I always associated urban change with something physical which could be seen as buildings, art, and even movies. But, what never came to my mind was how music, a nonphysical item, could represent New York urban change over the past 60-70 years. The music list presented was very interesting because I saw the change of society even in the titles but what spoke to me was Frank Sinatra’s “Theme from New York, New York” and Jay Z “Empire State of Mind”. As a kid, I grew up with both songs because both my parents love Frank Sinatra and I like listening to Jay Z. Although I never noticed the urban change relationship between the two I know the lyrics of both well which allows me to create such a connection and relationship between the two.
Frank Sinatras song mainly presents the New York attitude at the time. This attitude was that you could make it anywhere if you could make it in New York and how we have a gritty attitude. Furthermore, he drills in your head the famous NEW YORK so people around the world recognize the city even though the 80’s it wasn’t the most pleasant time in New York. Essentially, he portrayed New York as the place that never sleeps which further expresses our gritty, aggressive and awakening attitude as well as trying to only focus on the positive aspect of New York rather than the negatives of the city. Furthermore, the music style was very different as opposed to Empire State of MInd which is shown in the slow tempo of Sinatra’s New York as opposed to a rap and Alicia Keys singing the chorus. He shows New York in an artificial reality where there is only positive and delight with the city. Furthermore, both songs represent the strong economic situation that we have yet, Empire State of Mind sheds light on some of the troubles that people face but one could overcome this because we are in New York.
I see Empire State of Mind as a continuation of Frank Sinatra’s New York song. Immediately, the song starts with “I’m the new Sinatra” showing how we always think we are the “better generation”. Additionally, the whole first verse describes the culture which wasn’t necessarily recognized in the 80’s. As a New Yorker, I take pride in the diversity of culture and how many things there is to do in the great New York. Jay Z describes the different sports teams, people, and even places in his son. Although Alecia Keys says this is still the place where “dreams are made of” just like Sinatra’s song she also focuses on the negative part of New York calling it a “concrete jungle”. This comes to show how we don’t adapt to others and we are here to stay, thereby, furthering the attitude of our inspiration, greatness, and permanence as a people. The final difference which is shown in both songs is that New York is mentioned twice in the chorus of Sinatra while three times in Empire State of Mind. This shows our growing love as a society for the city which we live in. We take pride in both songs of our attitudes and lights, yet, Sinatra only focuses on the positive while in the Empire State of Mind, Jay Z focuses on both positive and negative aspects of our city. This shows our awareness of our problems nowadays as opposed to concealing the problems of the 1980’s. The New York wouldn’t be the great diverse place which it is today if weren’t for the past adversities that we have overcome and our recognition as a society.
By: Alon Bezalel
Alon, I am so happy I read your blog post for it really broadened my perspective on these two songs. I think that music is an art medium that needs to be processed in order to be understood and appreciated. Art and music can both be appreciated on a subliminal level , but once we stop to interpret the art form, we can begin to understand the subtle or glaring messages we often pass over.
I like how you compared and contrasted the two songs. I have heard both songs many times but never thought of the differences in the two versions. Your post had me thinking that, perhaps Sinatra’s original version is a more accurate depiction of NYC and Jay Z’s is only a partial reflection of reality. Or maybe Sinatra’s message is rather cynical and Jay Z’s version refines that cynicism with positivity and optimism…
Well done and Well thought out.
Alon, I am a die hard Jay-Z fan so much to a point where I visit Barclay’s center just to remind myself of the times I would walk down my block bumping Blueprints. Frank Sinatra also, a classic. I love the way you can connect Hip-Hop with someone as smooth as the man himself. The connections you can build off of the music from these artists and your overall point of view and perspective of New York absolutely thrills me. I believe that music with such a specific setting can actually open up your mind to even more details about the city that you don’t actually notice. It’s amazing to think about. Great Blog post!
Alon,
Your different perspective of the city’s history exemplified through music complements my analysis of the urban change of New York City exemplified through music very well. Just like myself, you compared a late 20th century form of art to an early 21st century form of art and found evident distinction. Lastly, your analysis makes me conscientious of the lyrics in songs and the history they tell.
Great Work,
Andrew Langer
Alon,
Your different perspective of the city’s history exemplified through music complements my analysis of the urban change of New York City exemplified through music very well. Just like myself, you compared a late 20th century form of art to an early 21st century form of art and found evident distinction. Lastly, your analysis makes me conscientious of the lyrics in songs and the history they tell.
Great Work,
Andrew Langer