As part of my Cities in Civilization initiative, I’m teaching a summer study abroad program for UF students where we travel from London to Rome. We spend about a week in each of six major cities (London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Florence, Rome), seeking to understand the role each city has played in contributing to innovations in culture and technology.
Here I am sharing popular music related to each destination. This post kicks it off with songs about London or by Londoners. The criteria for the list are that it should be diverse (multiple genres and multiple eras) yet manageable (not too many). I included 17 songs that span the 60s (2), 70s (3), 80s (4), 90s (1), 00s (3), and 10s (4). They are listed below in chronological order. I included the title, artist, year of release, and genre. I also added a sentence or two of background and context. Finally, I also embedded video links.
Paint it Black Rolling Stones 1966 Rock
The band formed in London in 1962. They are considered one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time. This was the group’s third number one song. This song is notable for its dark themes and its groundbreaking use of the sitar. While the Beatles are famous for their interest in Indian mysticism, it was Brain Jones of the Stones who played the sitar on the first number one song to feature the instrument.
Ramble On Led Zeppelin 1969 Rock
Formed in London in 1968, strongly influenced by blues and folk. Some call them the world’s worst blues band. But they are one of the most important rock groups in history. They were also immensely successful. They are still the fifth-best artists in the US (behind The Beatles, Elvis, Eagles, and Garth Brooks). This one from their second album is widely considered one of their best.
Bohemian Rhapsody Queen 1975 Rock
Formed in London in 1970. Freddie Mercury is considered among the greatest rock singers of all time. Guitarist Brian May is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time – and he is a PhD astrophysicist! Queen was one of the biggest rock bands in the world and their 1985 Live Aid performance cemented their legacy forever. It was the inspiration for the 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody. The original video for this song became famous before videos were even a thing. It now has more than 1 billion views!
Baker Street Gerry Rafferty 1978 Yacht rock
He’s Scottish, but he wrote it about his frequent stays as a struggling artist on the real Baker Street in London. Includes a classic sax solo. The jazzy sounds were a counterpoint to the then-contemporary punk movement.
London Calling The Clash 1979 Punk
The Clash were part of the original wave of English punk, but unlike many punk bands they also became part of post-punk and new wave movements. They are considered one of the greatest bands of all time, and this album is considered one of the ten greatest of all time. This song is a political and apocalyptic rallying cry. Climate change, police brutality, inequality, nuclear fears.
In the Air Tonight Phil Collins 1981 Pop rock
A Londoner his whole life. This song has the most melodramatic drum break in rock history, and it introduced the world to the gated reverb sound effect on the drums that changed the sound of music for the rest of the decade. In this live performance of his signature song, he makes you wait for the drums to kick in – but when they kick, they really kick.
Let’s Dance David Bowie 1983 New wave
Bowie was from London and emerged as a star there before moving to the US in the mid-1970s. He is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. His career was filled with re-invention of musical styles. He was noted as a glam rocker in the 70s and this early 80s album was commercial light-rock that surprised everyone. This song was monumental in its time. Overtaken that year only by Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
West End Girls Pet Shop Boys 1984 New wave
Synth-pop dance music. This one is an ode to nightlife in Soho.
Careless Whisper George Michael 1984 Pop
He started out busking in the London Underground and he became a superstar ranked by Billboard magazine as one of the greatest artists of all time. His rise to fame was still a few years before the public was ready to accept homosexuality, and he himself struggled to come to equilibrium with who he was. He came out as gay in 1998 and continued to advocate for LGBT rights until his death in 2016.
Song 2 Blur 1997 Britpop
Formed in London in 1988, central to the Britpop scene, which was the British answer to grunge: catchier, faster, often emphasizing Britishness. This energetic party song was hugely popular, although not full of meaning.
LDN Lily Allen 2006 Ska pop
Bouncy, Caribbean-flavored bike ride around grubby London.
Hometown Glory Adele 2007 Pop
Summary of London’s wonders, written by a teenage Adel.
Dog Days are Over Florence + The Machine 2008 Indie
Formed in London in 2007. This one is from their critically acclaimed debut. They have sold a lot of albums, but still maintain alternative cred, playing routinely at the big festivals.
I Will Wait Mumford & Sons 2012 Folk rock
A global hit for this group that emerged from the London bar scene.
Girl Jamie XX 2014 Electronic
London-based producer and DJ, showing that Euro electronic music is not just from the Continent.
Something Just Like This Coldplay, The Chainsmokers 2017 EDM
CP formed in London in 1996. CS are American DJs.
Beautiful People Ed Sheeran, Khalid 2019 Pop
Ed Sheeran moved to London in 2008 to launch his career and he is now one of the best-selling artists of all time.