What is a Bond film without its music? Often it's easier to remember a truly good Bond theme than the plot of the film itself. Exotic women, powerful guns, remarkable spy tools, endless intrigue: sure, the elements remain the same. And we expect musical counterparts worthy of the exciting franchise. But then there's always the problem of the theme song being able to break new ground while maintaining the Bond sound that we all crave. Over the decades, the sound has changed slightly, with a return lately to the twangy guitars and heavy violin sound of the sixties. With the news that Amy Winehouse may or may not helm the newest Bond song for the upcoming Quantum of Solace, here's a look back at the best Bond songs, those tunes that have defined the world's most well-known spy movies.

1. "Diamonds are Forever" - Shirley Bassey
With one of the most memorable refrains, this song achieved not only a deeply seductive sound, but set the tone for one of the best Bond films. The song centers on the idea that a diamond provides everything a man can't or won't, and yet that a woman should be treated with the care and attention that diamonds deserve. Featuring Sean Connery, this 1971 film deserved a unique sound, and found it in Shirley Bassey's melodic voice.

2. "The World is Not Enough" - Garbage
My personal favorite Bond song, as it combines every necessary element: entrancing lyrics, a soulful voice, and yet, it's still thoroughly modern. The violins crash and crescendo at appropriate moments, the guitar and bass provide a moving backbone to lead singer Shirley Manson's moody vocals. The lyrics are no whiny love-fest, but present a strong female companion ready to take on the world at Bond's side. And as she says, "The world is not enough, but it is such a perfect place to start."

3. "Live and Let Die" - Paul McCartney and Wings
And what would such a list be without one of the most famous and easily recognizable movie themes in existence? Paul and Linda McCartney wrote what may be one of the greatest departure's from Bond's signature style with a song that integrates orchestral sounds, yet in a '70s style. For that and other reasons, Live and Let Die may be one of the strangest Bond films, even featuring a young Jane Seymour, so it's fitting. One of the most rocking Bond songs, it still stands the test of time.

4. "Tomorrow Never Dies" - Sheryl Crow
A total throwback to the sound of the sixties, Sheryl Crow hits this one perfectly, demanding the most from her voice and producing a nearly perfect Bond song. Guitars and drums feature heavily on this track as she croons a slightly weaker version of love, "Darling you've won, it's no fun. Martinis, girls, and guns. It's murder on our love affair." This song would be nominated for both a Grammy and an Oscar but had the misfortune to be up against Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" and so lost out.

5. "You Only Live Twice" - Nancy Sinatra
Nancy Sinatra's voice was nearly perfect in 1967, so she seemed a natural choice to record a theme for the franchise. One of the sweetest sounding Bond themes, "You Only Live Twice" is a bit more sweeping and romanticized than the songs traditionally are and features fanciful lyrics, such as this: "This dream is for you, so pay the price. Make one dream come true, you only live twice."

Recommend (0)

|  Comments (0)

|  Email

|  Share

Share  Facebook Digg del.icio.us