Top 5 songs about London

There is a plethora of songs about London, but few capture the emotions of living in the big smoke. For better or for worse, we live in a unique environment. The city’s personality shapes our lives. From the coldness of strangers to the buzz of a night out in Soho. Your day-to-day existence is swayed by what the city throws your way.

Here are five tracks that represent this perfectly. Plug in your headphones, take a walk around a leafy park and immerse yourself in an audio biography of your city!

1: Lilly Allen - LDN

Writers: Lily Allen, Iyiola Babalola, Darren Lewis, Tommy McCook

Producer(s): Future Cut

Label: Regal

You know that feeling when the bubble bursts and you see London isn't what you thought it was? Most Londoners have felt this way and lily explains this excellently in this catchy pop hit.

When you first arrive you feel amazing, you made it in one of the best cities in the world. Then bang... You look around and notice it's not what it's cracked up to be. You see the poor housing, high prices, crime, dirt and general impoliteness on the streets. And you think… Life really could be better!

When you look with your eyes Everything seems nice But if you look twice You can see it's all lies

---

2: Eddy Grant - Electric Avenue

Writer: Eddy Grant Label: Portrait, Parlophone, EMI Producer: Eddy Grant

Guianan born, Eddie Grant portrays a snapshot of life in Brixton in the 80s. This track will take you back in time to SW2 long before the days of gentrification.

The reggae pop classic paints a picture of the Brixton riots. Grant's opener "Now on the streets there is violence" demonstrates the unrest and racial tension felt at the time. Electric Avenue is a perfect addition for you to bob your head to and learn a history lesson.

Now in the street, there is violence And-and a lots of work to be done No place to hang out our washing And-and I can't blame all on the sun

---

3: The Small Faces - Itchycoo Park

Writers: Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane Label: Immediate Producers: Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane

We all know that romance can be found in unexpected places. It's not about where you are, it's about who you're with. Why force romance in somewhere like Paris when a local park will do?

One of the best voices from the 60s, Steve Marriott belts out his love for his local outdoor space. This track will likely have you nostalgic for the simple days of skiving school with your teenage crush.

I'll tell you what I'll do - What will you do? I'd like to go there now with you You can miss out school - Won't that be cool Why go to learn the words of fools?

---

4: Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls

Label: Bobcat Records Writers: Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe Producer: Bobby Orlando

This 80s classic did something fresh and new. It combined Chicago style electro with New York hip-hop and made something very British.

West End Girls speaks to Londoners throughout the ages, whether you lived here in the 80s or 2010s. We can all relate to the bustle of many faces and the dark, seedy and dangerous side to urban living.

Too many shadows whispering voices Faces on posters too many choices If when why what how much have you got

---

5: Blur – For Tomorrow

Label: Food Writers: Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, Dave Rowntree Producers: Stephen Street

No London playlist would be complete without Blur. Back in the hedonistic days of Brit Pop, Blur were the flag bearers for the capital. The track resonates with most residents as it takes you on a journey of one Londoner’s day.

The lyrics tell a story of a romantic couple who get lost around the West Way. They later have a cup of tea and take a spontaneous trip to Primrose Hill. It’s very simplistic but isn’t that the best way to enjoy romance?

London's so nice back in your seamless rhymes But we're lost on the West Way

#Songs #Track #Soundtrack #Music #Popculture #Pop #Rock #Records #History #Heritage