Los Angeles, the City of Angels, has long been a muse for musicians across genres, from rock to rap and everything in between. It’s a city that can evoke both the glamour and the grit of the American Dream, and the music that has come out of L.A. reflects this duality. From the palm trees and Hollywood glitz to the smog and the traffic, L.A. is a place that is both captivating and confounding, and its contradictions have inspired countless songs that explore its many facets. This list of 16 songs about L.A. showcases the good and the bad of the city, from the sun-kissed beaches to the dark underbelly of its streets. Whether it’s the joyful celebration of the city’s charms or the somber reflection on its challenges, these songs capture the many moods of a city that has captured the imaginations of musicians and music lovers alike. So sit back, turn up the volume, and take a musical tour of the City of Angels with these 16 iconic tracks.
1.L.A. Woman – The Doors
“L.A. Woman” is a classic rock song by American band, The Doors, released in 1971. It’s known for its bluesy, psychedelic sound and Jim Morrison’s powerful vocals. The song is a celebration of Los Angeles, with Morrison singing about the city’s people, places, and its darker side. The driving rhythm and swirling organ riffs create an intense, energetic atmosphere that captures the essence of the city. The lyrics also touch on themes of freedom, danger, and self-discovery. Overall, “L.A. Woman” is a timeless rock classic that continues to capture the imagination of listeners with its raw, gritty sound and evocative lyrics.
2.Los Angeles – Haim
“Los Angeles” is an indie pop song by American band, Haim, released in 2013. The track is a lively, upbeat celebration of the city, with lyrics that pay tribute to its vibrancy and allure. The song features a catchy melody and infectious guitar riffs, driven by a pulsing drumbeat that gives the track a lively, danceable feel. The vocals are smooth and harmonious, reflecting the band’s signature style. “Los Angeles” is an ode to the city’s culture, landscape, and people, capturing the excitement and energy of the place. It’s a testament to the band’s artistry and their ability to capture the essence of a city in a song.
3.Beverly Hills – Weezer
“Beverly Hills” is a pop rock song by American band, Weezer, released in 2005. The track is a catchy and upbeat anthem that celebrates the glamorous lifestyle of Beverly Hills, a wealthy neighborhood in Los Angeles. The song features a driving rhythm and catchy guitar riffs, with frontman Rivers Cuomo’s vocals delivered with a playful, tongue-in-cheek tone. The lyrics are an ode to the opulent and exclusive lifestyle of Beverly Hills, and the desire to be a part of it. “Beverly Hills” is a fun and lighthearted track that showcases Weezer’s pop sensibilities and their ability to craft an infectious hook.
4.Electrolite – R.E.M.
“Electrolite” is a hauntingly beautiful song by American rock band, R.E.M., released in 1996. The track features a slow and dreamy melody, with shimmering guitar riffs and Michael Stipe’s ethereal vocals. The lyrics are poetic and contemplative, exploring themes of nostalgia, mortality, and the transience of life. The chorus, “If I ever want to fly, Mulholland Drive, I am alive,” is a powerful meditation on the journey of life and the hope of finding transcendence amidst the struggles of existence. “Electrolite” is a testament to R.E.M.’s artistry, and their ability to create music that is both introspective and universal in its appeal.
5.Delicious Things – Wolf Alice
“Delicious Things” is a grungy indie rock song by British band, Wolf Alice, released in 2021. The track features a heavy, distorted guitar riff that is reminiscent of 90s alternative rock, combined with frontwoman Ellie Rowsell’s powerful vocals. The lyrics are raw and evocative, exploring themes of love, desire, and addiction. The chorus, “Delicious things that I can’t resist,” is a reflection on the all-consuming nature of passion and the danger that it can pose. “Delicious Things” is a potent and intense track that showcases the band’s ability to create music that is both visceral and thought-provoking.
6.Los Angeles Blues – Peggy Lee
“Los Angeles Blues” is a melancholic jazz song by American singer, Peggy Lee, released in 1988. The track features Lee’s smooth and sultry vocals, set against a slow and mournful piano melody. The lyrics are a poignant reflection on the isolation and loneliness of living in a big city, with Lee singing about the struggles of being alone amidst the bright lights and glitz of Los Angeles. The song is a powerful meditation on the human condition, and the universal desire for connection and belonging. “Los Angeles Blues” is a timeless classic that showcases Lee’s artistry and her ability to convey deep emotions through her music.
7.The L.A. Song – People Under the Stairs
“The L.A. Song” is a hip hop track by American duo, People Under the Stairs, released in 2002. The song features a jazzy beat and smooth flow, with lyrics that pay homage to the city of Los Angeles. The track is a celebration of the city’s unique culture and landmarks, with the duo rapping about everything from street art to fast food joints. The chorus, “It’s the L.A. song, put it on, and let me take you home,” is a nod to the city’s allure and the way it captures the imagination. “The L.A. Song” is a fun and upbeat tribute to the city that showcases the duo’s playful and inventive style.
8.Hollywood Freaks – Beck
“Hollywood Freaks” is an alternative rock song by American musician, Beck, released in 1999. The track features a funky bassline and eclectic mix of samples and instruments, with Beck’s distinctive vocals taking on a playful and ironic tone. The lyrics are a commentary on the excess and hedonism of Hollywood culture, with Beck singing about the wild and unconventional characters that populate the scene. The chorus, “Everybody knows you’re just a Hollywood freak,” is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the way that society labels and stigmatizes those who don’t conform to its norms. “Hollywood Freaks” is a unique and irreverent track that showcases Beck’s creativity and musical versatility.
9.Venice Bitch – Lana Del Rey
“Venice Bitch” is a dreamy indie pop song by American singer-songwriter, Lana Del Rey, released in 2018. The track features a slow and hazy melody, with ethereal guitar riffs and Del Rey’s signature breathy vocals. The lyrics are a reflection on love and freedom, with Del Rey singing about the desire to escape the constraints of society and live life on one’s own terms. The chorus, “Oh God, miss you on my lips, it’s me, your little Venice bitch,” is a longing plea to a lost love. “Venice Bitch” is a beautiful and evocative track that showcases Del Rey’s talent for creating music that is both haunting and mesmerizing.
10.Back in L.A. – B.B. King
“Back in L.A.” is a blues song by American musician, B.B. King, released in 1971. The track features King’s soulful vocals and signature guitar playing, with a steady and rhythmic beat driving the song forward. The lyrics are a reflection on the joys and challenges of living in Los Angeles, with King singing about the city’s vibrancy and the struggles that can come with urban life. The chorus, “Back in L.A., back in the city of lights,” is a celebration of the energy and excitement of the city. “Back in L.A.” is a timeless classic that showcases King’s mastery of the blues and his ability to capture the essence of a place through his music.
11.99 Miles From L.A. – Art Garfunkel
“99 Miles From L.A.” is a soft rock song by American musician, Art Garfunkel, released in 1975. The track features Garfunkel’s delicate and emotive vocals, set against a gentle and melodic guitar riff. The lyrics are a love song to the city of Los Angeles, with Garfunkel singing about the way the city inspires him and the beauty of its landscape. The chorus, “Ninety-nine miles from L.A., I love you,” is a tender expression of affection for a loved one who is far away. “99 Miles From L.A.” is a timeless classic that showcases Garfunkel’s talent for creating music that is both romantic and deeply emotional.
12.Los Angeles, I’m Yours – The Decemberists
“Los Angeles, I’m Yours” is an indie folk rock song by American band, The Decemberists, released in 2005. The track features the band’s signature intricate and melodic instrumentation, with Colin Meloy’s distinctive vocals taking on a wistful and yearning tone. The lyrics are a poetic meditation on the contradictions of Los Angeles, with Meloy singing about the city’s beauty and darkness, its glamour and decay. The chorus, “Los Angeles, I’m yours,” is a declaration of love and surrender to the city’s allure. “Los Angeles, I’m Yours” is a beautiful and evocative track that showcases The Decemberists’ talent for creating music that is both richly detailed and emotionally resonant.
13.L.A. – Elliott Smith
“L.A.” is a melancholic folk rock song by American singer-songwriter, Elliott Smith, released in 1998. The track features Smith’s delicate and introspective vocals, set against a gentle and haunting guitar melody. The lyrics are a reflection on the isolation and despair of life in Los Angeles, with Smith singing about the city’s dark side and the way it can suffocate the soul. The chorus, “It’s okay to kill your idols, just pretend you have no rivals,” is a cynical commentary on the cut-throat nature of the entertainment industry. “L.A.” is a haunting and poignant track that showcases Smith’s talent for creating music that is both beautiful and deeply affecting.
14.Scott Street – Phoebe Bridgers
“Scott Street” is an indie folk song by American singer-songwriter, Phoebe Bridgers, released in 2017. The track features Bridgers’ soft and introspective vocals, set against a sparse and haunting guitar riff. The lyrics are a meditation on the complexities of love and the search for meaning in a world that often feels cold and empty. The chorus, “I have emotional motion sickness, somebody roll the windows down,” is a plea for release from the suffocating weight of anxiety and uncertainty. “Scott Street” is a beautifully written and deeply affecting track that showcases Bridgers’ talent for creating music that is both vulnerable and emotionally resonant.
15.Los Angeles is Burning – Bad Religion
“Los Angeles is Burning” is a punk rock song by American band, Bad Religion, released in 2004. The track features the band’s trademark driving rhythms and melodic guitar hooks, with vocalist Greg Graffin’s urgent and impassioned vocals taking center stage. The lyrics are a commentary on the social and political unrest of the early 2000s, with Graffin singing about the way that the city’s problems, both environmental and societal, are emblematic of a larger crisis. The chorus, “The hillsides are alight, the city is out of sight,” is a vivid and chilling portrait of a city in crisis. “Los Angeles is Burning” is a powerful and thought-provoking track that showcases Bad Religion’s talent for creating music that is both socially conscious and intensely energetic.
16.L.A. Woman – The Doors
“L.A. Woman” is a classic rock song by American band, The Doors, released in 1971. The track features the band’s signature bluesy and psychedelic sound, with Jim Morrison’s powerful and soulful vocals leading the way. The lyrics are a celebration of the wild and free-spirited culture of Los Angeles, with Morrison singing about the beauty and danger of the city’s nightlife and the thrill of the open road. The chorus, “Mr. Mojo Risin’,” is a playful anagram of Morrison’s name, highlighting his enigmatic and charismatic persona. “L.A. Woman” is a timeless classic that showcases The Doors’ talent for creating music that is both gritty and transcendent.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
