London: Music Part of the Places of a Lifetime series from Traveler magazine

Compilations and classic songs that put you in mind of the city, from our city playlist.

THIS ARTICLE IS FROM National Geographic Traveler National Geographic Traveler Save 74% and experience new destinations! ORDER NOW

Compilations:

London is the Place for Me
Infectious calypso recorded by early Afro-Caribbean immigrants in the 1950s, compiled by the great Soul Jazz label.

Abbey Road
The Beatles' last album (1969), as famous for its cover photo of the Fab Four crossing the road, as for unforgettable tracks like "Come Together" and "Here Comes the Sun."

London Boy
Compilation of early David Bowie songs captures the spirit of swinging London in the 1960s.

Mellow Yellow
Flower child Donovan takes a trippy stroll through "Sunny South Kensington" and witnesses a "Hampstead Incident."

London Calling
Fusing rock, reggae, punk and rockabilly, The Clash symbolize the edgy energy of London in 1979.

Never Mind the Bollocks
Brash, frenetic, vitriolic debut from the Sex Pistols. Still as raw and relevant as ever.

All Mod Cons
The Jam's penchant for social commentary is evident on tracks like "A' Bomb In Wardour Street" and "Down In The Tube Station At Midnight."

The Singles Collection: The London Years
Smash hits from 1963-1971 courtesy of rock and roll's hardy perennials, The Rolling Stones.

Tales from Turnpike House
Electro-pop snapshots of life in an Islington tower block from Saint Etienne, whose fascination with London infuses much of their music.

Alright, Still Loudmouthed
Lily Allen takes a bittersweet swipe at city life, undercut by an irresistibly upbeat tempo. Guaranteed to lift the spirits on a rainy afternoon.

Classic Songs:

From the swinging '60s to punk rock, Top of the Pops to streetwise rap, these are the sounds of London.