New York City (Owl City song)

"New York City" is a song by American electronica act Owl City. It was released from his sixth studio album, Cinematic on March 9, 2018 as the third and final single.[1]

"New York City"
Single by Owl City
from the album Cinematic
ReleasedMarch 9, 2018
StudioSky Harbor Studios
Length3:44
Songwriter(s)Adam Young
Producer(s)Young
Owl City singles chronology
"Lucid Dream"
(2018)
"New York City"
(2018)
"Up to the Cloud"
(2022)
Music video
"New York City" on YouTube

Background and release edit

"New York City" was released as the lead single for Reel 3 on March 9, 2018,[1] with the reel following on April 6. In addition to "New York City," it included "Cloud Nine" and "Be Brave".[2] A remix to the song was released on September 10, 2018 by itsRGA after winning first place of Owl City's SKIO Remix Contest.[3]

Composition edit

"New York City" was written and produced by Adam Young. The track runs at 171 BPM and is in the key of B major.[4] The song recounts his trip in the city, spending time with his friends, listening to Johnny Cash and showering at a truck stop.[5]

"'New York City' is about the first time I ever really left my hometown and saw some of the world. It's a coming of age story, and I tried my best to memorize all the little details as they happened. I hope this song inspires you to take a similar trip, maybe even get a little lost. I think you'll be surprised at what you discover."[4]

Critical reception edit

"New York City" was met with positive reviews from music critics. In a review of Cinematic for CCM Magazine, writer Matt Conner noted it as a favourite from the album, describing the track as "propulsive."[6] Lauren Carlton of The Columbia Chronicle compared the track to his 2009 hit, "Fireflies".[7]

Music video edit

The music video for "New York City" premiered via VEVO on March 22, 2018 and was directed by Max Haben.[8]

Track listing edit

Digital download

No.TitleLength
1."New York City"3:44

New York City remix

No.TitleLength
1."New York City" (itsRGA remix)3:20

Charts edit

Release history edit

Release history for "New York City"
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various January 12, 2018 Digital download Sky Harbor [10]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Owl City Releases New York City". Foundations Music. March 9, 2018. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  2. ^ "Reel 3 - EP by Owl City". Spotify. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  3. ^ "Owl City - New York City (itsRGA Remix)". YouTube. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Owl City - New York City". Skio Music. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  5. ^ Chris Riemenschneider (October 6, 2018). "New Owl City album powered by 'Fireflies' hitmaker's wholesome Owatonna life". Star Tribune. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
  6. ^ Matt Conner (July 6, 2018). "Owl City — Cinematic Album Review". CCM Magazine. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  7. ^ Lauren Carlton (June 12, 2018). "'Cinematic' by Owl City". The Columbia Chronicle. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  8. ^ "Owl City - New York City". YouTube. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  9. ^ a b "Cross Rhythms – Year-End 2018". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  10. ^ "New York City - Single by Owl City". Spotify. Retrieved June 19, 2023.