Jared Leto directed the music video for the song, which features several personalities joining the three members of Thirty Seconds to Mars in sharing their visions about Los Angeles.
The video was favorably reviewed by critics, who complimented the simplicity and cohesion with the song's message.
"City of Angels" was inspired by Leto's experience of living in Los Angeles with his family and was influenced by the city's culture.
Imbued with elements of synth-rock as well as music from the 1980s, the track was cited as an example of the album's variety and experimentation.
"City of Angels" was released as a promotional single in July 2013 in the United States, and was serviced to mainstream radio in Europe in October 2013.