London, the bustling capital of England, has been a subject of fascination and inspiration for artists and musicians alike for centuries. Its rich history, diverse culture, and iconic landmarks have served as a backdrop for countless songs, each capturing a unique perspective on the city and its inhabitants. From classic rock anthems to indie pop gems, London has been celebrated in a vast array of musical genres and styles, each capturing a different aspect of the city’s essence.
In this list, we explore 20 essential songs about London that have become beloved classics over the years. From the haunting balladry of The Pogues’ “A Rainy Night in Soho” to the upbeat energy of Pet Shop Boys’ “West End Girls,” these songs capture the vibrancy and complexity of this remarkable city. Each song paints a vivid picture of life in London, from the bustling streets of Soho to the tranquil beauty of Hyde Park, and reflects the experiences of its many residents, from working-class families to creative bohemians.
These songs have become part of the fabric of London itself, capturing its spirit and soul in a way that only music can. They remind us of the city’s enduring legacy, its complex character, and its endless capacity for inspiration and renewal. Whether you’re a lifelong Londoner or simply a visitor passing through, these songs offer a unique glimpse into one of the world’s most fascinating and beloved cities.
1.Waterloo Sunset – The Kinks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_MqfF0WBsU3
“Waterloo Sunset” is a classic song by British rock band The Kinks, released in 1967. The song is a heartfelt ode to the beauty and simplicity of everyday life in London, focusing on the lives of two people who meet at Waterloo Station and watch the sunset together. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, capturing the mood and atmosphere of the city at dusk, and the melodic, soothing music perfectly complements the nostalgic, wistful tone of the song. “Waterloo Sunset” has become a timeless classic and a beloved anthem of London, capturing the charm and character of the city and its people.
2.London Calling – The Clash
“London Calling” is an iconic punk rock song by The Clash, released in 1979 as the title track of their third album. The song is a scathing critique of the social and political climate of late 1970s Britain, touching on themes such as unemployment, racism, and nuclear war. The urgent, driving rhythm and edgy guitar riffs reflect the raw energy and rebellious spirit of punk rock, while the lyrics are a powerful call to action, urging listeners to stand up and fight for their rights. “London Calling” has become a timeless anthem of defiance and protest, capturing the revolutionary spirit of punk rock and its enduring impact on popular culture.
3.Down in the Tube Station at Midnight – The Jam
“Down in the Tube Station at Midnight” is a haunting and evocative song by British punk rock band The Jam, released in 1978. The song tells the story of a man who is attacked and mugged in a London tube station while on his way home to his wife, and the sense of fear and desperation that he experiences in the aftermath of the attack. The lyrics are vivid and poetic, capturing the mood and atmosphere of the city at night, while the music is a powerful blend of punk rock energy and soulful, melancholic melodies. “Down in the Tube Station at Midnight” is a powerful and emotionally charged song that reflects the darker side of urban life and the struggle to find hope and meaning in the face of adversity.
4.Streets of London – Ralph McTell
“Streets of London” is a poignant and powerful folk song by British singer-songwriter Ralph McTell, released in 1969. The song paints a vivid picture of the hardships faced by the homeless and disenfranchised people who populate the streets of London, highlighting the loneliness and despair that can be found in even the busiest and most bustling parts of the city. The simple, acoustic guitar-driven melody and McTell’s plaintive vocals perfectly capture the melancholic and reflective mood of the song, making it an enduring classic of British folk music that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. “Streets of London” is a deeply moving and socially conscious song that speaks to the universal human experience of struggle and survival in the face of adversity.
5.Up the Junction – Squeeze
“Up the Junction” is a 1979 hit song by the British band Squeeze. The song tells the story of a young woman who moves to London in search of a better life. The lyrics vividly describe her struggles and the challenges she faces as she tries to adapt to the big city. The song is notable for its catchy melody and its poignant lyrics, which capture the spirit of a generation of young people searching for meaning and purpose in the midst of social and economic upheaval. “Up the Junction” remains a beloved classic of the post-punk era, celebrated for its honesty and its insight into the human experience.
6.London – The Smiths
“London” is a melancholic yet beautiful song by The Smiths, released in 1987 on their album “Louder Than Bombs”. The song captures the feeling of isolation and despair that can be experienced in a big city like London, as the lyrics explore the thoughts and emotions of someone feeling lost in a sea of people. Morrissey’s distinct and emotive vocals are complemented by Johnny Marr’s haunting guitar riffs, creating an atmospheric and deeply moving sound. With its powerful imagery and haunting melody, “London” is a timeless classic that captures the essence of the urban experience and the challenges of finding one’s place in the world.
7.A Rainy Night in Soho – The Pogues
“A Rainy Night in Soho” is a poignant and evocative song by The Pogues, released in 1986 on their album “If I Should Fall from Grace with God”. The song captures the atmosphere of a wet and dreary night in the Soho district of London, as the lyrics describe the sights and sounds of the city in the rain. Shane MacGowan’s distinctive vocals, combined with the band’s use of traditional Irish instruments, creates a haunting and memorable melody. The song is a beautifully crafted reflection on love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of memories. “A Rainy Night in Soho” remains a beloved classic of the Irish folk punk genre, celebrated for its emotional depth and musical brilliance.
8.West End Girls – Pet Shop Boys
“West End Girls” is a classic 80s synthpop hit by Pet Shop Boys, released in 1984. The song tells the story of the narrator’s experiences in London’s West End, an area known for its trendy nightlife and fashionable clubs. With its catchy synth beats, memorable chorus, and wry lyrics about class and urban life, “West End Girls” quickly became an international hit and catapulted the Pet Shop Boys to fame. The song remains a beloved classic of the genre, celebrated for its clever observations on social hierarchy and its infectious, danceable sound. “West End Girls” is a timeless anthem of 80s pop culture that continues to capture the imaginations of listeners today.
9.Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty
“Baker Street” is a classic rock song by Gerry Rafferty, released in 1978 on his album “City to City”. The song is instantly recognizable for its memorable saxophone riff, which is widely considered to be one of the most iconic and evocative instrumental hooks in rock history. The lyrics explore themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in the big city, with Rafferty’s emotive vocals conveying a deep sense of yearning and melancholy. “Baker Street” remains a beloved classic of 70s rock, celebrated for its timeless melody and profound emotional resonance. The song’s enduring popularity has cemented its place in the canon of great rock music.
10.Werewolves of London – Jackson Browne and Warren Zevon
“Werewolves of London” is a classic rock song by Warren Zevon, co-written with LeRoy Marinell and Waddy Wachtel, and produced by Jackson Browne. The song, released in 1978, is known for its catchy chorus and driving piano riff, which create a sense of urgency and excitement. The lyrics are a playful homage to the classic horror movie trope of werewolves, featuring memorable imagery and humorous wordplay. “Werewolves of London” is a timeless classic of the rock genre, celebrated for its fun, irreverent spirit and its ability to get listeners on their feet and singing along. The song’s enduring popularity has made it a staple of rock radio and a beloved classic of the 70s rock era.
11.LDN – Lily Allen
“LDN” is a 2006 song by English singer-songwriter Lily Allen, featured on her debut album “Alright, Still”. The song is a playful and upbeat commentary on life in London, with Allen’s lyrics touching on issues such as urban gentrification, crime, and social inequality. The song’s sunny melody and catchy chorus create a sense of optimism and joy, while its humorous lyrics convey a sense of wit and satire. “LDN” was a critical and commercial success, helping to establish Allen as a rising star of the British pop scene. The song remains a beloved classic of the mid-2000s pop era, celebrated for its charm and its infectious energy.
12.Itchycoo Park – Small Faces
“Itchycoo Park” is a psychedelic rock song by the British band Small Faces, released in 1967. The song is notable for its whimsical lyrics and distinctive melody, which make use of a variety of psychedelic sound effects and harmonies. The song’s title refers to a park in London that was popular with hippies and other countercultural figures in the 60s, and the lyrics convey a sense of playful, carefree joy. “Itchycoo Park” remains a beloved classic of the psychedelic rock era, celebrated for its innovative use of sound and its ability to transport listeners to a time and place of unbridled creativity and experimentation.
13.Mornington Crescent – Belle and Sebastian
“Mornington Crescent” is a soft, melodic song by Scottish indie band Belle and Sebastian, released in 2003 on their album “Dear Catastrophe Waitress”. The song’s title refers to a London Underground station, and the lyrics explore themes of urban isolation, longing, and the search for connection in a busy and chaotic city. The song’s gentle guitar strums, ethereal harmonies, and poignant lyrics create a sense of wistful nostalgia and emotional depth. “Mornington Crescent” is a beloved classic of the indie rock genre, celebrated for its ability to capture the beauty and complexity of urban life through its evocative sound and lyrics.
14.Brompton Oratory – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
“Brompton Oratory” is a haunting, melancholic song by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, released in 1997 on their album “The Boatman’s Call”. The song’s title refers to a Catholic church in London, and the lyrics explore themes of loss, regret, and spiritual longing. Cave’s emotive vocals, accompanied by a simple piano melody, convey a deep sense of sorrow and introspection. The song’s somber tone and introspective lyrics create a powerful sense of atmosphere, drawing the listener into a world of emotional intensity and raw vulnerability. “Brompton Oratory” is a classic of the Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds discography, celebrated for its emotional depth and profound sense of artistry.
15.Take Me Back to London – Ed Sheeran
“Take Me Back to London” is a 2019 song by British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, featuring the rapper Stormzy. The song is an upbeat, anthemic celebration of life in the British capital, with Sheeran’s lyrics touching on topics such as street culture, grime music, and the diversity of London’s communities. The song’s driving beat, catchy chorus, and bold, confident delivery create a sense of energy and excitement, while Stormzy’s guest verse adds a powerful dose of social commentary and political awareness. “Take Me Back to London” is a beloved hit of the contemporary pop scene, celebrated for its infectious energy and unabashed pride in British culture.
16.London Belongs to Me – Saint Etienne
“London Belongs to Me” is a 1993 song by British indie pop group Saint Etienne, released on their album “So Tough”. The song is a wistful celebration of life in the British capital, with lyrics that reference famous London landmarks and celebrate the city’s diversity and vibrancy. The song’s upbeat tempo, jangly guitars, and catchy chorus create a sense of optimism and joy, while the group’s signature harmonies and layered instrumentation add a sense of richness and depth. “London Belongs to Me” is a beloved classic of the indie pop genre, celebrated for its evocative sound and its heartfelt celebration of one of the world’s most beloved cities.
17.Electric Avenue – Eddy Grant
“Electric Avenue” is a 1982 song by Guyanese-British singer-songwriter Eddy Grant, named after a street in the Brixton neighborhood of London. The song is a fusion of Caribbean music and new wave pop, featuring a driving beat, catchy synthesizer riffs, and Grant’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics of the song were inspired by the Brixton riots of 1981, and the song’s upbeat melody and hopeful chorus create a sense of defiance and resistance against social injustice. “Electric Avenue” is a beloved classic of the 80s pop era, celebrated for its infectious energy and its powerful social commentary.
18.The Battle of Epping Forest – Genesis
“The Battle of Epping Forest” is a sprawling, epic song by British progressive rock band Genesis, released on their 1973 album “Selling England by the Pound”. The song tells a complex and surreal story of a gang war in the titular Epping Forest, using intricate instrumentation and complex time signatures to create a sense of chaotic energy and emotional intensity. The song features multiple vocalists, complex guitar and keyboard solos, and intricate drumming, all of which combine to create a sense of musical virtuosity and creative ambition. “The Battle of Epping Forest” is a celebrated classic of the progressive rock genre, known for its musical complexity and literary depth.
19.London Boys – T. Rex
“London Boys” is a 1976 song by British glam rock band T. Rex, released on their album “Futuristic Dragon”. The song is a tribute to the bohemian and hedonistic lifestyle of the titular “London boys”, who are depicted as living life to the fullest and embracing their creative impulses. The song’s lively guitar riff, upbeat tempo, and catchy chorus create a sense of infectious energy and enthusiasm, while lead singer Marc Bolan’s distinctive vocals add a sense of personality and charm. “London Boys” is a beloved classic of the glam rock era, celebrated for its exuberant spirit and its unapologetic celebration of youthful energy and creativity.
20.Mile End – Pulp
“Mile End” is a 1995 song by British alternative rock band Pulp, released on their album “Different Class”. The song tells a story of urban decay and social isolation in the titular East London neighborhood, using vivid lyrics and a driving, danceable rhythm to create a sense of restless energy and bleakness. The song’s memorable keyboard melody, gritty guitar riffs, and soaring chorus create a sense of emotional intensity and defiance, while lead singer Jarvis Cocker’s distinctive vocals add a sense of literary wit and emotional depth. “Mile End” is a celebrated classic of the Britpop era, known for its poignant storytelling and its raw, unapologetic depiction of life in modern London.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
