5 of the Best Los Angeles Love Songs

In “California Love,” 2Pac and Dr. Dre’s 1995 West Coast rap anthem, we are told the state knows how to party.

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As Los Angeles recovers from the historic and devastating wildfires, there are many songs to remind us of the vibrant city that’s responsible for some of music’s biggest legends.

This list below looks at five of the best love songs about the city of LA. Though a few are obvious choices, I’ve thrown in some surprise tracks you might have missed.

Now let me welcome everybody to the wild Wild West.

“Ode to L.A.” by The Raveonettes from Pretty in Black (2005)

The Danish duo writes in an almost childlike way about the cool charm of Los Angeles. But the city inspires a lot of cynicism and was famously and brutally parodied in the Saturday Night Live skit “The Californians.” But sometimes, it takes someone from another country to remind you of the gorgeous chaos of this starry metropolis. The track also features a guest appearance from Ronnie Spector.

See you excited in her arms
L.A. and all her crazy charms
Whoa, oh, oh

“I Love L.A.” by Randy Newman from Trouble in Paradise (1983)

The unofficial theme song of the 1984 Summer Olympics began as a tongue-in-cheek ode to Los Angeles. Randy Newman said he eventually grew to love the city. And as his song was played during Dodger games through the years, he noticed how the crowd reacted with complete joy.

From the South Bay to the Valley
From the West Side to the East Side
Everybody’s very happy
’Cause the sun is shining all the time

“Beverly Hills” by Weezer from Make Believe (2005)

Another wry song about Los Angeles that speaks to the absurd wealth and fame of Beverly Hills. But Rivers Cuomo also describes the kind of hope the city offers to dreamers. Someday, maybe. In the end, the singer feels like he doesn’t belong. However, if Cuomo and his short-lived heavy metal band hadn’t left Connecticut for California, Weezer wouldn’t exist.

Look at all those movie stars
They’re all so beautiful and clean
When the housemaids scrub the floors
They get the spaces in between

“Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers from Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991)

Producer Rick Rubin discovered a poem in one of Anthony Kiedis’ notebooks. The singer was bashful to show it to his bandmates. But he overcame his insecurities, and “Under the Bridge” became a defining song for one of the most California-centric rock bands in history. Kiedis found a companion in the city while suffering from depression and addiction. It’s a beautiful song born in the underbelly of Los Angeles.

Sometimes I feel like I don’t have a partner
Sometimes I feel like my only friend
Is the city I live in, the City of Angels
Lonely as I am, together we cry

“California Dreamin’” by The Mamas & The Papas from If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears (1966)

In 1963, John and Michelle Phillips were living in New York City. They were missing California during a harsh winter when they wrote their signature song. Walking beneath a gray sky and trying to endure the cold weather, the duo writes they’d be safe and warm in LA. This may be the most nostalgic Los Angeles love song on the list.

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)
I’ve been for a walk (I’ve been for a walk)
On a winter’s day (on a winter’s day)
I’d be safe and warm (I’d be safe and warm)
If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)

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