Apple music: 20 essential songs about New York City

The theme song from Martin Scorsese's 1977 film "New York, New York" has become an official anthem for the Big Apple in the years following its release, thanks in large part to Frank Sinatra's penchant for performing the song at his live shows in the years following its release. Sinatra later recorded his own version of the song, earning the legendary actor a Grammy nod and a chart hit. Most people know that version, but we'll list the original here. 

Billy Joel wrote this 1976 hit as he returned to New York from a stint in Los Angeles, and it's since become one of his most notable tunes. It's also been covered by a slew of artists looking to convey the New York vibe, including Barbra Streisand and Tony Bennett. 

Though this 1934 jazz standard about the wonders of fall in New York City has been recorded by many artists, Billie Holliday's version of the song is especially iconic. It's perfect for listening to when the days begin getting shorter and the leaves are just starting to turn. 

For many, the "concrete jungle where dreams are made of" lyric in this Jay-Z and Alicia Keys collaboration perfectly describes exactly what it's like to try to make your way in New York. It's since become an anthem for those hoping to move to the city and has sold more than 5 million copies since its 2009 release. 

Appearing on their groundbreaking album "Licensed to Ill," this song about the Beastie Boys making their way back to their home base of Brooklyn after a truly chaotic tour is a real ride. There's a gorilla, a hot backup dancer, and even a little theft that involves MCA smashing his head into a safe. 

Even though the loneliness that's the overarching theme in this 1970 Simon and Garfunkel classic is related to drama between Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, it's still totally relatable to anyone who's ever felt alone while surrounded by swarms of people on the streets of Manhattan. 

Not all songs about New York City are in celebration of the Big Apple. This Jim Croce song, appearing on his 1970 album "You Don't Mess Around With Jim," is all about how the artist is desperate to get out of NYC because it just doesn't feel like home. 

A critical indie-pop darling in the early 2000s, Interpol's "NYC" is probably your favorite music snob's favorite song about New York City. 

These New York punks scored their highest-charting single with "Rockaway Beach," a place that had a personal connection for Dee Dee Ramone and Joey Ramone, who grew up going there as kids. 

Anyone who's ever dreamed of stardom on the Great White Way has listened to The Drifters sing "On Broadway." It's a song about a place where the neon lights are bright, magic's always in the air, and there's no shortage of people struggling their way toward the spotlight. 

No matter where in the world you're from, everyone can relate to having complicated feelings about their hometown. The song is LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy's homage to his city, in all its complex glory. 

In the kind of vivid detail that you'd expect from a remarkable songwriter like Joni Mitchell, "Chelsea Morning" is an ode to her quirky artist apartment in the neighborhood in the 1960s. Even though Mitchell didn't think the song was one of her best, it's still a favorite among both her fans and those who have a special place in their heart for Chelsea. 

Blending grungy punk sensibilities with Irish-folk sonic influence, "Fairytale of New York" is the most ironic kind of Christmas song — read: there's no joy or gifts or magic here — and was inspired by a bet between The Pogues and their producer, Elvis Costello, who insisted that a punk band couldn't come up with a great Christmas song. 

There aren't many lyrics in this 1999 riot grrl favorite, but all of them are about New York City. Specifically, the MTA line, and those iconic yellow Metrocards that you had to swipe to get on the subway. 

Riffing on the title of a Billy Joel classic, Nas included "N.Y. State of Mind" on his debut album "Illmatic." It tells the story of a dangerous New York City, one where street violence is prevalent and inspired by Nas's own experiences growing up in Queens. 

You have definitely seen the diner that Suzanne Vega is singing about in "Tom's Diner" before. It's that iconic building from the '90s sitcom "Seinfeld," where Vega spent her college years studying and sipping coffee. 

Originally recorded by Ben E. King in 1960, Aretha Franklin's version of "Spanish Harlem" is arguably the most iconic. Franklin changed up the lyrics to refer to the neighborhood as "Black and Spanish Harlem," a more accurate descriptor for the neighborhood. 

This 2007 St. Vincent hit was technically written about a difficult break-up. It's all about being stuck in New York City without being with the person who makes it feel like home for you. 

So many have performed "Manhattan," a classic of the Great American Songbook. Still, none have done so more capably than Ella Fitzgerald, who manages to make the borough feel particularly glamorous and enticing. 

Anyone who's ever picked up their life in some far-flung town and moved to New York City can appreciate the mournful hopefulness of "I Guess The Lord Must Be In New York City." Ain't it wonderful to be where I've always wanted to be," he sings. "For the first time, I'll breathe free here in New York City."