It was released from his sixth studio album, Cinematic on March 9, 2018 as the fourth and final single.

[4] The song recounts his trip in the city, spending time with his friends, listening to Johnny Cash and showering at a truck stop.

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