Cities have long served as muses for songwriters, inspiring them to craft lyrics that capture the unique spirit and energy of a particular place. From New York to Paris, and from London to Los Angeles, cities have provided a backdrop and subject matter for countless musical compositions. This article takes a look at some of the most memorable and iconic songs that celebrate cities and the feelings they evoke. These are the tracks that have stood the test of time, capturing the essence of a city and its people, and resonating with listeners across the world. Whether you’re a fan of rock, pop, hip-hop, or country music, you’re sure to find something in this list of the top 20 songs with cities in the title that speaks to you. These tracks offer a musical tour of some of the world’s most exciting and vibrant cities, taking us on a journey from one place to the next, and showing us how music can bring us together, no matter where we come from.
1. “Last Train to Clarksville” by The Monkees
“Last Train to Clarksville” by The Monkees is a classic pop rock tune that was released in 1966. The song, which was written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, tells the story of a man who is saying goodbye to his love as he leaves for the military. With its upbeat rhythm and catchy melody, “Last Train to Clarksville” became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts and solidifying The Monkees’ place in pop music history.
2. “Baltimore” by Prince
“Baltimore” by Prince is a funky and soulful track that was released in 1985. The song, which was written and performed by the legendary musician, features a blend of R&B, funk, and rock elements. “Baltimore” showcases Prince’s incredible vocal range and musical versatility, as he sings about the struggles and triumphs of life in the city. With its upbeat energy and powerful lyrics, “Baltimore” has become one of Prince’s most beloved tracks.
3. “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra
“New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra is a classic ballad that was written by Fred Ebb and John Kander for the 1977 film of the same name. The song, which was later covered by Sinatra, has become an anthem for the city of New York, with its lyrics capturing the spirit and energy of the city. With its smooth, crooning vocals and sweeping orchestral arrangements, “New York, New York” is a timeless tribute to one of the world’s greatest cities.
4. “Boston” by Augustana
“Boston” by Augustana is an emotional and haunting rock ballad that was released in 2005. The song, which was written by Dan Layus and company, tells the story of a man who is feeling lost and disconnected from the world. With its poignant lyrics and soaring vocals, “Boston” has become a fan favorite, capturing the hearts of listeners with its raw and powerful emotion.
5. “Stranger In Moscow” by Michael Jackson
“Stranger In Moscow” by Michael Jackson is a thought-provoking and introspective pop ballad that was released in 1996. The song, which was written and performed by the King of Pop, features a blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop elements. “Stranger In Moscow” showcases Jackson’s incredible vocal range and musical versatility, as he sings about feelings of isolation and loneliness. With its powerful message and memorable melody, “Stranger In Moscow” has become one of Jackson’s most enduring tracks.
6. “Chicago Freestyle” by Drake
“Chicago Freestyle” by Drake is a smooth and soulful hip-hop track that was released in 2020. The song, which features production by NOVA Wav and Keyz, showcases Drake’s smooth flow and clever wordplay. With its mellow beat and introspective lyrics, “Chicago Freestyle” has become a fan favorite, showcasing Drake’s skills as both a rapper and a storyteller. The song pays homage to the city of Chicago and its rich hip-hop history, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre.
7. “Viva Las Vegas” by Elvis Presley
“Viva Las Vegas” by Elvis Presley is a upbeat and energetic rock and roll tune that was released in 1964. The song, which was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, is a celebration of the excitement and energy of Las Vegas, with its catchy rhythm and upbeat melody. With its iconic performance by Elvis Presley, “Viva Las Vegas” has become a classic of the rock and roll genre, synonymous with the city of Las Vegas itself.
8. “Hello Seattle” by Owl City
“Hello Seattle” by Owl City is a cheerful and upbeat pop tune that was released in 2009. The song, which was written by Adam Young, tells the story of a man who is saying hello to the city of Seattle, with its whimsical lyrics and catchy melody. With its upbeat energy and memorable chorus, “Hello Seattle” has become a fan favorite, capturing the hearts of listeners with its cheerful and playful vibe.
9. “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash
“Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash is a classic country and western tune that was released in 1955. The song, which was written by Cash, is a story about a man who is serving time in the Folsom State Prison, with its lyrics capturing the feelings of hopelessness and desperation that come with being locked up. With its haunting melody and powerful storytelling, “Folsom Prison Blues” has become one of Cash’s most enduring tracks, showcasing his skills as a songwriter and performer.
10. “Pompeii” by Bastille
“Pompeii” by Bastille is an epic and powerful alternative rock tune that was released in 2013. The song, which was written by Dan Smith, is a celebration of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, with its soaring vocals and catchy chorus. With its memorable melody and powerful message, “Pompeii” has become a fan favorite, capturing the hearts of listeners with its epic and anthemic sound.
11. “Havana” by Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug
“Havana” by Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug is a sultry and upbeat Latin pop tune that was released in 2017. The song, which was written by Camila Cabello, Brian Lee, Frank Dukes, and others, is a celebration of the city of Havana, with its catchy beat and playful lyrics. With its upbeat energy and memorable chorus, “Havana” has become a fan favorite, showcasing Camila Cabello’s skills as a pop artist and Young Thug’s skills as a rapper.
12. “Rome” by Phoenix
“Rome” by Phoenix is a dreamy and atmospheric alternative rock tune that was released in 2013. The song, which was written by Thomas Mars and company, is a celebration of the ancient city of Rome, with its lush instrumentation and atmospheric sound. With its haunting melody and powerful storytelling, “Rome” has become a fan favorite, capturing the hearts of listeners with its dreamy and ethereal sound.
13. “Walking In Memphis” by Marc Cohn
“Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn is a soulful and uplifting pop-blues tune that was released in 1991. The song, which was written by Cohn, is a tribute to the city of Memphis, with its catchy melody and inspiring lyrics. With its memorable chorus and upbeat energy, “Walking in Memphis” has become a classic of the adult contemporary genre, capturing the hearts of listeners with its celebration of life and love.
14. “Sydney” by Robin Gibb
“Sydney” by Robin Gibb is a sweeping and romantic ballad that was released in 1970. The song, which was written by Gibb, is a tribute to the city of Sydney, with its lush instrumentation and soaring vocals. With its haunting melody and powerful storytelling, “Sydney” has become a fan favorite, capturing the hearts of listeners with its romantic and nostalgic vibe.
15. “Austin” by Blake Shelton
“Austin” by Blake Shelton is a upbeat and celebratory country tune that was released in 2001. The song, which was written by David Kent and Dickey Lee, is a tribute to the city of Austin, with its catchy beat and upbeat energy. With its memorable chorus and upbeat energy, “Austin” has become a classic of the country genre, capturing the hearts of listeners with its celebration of life in the city of Austin.
16. “Trap Paris” by Machine Gun Kelly
“Trap Paris” by Machine Gun Kelly is a hard-hitting and energetic rap track that was released in 2017. The song features a pounding beat and aggressive lyrics, with Kelly rapping about his experiences in the Parisian trap music scene. With its intense energy and catchy flow, “Trap Paris” has become a fan favorite, showcasing Kelly’s raw talent and passion for the genre.
17. “A Song For Barcelona” by Jackson Browne
“A Song for Barcelona” by Jackson Browne is a haunting and melancholic acoustic ballad that was released in 1986. The song was written in tribute to the city of Barcelona, with Browne singing about the beauty and pain of the city and its people. With its sparse instrumentation and powerful vocals, “A Song for Barcelona” has become a classic of the singer-songwriter genre, capturing the hearts of listeners with its emotional depth and lyrical beauty.
18. “Woman from Tokyo” by Deep Purple
“Woman from Tokyo” by Deep Purple is a hard-rocking and high-energy track that was released in 1973. The song features a driving beat and powerful guitar riffs, with lead singer Ian Gillan delivering a passionate vocal performance. With its heavy instrumentation and dynamic energy, “Woman from Tokyo” has become a classic of the rock genre, showcasing Deep Purple’s musical prowess and ability to craft a memorable and powerful rock song.
19. “Amsterdam” by Rick Ross
“Amsterdam” by Rick Ross is a high-energy hip-hop track that was released in 2014. The song features a pounding beat and Ross’s signature flow, with the rapper rapping about his experiences in the city of Amsterdam. With its catchy chorus and powerful rhymes, “Amsterdam” showcases Ross’s talent as a rapper and his ability to create a memorable and energetic hip-hop track.
20. “Wall of Berlin” by Prince
“Wall of Berlin” by Prince is a haunting and atmospheric ballad that was released in 1991. The song features a slow and melodic piano melody, with Prince delivering a soulful vocal performance. With its sparse instrumentation and emotional depth, “Wall of Berlin” showcases Prince’s musical prowess and ability to craft a powerful ballad that speaks to the heart. The song was inspired by the Berlin Wall, a symbol of division and oppression, and its lyrics reflect on the hope and optimism that emerged after the wall was destroyed.
Samuel Moore 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.
