{"id":49281,"date":"2024-11-11T10:40:19","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T09:40:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/a97f2c9f-bf5c-4b2c-869a-1cba3badf5a8"},"modified":"2024-11-11T11:07:17","modified_gmt":"2024-11-11T10:07:17","slug":"best-bond-themes-which-is-the-greatest-theme-from-the-james-bond-franchise","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/rss_feed\/best-bond-themes-which-is-the-greatest-theme-from-the-james-bond-franchise\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Bond themes: which is the greatest theme from the James Bond franchise?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By <\/p>

Published: Monday, 11 November 2024 at 09:40 AM<\/p>

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One essential part of the James Bond films has always been the theme tunes. But which of these tunes have best conveyed the glamour and danger of the Bond world? And which ones missed the mark? Here’s our ranking of best Bond themes, from 1962’s Dr No<\/em> to 2021’s No Time to Die<\/em>.<\/p>

James Bond and music have made pretty fine bedfellows (and he\u2019s had a few) over the 59 years since the first film \u2013 Dr. No<\/em> \u2013 was released in 1962. That first outing for 007 relied on John Barry and his orchestra, the composer taking Monty Norman\u2019s iconic instrumental theme tune and stepping it up several gears to become one of the most familiar arrangements in film music.<\/strong><\/p>

Best movie composers: ranking the all-time greatest composers for the silver screen<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>
From the second film, an original song was included and thus began a decades-long tradition for the series. More often that not, the tune was written by the composer of the film\u2019s score, but not always. Over the years, the coveted role of penning the Bond song has gone to some of the world\u2019s most popular hit makers \u2013 whether they themselves sang it or not.<\/p>
Which musical moment is an \u2018All Time High\u2019 and for which would we say the \u2018Writing\u2019s On The Wall\u2019?<\/p>
Best Bond themes: bottom of the crop<\/h2>
25.<\/strong> \u2018Die Another Day\u2019 <\/strong>from Die Another Day<\/em> (2002) <\/strong> Performer: Madonna<\/strong><\/h3>
Pierce Brosnan\u2019s last outing as 007 saw a bit of a departure song-wise. You couldn\u2019t ask for a bigger star to get behind it, though. Madonna wrote and produced, along with producer Mirwais Ahmadza\u00ef and composer Michel Colombier. The song continues to split opinion, but it strays too far away from the proven models to be in anything but last place.<\/p>

Buy from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>
24.<\/strong> ‘All Time High\u2019 <\/strong>from Octopussy<\/em> (1983)<\/strong> Performer: Rita Coolidge<\/strong><\/h3>

<\/div> <\/figure> <p>With a title like <em>Octopussy<\/em>, it\u2019s no wonder John Barry (who returned after a break) and lyricist Tim Rice struggled. So \u2018All Time High\u2019 it was, marking something of a comeback for singer Rita Coolidge\u2026 Sadly the song is more of an \u2018all time low\u2019.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B0000009U0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-23-for-your-eyes-only-from-for-your-eyes-only-1981-sheena-easton\"><strong>23.<\/strong> <strong>\u2018For Your Eyes Only\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>For Your Eyes Only<\/em> (1981) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Sheena Easton<\/strong><\/h3> <p><em>Rocky<\/em> composer Bill Conti scored the film and wrote this title song with Mike Leeson. He\u2019s a great melodist and it\u2019s a nice production with a strong vocal from \u201980s star Easton. That said, it\u2019s all a bit frothy and lightweight for 007 isn\u2019t it?<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B000087DRL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-21-tomorrow-never-dies-from-tomorrow-never-dies-1997-sheryl-crow\"><strong>22.<\/strong> <strong>\u2018The Living Daylights\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>The Living Daylights<\/em> (1987) <\/strong><br\/> Performers: <strong>A-ha<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Living Daylights \u2022 Theme Song \u2022 A-ha\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hR2OwmariWk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>After Duran Duran\u2019s success with <em>A View To A Kill<\/em>, going with another of the decade\u2019s biggest pop groups was a no-brainer. The band\u2019s guitarist P\u00e5l Waaktaar is behind the track, which was produced by composer John Barry. It\u2019s a fine track and very much in line with the Norwegian superstars\u2019 chart-topping output. It\u2019s just not very Bond.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B00000E9OI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy the soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <li><strong><a class=\"standard-card-new__article-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/articles\/all-the-oscar-winners-and-nominees-for-best-original-score\/\">Winners of Oscars for Best Original Score: all the nominated soundtracks from the history of the Academy Awards<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-21-tomorrow-never-dies-from-tomorrow-never-dies-1997-sheryl-crow\"><strong>21.<\/strong> <strong>\u2018Tomorrow Never Dies\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>Tomorrow Never Dies<\/em> (1997)<\/strong> <br\/> Performer: <strong>Sheryl Crow<\/strong><\/h3> <p>Sheryl Crow wrote this with producer Mitchell Froom and it\u2019s\u2026 alright, if a bit lightweight. Composer David Arnold made his Bond debut with the score for this film and wrote an original song with Don Black and David McAlmont, but \u2018Surrender\u2019 was relegated to the end credits, despite being a far superior song.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B000002GOX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy the soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Bond themes: the top 20<\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-22-the-living-daylights-from-the-living-daylights-1987-a-ha\"><strong>20. ‘Goldeneye\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>Goldeneye<\/em> (1995) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Tina Turner<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Tina Turner - Golden Eye (HD)\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4hGQ97tCTOs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>There was quite a gap between Timothy Dalton\u2019s last outing as 007 and this, Pierce Brosnan\u2019s debut in the role. Much anticipation, then, for the music\u2026 French composer Eric Serra oversaw the score, but this song was penned by U2\u2019s Bono and The Edge. Under appreciated, perhaps considered a little low-key at the time, it\u2019s actually rather good.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B000000WAK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy the soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-19-moonraker-from-moonraker-1979-shirley-bassey\"><strong>19.<\/strong> \u2018<strong>Moonraker\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>Moonraker<\/em> (1979) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Shirley Bassey<\/strong><\/h3> <p>If someone asked you to hum \u2018Moonraker\u2019 you might be hard pushed to do so. The third of Dame Shirley\u2019s three Bond songs, it hasn\u2019t enjoyed the success or familiarity of her earlier efforts. That\u2019s probably because only the melody was used to open the film, which ended with a disco arrangement (!). Bassey was apparently brought in to record the track at the eleventh hour\u2026<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B013GVVQ16\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy the soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-18-no-time-to-die-from-no-time-to-die-2020-billie-eilish\"><strong>18.<\/strong> <strong>\u2018No Time To Die\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>No Time To Die<\/em> (2020) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Billie Eilish<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Billie Eilish - No Time To Die (Official Music Video)\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/BboMpayJomw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>We heard this for months before the film was actually released, thanks to the global pandemic. Written and performed by Billie Eilish, and penned with her brother Finneas O\u2019Connell, it has all the musical hallmarks of modern Bond. A tried and tested formula, then, but perhaps nothing very new.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B084X9L2RH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-17-the-man-with-the-golden-gun-from-the-man-with-the-golden-gun-1974-lulu\"><strong>17. <\/strong>\u2018<strong>The Man With The Golden Gun\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>The Man With The Golden Gun<\/em> (1974) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Lulu<\/strong><\/h3> <p>John Barry had stepped back for the prior film (<em>Live and Let Die<\/em>) but returned for this, with its classic title. Penned with Don Black it hasn\u2019t aged quite well \u2013 even the older songs sound fresher than this. It\u2019s cheesy and just a little bit infectious\u2026 or is it a little bit irritating?<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B00000DR87\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-16-a-view-to-a-kill-from-a-view-to-a-kill-1985-duran-duran\"><strong>16.<\/strong> <strong>\u2018A View To A Kill\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>A View To A Kill<\/em> (1985) <\/strong><br\/> Performers: <strong>Duran Duran<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Duran Duran - A view to a Kill\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hJzotJUlQws?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>Totally a product of its time, but none the worse for it, this song was a close collaboration between the band and composer John Barry. It\u2019s colourful, epic and occasionally a bit bonkers. Synth-tastic.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B000092IXV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"\/> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-bond-themes-6-to-10\">Best Bond themes: the top 15<\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-bond-themes-11-to-15\"><strong>15.<\/strong> <strong>\u2018Licence To Kill\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>Licence To Kill<\/em> (1989) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Gladys Knight<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Gladys Knight - Licence To Kill\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZnSbrx5YByY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>Bond went Pop in the \u201980s and this song by hit makers Narada Michael Walden, Jeffrey Cohen and Walter Afanasieff ended the decade\u2019s offerings on a high note thanks in no small part to Knight\u2019s fabulous vocal.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B000002O65\/ref=sr_1_1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Buy from Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/works\/pop-songs-inspired-classical-music\">When Bach met the Beach Boys: 11 timeless pop songs inspired by classical music<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-11-another-way-to-die-from-quantum-of-solace-2008-jack-white-and-alicia-keys\"><strong>14. <\/strong>‘<strong>The World Is Not Enough\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>The World Is Not Enough<\/em> (1999) <\/strong><br\/> Performers: <strong>Garbage<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The World Is Not Enough Theme Song - James Bond\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lNcZrn5dqZw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>Composer David Arnold was always a natural with Bond and he penned this original song for one of the world\u2019s hottest groups, and with one of John Barry\u2019s go-to lyricists, Don Black. It feels like a classic Bond song from the first few bars.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/tv-and-film-music\/best-movie-scores\">The 20 most memorable movie scores of all time<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-13-you-know-my-name-from-casino-royale-2006-chris-cornell\"><strong>13. \u2018You Know My Name\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>Casino Royale<\/em> (2006) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Chris Cornell<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Chris Cornell ~ You Know My Name ( Casino Royale Video ) Bond 007\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mfokenLVVvY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>When Bond was re-cast with Daniel Craig whose edges, let\u2019s face it, were a little rougher (buffer?) than Pierce Brosnan\u2019s, this song was somehow perfectly cast along with him. The late Chris Cornell wrote it and it was produced by score composer David Arnold. It definitely had more swagger than we\u2019d heard in a while.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B000IOM1SW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-12-you-only-live-twice-from-you-only-live-twice-1967-nancy-sinatra\"><strong>12.<\/strong> <strong>\u2018You Only Live Twice\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>You Only Live Twice<\/em> (1967) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Nancy Sinatra<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Nancy Sinatra - You Only Live Twice (HQ)\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hs8uYxTJ530?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>This is a bit of a treasure and widely considered one of the best Bond songs, with its classic Barry melody and words by Leslie Bricusse. Its most famous component is perhaps the lofty string intro, adopted by Robbie Williams for his hit song \u2018Millennium\u2019.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B00008BL4S\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-11-another-way-to-die-from-quantum-of-solace-2008-jack-white-and-alicia-keys\"><strong>11. \u2018Another Way To Die\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>Quantum of Solace<\/em> (2008) <\/strong><br\/> Performers: <strong>Jack White and Alicia Keys<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Alicia Keys & Jack White - Another Way To Die [Official Video]\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hM5UJvnbbuY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>White Stripes frontman Jack White wrote and produced this one, teaming up with the brilliant Alicia Keys for the performance. It has a fabulous swagger that sets it apart from many of the songs that came before it in recent years.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Bond themes: the top ten<\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-writings-on-the-wall-from-spectre-2015-sam-smith\"><strong>10.<\/strong> <strong>\u2018Writing’s on the Wall\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>Spectre<\/em> (2015) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Sam Smith<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sam Smith - Writing's On The Wall (from Spectre) (Official Music Video)\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8jzDnsjYv9A?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>After the success of Adele\u2019s song for the prior film, it made sense to stick to the idea of working with a mega bestselling singer-songwriter. Smith worked their magic with this soulful, sultry number and bagged themselves an Oscar in the process.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B015EZU1QS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-thunderball-from-thunderball-1965-tom-jones\"><strong>9. <\/strong>\u2018<strong>Thunderball\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>Thunderball<\/em> (1965) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Tom Jones<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Tom Jones - Thunderball [1965]\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WDj4jytrsVY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>Tom Jones and James Bond went together like apples and oranges, but this was the Bond song that almost never was. Another, by Barry and Leslie Bricusse, was written for the film with Shirley Bassey in mind, but it never made the cut. Instead Barry hurriedly penned this with Don Black\u2026 and it\u2019s a cracker.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B00008BL8W\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-from-russia-with-love-from-from-russia-with-love-1963-matt-monro\"><strong>8. \u2018From Russia With Love\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>From Russia With Love <\/em>(1963) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Matt Monro<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Matt Monro \u200e\u2013 From Russia With Love (1963)\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OWMHmTdImSE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>The first Bond song! John Barry returned for 007\u2019s second outing, but the song itself was written by <em>Oliver!<\/em> composer Lionel Bart. Barry references Bart\u2019s tune in his opening title medley and it appears later as source music; Matt Monro\u2019s silken vocals aren\u2019t heard until the end titles. Swoon.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B000087DS1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-20-goldeneye-from-goldeneye-1995-tina-turner\"><strong>7. \u2018Skyfall\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>Skyfall<\/em> (2012) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Adele<\/strong><\/h3> <p>The first Bond song to win an Oscar, Adele wrote the track with producer Paul Epworth. Score composer Thomas Newman had no hand in it, though his regular orchestrator JAC Redford did the arrangements. Its rich dramatic sheen and smokey vocals were emulated in the two songs that followed\u2026<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/music.apple.com\/us\/album\/skyfall-original-motion-picture-soundtrack\/570229058\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Stream on Apple Music<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Skyfall-Thomas-Newman\/dp\/B0096233ZW\/ref=sr_1_1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Buy soundtrack from Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"\/> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-we-have-all-the-time-in-the-world-from-on-her-majesty-s-secret-service-1969-louis-armstrong\"><strong>6.<\/strong> <strong>\u2018We Have All the Time in the World\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>On Her Majesty\u2019s Secret Service <\/em>(1969) <\/strong>Performer: <strong>Louis Armstrong<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Louis Armstrong - We Have All the Time in the World [007 On Her Majesty's Secret Service ]\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/X5y58Q26ick?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>Quite the classic and if you didn\u2019t know your Bond, you might be surprised to learn that it was written for 007. Penned by John Barry with the great Hal David, it was actually secondary to Barry\u2019s main orchestral theme for the film which was used for the opening credits. The title comes from the last line of the film (and book). Louis Armstrong gives it a wonderfully leisurely, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/jazz\/what-is-jazz\">jazz<\/a><\/strong>-infused feel.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B00000DR86\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Bond themes: the top five<\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-nobody-does-it-better-from-the-spy-who-loved-me-1977-carly-simon\"><strong>5. \u2018Nobody Does It Better\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>The Spy Who Loved Me<\/em> (1977) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Carly Simon<\/strong><\/h3> <p>A change of pace came with this smash hit song, performed by the great Carly Simon and written by composer Marvin Hamlisch with Carole Bayer Sager. It was the second Bond song not to employ the film\u2019s title as its own, though it does appear in the lyric.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B00008BLCH\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-goldfinger-from-goldfinger-1964-shirley-bassey\"><strong>4.<\/strong> \u2018<strong>Goldfinger\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>Goldfinger<\/em> (1964) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Shirley Bassey<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Goldfinger Theme Song - James Bond\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6D1nK7q2i8I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>Third film, second-ever song, Bassey\u2019s first. John Barry teamed up with lyricist duo Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for this solid gold piece of musical storytelling. It set the benchmark for Bond\u2019s trademark brassy, bold and brilliant song arrangements.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B001VT6XIW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-live-and-let-die-from-live-and-let-die-1973-paul-mccartney-and-wings\"><strong>3. <\/strong>\u2018<strong>Live and Let Die\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>Live and Let Die<\/em> (1973) <\/strong><br\/> Performers: <strong>Paul McCartney and Wings<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Live and Let Die \u2022 Theme Song \u2022 Paul McCartney and Wings\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wYQZHNwIUq8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>Paul and Linda McCartney wrote this legendary track, which was produced and arranged by former Beatles producer <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/artists\/george-martin\">George Martin<\/a><\/strong> (who wrote the score for the film). Its probably one of the most unusual songs penned for the series, but stands out thanks to its orchestral largesse and rhapsodic qualities.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B000087DRN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy soundtrack from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-diamonds-are-forever-from-diamonds-are-forever-1971-shirley-bassey\"><strong>2. \u2018Diamonds Are Forever\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>Diamonds Are Forever<\/em> (1971) <\/strong><br\/> Performer: <strong>Shirley Bassey<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Diamonds Are Forever Theme Song - James Bond\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZwbEuzJCnqI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>It might have been her second Bond outing, this is surely Shirley\u2019s best? Written by John Barry and Don Black it has become an immortal hit. Sultry melody, pitch perfect (and powerful) vocal and lyrics that paint the most vivid picture. It doesn\u2019t get much better than this.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B001V3URF8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">And the best of all the Bond themes of all time is…<\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-the-james-bond-theme-from-dr-no-1962-john-barry-orchestra\"><strong>1.<\/strong> <strong>\u2018The James Bond Theme\u2019 <\/strong>from<strong> <em>Dr. No<\/em> (1962)<\/strong> <br\/> Performers: <strong>John Barry Orchestra<\/strong><\/h3> <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"> <div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Dr. No Theme Song - James Bond\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/E-IDfoZuQLM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <\/div> <\/figure> <p>The best Bond theme tune? Why the ‘James Bond Theme\u2019 from <em>Dr. No <\/em>of course<em>. <\/em>It\u2019s iconic and you recognise it from the first downbeat. Monty Norman\u2019s theme, brought to vivid life in John Barry\u2019s spectacular arrangement, is present in some form in every Bond film. So of course it\u2019s in the top spot.<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B000087DRV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li> <\/ul> <p><strong>Top image by Getty Images<\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Published: Monday, 11 November 2024 at 09:40 AM One essential part of the James Bond films has always been the theme tunes. But which of these tunes have best conveyed the glamour and danger of the Bond world? And which ones missed the mark? Here’s our ranking of best Bond themes, from 1962’s Dr […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":49282,"template":"","categories":[1,17],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"9"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2024\/11\/best-bond-themes-which-is-the-greatest-theme-from-the-james-bond-franchise.jpg",1200,800,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2024\/11\/best-bond-themes-which-is-the-greatest-theme-from-the-james-bond-franchise-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2024\/11\/best-bond-themes-which-is-the-greatest-theme-from-the-james-bond-franchise-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2024\/11\/best-bond-themes-which-is-the-greatest-theme-from-the-james-bond-franchise-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2024\/11\/best-bond-themes-which-is-the-greatest-theme-from-the-james-bond-franchise-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2024\/11\/best-bond-themes-which-is-the-greatest-theme-from-the-james-bond-franchise.jpg",1200,800,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2024\/11\/best-bond-themes-which-is-the-greatest-theme-from-the-james-bond-franchise.jpg",1200,800,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Published: Monday, 11 November 2024 at 09:40 AM One essential part of the James Bond films has always been the theme tunes. But which of these tunes have best conveyed the glamour and danger of the Bond world? And which ones missed the mark? Here’s our ranking of best Bond themes, from 1962’s Dr…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/49281"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49282"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49281"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49281"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}