Bond songs feature over-the-top sass, bravado
(CP) – James Bond is a trained assassin, and his celluloid adventures are usually set to killer music. Bond songs have become a genre unto themselves, calling on an artist-of-the-day to set the mood for the ageless superspy’s latest mission. Some notable tunes that have served as a musical backdrop for 007 over the years:
“James Bond Theme,” John Barry Orchestra (1962) – The signature theme of the franchise, featured in every film since “Dr. No” in one form or another.
“Goldfinger,” Shirley Bassey (1964) – The first of three Bond songs by this Welsh singer, who went on to sing “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971) and “Moonraker” (1979).
“Live and Let Die,” Paul McCartney and Wings (1973) – Targeted for parody in the mid-’80s by Weird Al Yankovic, who wanted to record “Chicken Pot Pie.” A staunch vegetarian, McCartney refused permission saying he didn’t want to promote the killing of animals.
“Nobody Does It Better,” Carly Simon (1977), composed by Marvin Hamlisch, with lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager – The first Bond theme to bear a different name from the film, although the phrase “the spy who loved me” is in the lyrics.
“For Your Eyes Only,” Sheena Easton (1981) – The only theme song to be performed onscreen by the artist during the opening title sequence; nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe in 1982.
“A View to a Kill,” Duran Duran (1985) – The only Bond theme to hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100; it also made it to No. 2 on the U.K. singles chart. The campy music video cast band members as spies running up and down the Eiffel Tower. Duran Duran’s front man unforgettably introduced himself to viewers as: “Bon. Simon Le Bon.”
“Die Another Day,” Madonna (2002) – A boffo Bond theme. Madonna also took an uncredited cameo role in the film.
“You Know My Name,” Chris Cornell (2006) – Featured in “Casino Royale,” it’s the first Bond theme to be sung by a male vocalist since A-ha’s “The Living Daylights” in 1987. Like “Nobody Does It Better” and Octopussy’s “All Time High” (Rita Coolidge in 1983), it bears a different title than the film, but the lyrics refer to themes in the story.
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