50. Harlem Nocturne - Louis Prima

Jazz. With the Birdland, NYC became the Jazz capital of the world. Harlem Nocturne represents this staple of the NYC sound.

49. Safe In New York City - AC/DC

A pure rock n roll anthem for the city. And who better to do it than the kings of rock anthems: AC/DC?

48. New York City Song - John Cafferty

A slow, mournful ballad who’s refrain, “I’m going to New York City” reflects the longing and inner conflict of many a small town dreamer, dreaming of the big city, but hesitant of leaving all they know and love behind.

47. New York - Richard Ashcroft

“New York, are you tuning in? New York, big city of dreams.” This alternative-flavored song does a good job of describing the conflict between the appeal of a big city and the risk of losing your voice in a crowd of millions.

46. Just Over The Brooklyn Bridge - Art Garfunkel

Art Garfunkel. A native New Yorker in every sense of the term. Though brief, he captures the mood and emotions of living in the great borough of Brooklyn. As a five year resident of the borough, I can personally vouch for this song.

45. New York - Freddie Mercury

Whenever Freddie Mercury decides to sing about something, it’s worth listening to. And when he tackles NYC in this song, the result is both vintage Freddie and vintage NYC.

44. I Love New York - Casiopea

This one was so popular that it became the theme for New York State’s tourist advertising campaign back in the late 70s. But it’s really about the Big Apple.

43. Walkin’ In New York - Brenda Russell

Ahhh … the joy of just walking in NYC. Well, unless you’re taking a cab or the subway, you have little choice but to walk. But fortunately, walking the streets of NYC is never dull, boring, or anything less than enjoyable. I can’t count the number of times on a summer day that I’d ride the subway from Brooklyn to Canal Street and walk my way to mid-town, and even all the way up-town.

42. Once Upon A Time In New York City - Huey Lewis & The News

This one perfectly captures the dream of making it in the big city. “No one cares where you were yesterday. If they pick you out you’re on your way.” So true.

41. Nostalgia In Times Square - Charles Mingus

“Yeah I was hanging out in Times Square, reminiscing to the rhythm of the city.” Followed by six minutes of one the best pieces of jazz music you ever heard. Yeah. That’s NYC.

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