Top 10 Greatest James Bond Themes
Published on November 1, 2008 - 65 Comments
James Bond has been gracing our movie screens for over forty years, and is about to again this November with “Quantum of Solace.” Integral to the Bond legacy is the music, which has endured with the character, adapting to the times and films as fluidly as the character himself and becoming just as memorable. This was originally a complete ranking of 24 themes, but for the sake of brevity - and the potential for a followup list, this is a list of the top 10. Use the comments to tell us your favorite Bond theme.
Shirley Bassey last lent her vocals to a Bond movie with this, the theme to Roger Moore’s sci-fi inspired fourth outing. With melodic instruments and hypnotic vocals, this song is much more pleasant than the movie itself, which was far too outlandish and basically had the same plot as The Spy Who Loved Me. With lyrics that aren’t necessarily sophisticated, but beautiful nonetheless, this song has to really be heard to be appreciated.
The only other movie to feature an instrumental opening credits theme besides Dr. No, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is frequently berated unjustly by fans and critics, and as a result the theme song is overlooked. The theme is exciting, poppy, reveling in its roots in the 60s as well as giving a fresh and vigorous new approach to James Bond. OHMSS was the first film to give Bond a really emotional story arc, and this theme represents one side of that 007: the dangerous, vengeful one.
Sung with phenomenal skill by Nancy Sinatra, this song is just beautiful, and it is named after one of the best films in the James Bond series. “You only live twice, Mr. Bond.” It has all the good qualities of the Moonraker theme and more, with mysterious lyrics and string riffs that nail the tone of the movie perfectly. The title sequence, too, is also one of my favorites, and goes well with the theme.
An essentially sad song, a forlorn tribute to a forgotten homeland to which the singer returns, Matt Monroe lends his strong and smooth voice to one of the most outstanding themes in the series. I love how he belts out the last word in the song. The vaguely Eastern European motifs in the composition are geographically accurate for the film’s setting, and gives the whole film a very grounded feel, which would sharply contrast to the later themes, which were more robust and cinematic.
The most successful of the James Bond themes commercially, this little pop ditty by Paul McCartney and Wings is both fun to listen to and adept at capturing the spirit of the film. The zany guitar riffs and lighthearted feel to the song gave it its widespread appeal and set the tone for future films with Roger Moore.
Accompanying Pierce Brosnan’s 007 debut, and his best turn as the character, this dark theme composed by Bono and sung by Tina Turner has the perfect mix of great vocals, lyrics, and music to make it one of the truly great James Bond songs. The title sequence, the first not created by Maurice Binder, only added to the mystique and intensity of the song. The vocals, coming from a woman whose voice I can’t usually stomach, seems to fit perfectly for the movie: sultry, but strong, more of a statement for future Bond girls than 007 himself. Overall, a very good theme song.
Perhaps the counterpoint to the previous entry, “You Know My Name” is pure grunge rock mixed with motifs of the classic themes, a brutal statement of James Bond’s primary function as a blunt instrument in the world of espionage. The lyrics themselves, stating “you know my name,” suggest some of the suave arrogance of themes like “Nobody Does it Better,” but supplement it with such angry lines as “I’ve seen diamonds cut through harder men” that the tone of the film is set right away with this memorable anthem. This is also reflected in the title sequence, which, instead of traditionally featuring sexually suggestive female silhouettes, feature an animated Bond beating the crap out of animated bad guys. “You Know My Name” is a truly excellent and memorable Bond theme, setting the tone for the Daniel Craig era of Bond the Brutal.
The theme for the granddaddy of all James Bond films, the belting voice of a young Shirley Bassey and the memorable opening notes make the Goldfinger theme iconic and immortal in the minds of anyone who is remotely familiar with James Bond. The lyrics were the first of many to focus on the villain, characterizing him as a sinister womanizer, making the viewer expect a worthy adversary for their hero. The opening credits themselves are a blockbuster, only a prelude to an even grander film. The song is exceptional in every way, announcing the arrival of the world’s most beloved superspy.
I may get blasted for this one, but I like the Thunderball theme better than Goldfinger’s. They sound very similar, but I think the lyrics of “Thunderball” are stronger and describe the hypothetical villain more sinisterly. Also, the swelling musical riffs accompanied by the bellowing powerhouse vocals of Tom Jones make this song a force to be reckoned with. But, of course, it could never be number one, which is, indubitably, undeniably…
The original. The eternal. Featured in every single official Bond film, this less-than-two-minute long masterpiece is the perfect mix of jazz lounge pop and cinematic smooth that it could only accompany one man: James Bond, Agent 007. When you hear the jazzy bass riff or the blasting horns of the main refrain, you know immediately who has just entered the room, and what kind of an ass-kicking/woman-seducing is about to go down. The best moment in Casino Royale was at the very end, when this theme snuck onscreen and Craig, asked “Who are you?” responds, no longer Brute Bond but the real 007: “Bond, James Bond.” For over 40 years, this theme has graced our ears and our screens, and while every other song on this list will come and go (some more quickly than others), this original Bond them is forever. Like diamonds.
Contributor: antmansbigxmas
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1. somerandomguy - November 2nd, 2008 at 2:09 am
If only watching the videos was easier, but alas for China internet! Of course, being in China also means I could just get all the movies for dirt cheap…
2. somerandomguy - November 2nd, 2008 at 2:17 am
BTW, did you guys ever know that when there’s just one comment, on the main page is says 1 comments instead of 1 comment? Not that you see that very often, of course.
3. jajdude - November 2nd, 2008 at 2:26 am
Boiled guns on the list, g. How about a best Zatoichi films list?
4. jajdude - November 2nd, 2008 at 2:29 am
Somerandomguy - where in China are you? I’m in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. youku.com has a lot of streaming films that load really fast.
Guns!
5. somerandomguy - November 2nd, 2008 at 2:36 am
Cool, cool. I’m in Suzhou right now, which is just a few hours south of there, still in Jiangsu province. I’ve tried youku a bit, I should probably give it a few more looks.
6. Shtin - November 2nd, 2008 at 2:57 am
Great list! I’ve always loved the Bond themes. I think the OHMSS video is a remix though.
7. ABrutalKind - November 2nd, 2008 at 3:15 am
whoa! I early on comments…. I guess that is what I get for staying up this late… ah well, great list. I am pretty sure you could create many lists just from the James Bond universe. This is a great inclusion into Listverse. My personal fav is live and let die, just cause that song rocks. Anyway I am rambling because of tiredness. I say again great list.
8. Bob Dowling - November 2nd, 2008 at 3:48 am
I would have added “Diamonds Are Forever” too but I’m a softy for Shirley Bassey’s voice. The riff behind “You Only Live Twice” was sampled for Robbie Williams’ “Millenium” so that’s another vote for the staying power of that particular song.
Nothing to do with the music but I was startled to see that the screenplay credit for the film “You Only Live Twice” went to Roald Dahl. I know him more as a writer of children’s stories and the TV series “Tales of the Expected”.
9. jfrater - November 2nd, 2008 at 3:58 am
somerandomguy: I actually noticed that yesterday - I will make some changes to the code to fix it
10. jfrater - November 2nd, 2008 at 3:59 am
Bob Dowling: I am also a great fan of Shirley Bassey - she is one of Britain’s greatest singers I think. The fact that she has done 3 (is it 3?) Bond themes says a lot about her talent!
11. Somebody - November 2nd, 2008 at 4:15 am
Where is “Nobody Does It Better”?! That is one of my all time favorite Bond songs!
Love Bond!
12. BB - November 2nd, 2008 at 4:48 am
Great list - I totally agree about Thunderball.
11 (Somebody) - yes, Nobody Does It Better should definitely be on there.
I also have a fondness for The Living Daylights and View To A Kill, but I know they’re quite subjective.
13. LemonKiwi - November 2nd, 2008 at 4:58 am
I like all the songs on this list. I would like to add For Your Eyes Only by Sheena Easton. I also liked a View To A Kill by Duran Duran. I’m looking forward to the follow-up list.
14. Maf - November 2nd, 2008 at 5:03 am
I also wished to see Carly Simon’s Nobody Does It Better, and also Sheena Easton’s For Your Eyes Only (although I know that’s not to everybody’s taste.)
15. MT - November 2nd, 2008 at 6:07 am
Creative list Antman, but how could you have possibly left off “Nobody Does It Better”?
Oh well, if a list doesn’t cause controversy then it’s not as much fun.
16. darthgeeklove - November 2nd, 2008 at 6:25 am
I love this list! I’m such a fan of the Bond films. I’m of the newer generation though so I’ve always liked “The World is Not Enough” by Garbage even though the movie was kind of blah.
17. Arnaud - November 2nd, 2008 at 6:50 am
I also like Mr Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Pretty much sums up every Bond movie…
18. B-on - November 2nd, 2008 at 6:52 am
I think the original version of the James Bond Theme has more power and emotion to it. The guitar sounds more raw and powerful and the horns bring shock and suspense. I love the big cymbal hits at the second part of the song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii1tc493bZM
19. B-on - November 2nd, 2008 at 7:02 am
Its hard to believe, but it seems like they re-recorded the James Bond Theme for each and every movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpDLRkf2CD0
20. kbenjy - November 2nd, 2008 at 7:04 am
I have never seen a James Bond film. Where’s a good place to start?
21. smurff - November 2nd, 2008 at 7:30 am
Nice list, seen most of them - their was a very early one filmed with Bond being taken captive, and forced into a swimming pool with sharks, if Im not mistaken.
The films title eludes me.
The list also brings back memories
Thanks antmansbigxmas.
22. chris - November 2nd, 2008 at 7:32 am
The entry for no.9 is wrong, while On Her Majesties Secret Service had instrumental opening titles, the main song featured in the film was Louis Armstrong’s We Have all the Time in the World. Thats my personal favorite Bond song. Also the video for that entry is the Propellerheads remix from the late 90’s and never featured in any Bond film. The real music from the opening credits was by John Barry and is much slower.
23. Ernmas - November 2nd, 2008 at 7:58 am
Nice list. I’m not a James Bond fan, but I do love music. One comment, though,
#8 on the list - “Sung with phenomenal by Nancy Sinatra, this song is just beautiful, and it is named after one of the best films in the James Bond series.”
Sung with phenomenal WHAT? Power, voice, what???? I’m curious to know what you meant!
24. ChrisG - November 2nd, 2008 at 8:26 am
I totally agree with Maf, Carly Simon and Sheena Easton had awesome theme songs. For Your Eyes Only is one of my three favourite Bond movies and it features (in my opinion) the most beautiful Bond girl of all time (Carole Bouquet) but that is of course debateable since all Bond Girls are beautiful.
25. Maazin - November 2nd, 2008 at 9:07 am
I’ve always thought that goldfinger and golden eye were the same movie
26. Lizzyxo - November 2nd, 2008 at 10:25 am
There is no better theme than Dr. No. =) I was very happy to see it at the top of the list. Great list!
27. Jackie - November 2nd, 2008 at 11:26 am
As a child of the 80s, I am appalled that Duran Duran’s A View to a Kill isn’t on the list! That’s the only James Bond movie I’ve ever watched just because of them.
28. christy - November 2nd, 2008 at 11:48 am
http://www.gigwise.com/news/47.....er-By-Fans
29. Morono - November 2nd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I’m sorry but i also miss Tomorrow never dies and the world is not enough, i realise these are from the newer films, but they deserve to be on here
30. YogiBarrister - November 2nd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Two inarguable truths. Sean Connery is the best James Bond and Shirley Bassey is the best theme song singer.
31. jfrater - November 2nd, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Yogi: I agree
32. ChuChu - November 2nd, 2008 at 12:22 pm
kbenjy, if you have never seen a Bond film, start with Dr No or Goldfinger
33. goof_ball - November 2nd, 2008 at 12:24 pm
good list
34. Emar - November 2nd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
For me, the best is Matt Monroe’s “From Russia with Love”. I believe this is the first, done by Sean Connery though it was preceded by the original Casino Royal by David Niven. I am really impressed by the works of Ian Flemming.
35. Lynn in Oregon - November 2nd, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Was there a bad Bond theme?
They are all good, and bring different memories/emotions.
I like the Sheena Easton and Duran Duran ones best because I love the 80’s, but my favorite is Paul McCartney’s Live and Let Die.
Good list
36. Catriona - November 2nd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Jamie, from memory your favourite Shirley Bassey number would be ‘Gold Finger’ …you do it very well!
37. FlockO’Seagulls - November 2nd, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Yogi’s right. But the BEST song/performance, bar none, is “You Only Live Twice” by Nancy Sinatra. Rounding out my list is
2. Moonraker
3. For Your Eyes Only
4. View to a Kill
5. Diamonds Are Forever
6. Goldfinger
7. Thunderball
8. Nobody Does it Better
9. Live and Let Die
10.
38. Papavitch - November 2nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Great list, made for great listening while I worked on my essay. Have to say I’m not a fan of Thunderball though, neither the song or the movie.
39. gezzanater - November 2nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Live & Let Die should be No 2, it;s the one Bond theme song that has been recorded by a number of artist and let’s face it, it was about the only decent song Wings ever recorded.
Everytime I hear that song, it gives a clear vision to me of James Bond.
40. Marie - November 2nd, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Neat! Good listening while working. Turns out, Jack White (who wrote the most recent James Bond theme “Another Way to Die”) says his favorite Bond theme was On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. He says it was really powerful and that’s what he wanted to come through his song (and Alicia Keys I guess).
I like the new song A LOT.
41. cannabiscallan - November 2nd, 2008 at 5:11 pm
diamonds are neat
42. Hmm - November 2nd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Lynn: Yes, there have been some grating Bond themes, notably “The Man With The Golden Gun”. Also, I’m no fan of the sappy eighties balladry of “For Your Eyes Only”, “Licence To Kill” and “All Time High” (Octopussy theme). I don’t think “Tomorrow Never Dies” worked particularly well. “Die Another Day” was just annoying to my ears, and as for “Another Way To Die”, it’s a bit of a disappointment following the superb “You Know My Name”, and I think that if Alicia Keys’ vocals were cut out of the song, it would improve tenfold. I just can’t stand her vocal wankery like imitating Jack’s guitar solo, or the “Oooh yeahs”, or the “shoot em up bang bang” bit.
What I want to know is where “A View To A Kill” and “The Living Daylights” are. Both great Bond themes, and great tunes.
43. debaser - November 2nd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
The Spy Who Loved Me
for this reason
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rnVzwcM6wjI
44. Patrick - November 2nd, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Madonna’s “Die Another Day” is always trashed or ignored, but simply because Madonna is so widely hated despite also having so many fans, not because it’s a bad song.
In fact it’s the only Bond theme song to go outside the lines and be unique as a piece of music.
And it’s no coincidence that “Die Another Day” is the only Bond theme song of the last 20+ years to actually be a hit on the charts.
45. krchuk - November 2nd, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Great list and now one of my favourites. Have to say I love ALL the Bond theme songs. Take a look at this parody of Goldfinger by Australian comedienne, Gina Riley. http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=FrPnKI3MLdM
46. jackson parade - November 2nd, 2008 at 8:25 pm
chris cornell rocks
47. corinthian0430 - November 2nd, 2008 at 8:30 pm
great list!
and yeah… nothing but the original bond theme!
techno bond theme remixes suck booty!
48. Mav - November 2nd, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Dr. No is and always will be the best 007 Theme song.
But no Shirley Manson/Garbage “The world is not enough”?
49. Slipstick - November 3rd, 2008 at 1:13 am
I’d like to vote the British instrumental group “Bond” to get an honorable mention for their take on the Bond theme.
50. k1w1taxi - November 3rd, 2008 at 1:22 am
Emar (34)
The first Connery Bond Movie was Dr No. Hence the enduring quality of that theme. From Russia was actually quite late in Connery’s career as Bond.
Not having watched a great many Bond films I have to say most of these themes were very good. Though my favourite is still Live And Let Die.
Cheers
Lee
51. Rafa Garcia - November 3rd, 2008 at 1:50 am
Where is Duran Duran´s “A view to a kill”?
Unforgettable miss
52. Palrão - November 3rd, 2008 at 4:33 am
Loved the list, and although I’ve not watched many Bond films (only the latest to be honest…something which I have to mend I know) I’ve always had a thing for the theme songs. So I agree with the people saying Living Daylights and A view to a kill should be here, and I also love, and more recently addicted to, “The world is not enough” by Garbage. I think it has that Bond feel to it.
Congratulations on the list, the site…EVERYTHING. I’m proud to say that I’ve been a visitor since list #1
53. ohrmets - November 3rd, 2008 at 6:04 am
I would have included “Diamonds are Forever” (which got a new lease on life thanks to Kanye West) and “Nobody Does It Better.”
“A View to a Kill” and “The Living Daylights” are guilty pleasures, but not sure if they make the Top 10 in my opinion.
“Goldfinger” and “Live and Let Die” FTW!
54. ohrmets - November 3rd, 2008 at 6:05 am
I also really liked “You Know My Name,” even though most critics seemed to hate it.
55. Simons - November 3rd, 2008 at 11:18 am
I like “The World is Not Enough”. I thought that opening was pretty damn good imo =D
56. matheus - November 3rd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
You’re a Sean Connery sucker, aren’t ya? I can tell you are.
I don’t know why people tend to minimize Moore and Dalton’s efforts, they were just as great.
What about the seventhies music?
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUNN PAAAAWWWWWWWWWW
Or A-ha kicking ass with Living Daylights?
Duran Duran’s great A View To A Kill? And I mean GREAT. One of their best songs even.
Nobody Does it Better like everyone is saying…
AND WHAT ABOUT MADONNA’S DIE ANOTH… just kidding. peace out.
57. Yun - November 3rd, 2008 at 5:38 pm
1. The World is Not Enough
2. A View to a Kill
3. Goldfinger
4. The Living Daylights
5. For Your Eyes Only
58. ChuChu - November 4th, 2008 at 12:35 am
OK, I admit I am a fan of the movie and the theme for “The Man With The Golden Gun.” I saw it as a kid and they both stuck with me
“An assassin second to none, The Man With The Golden Gun!”
Besides, it was sung by Lulu!
59. Andy - November 5th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I’m disappointed that the theme tune from the original “Casino Royale” - you know the Woody Allen one - isn’t on the list. What a great theme tune that is.
60. clarkekentyboy - November 8th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Love the golden gun one myself, the stabs at the start of it are great. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is definitely way ahead of its time.
61. timmy the dying boy - November 14th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Dump #10, replace it with “A View to a Kill.”
Dump #4 (what were you thinking?!?), replace it with “Nobody Does it Better.”
Poof! Bogus list becomes great list!
62. Rolo Tomasi - November 14th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Im sorry but how can you not include A View to a Kill by Duran Duran? That songs is great and It is the only Bond theme song to reach # 1 on the U.S. charts, it was also the highest Bond theme ever on the Brisish Charts at #2.
63. keith - November 14th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
As you can tell by the screen-name, oldies is my game. “From Russia, With Love” was/is sung by Matt MONRO (mattmonro.com)…please correct the spelling, and IMHO, please place at #2 in the lineup. Who can dought the original, Dr. No… But FRWL was the first w/lyrics, to hit a top-spot on the charts in that regard, and one of the best with composers + lyricists…..ps LOVE the lists. Keep it up! Thanks!!!
64. Sheree - November 22nd, 2008 at 7:22 pm
What an incredible list! I love james bond and hope one day get to play him (or in my case her). Shirley bassey is a topnotch performer and I can only wish to have her pipes! (I’m more eartha kitt/yma sumac). List verse, you’ve done it again!