Being one of the world’s most famous cities, London, over the years, has been the focus of many a song. With Londoners being justifiably proud of their city, tourists being mesmerised by the vibrancy that unfolds before their eyes, and those who have yet to visit London pondering in bewilderment about what all the excitement is, it is no wonder London is one of the most written about, talked about and sung about cities.

Take a look at three of the best ‘London’ songs.

Portobello Road, Cat Stevens

Providing highly descriptive imagery about Portobello Market’s ‘ill-fitting dresses’, exotic Indian boots’ and ‘antique leathers’, for anyone that has ever been to one of London’s most legendary markets will be able to relate to Steven’s famous song.

Part of the longevity and seemingly unbreakable appeal of the song Portobello Road, despite being released in 1967, is that it still bears some truth today. 

22 Acacia Avenue, Iron Maiden

This cleverly written song follows the life of ‘Charlotte’ a prostitute working at a North London brothel.

What has been cited as being one of Iron Maiden’s best songs ever, provides hope, glamour and optimism about life in London. 

Carnaby Street, The Jam

The Jam’s famous ‘Carnaby Street’ provides a cynical yet thought-provoking vision of how London in the Swinging Sixties – a concept that was renamed by many as ‘Swinging London – was dead and buried by the late 70s.

Singing about how corporate and mainstream culture had taken over Carnaby Street, namely its once individual and independent boutiques having been overtaken by multinational chains,  The Jam’s legendary song provides a nostalgic memory of what was possibly London’s most youthful, optimistic and liberating times.