Gr8at: Bond Songs

I’ll be writing my thoughts on Spectre soon, but I wanted to discuss in extra detail the aspect of Bond theme tunes. Especially as there was such a cool response to Sam Smith’s much anticipated song Writing’s on the Wall. I sided with the majority and was hugely disappointed. Smith is clearly an undoubted award-winning talent, and he is evdently aware of previous Bond songs, but for me there wasn’t a strong enough melody and I didn’t like his style of singing for the song. Unlike the hugely popular Skyfall and every other Bond theme, it did actually top the UK charts so clearly has its fanbase.

Where would you rank it in terms of Bond themes? Are there any you particularly like or dislike? I’ve focused on the songs themselves, but if you are curious about the graphics side within the credits, I recommend this piece by Vinnie H.

Adele’s Skyfall is mesmerising, and captures the vulnerable, lonely and tortured soul that Bond is beneath the surface. It may have missed out by one place by topping the UK chart, but it rightfully won at the Golden Globes, the Brit Awards and the Academy Awards; the first Bond song to do so.

Roger Moore was always one of the more smoother, charming and funnier Bonds, so it was only fitting that Duran Duran’s US chart topper (the only Bond theme to do so) had a memorably silly video. It still remains an enduringly popular pop tune.

Is there a better introduction to a 007 theme tune? Or a better choice to have sung it? Its cheeky lyrics capture the sex appeal that’s always been evident within the franchise. Kanye West’s sampling of the song for his smash hit Diamonds are from Sierra Leone show just well it has fared.

After a six year gap where the franchise’s future was being debated and a new Bond was on the scene, mysterious lyrics, a majestic chorus and a wonderful vocal performance by a singing performance was always going to make an impression. One of the more underrated within the series.

For all number of reasons, the third in the Bond series really was one of the more spectacular. Only fitting then that it had one of the more striking tunes to accompany it. And most certainly one of its best vocals. Note to self: Never attempt at karaoke.

It may not be among people’s favourite Bond films, but Nancy Sinatra’s beautifully sung theme tune is a wonderful addition to the series. Its luxurious, exotic feel and dreamy lyrics is perfectly in keeping with the escapism always prevalent in Bond films.

Having a Beatle on board meant there was always a very strong chance that it lead to one of the more famous Bond offerings. And so it proved. Particularly memorable is its switching between the calmer and more dramatic musical beats.

I really do believe a James Bond song should refer to the film’s title, but On Her Majesty’s Secret Service doesn’t have your traditional ending, and this is far from a traditional song. Armstrong’s voice is just the perfect fit to legendary Bond Composer John Barry’s favourite piece.

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