New York can be anyone’s muse. Movies, theater and music have all pulled from the City’s inspiration to create new works of art.
Here is a list of the Top-5 most influential songs on New York City.
We picked songs that made their way into the mainstream and influenced the actions and minds of everyone, regardless of where you live. We even included a few videos to help you experience New York City in an uncensored way.
#5 – “The Rising” -Bruce Springsteen
Album- The Rising (2002)
Bruce Springsteen’s inspirational song, “The Rising” kicks off the top 5 countdown.
This is a dedication to the heartbreaking events of 9/11 and Springsteen states a powerful message encouraging NYC to “Come on up for the rising.” “The Rising” also won Grammy Awards for Best Rock Song and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance of the year.
Did you know? The rebuilt WTC is equipped with new safety features such as, 3 feet thick reinforced concrete walls for all stairwells, elevators, sprinkler systems, and risers. It will have extra-wide, pressurized stairwells, and a set of stairwells exclusively for firefighters. In addition, there will be biological and chemical filters throughout the building’s ventilation system.
#4 – “New York State of Mind” -Billy Joel
Album- Turnstiles (1976)
Who can forget Billy Joel’s unforgettable chorus, “I’m in a New York state of mind?” We all relate to it.
Joel wrote this song to express his love for his home state after returning from LA (where he lived for 4 years). In 2001, he performed “New York State of Mind” at the “Tribute To Heroes” telethon.
#3 – “Empire State of Mind” -Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys
Album- The Blueprint 3 (2009)
New York’s most recent anthem “Empire State of Mind” by the “King of NY”, Jay-Z, featuring the lovely Alicia Keys, peaks in at number 3.
This anthem is truly an admirable tribute to the greatest city in the world. The official video for “Empire State of Mind” has over 116 million hits on YouTube! “Let’s hear it for New York!”
Did you know? Jay-Z raps, “Welcoming to the melting pot.”
#2 – “The Message” -Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Album- The Message (1982)
Grandmaster’s lyrical intelligence and effectiveness in this song makes “The Message” definitely worthy of a number 2 spot.
This prominent song depicts the hardships of growing up in the ghetto and it is arguably one of the best hip-hop songs ever created. In 2007, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five became the first hip-hop group inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Did you know? Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five formed in the South Bronx in 1978.
The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the U.S! The zoo has more than 4,000 animals of 650 species. Come visit The Bronx Zoo at 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx Park, Bronx, NY.
#1 “New York, New York” -Frank Sinatra
Album- Trilogy: Past Present Future (1980)
Without question, the number one spot goes to the one and only “New York, New York” by the talented Frank Sinatra. Who doesn’t love a little Sinatra in their life? This song is not only an instant classic, but it truly represents “the city that never sleeps” to its utmost potential. This NYC theme song is played at every Yankee home game.
Did you know?
Sinatra sings, “I want to wake up in that city that doesn’t sleep.” It’s TRUE; NYC doesn’t sleep, the Subway runs 24 hours a day! Also, some 24/7 hot spots you could check out: -7A Café located at 109 Avenue A -Big Nick’s Burger and Pizza Joint located on 2175 Broadway -The City Diner located on 2441 Broadway
