There's No Place Like London

Album: Hullo! London Town (1986)
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Songfacts®:

  • Shirley's best years as as a singer seemed to be behind her in the late '70s and early '80s, but "There's No Place Like London" (as well as her version of "I Am What I Am" and guest vocals on Yello's "The Rhythm Divine") placed Ms. Bassey firmly back in the public eye. "There's No Place Like London" is a rousing song praising the city of London, with lines like, "The East or the West End you end up in the best end", "You don't have to go far to get treated like royalty" and ending with a rousing "London's Capital, there's no place like London Town."
  • This song was commissioned by the London Tourist Board. It was co-written by Londoner Lynsey De Paul and, curiously, American Gerard Kenny. It was inspired in part by Lynsey's return to the UK after her sojourn in California with former partner James Coburn.
  • Shirley gives a marvelous vocal performance and appeared in a video for this song showing the sights of London. Her daughter Sharon and grandson Luke both appear in the video as well.
  • The song was covered by Lynsey & Friends in 1993 (featuring many London-born celebrities) and has been covered by the Tony Evans Orchestra. It was even performed by Hill's Angels in an episode of the Benny Hill Show which is now available on DVD. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bobby - Atlanta, GA, for all above

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