27 Best Songs About Atlanta
Contents
21. “ATLiens” by Outkast
Song Year: 1996
‘ATLiens’ is the second single from the Outkast album of the same name released in 1996. It is considered one of the duo’s best songs.
‘ATLiens’ reached Number One on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs and helped catapult the careers of Big Boi and Andre 3000. The duo is among the rappers with the most Number One hits.
The song and album suggest that artists from Atlanta feel left out of the music and creative industry. Outkast discusses how this makes them feel like aliens. Of course, this is no longer the case. A-Town is a successful entertainment market today.
22. “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight and the Pips
Song Year: 1973
This Grammy Award-winning single is about as famous as ‘Georgia On My Mind.’ Gladys Knight and the Pips recorded and released ‘Midnight Train To Georgia’ after leaving Motown Records. The song is among the best songs released that year.
The original song by Jim Weatherly called ‘Midnight Plane To Houston’ is about a conversation with Farrah Fawcett. That song did not have the same effect. The Gladys Knight version is in everything from movies to television shows and during Atlanta Braves baseball games.
23. “U.S.A.” by Ying Yang Twins
Song Year: 2005
This Ying Yang Twins track is not about the country. Instead, ‘U.S.A.’ stands for the United States of Atlanta. The album of the same name hit Number Two on the Billboard charts.
The certified three-time platinum album represents A-Town to the fullest. The rap duo discuss how they spend their time in the Big Peach. There is no surprise that it involves heavy partying.
24. “Ride Wit Me” by T.I.
Song Year: 2005
Atlanta native T.I. appears on this list as a contributing artist. But his 2005 single ‘Ride Wit Me’ is his personal ode to A-Town. The song was later released the following year on his album King.
The song takes the listener on a journey through Hot ‘Lanta with T.I. as its guide. ‘Ride Wit Me’ is exactly that, a ride through the ATL with T.I.
25. “Love Shack” by The B-52s
Song Year: 1989
Everyone knows about the juke joint with the rusted tin roof. ‘Love Shack’ is the biggest hit the B-52s ever had and is as popular now as it was then.
The song is about an actual party cabin in the middle of a dairy farm. Band member Cindy Wilson recalls how parties got so wild that Soul Train lines would break out. It no longer exists but could once be found heading down the Atlanta highway.
26. “Georgia” by Cee Lo Green
Song Year: 2010
CeeLo Green is a staple in the Atlanta music scene. Before he went solo, the star was in the 90s hip-hop group Goodie Mob. From there, he established the soul duo, Gnarls Barkley.
His third solo album included the smash hit ‘Fuck You’ but also his ode to his hometown. ‘Georgia’ is covered by the country rock group Band of Horses.
27. “Why Georgia” by John Mayer
Song Year: 2001
‘Why Georgia’ is the third single from the debut album of blues and rock singer John Mayer. A live version is included on his Any Given Thursday album.
The autobiographical song relives Mayer’s decision to drop out of Berklee College of Music and move to Atlanta with his best friend, Clay Cook. Mayer has nineteen Grammy Awards nominations and still tours.
Top Songs About Atlanta, Final Thoughts
The music of Atlanta spans decades and genres. The ATL is home to rap stars, rock legends, and even country and folk music recording artists.
Hot ‘Lanta has a place in the hearts of these countless musicians. A-Town inspires singers and songwriters from across the musical spectrum. And it looks that way for years to come.
