TT4E's Top 10 James Bond Theme Songs

So Drew Kerr from NPR did a list of their top 'Bond Songs', and I thought it was total crap, so I'm doing my own (if you want to see theirs, click here

10. "We Have All The Time In The World" from 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service', written by John Barry and performed by Louis Armstrong LINK

This is a good way to start this top ten, because it features what is arguably the most unique voice in music history with 'Satchmo' singing this theme. The entire movie was much more 'sentimental' than most of the other 007 movies, and the themesong delighfully also represents that.

9. 'Die Another Day', written by David Arnold and performed by Madonna LINK

The Pierce Brosnan era of Bond Movies produced some of the crappiest theme songs, except for this last one. It is, of course, Madonna...and if you can get past your inherent hate for her, you'll see that this is a fairly catchy song, unique compared to the crap songs which recently preceded it, and had some form of commercial success outside of the box office.


8. 'Thunderball', written by John Barry and performed by Tom Jones LINK

Its Tom Jones, man...the most powerful voice of his generation. And when John Barry can compose a song that can 'in legendary stories' make even Tom Jones faint as he reportedly did when recording/singing the very last note, you know you have a powerful theme song (you can even hear him 'die off' at the end of the note as he's about to keel over).


7. "All Time High" from 'Octopussy', Written by John Barry, Lyrics by Tim Rice, and Sung by Rita Coolidge LINK

One of the overall best orchestrated scores to any of the Bond Movies, 'ATH' is a great theme song that has an unmistakable beginning for anyone who know's their Bond Movies with that saxophone rip. Rita Coolidge also gives a very romantic and sultry rendition of John Barry's tune. Amazing also how John Barry's tunes for these movies can 'stay with the times' progressing through decades. This tune definitely sounds very '80's to me.

6. "Nobody Does It Better" from "The Spy Who Loved Me" (Edited for Nostro), written by Marvin Hamlisch and performed by Carly Simon LINK

Very much in the same vain as Octopussy, this tune is unmistakable, and very powerful. Marvin Hamlisch is one of the most respected show tune composers, and his style is very prominent in this song with his 'piano cabaret' style, reminiscent of his compositions in 'A Chorus Line'. ...and yes, there was a time when Carly Simon was 'in'. She did a great job on this tune.


5. "You Only Live Twice", Written by John Barry and performed by Nancy Sinatra LINK

This is the only one from Drew Kerr's list that I wont argue about. I only have it this low because of how much I think of of the following tunes we'll hear. This song has everything a Bong Movie has, mystery, intrigue, sweeping panoramic views - all done with great orchestrations, and fantastic chord progressions. Nancy Sinatra makes for the perfect 'Bond Girl Songstress' also.


4. "For Your Eyes Only", Written by Bill Conti and performed by Sheena Easton LINK

What can I say, it was written by LSU's own Mega-Movie Composer Bill Conti. Sung by Sheena Easton, who was 'it' at the time the song/movie came out - this song was a mega hit and is still one of the most recognizable Bond Movie songs to people whom dont even really follow 007 movies.

3. Goldfinger, Written by John Barry and performed by Shirley Bassey LINK

The most recognizable villain in Bond history can only have a theme song written by the most powerful female voice..maybe ever. Shirley Bassey pierces your heart in this rare 007 theme song about the villain, and not James Bond. Any horn player can tell you just how hard it is to play those rips too. The sheer uniqueness of this tune musically and lyrically is what makes it so interesting to listen to.


2. Dr. No, Written by John Barry, and performed by the John Barry Orchestra LINK

Its the 'original' James Bond theme. In Wagnerian terms, its the Leitmotif that rules the entire James Bond franchise. You hear it in every movie, its the catalyst for one of the longest running film 'empires' in cinema. The universally recognizable theme employs elements of big band jazz with 'ahead of its time' 'pop' influences such as the unmistakable bass line. John Barry's use of the french horn in so many of his movies can be traced back to this theme (check out 'Dances with Wolves' if you ever have a chance). A true 'Tour de Force' in ranking all-time movie theme song popularity, up there with Star Wars and The Godfather.



and the #1 James Bond Them Song is...











"Live and Let Die", written by George Martin, and performed by Paul McCartney & Wings. LINK

This was quite simply the only song that could be placed even above the original Bond Theme Song. The transcendental and timeless qualities of this song have been very evident by the frequency in which its still performed today. Plus it just kicks arse. Paul McCartney hit the jackpot when he recorded this one. Compared to what had been written for Bond movies beforehand, this was a big departure from the big band songs of the past, and thrust the James Bond franchise into a new era of more rock-pop inspired themes, and the movie itself is just as wild as the song was. Even today, its the type of song that makes you drive a little faster on the highway if you hear it on your ipod.