27 Best Songs About Los Angeles

The City of Angels is a vast and bustling metropolis that embodies the American Dream, and it has been a muse for artists from various genres to express their experiences and feelings through music. 

In this article, we have gathered a list of 27 of the most exceptional songs about LA.

From classic songs to modern hits, each song offers a distinct viewpoint of life in Los Angeles. 

Whether you are a resident of LA or simply an admirer of the city, come join us as we dive into the vibrant soundscape of the City of Angels.

1. Back in LA – B. B. King

On top of the list, we have this soulful blues track released in 1991 on the album There Is Always One More Time

The song is about King’s return to Los Angeles after a long absence, and his reflections on the city and the people he encounters there.

The track describes various landmarks and neighborhoods in the city and the bittersweet feeling of coming home plus the contrast between the familiarity of the city and the changes that have occurred since King’s last visit. 

The song features a spoken-word introduction by comedian Flip Wilson, who introduces King and sets the stage for the song’s nostalgic mood.

2. Los Angeles, I’m Yours – The Decemberists

Released in 2003 and included in the album Her Majesty The Decemberists, this piece is an indie folk-rock song that captures the ambivalent feelings of a newcomer to the city. 

The track is about the singer’s impressions of Los Angeles and his attempts to make sense of its contradictions and complexities.

The main theme of the piece is the tension between the charm and the disillusionment of the city, and the sense of displacement that can come with moving to a new place. 

This song is inspired by the lead singer’s own experiences of moving to Los Angeles from Montana.

3. Los Angeles Is Burning – Bad Religion

Here we have a punk rock anthem released in 2004 as part of the album The Empire Strikes First

The track reflects on the social and political issues facing the city in the early 2000s when Los Angeles was going through the disintegration of civic life and the breakdown of social order.

Literally, the city was on fire and in a state of crisis, and that urgent action was needed to address the problems of crime, poverty, and inequality. 

The song was written in response to the 2003 California wildfires, which the band saw as a metaphor for the larger problems facing the city and the state.

4. I Love LA – Randy Newman

Released in 1983 as part of the album Trouble in Paradise, this upbeat and satirical tribute to Los Angeles reflects on the love-hate relationship many people have with the city. 

The song celebrates the city’s sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and Hollywood glamour while poking fun at its traffic, smog, and superficiality. 

The song is about the joys of surfing and the beach lifestyle, which were popular pastimes among young people in Southern California at the time.

The main theme of the song is the carefree and adventurous spirit of youth

While the song doesn’t explicitly mention Los Angeles, it is strongly associated with the city’s surf culture, which had a major influence on the development of rock music in the 1960s.

5. Surfin Safari – The Beach Boys

Up to this point, Surfin’ Safari is a classic Beach Boys song that was released in 1962 and included in their debut album of the same name. 

The song is about the joys of surfing and the beach lifestyle, which were popular pastimes among young people in Southern California at the time.

The main theme of the song is the carefree and adventurous spirit of youth. 

Although the track doesn’t explicitly mention Los Angeles, it is strongly associated with the city’s surf culture, which had a major influence on the development of rock music in the 1960s.

6. California Love – 2Pac ft Dr. Dre & Roger Troutman 

This hip-hop classic celebrates the West Coast lifestyle and pays homage to the city of Los Angeles. 

Released in the 1995 album All Eyez On Me, this song features a funky beat and catchy lyrics that reference various aspects of LA culture, from the Hollywood Hills to the gangsta rap scene.

7. California Stars – Billy Bragg & Wilco

This rock song released in 1998 talks about California as a place where stars shine bright and dreams come true. 

Included in the album Mermaid Avenue, the main theme of the track is the allure of California and the American Dream.

Interestingly, the song features lyrics by legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie, who wrote the words 30 years before.

8. LA Woman – The Doors

This majestic song is a classic by the band released in 1971 as the title track of their sixth studio album. 

LA Woman is a tribute to the city of Los Angeles, its women, and the city’s seductive power.

Throughout the song, some famous places are mentioned such as Whiskey a Go Go and the Sunset Strip. 

This iconic The Doors composition was one of the last recorded by the amazing Jim Morrison before his death.

9. Hollywood Freaks – Beck

Hollywood Freaks is an alternative hip-hop song from the 1999 album Midnite Vultures and has as its main topic the dark side of fame and fortune. 

This track goes on the eccentric and bizarre individuals who live in Hollywood and criticizes the entertainment industry.

10. Under the Bridge – Red Hot Chili Peppers

When it comes to songs about LA, this rock anthem cannot be missed. 

Released in 1991 and included in the acclaimed album Blood Sugar Sex Magik, this track sets its scene in the city of angels.

The composition is in a certain way autobiographic because it’s about the lead singer’s redemption. 

The bridge mentioned in the title is a reference to the bridge on 4th Street where Kiedis used to go to use drugs.

11. Santa Monica – Everclear

12. Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty

13. Walking In LA – Missing Persons

14. Los Angeles – Frank Black

15. California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & The Papas

16. Straight Outta Compton – N.W.A.

17. Going Back to Cali – The Notorious B.I.G.

18. LA – Elliott Smith

19. City of Angels – The Distillers

20. Valley Girl – Frank Zappa

21. Los Angeles – blink182

22. Celluloid Heroes – The Kinks

23. Out In LA – Red Hot Chili Peppers

24. Wanna Be In LA – Eagles Of Death Metal

25. Come Out To LA – Don Broco

26. All I Wanna Do – Sheryl Crow

27. Escape From LA – The Weeknd