(note: click on the song name to give it a listen)
10. "The World is Not Enough"
Garbage (1999)
When thinking of potential artists for a Bond theme, the band Garbage doesn't exactly spring to mind. But with this tune, elevated by a fantastic musical arrangement and Shirley Manson's sexy vocal performance, they showed they were more than up to the task.
9. "For Your Eyes Only"
Sheena Easton (1981)
Bill Conti, best known for writing the the legendary score for Rocky, penned this ballad with Donna Summer or Dusty Springfield in mind to sing. But it was Sheena Easton who got the job and it was a great fit. This sultry tune got as high as #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned an Oscar Nomination for Best Original Song.
8. "You Only Live Twice"
Nancy Sinatra (1967)
The incomparable Nancy Sinatra lent her vocals to this classic Bond track from 1967. One of the more popular themes, it's been covered by such notable artists as Coldplay and Bjork (and fans of Robbie Williams' 1998 hit 'Millenium' will undoubtedly recognize the opening bars). Still, no one can match the magic Mrs. Sinatra brought to the record.
7. "Goldeneye"
Tina Turner (1995)
Written by Bono and The Edge of U2 fame and sung by the immortal Tina Turner, this theme had some serious talent behind it. Just a damn cool track and the perfect Bond theme to usher in the Pierce Brosnan era.
6. "A View to a Kill"
Duran Duran (1985)
Sure this theme (and intro sequence) is pure 80's, but man does it work! Duran Duran were at the height of their popularity when they were asked to cut this track. And they delivered: it's the only Bond theme to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
5. "You Know My Name"
Chris Cornell (2006)
When producers decided to hit the reset button on Bond for 2006's Casino Royale, they brought some juice back to the franchise. The same went for the title song, with Chris Cornell putting out an awesome rock track which reminded everyone that although it was a new face in the role, you still knew his name...
4. "Diamonds Are Forever"
Shirley Bassey (1971)
Known as the queen of Bond themes (she sang 3), no one did a Bond opener like Shirley Bassey. This haunting melody is one of her finest moments. Showcasing her powerhouse vocals and a brilliant arrangement, the song effortlessly captures the essence of early Bond and results in a theme for the ages.
3. "Skyfall"
Adele (2012)
Back in 2012, Adele had swept the Grammys and topped the charts. So it was a no-brainer for the Bond franchise to capitalize on her momentum for this number. A throwback to the Bond themes of old, she delivers an instant classic which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song, Bond's first Oscar in 47 years.
2. "Live and Let Die"
Paul McCartney & Wings (1973)
When you get a former member of The Beatles to come up with your theme song, I think it's fair to expect something extraordinary. Sir Paul definitely delivered the goods with this absolute classic from 1973. A sublime opening gives way to a musical explosion once the song truly kicks in at around the 30 second mark, at which point you just have to hang on and go along for the ride.
1. "Goldfinger"
Shirley Bassey (1964)
The quintessential Bond theme. From the moment the brass section comes blaring in at the start, you know you're in for something special. The queen, Shirley Bassey, is in top form here and the song just oozes the style that has come to define the franchise. It has inspired countless themes that have come after (and not just Bond themes, either) but none can touch it. This was the template. The benchmark. The greatest Bond theme of all time.
And that wraps up the list. Thank you to everyone for having a look and please feel free to chime in with comments and feedback below. 'Till next time folks!
No comments:
Post a Comment