The 10 Best Songs About New York

1/ FRANK SINATRA – Theme From New York, New York

Think of New York and Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” comes to mind almost instantly. It’s arguably the most iconic song about the Big Apple.

2/ DUCK SAUCE – Barbra Streisand

New York native Barbra Streisand is at the heart of this 2010 summer hit. The music video is a beautiful tribute to New York.

3/ JAY-Z & ALICIA KEYS – Empire State of Mind

Released in 2009, “Empire State of Mind” captures modern-day New York. The title references the Empire State, the nickname for New York State.

4/ LOU REED – Walk on the wild Side

Written in 1972, this song explores drug use and male prostitution in 1970s New York. Step into the streets of that era:

5/ NEW YORK DOLLS – Subway Train

This 1973 hit takes you on a ride through the New York subway—far less safe back then than it is today. A glimpse into 1970s New York:

6/ LCD SOUNDSYSTEM – New York, I love you but you’re bringing me down

The Brooklyn-based band offers a melancholic ballad, a departure from their usual rock sound.

7/ BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – My City of Ruins

“My City of Ruins” was written in November 2000 to support the revitalization of Asbury Park, New Jersey. The song took on new meaning after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Bruce Springsteen performed it on September 21, 2001 to open a benefit concert for victims. The chorus declares “Come on, rise up!”:

8/ RYAN ADAMS – New York, New York

Another song marked by the September 11, 2001 attacks. The music video for Ryan Adams’ “New York, New York” was filmed at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, facing the Twin Towers, on September 7, 2001.

9/ TAYLOR SWIFT – Welcome to New York

New York native Taylor Swift pays tribute to her hometown with this 2014 song.

10/ TELEPHONE – New York avec toi

This 1984 hit from the French band Téléphone was one of the year’s biggest successes. Jean-Louis Auber takes you to New York: