THE NAME’S BOND… JAMES BOND
Author: Bruce Jenkins Date Posted:11 November 2021
When Monty Norman took ideas from one of his earlier compositions and created the "James Bond Theme", he could not have foreseen how the piece would take on a life of its own as the heartbeat of one of the longest running film series in cinema history. With its surf rock guitar and brassy arrangement, the "Dum di-di dum dum" piece (as Norman referred to it) is instantly identifiable as the signature music for the world’s most famous spy.
Recognisable as Monty Norman’s theme is, each Bond film also has a feature song, usually performed by a star du jour. Dating back to Matt Monroe’s "From Russia With Love" (1963, the second Bond film), a succession of renowned artists have taken on one of the most desirable and dangerous missions in cinema: writing and/or performing the new Bond song.
The bar was set high in 1964 with Shirley Bassey’s magnificent performance for "Goldfinger". Indeed, Ms Bassey was invited back on two further occasions to deploy her powerful, velvet-gloved voice on Bond songs. "Diamonds Are Forever" (1971, Sean Connery’s last official outing as 007) and "Moonraker" (1979, Roger Moore).
Along the way there has been an extraordinary range of singers. Tom Jones belted out "Thunderball", Nancy Sinatra wistfully observed that "You Only Live Twice", Gladys Knight made a surprising impact with "Licence To Kill" and, of course, Paul McCartney and Wings totally murdered "Live And Let Die".
As the decades passed, performers reflected current trends in pop, with female artists tending to survive better as singers than they did in the films themselves. Rita Coolidge, Tina Turner, Sheryl Crow, Madonna, Adele… All produced memorable Bond songs, collected on the three records of The Best Of Bond… James Bond for your ears only.
Did that read "all"? Perhaps not. There have been a few disappointments. A couple of zeros. Sad though it is to report, Madonna’s effort for Die Another Day is simply lame. As for Miss Billie’s most recent addition to the set list, wake me when it’s over. Historically, wonderful as the legendary Louis Armstrong was, his ballad "We Have All The Time In The World" for On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is soft-boiled, despite the irony of it accompanying George Lazenby cradling the dead body of his just-married love.
But we are not going to linger over the failed missions. We are here to celebrate all that’s best in Bond. Which songs are exciting, even when you’ve heard them many times? Which capture both the style and the suspense of a good 007 film? Which surge like a high-speed boat chase and which are dead in the water?
Here (cue pulse-raising suspense theme) is the most dangerous mission in music reviewing: the Top 7 Bond songs, shaken and stirred by the undersigned.
#007 Theme for "On Her Majesty’s Secret Service" — The John Barry Orchestra [1969]
He orchestrated and performed Monty Norman’s "James Bond Theme" in the first film, Dr. No, then went on to compose scores for a further eleven Bond films. By any measure, John Barry has contributed more to the soundtracks of 007 adventures than anyone. His orchestral piece for George Lazenby’s only appearance as the suave spy is a classic piece of film music and earns him the opening credit in this list.
#006 "Goldfinger" — Shirley Bassey [1964]
Ms Bassey is a legend of Bond songs, and rightly so. This was her first contribution, and set a benchmark for drama and a special kind of diva passion that many emulated but few bettered.
#005 "Goldeneye" — Tina Turner [1995]
There are 25 songs (plus the original theme) on the three record set The Best Of Bond… James Bond. The more I listened to Tina Turner’s Goldeneye theme, the more impressed I became and the higher it climbed in the rankings. From the mysterious strings that open proceedings through the tingling build up of tension, this is a masterful performance of a fine song by U2’s Bono and The Edge.
#004 "A View To A Kill" — Duran Duran [1985]
Crisp, powerful, memorable. There is urgency, tension and a memorable chorus. Perhaps Bond purists might argue that Duran Duran’s song sounds more like a pop single than a Bond theme, and maybe they have a point, but what a great single it is! Dance into the fire, 007 fans.
#003 "The Man With The Golden Gun" — Lulu [1974]
Like Tina Turner’s "Goldeneye", there is no way I would have predicted Lulu’s Bond song would end up so high. Unfairly overshadowed by its predecessor (see #002), this is a classic 007 song, with big brass, a big sassy voice and a fabulous lyric. The song is catchy, dramatic and above all FUN. Lulu delivers John Barry and lyricist Don Black’s song with million dollar skill.
#002 "Live And Let Die" — Paul McCartney and Wings [1973]
In typical McCartney style he throws everything into this over-the-top and thrillingly entertaining song. A deserved hit around the world, it is greater than the sum of the parts (not an uncommon McCartney magic trick) and captures the tongue-in-cheek testosterone of Roger Moore’s debut in pyrotechnic colour. So air-punchingly good, even the clunky grammar doesn’t spoil it.
#001 "Skyfall" — Adele [2012]
I came to this daunting mission as a diva skeptic and left shaken and stirred. Adele and Paul Epworth’s 2012 triumph manages to embrace the entire history of Bond theme songs and transcend them. There is real emotion in "Skyfall"; it actually feels like Adele got inside the film and transformed her insights into an exciting, moving and deeply satisfying Bond song that does justice to the film, the legacy and the singer’s consummate skill.
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As I worked through these two dozen songs, one conclusion was inescapable: there are many excellent Bond songs and very few stiffs. If you would like to see the entire list— #25 to #1—visit the Vinyl Connection blog.
Writerly struggles aside, not everyone will approve of this Top #007. One option would be to hire a SPECTRE assassin to take out the author. Alternatively—and this is the recommended approach—let your fingers do the talking and share your own top Bond song in the Comments below.
You could win a copy of the album! Read on…
THE JAMES BOND 'SHAKEN AND STIRRED’ SONG COMPETITION
In the Comments below tell us which Bond song is your favourite and why, in 50 words or less. We will then choose one entry to receive a free The Very Best Of Bond… James Bond 3LP set based on originality and quality of the entry.
Rules:
- One entry per person, entering is free.
- Your email is required to enter and for us to contact the winner.
- Your email will not be used for any other purpose nor shared with any third party.
- The decision will be made by Discrepancy Records based on quality and originality and is final.
- Entries close midnight Thursday 18 November and the winner will be announced on the Discrepancy facebook page soon after.
- You agree that your name (only) can be used on Facebook if we choose your entry.
© Bruce Jenkins 2021
Comments (64)
The spy who loved me
By: Jason Geitenbeek on 18 November 2021Although Shirley sang more bond songs, and has an amazingly strong voice, Carly Simon sings the words that immediately evoke the man.... Bond. Starting like a true love song, incorporating the title, and finishing with the answer to this question.... Baby your the best!
Can't pick a favourite
By: Jon Bugg on 18 November 2021With the new and final Daniel Craig film out I've been listening to the bond themes a bit recently. One thing I've noticed is while they're all based around this one series of films there's a great range of genres. Live and Let Die feels like it should earn the title of "the classic bond theme" but I've been surprised with how much I've enjoyed Duran Durans song (I need to listen to some of their other work!). The modern ones will definately stay in my playlist for years to come but I've added a few of the classics to the rotation.
A View To A Kill — Duran Duran
By: John Cozis on 18 November 2021I think set the bar for future Bond songs. Also was a hit and has not dated too badly over the years. The song stands on it own outside of the movie where other Bond songs don't make sense without the movie/cinema graphics.
GOLDFINGER
By: Riley Morrow on 18 November 2021Iconic. Bold. Blaring. Shirley Bassey’s pipes are at their absolute zenith here, and with only the second proper Bond theme the die was cast. Gert Fröbe played the role of Goldfinger, but ignore that: Bassey is Goldfinger. With bluster and brilliance, give her the handgun: she’s more Bond than Connery.
Always have an escape plan.
By: Ryan B. on 18 November 2021Shirley Manson has the perfect voice for a Bond song, and "The World Is Not Enough" is one of the better-case scenarios when it comes to blending the typical Bond vibe with a rock band. Attempted a few times before, the jamming together of Garbage’s signature postmodern sound with the more classical Bond musical elements finally achieved what the filmmakers were striving for in a Bond theme, and it has been copied ever since. We can thank Garbage for their contribution in influencing the typical Bond theme song feel in the modern films and bridging the gap between all era's of Bond, while respecting all musical entries prior to The World Is Not Enough.
Skyfall
By: Collins, James Collins on 18 November 2021As soon as that piano starts goosebumps ensue, as do stimulation and excitement knowing what’s to come. It’s only fitting that the greatest ever Bond film has the greatest ever theme. Adele’s Skyfall pairs with the film like a good dry vermouth does a top shelf gin, shaken, not stirred of course. There’s no need to count to ten, the sky has fallen on all others but this theme stands solemn & entirely alone - powerful, majestic, dare I say in the same way of Daniel Craig’s Bond looking over London in the very same film; Union Jack flying, an ode to all that is and ever was British. It’s captures Bond at it’s finest. What more could any piece of music do.
Live and Let Die
By: Scott Lord on 18 November 2021Great song by Wings and easily one of Paul McCartney’s best tunes from such an illustrious career. Suited the time and movie very well and has certainly not aged, with GNR’s reviving the track with an awesome single in early 90’s.
Goldfinger
By: David Horvath on 18 November 2021The music is loud, hard and brash just like the 007 signature theme, and the song is expertly sung by Shirley Bassey. The lyrics paint a picture of the title villain.
The World Is Not Enough - Garbage
By: Leigh Dillon on 17 November 2021Growing up in a house that loved Bond movies and soundtracks (I saw Octopussy at the drive-in when I was 10) my favourite is Garbage - The World is not Enough. It was the first time one of my favourite bands performed the theme, better connecting Bond and music for me.
Goldfinger
By: David Horvath on 17 November 2021The music is loud, hard and brash just like the 007 signature theme, and the song is expertly sung by Shirley Bassey. The lyrics paint a picture of the title villain.
The Living Daylights
By: Owen Keenan on 17 November 2021Because it's A-ha. I dare you to Take On Me about that! #trytheveal
I only live twice
By: Ron on 17 November 2021Without a doubt it have to be ""You only live twice"sung by the fab Nancy Sinatra ... Get goosebumps every time I hear it.
We Have All The Time in The World
By: Robyn A on 16 November 2021We love this song in my household! we even use it as our alarm song to wake up in the morning, We have all the time in the world.
TWO BIG VOICES...TOO HARD TO CHOOSE!!
16 November 2021I really can't decide between Shirley Bassey's "Goldfinger", or Adele's "Skyfall". Both brilliant songs, by amazing performers and great themes to both of the movies.
Still top of the class
By: Michael Warlond on 16 November 2021Nobody does it better than Shirley. I saw it in MELBOURNE When it first came out. I was in primary school. Now in my secondary years the TITLE sequence and that marvelous VOICE still sends shivers down my spine.
Opinion, Unpopular Opinion
By: Tim Opstelten on 16 November 2021Another Way to Die might not have received critical acclaim but boy does it get you pumped to take on any Bond villain. Jack White and Alicia Keys didn't need a jetpack or Aston Martin to complete the mission, just their voices and instruments. Mission accomplished.
Live and let die
By: Joshua on 15 November 2021I would have say live and let die, memories spent with my father singing it after a few beer every time we watched the movie. .and well the Beatle factor part. I will never forget the Voodoo top hat villain and its some of Roger Moores finest work.
Nobody Does it Better
By: Mark Donnelly on 15 November 2021A song so good we had Radiohead’s cover of it as the first dance at our wedding. As Thom Yorke put it in his intro, “This is the sexiest song that was ever written.” Baby, you’re the best!
Goldfinger
By: Craig Levy on 15 November 2021The queen of Bond themes Shirley Basseys hit Goldfinger released in 1964 and became an instant hit and still stands out as a classic today.
Nobody Does It Better
By: Oliver Pasco on 15 November 2021Imagine the best spy there ever was. Imagine the best spy movies ever made. The Bond franchise is still alive to this day because, as the song goes, nobody does it better. And the irony in this song? We all know there's one thing that Bond can't have. Love.
Skyfall
By: Amity Flower on 15 November 2021As Great as the other classics are, The film's opening for Skyfall always stay in my head and the various orchestral rhythms and tunes throughout the song give off the essence of the classis spy and this is only further enhance by Adele's unique voice.
Die Another Day
By: James Nardella on 15 November 2021Without a doubt, the best song was Die Another Day by Madonna. It was original, punchy, a massive hit and then lets not forget the most expensive video clip ever made. And, lets face it... the song was written and performed by Her Madgesty herself. Bliss
Gold Middle Finger
By: Adrian Gibbons on 13 November 2021Gold Finger by Shirley Bassey has to be the best sung, best written Bond theme for it’s time. It exemplifies the theme and action to come for its time. We are now used to later commercialism and perhaps too covered “themes”. Shirley’s rendition sticks as a Bond theme, bare none. Congratulations to a better winner, despite Goldfinger not my favourite Bond film. Regards Adrian
OK ITS NOT OK - Sam Smith
By: James Bos on 13 November 2021As with Bond in Britain we trust Radiohead tasked originally to provide the title track for SPECTRE.. puts up a masterpiece only Radiohead could.. only to be left on the cutting room floor.. So bravo Sam Smith you win the Lazenby award for making the cut.. So Adele for the win, giving away plot secrets in the opening line. Sorry M that was the end..
WRITING'S ON THE WALL
By: Dave Grosz on 13 November 2021Sam Smith's Writing's on the Wall from Spectre is a masterpiece. The melody, the lyrics, Smith's voice are magical and completely flawless. It's the perfect Bond soundtrack.
View to a "Bond" Kill
By: Felicia Russell on 13 November 2021A view to a kill by Duran Duran! Great 80's pop sound, making Roger Moore's last outing as Bond full of energy and excitement. It is my most watch Bond movie, thanks to the upbeat soundtrack.
Licence To Kill
By: Stuart McPhee on 13 November 2021The combination of late period Gladys Knight and an underrated Dalton does it for me. It has all the hallmarks of a classic Bond theme song (including the lift from Goldfinger) without falling for the trap of the (now very) dated 80s production.
GOLDFINGER
By: Chris Rust on 13 November 2021Its big and powerful, with a touch of menace and the lyrics relate to the film
Skyfall? Done.
By: Ric on 13 November 2021"This is the end". 50 years of Bond history floods in, as Adele's descending scale pulls Bond deeper and deeper, sinking... New has become old. Britain. Death, and Bond is reborn. Skyfall was the beginning, is the end - and where it all starts again.
WE HAVE ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD
By: michael mccarthy on 13 November 2021By: Michael McCarthy on 13 November 2021 An amazing song sung by one of the worlds true great showman. Louis Armstrong delivers emotion through every word in a time of his life where he personally knew there was not much time left for him. Even though he is too ill to sprinkle his magic with his signature trumpet style he gives us his one last performance. The irony of the song title and Armstrongs health at the time gives insight into the legends sense of humour and dedication to his profession. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy every time I hear it.
Live and Let Die
By: Troy on 13 November 2021Easily Live and Let Die. That is the standard for me by which all Bond songs are measured. It is an absolute classic and anyone who names any other song is having a laugh.
Skyfall by Adele
By: K. on 13 November 2021'Skyfall' by Adele. Seeing this hauntingly emotional and vocally stunning song brought to life by Daniel Kleinman's amazing title sequence in IMAX is still one of my favourite cinema experiences. I am so grateful to have seen her perform it live at ANZ Stadium. And in true Adele style, her telling the story of how she got the gig, was nothing but hilarious. A truly magical and unforgettable experience.
Goldeneye
By: Laurie phillips on 13 November 2021Goldeneye will always hold a special place for me. After all, it’s the first Bond movie I saw. But more than that, the Cold War had ended - a game changer for Bond! But more than that - Tina Turners song. The lyrics, the vocalist, and the accompanying visuals were stunning in both lyricism but conveying the change in the world the fall of the Soviet Union meant.
OHMSS
By: Justin Watson on 12 November 2021I love On Her Majesty's Secret Service, mostly becaiuse of a Propellerheads remix on the David Arnold James Bond Project album, which I think was his way of auditioning to then write the score for a James Bond movie and he ended up doing 5 of them!
Wings flying with the goods
By: Michael Vanstone on 12 November 2021Live and Let Die introduced rock and roll to Bond. The pairing of Paul McCartney and George Martin can't be beaten. It paved the way for later Bond songs like Chris Cornell's "You Know My Name".
S.K.Y.F.A.L.L
By: Matt MERLINO on 12 November 2021Skyfall S…hirley Bassey-esque, giving Bond glory years & Bond Renaissance.. K…eeping us on the edge of our seats of of every thrilling note wondering what is Skyfall…. Y..et giving us the quintessential Bond opening we all yearn for. F..eeling both like a death & rebirth.. A..dele gives everything Bond fans want. L..auded with so many awards & the only Bond theme to win an Oscar. L..eaving us wanting more
We have all the time in the world
By: Jason Lowe on 12 November 2021I met a lady but it was impossible for us to be a couple due to covid and lockdowns. James Bond was common interest. I sent her a clock for her birthday inscribed - "We have all the time in the world" Quoted from our favourite Bond. We are now engaged !
Nobody Does It Better
By: David Cox on 12 November 2021Carley Simon's Nobody Does It Better is a wonderful Bond song from The Spy Who Loved Me. She managed to get the film title into the lyrics too. I always think that's a MUST for a good Bond song. The song stands up on its own too. Class.
Phat ways to die
By: Chris on 12 November 2021Jack White and Alicia Keys: Another Way to Die. Maybe an unpopular choice but it is the phatest Bond song by a mile. Another great example of bringing together two musicians from opposite ends of the spectrum but both incredibly musicial "musicians' musicians".
Skyfall - The Best Bond
By: Warwick Wilson on 12 November 2021Adele's Skyfall. To my mind this song is a modern classic, it's charged with high emotion and sung, as always, magnificently by Adele. It’s always spine-tingling to hear from the quiet opening to the dramatic foreboding climax revealing the flawed nature of Bond; sometimes destructive, sometimes a saviour.
The World Is Not Enough
By: Mark Cipants on 12 November 2021Bond seems to make a legend out of Shirleys. Shirley Bassey blew it away with Goldfinger,but Shirley Manson literally explodes in her performance of The World Is Not Enough - check our the film clip to see for yourself. Great vocals, great sound and ends on a detonation. Love it. Shakem and stirred.
Goldeneye: Where It All Started
By: Tom Hanrahan on 12 November 2021My first ever Bond experience. Nothing comes close to the nostalgia kick that washes over during the opening bars of Goldeneye by Tina Turner. Music can take you back to a time and place so clearly…Goldeneye does that for me..I can still smell the popcorn
If it's good enough for Bond it is good enough for
By: Geoff O'Hearn on 12 November 2021Being a James Bond tragic, there had to be a nod to 007 in my wedding. The song we walked down the aisle at the end was Louis Armstrong we have all the time in the world. OHMSS also happens to be my favourite Bond movie.
Live and let's get married
By: Pete Beveridge on 12 November 2021The free to air movie the night before our wedding was Live and Let Die. The next day just before the ceremony, guess what came on the radio? Was it a sign? Cue the wedding party cruising the golf course screaming the theme tune as loud as possible. This song will forever be with us for the most coincidental reasons.
Duran Duran A view to a kill
By: Christian bennett on 12 November 2021This is the ultimate James Bond theme song. i remember seeing A view to a kill in the cinema when I was a boy. Roger Moore will always be bond for me.
Diamonds are Forever
By: Nick on 12 November 2021I actually came across this one as the sample from ‘Diamonds From Sierra Leone’ by Kanye West before I was familiar with the original as a Bond Theme! But the sample sparked my curiosity to listen to the full original and I have loved this theme and the movie ever since!
Nobody Does It Better
By: Oliver Pasco on 12 November 2021Imagine the best spy there ever was. Imagine the best spy movies ever made. The Bond franchise is still alive to this day because, as the song goes, nobody does it better. And the irony in this song? We all know there's one thing that Bond can't have. Love.
ThunderbAAAAAAAAAAAAL!
12 November 2021So many great choices - I always love re-visiting the songs when doing a Bond marathon! If I had to pick one, I'd take Tom Jones' barnstorming Thunderball. The final note was so powerful, Tom Jones passed out when he recorded it! A great song that probably doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
The diamonds of my life will last forever.
By: Shannon on 12 November 2021I watched 'Diamomds Are Forever' after diagnosis of chronic illnesses that took over my independent mobility. My interpretation of the theme is that diamonds represent people who never leave you. They shine. They are eternal. These are my diamonds. This is my life theme to endure and fight like 007.
Carly
By: Andrew H on 12 November 2021Maybe it was because I was 10 years old, but The Union Jack parachute, the underwater car, Barbara Bach, then Carly Simon launching into Nobody Does it Better. It’s all Bond, its all class, it’s all Roger Moore, I still bloody love it. Baby you’re the best.
