Today is 50 years of James Bond (when Dr No. was released way back in 1962) and so I decided to do a top ten of James Bond songs. I love James Bond. For a true epic bond song, the track needs not only long, powerful notes but also that epic bond style of music that send tingles down your back. So sit back and have a Martini (Shaken, not stirred obviously) as we have a look at the best James Bond songs ever!
10.The Man With The Golden Gun (1974)
Lulu – The Man With the Golden Gun
Now this song sounds slightly cheesy; love is required whenever he is hired. I mean ugh! But I prefer this than Duran Duran’s song. And I quite like the tune of this Bond song and the part where it’s slow and that picks up again. So here it is at no. 10.
9.Moonraker (1979)
Shirley Bassey – Moonraker
Bassey’s third Bond song and for me my least favourite one ( it’s still good very good and has powerful notes) – for me it’s a bit slow and gentle for a Bond song I think – even if it does sound like space.
8.Die Another Day (2002)
Madonna – Die Another Day
I know many didn’t like it because it was too different to other Bond songs but I liked it because it was different. (I mean Jack White and Alicia Keys’ song for Quantum of Solace was too much – though it had a nice intro). I also like the violin use in the song.
7.Dr. No (1962)
John Barry & Orchestra – James Bond Theme
How can this not be in the top ten? It’s the original one. And though there is no singing – everyone knows straightaway when they hear this track that it is James Bond. Very Bond style.
6.Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
Shirley Bassey – Diamonds Are Forever
Bassey’s second Bond song didn’t disappoint anyone. Personally I prefer Goldfinger, but I love the part in this song when the music quietens and then BANG! the trumpets burst out. Plus the part when Shirley Bassey’s ‘I Don’t Need Love’ verse is good.
5.Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
Sheryl Crow – Tomorrow Never Dies
Now I’m not sure whether many people like this Bond song but I do. The problem other people have with it is that Sheryl Crow doesn’t have the amazing-powerful voice like Shirley Bassy or Tom Jones has, but I like it because it’s slightly different (the voice is different yet there is still that Bond feel (music style)). The chorus is amazing and the music for it is amazing. But when it’s the climax chorus – boy that is epic.
4.Thunderball (1965)
Tom Jones – Thunderball
Now this song deserves a place in the top ten because a) it sounds epic and a true bond song (the sudden spy tingles) and b) because Sir Tom Jones passed out when recording the last note of the song – dedication for music.
3.Goldfinger (1964)
Shirley Bassey – Goldfinger
Now there is no denying it but Shirley Bassey is an amazing singer and especially one of the best for Bond songs. Heck, she’s done three – the most anyone has ever done. This song definitely gives me that tingle-down-my-back feeling. Here is her first Bond song – Goldfinger.
2.Live And Let Die (1973)
Paul McCartney & The Wings – Live And Let Die
This is my favourite film (and was Rodger Moore’s first outing as James Bond). I love how it’s different to the other films. it’s not just the theme of agent stopping a man in a country. It’s more it has the theme of voodoo and they use speedboats, alligators and a man with a metal claw for a hand. Now I prefer a female singing a Bond song (I don’t know why, it must be because it suits that Bond style and he always gets the women) but for me Tom Jones and Paul McCartney are worthy singers for Bond. Jones has a powerful voice yet McCartney has that crazy epic music part in the song. It’s spooky, energetic, Bond-y and awesome. Did you know the boat chase through the bayous was originally written in the script as just “Scene 156 – The most terrific boat chase you’ve ever seen”? Bond’s speedboat jump made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for its distance of 110 feet, a record that stood for three years. Clifton Jones’ (The Sheriff) spontaneous character acting in that scene was kept in the final print. The second boat was not scripted to collide with the police car, but after this happened while shooting the stunt, the script was changed to accommodate it.
1.Skyfall (2012)
Adele – Skyfall
Though the film comes out in November this year, the Bond song has been released today (50 years of Bond) and who better to sing it than Adele. I always knew she would be singing the Bond song. She has a powerful, unique voice and many people love her music. Many critics love this song but I know one or two have said though it’s amazing it’s also very stereotypically Bond. But I like it. It’s Bond-like. Start quite and builds up. It’s MAJOR BOND EPIC. And I get tingles down my back. So here is my no.1.
BlogThatMusic 