Songs About Crime

Updated April 1, 2024

When it comes to Songs About Crime, there is no limit to the artists who created music about this feeling. We found 25 of our favorites.

favorite crime by Olivia Rodrigo

From the album, SOUR, released on May 21, 2021

"Favorite Crime" is a song by Olivia Rodrigo. It was written by Rodrigo and produced by Dan Nigro. The song was released on May 21, 2021, as the lead single from her upcoming debut studio album, Sour. The song is about a young girl's infatuation with a boy who is in a relationship with someone else. She fantasizes about being with him and committing crimes together. The song has been described as a "sultry, synth-pop track" with "layers of sensual vocals". Rodrigo began writing the song after watching the film The Bling Ring, which is about a group of teenagers who burglarized the homes of celebrities. She was drawn to the characters' sense of entitlement and recklessness, and she wanted to explore those themes in her own song. The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised Rodrigo's songwriting and vocal performance.

Violent Crimes by Kanye West

From the album, ye, released on June 1, 2018

"Violent Crimes" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his eighth studio album, Ye (2018). The song features guest vocals from American singer-songwriter Cyhi the Prynce, and is produced by West, Mike Dean and Boi-1da. It samples "Suspect" by British rock band Radiohead. The song addresses the harmful effects of gun violence, and features West rapping from the perspective of a father who is concerned for his daughter's safety. The lyrics are critical of men who objectify and mistreat women, and express West's hope that his daughter will never experience such treatment. "Violent Crimes" was released to radio on August 7, 2018, as the album's fourth single. The song peaked at number 100 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it West's first single to miss the top 40 since "All Falls Down" in 2004.

NOSTYLIST by Destroy Lonely

From the album, NO STYLIST, released on August 12, 2022

"NOSTYLIST" is a song by Destroy Lonely. It was produced by Ikey Owens and released on May 5, 2017. The song is about a person who is struggling with their appearance and how they are perceived by others.

Escape (The Pina Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes

From the album, Partners In Crime, released on January 1, 1979

The song "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)" was written and performed by Rupert Holmes and released in 1979. It tells the story of a man who is bored with his life and decides to place an ad in the personal column of his local newspaper. He meets a woman who is also looking for a change and they agree to meet for a drink. The song is a light-hearted look at infidelity and features the now-famous line, "If you like pina coladas, and getting caught in the rain."

Crimen by Gustavo Cerati

From the album, Ahí Vamos, released on April 4, 2006

"Crimen" is a song by Argentine rock musician Gustavo Cerati, released as the lead single from his fourth solo album, Siempre Es Hoy, in 2002. The song was written by Cerati and produced by Mario Caldato Jr. The song is a mid-tempo rock ballad with influences from electronica and trip hop. The lyrics deal with the theme of love and betrayal, and Cerati has said that the song is about the moment when "you realize that the person you thought was your friend is actually your enemy." "Crimen" was a commercial success in Argentina, where it peaked at number one on the country's airplay chart. The song also received heavy rotation on radio stations in other countries in Latin America, and it was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.

Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar

From the album, Crimes Of Passion, released on August 5, 1980

The song is about a woman who is fed up with her man and is ready to move on. She is telling him to hit her with his best shot and that she can take it. The production of the song is very simple with just a guitar and drums.

Lotta True Crime by Penelope Scott

From the album, Public Void, released on September 25, 2020

"Lotta True Crime" is a song by Penelope Scott, released in 2017. The song is featured on her album, Landslide. It is an alternative rock song, with a classic rock-inspired sound. The song is about a person's fascination with true crime and their craving for the details of various cases. The lyrics describe a person's obsessive nature, as they pore over the details of the cases and become more and more intrigued by them. The song is driven by an electric guitar, with some organ and soft drums. The chorus is heavily layered, with multiple vocal harmonies and reverb-drenched guitar. The song builds to a crescendo at the end, with the lead guitar taking center stage.

Oblivion by Grimes

From the album, Visions, released on February 21, 2012

"Oblivion" is a song by Canadian singer Grimes featuring production from Canadian electronic-music producer and musician Blood Diamonds. The song was released as the lead single from Grimes' fourth studio album Visions on January 31, 2012. "Oblivion" is an upbeat synth-pop and electropop track with influences from dream pop, indie pop, and R&B. The song's lyrics focus on themes of loneliness, nihilism, and detachment from reality. Musically, the song features a sparse, minimalistic production of buzzing synths, a four-on-the-floor drumbeat, and Grimes' ethereal and androgynous vocals. The song was met with critical acclaim upon release, with praise for its production and Grimes' delivery. It was later included on several year-end lists, including those from FACT, and Pitchfork. The song attained moderate commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and the top 50 on the UK Singles Chart.

Crimewave by Crystal Castles

From the album, Crystal Castles, released on March 18, 2008

"Crimewave" is a song by Crystal Castles featuring Health, released as the first single from their eponymous debut album in 2008. The song is an upbeat synthpop track with a pulsing electro beat and distorted vocals. The lyrics focus on a struggling relationship, with themes of paranoia, betrayal, and violence. The production features heavy reverb, echoing drums, and a distorted synth bass line. The song was produced by Crystal Castles, with additional production provided by Health.

Partners in Crime (feat. Ash Costello) by Set It Off

From the album, Cinematics (Expanded Edition), released on June 25, 2013

"Partners in Crime (feat. Ash Costello)" is a song by American rock band Set It Off, released as the second single from their fourth studio album, Midnight. The track features guest vocals from Ash Costello of New Years Day. It was produced by Zakk Cervini and written by Cody Carson, Maxx Danziger, and Costello. The song is an upbeat and heavy rock track, featuring thundering drums and crashing cymbals, groovy basslines and distorted guitars. Carson's powerful vocals build to a soaring chorus delivered by Carson and Costello. Lyrically, the song is about two lovers who are living a life of crime together and embracing their dark side despite the consequences. The song features an intense bridge that shows off Carson and Costello's vocal chemistry. Overall, "Partners in Crime" is an anthemic and intense rock track that showcases Set It Off's musicianship and features a dynamic vocal collaboration with Ash Costello.

no body, no crime (feat. HAIM) by Taylor Swift

From the album, evermore, released on December 11, 2020

"No Body, No Crime" is a song by Taylor Swift featuring American pop rock band HAIM. It was released on December 11, 2020, as the eighth track from her ninth studio album Evermore. The song is a murder mystery, with the narrator seeking justice after the disappearance of her friend, Este. Production-wise, the song was produced by Aaron Dessner and co-produced by Taylor Swift, for Jack Antonoff and Swift's record label, Republic Records. It features a country-tinged arrangement of banjo, steel guitar, and acoustic guitar, with a dense production featuring layered vocal harmonies. The song was heavily influenced by the music of the 1960s, with references to classic murder ballads such as "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" by The Band.

Lost by Crim3s

From the album, Stay Ugly EP, released on April 11, 2013

"Lost" is a song by Crim3s, released in 2012. It features a blend of electro-pop, hip hop, and rock. The song begins with an electronic beat and a distorted guitar loop. The lyrics explore the idea of being lost in a relationship, and being unsure of the future. The song builds to a climactic chorus with a powerful vocal delivery. The production is characterized by heavy distortion, echoing effects, and a thick layer of synth.