Take Me Back to London (ft. Stormzy)

“Take Me Back to London” is the collaborative track from Ed Sheeran’s fourth studio album “No.6 Collaborations Project”, which was released earlier this year. The track features British rapper Stormzy, who also features on the song writing credits for the track. Famous DJ and music producer Skrillex also co-produced the song along with Kenny Beats and Fred.

“Take Me Back to London” is all about London and the two musicians lives in the city. On Saturday 30th November, Stormzy appeared on UK tv show the “Jonathan Ross Show” and discussed how the track came together and how Jay-Z played a part.
“‘Before that I loved Take Me Back To London because I thought it was just going to be me and Ed. And then Ed was like, “Jay is getting on it.” ‘It blew my mind. Jay-Z is my number one hero inspiration.’ Stormzy continues: “We got into the studio and we were writing for this song and then he just stops the music and he said, “Tell me about London, I need some inspiration,”’. After Stormzy and Sheeran telling Jay-Z about London, Stormzy decided that Jay-Z might not actually be the right fit for the song. “‘At the end he’s smiling, we were probably talking for an hour and he goes, “So what do you think of the song?”’ To which Stormzy responded: ““I love this song but you being on the song changes everything. You are the most brilliant, busy man and I will probably never get this opportunity ever again but hand on my heart, I don’t think this is the right song for us.”’ Ultimately, Jay-Z understood but still hoped to collaborate with Stormzy in the future.

There is a music video for a remix of a track that features British artists Jaykae and British rapper Aitch. Ironically, the video for the Sir Spyro remix of thetrack was not filmed in London, but between Manchester, Birmingham and small shots of London. Sheeran and Stormzy are shown driving around the countryside in a Rolls Royce wearing matching tracksuits. Jaykae and Aitch join them to watch motorcycle burnouts, as well as completing quintessentially British activities such as drinking tea, or downing pints. Since its release on the 23rd August 2019, the video has over 48.8 million views and over 735 thousand likes.

Release Date: 11th July 2019

Songwriter/s: Ed Sheeran, Shellback, Max Martin, Fred Gibson & Michael Omari Jr.

Producer/s: Skrillex, Kenny Beats & Fred

Label/s: Asylum & Atlantic

Music Video Release Date: 23rd August 2019

Music Video Director: KC Locke

Chart Rankings & Certifications: Within a few months of its release, “Take Me Back to London” hit the peak chart positions in the following countries: #29 in Australia, #27 and #22 in Belgium, #59 in Canada, #21 in Czech Republic, #26 in Denmark, #68 in Germany, #38 in Hungary, #7 in Ireland, #22 in Latvia, #79 in Lithuania, #69 in the Netherlands, #29 in New Zealand, #73 in Romania, #8 in Scotland, #17 in Slovakia, #44 in Sweden, #1 in the UK Singles chart and lastly, #16 on the US Billboard “Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles” chart. “Take Me Back to London” is certified Platinum in the UK.

The lyrics to “Take Me Back to London” can be viewed here: LINK