The city of Los Angeles has inspired many musicians to compose memorable songs celebrating the city's famous atmosphere. Over the years we have seen the city change as new artists explore the fabulous life of L.A. versus its frightening underbelly.
L.A. has inspired a number of songs that give us a different take on a familiar city, reminding us that there is always something to be learned from the bright lights and smoggy skies of Los Angeles. Whether we are all heading towards the blissful life of Beverly Hills or straight to the hell fires of Rodeo Drive, these songs prove that Los Angeles is either a step short of the pearly gates or an elevator to eternal damnation.
1."California Dreamin'" by The Mama's and the Papa's
"California Dreamin'" from the album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears was first recorded in November 1965 and remains one of the most popular songs about Los Angeles. John and Michelle Phillips wrote the song on a winter night in Manhattan when Michelle was homesick for Southern California. The song epitomizes the yearning for California's warm sunshine and absolute freedom. Ironically it was not a big hit in L.A. and did not achieve fame until it was sent to a Boston radio station. Perhaps this shows that the only people who can appreciate L.A.'s atmosphere are those who are separated from it.
2. "L.A. Woman" by The Doors
L.A. Woman, The Doors' last album released in 1971 before the tragic death of Jim Morrison, featured this unforgettable testament to the shady ladies of L.A. Morrison begins to like the dark side of women in the city of night as opposed to the bleach blonde beach bimbos that inspired other bands before them. The guitar literally sounds like an accelerating car as we travel through the streets of sexual perversion.
L.A. has inspired a number of songs that give us a different take on a familiar city, reminding us that there is always something to be learned from the bright lights and smoggy skies of Los Angeles. Whether we are all heading towards the blissful life of Beverly Hills or straight to the hell fires of Rodeo Drive, these songs prove that Los Angeles is either a step short of the pearly gates or an elevator to eternal damnation.1."California Dreamin'" by The Mama's and the Papa's
"California Dreamin'" from the album If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears was first recorded in November 1965 and remains one of the most popular songs about Los Angeles. John and Michelle Phillips wrote the song on a winter night in Manhattan when Michelle was homesick for Southern California. The song epitomizes the yearning for California's warm sunshine and absolute freedom. Ironically it was not a big hit in L.A. and did not achieve fame until it was sent to a Boston radio station. Perhaps this shows that the only people who can appreciate L.A.'s atmosphere are those who are separated from it.
2. "L.A. Woman" by The Doors
L.A. Woman, The Doors' last album released in 1971 before the tragic death of Jim Morrison, featured this unforgettable testament to the shady ladies of L.A. Morrison begins to like the dark side of women in the city of night as opposed to the bleach blonde beach bimbos that inspired other bands before them. The guitar literally sounds like an accelerating car as we travel through the streets of sexual perversion.
