When we think of the cinematic world of James Bond, so much comes to mind. The gadgets, women, action, exotic locales, and the martinis. Bond films would be nothing without them. One of the most important factors of a successful Bond film atmosphere is the music. For decades, the sound of the series was associated with composer John Barry. His scores began the series with 1962's Dr. No and, with the exception of a few, continued through to 1987's The Living Daylights.
Choosing the correct artist to sing the right Bond theme can make or break a fan's excitement as the opening credits roll. Some were hits on the music charts. Some would go on to win Oscars. Here are the 5 best and 5 worst James Bond theme songs.
10 Best: "The Living Daylights" By A-ha
In 1987, Timothy Dalton took over the role after Roger Moore's retirement. Dalton's film was a big hit with fans and critics but, as Dalton would usher in a new era for Bond, John Barry would make this his final score for the series.
For the theme song, the Norwegian Pop group A-ha was chosen. Some fans were taken aback by the choice, but the song for The Living Daylights was as exciting as the film and became a perfect representation of the film, as Barry's brass-heavy sound blended well with the pop music sensibilities of A-ha.
9 Worst: "Writing's On The Wall" By Sam Smith
The Daniel Craig Bonds have been some of the most successful of the series. Craig's fourth, Spectre, was no exception, as fans made it a huge financial success.
The song "Writing's On the Wall" by Sam Smith charted well and won an Oscar. However, this is a pedestrian and instantly forgettable theme. Its lyrics don't go with the film's plot nor do the orchestrations have that Bond signature sound. Many agree the song is a complete flat-line.
8 Best: "Goldfinger" By Shirley Bassey
Considered the gold standard (forgive us) of Bond films and theme songs, 1964's Goldfinger is rightfully recognized as a pure classic, both as a film and Bond theme.
Being only the third Bond film, the Shirley Bassey/John Barry collaboration set the tone for the sound and style of the Bond themes of its day and it is widely considered by many fans and critics to be the best Bond theme (and film) of them all.
7 Worst: "Tomorrow Never Dies" By Sheryl Crow
Pierce Brosnan had a tough time during his tenure as 007. His four films were popular with fans but aren't remembered as "classics", yet there are many who feel that Brosnan was the best James Bond.
Sheryl Crow's theme for Brosnan's second outing was dull and the singer couldn't catch the fire of the earlier theme songs. Crow was said to have been a strange choice to sing a Bond theme and the results proved the naysayers correct. The film itself was action-packed and full of excitement. The same cannot be said for its title song.
6 Best: "You Only Live Twice" By Nancy Sinatra
You Only Live Twice was to be Sean Connery's swan song as James Bond. The stakes were supremely high to send the actor off with the proper film. The film was designed to give audiences the expected excitement and the theme song was given just as much care.
Nancy Sinatra was hired to sing the title song of the same name. The singer proved to be the right choice, as it quickly became a big hit on the pop charts, rightfully going down as one of the best of the Bond themes.
5 Worst: "The Man With The Golden Gun" By Lulu
Roger Moore's second Bond film is not well-loved. Most critics and fans found The Man With the Golden Gun much too silly. While Christopher Lee is praised for his work as a Bond villain, the film itself is not well thought of and was one of the lowest-grossing of the series.
The same goes for the film's theme song. Sung by Lulu, the lyrics were criticized for their childish sexual innuendos. John Barry considers this to be his worst score, while many rank this near the top of their list for worst Bond themes.
4 Best: "Live And Let Die" By Paul McCartney and Wings
Roger Moore announced his arrival as 007 in a big way! Live and Let Die was an action-packed blockbuster, with a wild combination of 007 and the Blaxploitation genre. Expectations were extremely high and the film went on to be a major success, giving fans a new incarnation of their beloved British assassin.
The score was written by former Beatles producer George Martin and the composer kept the John Barry feel while infusing it with 1970's guitar sounds. His old music partner, Paul McCartney, and his new band Wings helped compose and performed the theme song. The choice turned into pure gold, as the theme became one of the most popular of them all, winning the Oscar for Best Original Song, the first for a Bond theme, and becoming a radio smash and one of the biggest hits of McCartney's solo career.
3 Worst: "Another Way To Die" By Jack White And Alicia Keys
Jack White wrote the theme for Daniel Craig's second Bond film, Quantum of Solace, and chose Alicia Keys to sing it with him. It seemed to be a winning combination.
White and Keys' guitar-heavy song didn't light a fire for fans. It took a critical drubbing and many fans rightfully found it to be one of the most forgettable of all Bond themes.
2 Best: Thunderball" By Tom Jones
Thunderball was Sean Connery's third 007 film and the producers went big with both the action and the theme song.
Tom Jones brought his big personality and singing style to the theme. His powerful vocals were a perfect fit for John Barry's pulsating score. The song captured the Bond aura perfectly and announced its villain with an unmistakable operatic vigor. The song was as big as the film, with both going on to massive success.
1 Worst: "Die Another Day" By Madonna
Pierce Brosnan's final film as James Bond was a massive financial success. At the time, fans praised its non-stop action and ode to the 007 films that came before it. Over time, Die Another Day has fallen from glory a bit. It is now seen as too over-the-top with its action and CGI.
Mostly everyone agrees that Madonna's theme song is the worst of the series. At once, it is both under-cooked and overdone. There isn't enough orchestration to give it that Bond flair and the song itself is backed by a DJ, which was sacrilege for long-time Bond aficionados. Madonna's vocals were also lackluster and criticized highly. This theme was indeed the low point of the series entire.
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