo and Ty Dolla $ign isn’t really about Paris, France, but about how far the respective artists – namely Machine Gun Kelly – have come. More important than his aforementioned sexcapades, he reps for Cleveland, for the umpteenth time in his career (“I’m home-bred, hometown / Been around the world, I’m back now”). Ty Dolla $ign delivers the chorus, with his signature, raspy vocals. Quavo, like MGK, raps about coming up (“Made it from the bottom, what you thinking of me? / Now I got some dollars, they keep hanging with me…”).

---

14. Elton John, “Philadelphia Freedom”

Diamonds [Captain Fantastic] • Island • 2017 [1975]

City: Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) 

“Because I live and breathe this Philadelphia freedom / From the day that I was born I’ve waved the flag.” Elton John and longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin knew that “Philadelphia Freedom” had a ring to it, or at least, superb songwriting, singing, and most of all, the makings of a hit.  The song is a tribute to Billie Jean King, a renowned tennis player who played on the Philadelphia Freedoms.  King, like John, is a member of the LGBTQ community.

“Oh, Philadelphia freedom, shine on me, I love you
Shine the light, through the eyes of the ones left behind
Shine the light, shine the light
Shine the light, won’t you shine the light
Philadelphia freedom, I love, yes I do.”

---

15. Mike Posner, “Buried in Detroit”

At Night, Alone. • Island • 2016

City: Detroit (Michigan) 

“I’m a writer and a lover / I’m a Midwest music man / And I’ve been to a lot of places / But I’m gon’ end where I began.” Mike Posner shines on “Buried in Detroit,” an ode to his home state of Michigan, and specifically, the city of Detroit. “Buried in Detroit” is a moving, lush ballad that truly allows for his distinct pipes to shine. Posner is mostly serious throughout, but allows for lighter moments such as, “You see I got fucked up in Stockholm,” following up with the memorable hook, “But I’ll be buried in Detroit.”

---

16. George Ezra, “Budapest”

Wanted on Voyage • Columbia • 2015

City: Budapest (Hungary) 

“My house in Budapest, my / My hidden treasure chest / Golden grand piano / My beautiful Castillo / You, ooh, you, ooh / I’d leave it all.” George Ezra – My god, that man has a truly distinct, robust voice on him.  He flexes those sick pipes on the standout single “Budapest,” from his debut album, Wanted on Voyage.  On his song that’s totally NOT about the capital of Hungary, the songwriting is top-notch, and as robust and thick as Ezra’s voice is, he exhibits exceptional control.  He’s willing to give up everything for true love.

“Give me one good reason
Why I should never make a change
And baby if you hold me
Then all of this will go away.”

---

[/nextpage][nextpage title=”17-19″ ]

17. George Ezra, “Barcelona”

Wanted on Voyage • Columbia • 2015

City: Barcelona (Spain) 

“Every time you have to go / Shut my eyes and you know / I’ll be lying right by your side in Barcelona.” George Ezra not only sang about “Budapest” on his debut album, Wanted on Voyage, but he also tackled “Barcelona,” as in Barcelona, Spain. Contrasting “Budapest,” which really had nothing to do with the capital of Hungary, “Barcelona” makes more reference to city itself. “A native man sang in a foreign tongue,” Ezra sings on the second verse, continuing, “I still ache to know the song that he sung.” Still, much like “Budapest,” Ezra is more focused on love than city itself.

---

18. Prince, “Baltimore”

Ft. Eryn Allen Kane

HITnRUN Phase Two • NPG • 2015

City: Baltimore (Maryland)

“Are we gonna see another bloody day? / We’re tired of the cryin’ and people dyin’ / Let’s take all the guns away.” The quietly released HITnRUN Phase Two would be the final album that Prince released while still alive. On the LP, he left us a song about the state of Maryland – well, specifically, the city of Baltimore.  The picture painted by the Purple One on “Baltimore” isn’t flattering, as the song focuses on the loss of black lives due to race and police issues.  Notably, Prince cites two infamous cases of senseless death: Michael Brown and Freddie Gray, whose death actually occurred in Baltimore.  “Does anybody hear us pray / For Michael Brown or Freddie Gray? / Peace is more than the absence of war.”

---

19. Jayz-Z & Kanye West, “Ni**as in Paris”

Watch the Throne • Roc-A-Fella • 2011

City: Paris (France) 

“Ball so hard mothafuckas want to fine me / (That shit cray, that shit cray, that shit cray).” True – that is pretty crazy.  Also sort of crazy is that once upon a time, Jay-Z and Kanye West were actually close, so close in fact that they released a joint album, Watch the Throne.  Among the highlights from the 2011, Grammy-nominated effort is “Ni**as in Paris.” This top-five Billboard Hot 100 hit is all about balling and flexing hard.  Just know, as you listen, “You are now watching the throne / Don’t let me get in my zone.”

---

Photo Credits: Bad Boy, Cash Money, Columbia, Epic, Fueled by Ramen, Interscope, Island, Lauv, Mercury, NPG, Pure Noise, Roc-A-Fella, Sony, Southeastern

---

[/nextpage]