Top 7 Bond Theme Songs
Newsletter 11: Essay 6 of 6
The first movie soundtracks I ever played on loop were American Beauty and Amelie. They were just as much a part of each movie’s unique feel as the scene color palates and the protagonist’s personality.
The James Bond Theme is, in my opinion, one of the most brilliant compositions of the century and a highly distinctive melody with infinite chances for replay and reference in different musical styles. Over Bond’s nearly 60 year history in film, composers have rightly incorporated it in various ways to the benefit of the movie’s action and suspense.
The theme song of each movie, however, provides another layer of thematic richness. Some are more subtle, while others are grand.
Here are my top 7 theme songs.
7. “The Writing’s on the Wall”
There is no doubt Sam Smith is a talented singer. Their rise to and fall from falsetto is impressive and well maintained among theme artists. In addition, the orchestral interludes are moving as we hear the string section weep. I would call this an emerging favorite since I still have my quibbles with it. The song could have served with less of the high notes. While it more viscerally denotes the breathlessness Smith describes in their thoughtful lyrics, it feels a tad overdone.
6. “The World Is Not Enough”
Shirley Manson outdoes herself in this showing with smooth, controlled vocals against a lush orchestral accompaniment. A prominent guitar in the chorus almost teases a nod to the Bond Theme as a contrast to the moody feel of the verses. The song title is a reference to the Bond family motto: Non Sufficit Orbis, Latin for The World is not Enough. Bond fans will note its introduction in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and it’s highlighted again in this movie.
5. “Tomorrow Never Dies”
I’ve had this track on loop recently and it’s become a fast favorite. The intro and bridge have a quickened pace, conjuring feelings of danger before softening into a rhythmic guitar. The verse vocals are sung at a register we’re used to from Sheryl, but the surprise comes in the chorus. The pleading, belted out vocals are the cries of every woman disappointed when Bond left and never returned. I was pleasantly surprised by Sheryl’s performance. It’s a song to sing among friends at karaoke or alone in the car on the way to work (okay, maybe that’s me).
4. “The Man With the Golden Gun”
This one gets the prize for spunk and sheer enjoyment. Sung by Lulu, it’s just… fun. The most recent three themes are decidedly melancholy so this stands out as one of the most upbeat themes. I know it received mixed reviews upon release but I don’t really care. Not every spy movie must be brooding and dark. I enjoyed both the lighthearted feel of both the song and Bond’s scenes with Goodnight.
3. “You Only Live Twice”
The composition of this song plays well in nearly every reference made in scenes throughout the film and was the first Bond theme I actually liked. It thrives on how cleanly it’s sung and being among the shortest Bond themes, is difficult to get tired of. The final notes finish on a high, also making it a satisfying listen.
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There is already an answer to the question of whether or not the chicken or egg came first. It’s true! But whether or not Skyfall or Goldfinger has the best theme is an impossible question to answer. It will be a debate for all time. No one will ever be able to decide! All arguments for each are correct… simultaneously.
What’s the number one cancer hospital in the world? Every year, the same two hospitals swap the first and second spots. Everyone agrees they’re both excellent. It really doesn’t matter which one you choose. Such is true for these two, neck and neck, but head and shoulders above the rest.
1. “Goldfinger”
The power of the theme has as much to do with the lyrics and orchestral accompaniment as it does with the plot. “Goldfinger” set the standard and a fair number of Bond themes are composed like it, both musically and lyrically with rhyme schemes.
This was the first lyrical composition for the movie that took center stage during the title card. “From Russia With Love”, sung by Matt Munro, was only introduced at the end of the film as almost an afterthought. Goldfinger is the first Bond film as we know it. It brings together the elements we know and love: the gun barrel shot, the swimming nude women title card designed by Robert Brownjohn, and the triumphant orchestral pop theme song.
The third time was a charm for Eon Productions along with producers Saltzman and Broccoli, as they had finally pinned down the formula they would use for the next half century. The placement of the title sequence was solidified in this movie, just after Bond had defeated a slew of foes and nailed… a mission. They truly made a splash with Shirley Bassey (who has the record with 4 Bond themes) and a blaring brass section.
It is also, thus far, the series’ most interesting plot. The song befits this showing of Bond with a sense of heightened drama.
1. “Skyfall”
Hearing “Skyfall” for the first time, for me, harkened back to the depth of “Goldfinger”. It was bold and big with Bassey’s range. There are references to the signature Bond theme which are a treat to hear.
The title card, designed by Daniel Kleinman, contains perhaps the most foreshadowing and foreboding scenes of any opening. The song is deep and dark as well, but swings up to the light at the end.
Skyfall is unique in its unwrapping of James Bond the man, not the suave agent. The song serves the movie brilliantly with unmatched lyrics that cut to the heart of the story. It is also a song befitting Bond, who is making a stand against Silva and let’s it all fall to save us all.
“Skyfall” has the distinction of ushering in a new age, where subsequent theme songs are its descendants. It’s a new standard that influenced all the Craig era themes.
We’ve come to end of the Bond essay series. Thank you so much for indulging me this odd obsession and for sticking with me through my analyses of the character. It was challenging, fun, and exhausting. I prepped by watching all 25!
As a loop back to the beginning, this essay was completed in Jamaica, where Ian Fleming wrote his Bond books on the Goldeneye estate.
Special thanks to multi-instrumentalist and instructor, Elizabeth Nowik, for some expert input on this essay.
Catch up on the previous essays:
The Birth of a Spy
Building a Secret Agent
The Trouble with Bond, Pt. 1
The Trouble with Bond, Pt. 2
Who is the Real James Bond?
One of my best friends is a dyed-in-the- wool Bond enthusiast. So I'm right in there with appreciation. Great list. I can't begin to decide which is my favourite. Maybe 'Goldfinger' but then again I also love 'A View To A Kill' and 'For Your Eyes Only'...
I love reading people's picks for favorite (or least favorite) Bond theme!
The theme itself is in it's own rarefied air, and "Goldfinger" is a fantastic choice.
For me, I'd add "A View to a Kill," "and "Nobody Does it Better." Both are stuck solidly in the 80s, but still...