There’s a never-ending list of songs about our beautiful city, London. Narrowing them down to a select few is quite the challenge, but it’s one we accept with honour and integrity here at Secret London. From rock and roll legends to heartfelt ballads, guilty pleasures to pop perfection, we’re transcending genre and putting together the ultimate London playlist.
The whole team has gotten involved, and there are even some suggestions from our Facebook followers. Be sure to check out the playlist on Spotify, but keep scrolling for some additional context including the stories behind these iconic songs, their music videos, and more.
1. London Calling by The Clash
Whether you were born in London or have winded up here in the capital, you live by the riveeeerr! The Clash released this iconic song back in 1979, reacting to the hostile political climate. The song directly calls for action, with the London-born band trawling for our attention in the lyrics of this punk classic, reminding us to always challenge the establishment.
2. Waterloo Sunset by The Kinks
There’s nothing better than watching the sunset over London. This gorgeous song by The Kinks encapsulates the dream-like sensation that bubbles during golden hour, with a nostalgic charm that’s sure to tug on the heartstrings. The band contrasts the mucky Thames with the hustle and bustle of the city, but everything feels ay-okay when you witness a Waterloo Sunset.
3. LDN by Lily Allen
From the sixties to the seventies, we’re heading straight to the naughties for this absolute banger from Lily Allen. Already, we’re seeing a reoccurring theme of the rose-tinted world that London can provide, but to quote Lily herself, “if you look twice, you can see it’s all lies!” The lyrical satire combined with the funky beats made this a favourite with our Facebook followers.
4. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys
Whether you prefer the east end boys or West End Girls, you should always have some time for the Pet Shop Boys! This synth-pop dream was released in 1985 and was the band’s breakthrough single, reaching the number-one spot in the charts. It explores the alluring escapes available across London, touching on class, and the city’s thriving nightlife scene.
5. London Town by Kano
Kano is a London-based rapper who was born in East Ham, and is considered one of the many significant contributors to grime music alongside Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, and more recently, Stormzy. London has influenced Kano’s music throughout his career, with other honourable mentions going to T-Shirt Weather In The Manor and Drinking on the West End.
6. Going Underground by The Jam
With so many songs about the London Underground, it almost calls for its own playlist! The one that comes to mind for most is this legendary offering from The Jam. Going Underground debuted at number one back in 1980, being another song commenting on the political turmoil at the time. Specifically, the band was reacting to the recently elected Conservative government under Margaret Thatcher.
7. Last Train to London by Electric Light Orchestra
Birmingham rock band, Electric Light Orchestra, brought the groove back with Last Train to London. If your family are out of the city, you’re probably familiar with the treacly, and sometimes bittersweet feeling of leaving home, but this poetic gem is sure to turn that frown upside down if you’re feeling down on your next journey back into London.
8. Hometown Glory by Adele
London legend Adele has had us all in a chokehold since her debut album 19. One of the standout songs on that album was none other than Hometown Glory, showcasing Adele’s stunning vocals and songwriting capabilities. Since her debut, Adele has gone on to receive over twenty Grammy nominations and several wins to match!
9. A Rainy Day in Soho by The Pogues
Who hasn’t been stuck in the rain, walking the streets of Soho? Famed for their legendary Christmas song, The Pogues are an Anglo-Irish Celtic punk band that was founded in Kings Cross back in the eighties. If you only know Fairytale of New York then you’re missing out. This beautiful love song compares a relationship to the beautiful, but rainy alleyways of the West End.
10. London Bridge by Fergie
Since its release, London Bridge has been confusing tourists but we have no choice but to stan. Fergie notoriously used Tower Bridge in the iconic music video for this song, and I think we can collectively forgive her since it’s such a huge bop.
11. Take Me Back To London by Ed Sheeran & Stormzy
Ed Sheeran and Stormzy teamed up for this epic collaboration in 2019, with an awesome production featuring beats from Skrillex. The memorable music video even featured grime legends Jaykae & Aitch, blowing the minds of anyone who plays witness to this talented synergy of UK rap music.
12. It’s A London Thing by Scott Garcia
Ready to rave? Scott Garcia is a pioneer of the UK garage scene, and It’s A London Thing is an unmatched example of his talent. The independent producer and headlining DJ has performed at some of the most iconic venues in the world, including the Boiler Room and some legendary London nightclubs.
13. Morden by Good Shoes
Take a trip to Morden with the naughties, indie-rock band Good Shoes. Exploring the sights, smells, and sounds of their hometown, this catchy track boasts nostalgic sounds and rock rhythms. Their grand tour of the south London town features their favourite Chinese restaurant, Superdrug, and the local KFC. Sounds like a decent day out!
14. London Links by Foreign Beggers & Mysdiggi
Foreign Beggers are a hip-hop, grime, and dubstep band taking the city by storm. London Links is a fan favourite featuring London-born rapper Mysdiggi. The band formed in 2002 and are famed for their collaborative nature, with a collective career spanning decades in rock and roll, the DJ scene, and beyond.
15. Ghost Town by Greentea Peng
Beautifully blending jazz, soul, and self-proclaimed ‘psychedelic RnB’ sounds, Greentea Peng is an artist you need to keep your eyes on. Her haunting single Ghost Town delves into heavy topics like gentrification, government corruption, and increasing rent prices, pleading “you can’t take my city from me.”
16. Sheila by Jamie T
South London hero Jamie T is a singer, songwriter, and rapper from Wimbleton. Sampling poetry about the city towards the beginning of the song, Jamie shares tragic tales of some notorious characters from across the city, utilising his witty flow and some shock-humour.
17. The London Boys by David Bowie
One of Bowie’s lesser-know gems, The London Boys was originally released B-side of the single Rubber Band early in his career back in 1966. It sonically sounds similar to Bowie’s final album Blackstar, beautifully contrasting with his glam-rock persona and legacy. The V&A will soon be opening an entire exhibition devoted to their Bowie archive, and you can click here for more information!
18. South London Forever by Florence & The Machine
This gorgeous track from Florence & The Machine’s explores the complexities of identity, which is paralleled in London life. South London Forever is a love letter to Florence’s hometown, claiming, “There can be nothing better than this…” – and we’d have to agree!
19. Warwick Avenue by Duffy
Another song inspired by the tube, Warwick Avenue station to be precise, Duffy’s tragic love song stole our hearts back in 2008, when she released the song as her second single from the award-winning album Rockferry.
20. The Guns of Brixton by The Clash
It was only a matter of time before a second appearance from punk legends The Clash. Many rock conspiracists believe The Guns of Brixton predicted the riots that happened in 1980s Brixton, with this song using reggae beats and allusive lyrics to convey the importance of preserving local communities.
21. London Boy by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift name-drops some of her favourite places in London throughout this iconic song from her seventh studio album, Lover. From Shoreditch to Camden, you can now take a tour of the capital inspired by this fan-favourite, especially here in London! Or, if you’re a super, super fan, then maybe this job position as an official Taylor Swift stan would suit you nicely.
22. Up The Junction by Squeeze
Squeeze’s Up The Junction is a story about falling in love here in London, which begins with a romantic date on Clapham Common. The song was released in 1979 and is featured on their beloved album Cool for Cats.
23. Streatham by Dave
Reflecting on growing up in Streatham, Dave flexes his rap skills for this slice of grime history. From past relationships to city observations, this powerful song encompasses the artist’s commitment to his personal story and the communities that’ve served him throughout time.
24. Streets of London by Ralph McTell
Another popular song from our Facebook followers, Streets of London is a stunning track by Ralph McTell. It was first recorded for his 1969 album Spiral Staircase, but it wasn’t released 1974, and we’re sure glad it was. McTell is a UK folk legend who’s rags-to-riches story inspired a generation, kick-starting his career busking in cities across Europe.
25. London in the Spring by Passenger
One of the more recent songs on this list, Passenger reminded us about the beauty of spring in London with this beautiful ballad. From our fabulous parks to springtime walks near St Pauls, add this to your springtime playlist for some uplifting and romantic vibes, sang so perfectly that you can picture the scenes described as clear as day.
26. Come Back To Camden by Morrissey
Describing several areas of London throughout this epic love-ballad, Morrissey delves into the quirks of London, and how the city makes it so easy to fall in love. From drinking tea by the Thames to the love for Camden Town, it’s obvious that London left its mark on The Smiths lead singer.
27. Bermondsey Street by Patrick Wolf
We have yet another South London singer and songwriter featured and it’s none other than Patrick Wolf, who tackles relationships and London life in this enchanting tale of love and pride along Bermondsey Street. This is taken from his beautiful (and critically acclaimed) fifth album Lupercalia.
28. Sound of the Underground by Girls Aloud
It’s time for some pop perfection from Girls Aloud, who topped the charts with their debut single Sound of the Underground back in 2002. Speaking of, TfL recently announced that they’re renaming the London Overground and changing it into six different lines. This has us wondering, when will the Sarah Harding line be a thing?
29. Torn on the Platform by Jack Peñate
We’re loving the naughties indie throwbacks in this round-up of incredible songs about London, and we’re sticking with the Underground theme thanks to Jack Peñate. Torn on the Platform is a bittersweet banger that has an incredible music video to match, because who doesn’t love puppets?
30. Has It Come To This by The Streets
Contemplating modern life through hard-hitting lyrics, addiction repetition, and London reflections, The Streets reference Mile End, Ealing, Brixton, and beyond, in this must-listen bop from the adored alternative hip-hop artist.
31. Mornington Crescent by Belle & Sebastian
Belle and Sebastian are a Scottish indie pop band that showed the London love by writing a song about Camden’s Mornington Crescent. It highlights the city’s diversity and communities, as well as the plentiful opportunities, all of which contrasts with the excessive wealth and power behind its foundations and expansion.
32. London Is the Reason by Gallows
It’s time to rock out with Gallows thanks to their epic 2009 energiser London Is the Reason. The song charges through with a continuous anger that calls out the inequalities across the city. If you want some more metal magic, listen to the full album Grey Britain but watch out, ’cause the rats are about!
33. Primrose Hill by John Martyn & Beverly Martyn
Going to watch the sunset on Primrose Hill has become an institutional part of London life, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than listening to this smooth and seductive offering from married couple John & Beverly Martyn. Beverly’s vocals are gorgeous, along with John’s mentionable production.
34. A Foggy Day (In London Town) by Ella Fitzgerald
This absolute classic has been covered and redone so many times, by some of the greatest performers in the world. The most famous is hands-down by Ella Fitzgerald, who ignites the song with her soulful voice and flawless execution. The song is about the doom and gloom of London, which can change in an instant thanks to a good friend!
35. London London by Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso is a Brazilian composer, singer, guitarist, writer, and political activist, who released one of the most beautiful songs about London, simply called London London. In the song, Veloso sees the danger in loneliness as it can sometimes feel nice in a city like ours, as well as the freedoms that come with anonymity.
36. Tower of London by ABC
The past few songs have been a little down in the dumps, so it’s time to turn up the tempo thanks to English pop group ABC, the totally-synthy band that formed up north in Sheffield back in the eighties. Tower of London takes us across the city in a fun tourist dash around some of our most iconic landmarks.
37. Hype Talk by Dizzee Rascal
Some people think he’s bonkers, but we just think he’s free. Dizzee Rascal reacts to the rise of grime following his rise to stardom, as he dominated the landscape during its formative years in the mainstream. Hype Talk reflects on this by commenting on the people, and the music industry, who jumped on the grime train during the height of Dizzee’s career.
38. Hey Young London by Bananarama
Who doesn’t love a bit of Bananrama? The iconic pop trio released a love letter to London in 1983, in the form of the catchy song Hey Young London. They share some stories of life in the city, claiming that, London, “you’re looking good,” and we’d have to agree!
39. London by The Smiths
We mentioned Morrissey earlier, but now it’s time to talk about his band The Smiths. The English rock band was formed in Manchester back in 1982 and they had a lot to say about the capital. However, this upbeat song explores the heartbreak you feel leaving home for the city, and the gut-punch decisions you make to get there.
40. Bow E3
Heading East with Wiley, Bow E3 shows off his local pride after comments he got during his rise to fame, claiming he wasn’t rightfully preaching about his roots and community. This banger certainly makes up for it, and then some, with the grime master stating, “We made a genre, everybody’s on top, it’s all come from Bow E3.”
41. Mile End by Pulp
Sticking East, Pulp’s song Mile End is probably most famous for its cameo in the film Trainspotting. Although the fun tempo and unique qualities suggest it could be a happy song, listen to the lyrics and they’re actually listing some darker sides to London life.
42. Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty
Scottish singer Gerry Rafferty was a founding member of the band Stealers Wheel, but also had a fantastic solo career. Baker Street transports us the heart of the city, with that iconic intro taking us back in time to the jazzy yesteryear of London.
43. The Fool On The Hill by The Beatles
There are quite a few fantastic songs by The Beatles that are all about London, inclding their entire Abbey Road (pictured above) album. However, The Fool On The Hill is a wonderful gem in their impressive archive of songs, describing an encounter on Primrose Hill.
44. New York, Paris, and London
Embrace London’s cosmopolitan energy and jet set across the world with HighSchool, a Melborne-born band effortlessly combining goth and pop into an absolute dreamscape of musical delight. New York, Paris, and London is perfect if you prefer indie sounds, with a fun and exciting catalog of music under their belt.
45. Cheer Up London by Soft Play
Formerly known as Slaves, Soft Play are well-known for their pure rage and punk perfection, with Cheer Up London being a prime exaple of the duo’s excellence. Another honourable mention from this band that delves into modern life is The Hunter.
46. England by The National
Honing on to the distance between loved ones, The National talks to a lover in London from Los Angeles in this brutally beautiful ballad from the American rock band, who formed in Brooklyn back in 1999, and have since maintained both commercial and critical success throughout their outstanding career.
47. darjeeling by FKA Twigs, Jorja Smith, & Unknown T
We’ve forever been obsessed with FKA Twigs since her debut album in 2014. darjeeling namedrops several London hotspots including Crystal Palace, Linford Christie Stadium, Croydon College, and more! This track is from her beloved mixtape from 2022, Caprisongs.
48. London by AJ, Deno, & EO
Show off your London pride with this addictive song from AJ, collaborating with EO off the back of the undeniable success they had with their song German. The beats just call for dancing, with the South Lonon love radiating throughout.
49. London by RuPaul
It looks like international drag superstar RuPaul has taken quite the liking to London since his hit TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race jumped across the pond for the UK iteration. Ru mentions some of his favourite spots in the city throughout the song, including Brixton and Wembley.
50. Fun City by Soft Cell
We’re Secret London, of course we’re going to say London is a fun city, and there’s even a song to prove it (well… kinda). Fun City by Soft Cell shares with us the synth-pop band’s ‘London experience’, which is an incredibly catchy satire song commenting on all the contradictions throughout the capital.