The Best James Bond Theme Song of all time

The iconic James Bond film series, spanning 62 years, has been more than just a cinematic phenomenon; it’s a cultural institution. One integral aspect contributing to its timeless allure is the legendary theme music featured at the beginning of each film. This musical tradition, unaltered over the years, plays a pivotal role in keeping the Bond franchise relevant and popular in the 21st century.

Table of Contents

In this exploration, we embark on a journey to determine the best James Bond theme song. We’ll meticulously assess each entry, excluding non-canonical songs, and rank them from the least impressive to the most exceptional. From the nostalgic classics to the contemporary hits, we delve into the nuances of each theme, examining their impact on the Bond legacy.

Ranking the Themes

23. “Tomorrow Never Dies” by Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow’s “Tomorrow Never Dies” unfortunately lands at the bottom of our list. Despite Crow’s popularity, the song lacks a memorable chorus, and its overall impact is forgettable in the Bond theme spectrum.

22. “You Know My Name” by Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name,” marking a departure in style for the series with its grunge and alternative rock sound, falls short of greatness due to its lack of catchiness and repetitive lyrics.

21. “The World is Not Enough” by Garbage

While having a stronger chorus than some counterparts, Garbage’s “The World is Not Enough” struggles to attain classic Bond theme status, lacking the instrumental brilliance necessary for timeless recognition.

20. “The Man with the Golden Gun” by Lulu

Lulu’s “The Man with the Golden Gun” offers a unique narrative capturing the film’s plot but falls short in relatability outside the Bond universe, making it less appealing to a broader audience.

19. “The Living Daylights” by A-ha

A product of its late 1980s era, A-ha’s “The Living Daylights” doesn’t boast the catchy quality of some peers, and its sound hasn’t aged as gracefully, impacting its standing among Bond themes.

18. “Die Another Day” by Madonna

Madonna’s “Die Another Day” invites mixed reactions, primarily due to its repetitive lyrics. The chorus, consisting of Madonna repeating the line “Die Another Day” four or five times, may deter some listeners. However, the song’s catchiness, albeit derived from its repetitiveness, prevents it from sinking to the bottom tier of Bond themes.

The improvement in lyrics starting with the second verse and the song’s overall catchiness save it from monotony. While some may find it lacking compared to the classics, its placement in the bottom half of the list acknowledges its strengths while recognizing its limitations.

17. “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” by John Barry

John Barry’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” presents a unique case in Bond theme history. While Barry, a brilliant musical mind behind the soundtracks for 12 of the first 15 films, crafted a masterpiece, the absence of lyrics places it at a competitive disadvantage in a list dominated by vocal-centric themes.

Despite its instrumental brilliance, the nature of Bond themes, known for their marriage of music and lyrics, relegates “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” to a lower position in the ranking. Its standing serves as a reminder that even exceptional instrumentals face challenges in a genre defined by the synergy of voice and music.

16. “No Time to Die” by Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish’s “No Time to Die” presents a unique challenge for assessment, given its recent release at the time of this writing. Judging a song without the full context of the film’s plot and themes can be a limitation. However, even in its infancy, the song exhibits promise and distinguishes itself from the bottom tier of Bond themes.

As with any new addition to the Bond theme catalog, “No Time to Die” may require time to grow on listeners and reveal its full impact. The decision to place it in the middle of the ranking acknowledges its potential while recognizing that only time will unveil its true place in the Bond theme legacy.

15. “All Time High” by Rita Coolidge

Rita Coolidge’s “All Time High” marks the second Bond theme to differ in name from the movie title. Drawing obvious inspiration from “Nobody Does It Better” from “The Spy Who Loved Me,” Coolidge’s attempt to capture the romantic ambiance of the 007 world is evident.

The lyrics and instrumental blend seamlessly, creating a melodic composition that, while not as special as some of its counterparts, adds a layer of romance to the Bond theme repertoire. Coolidge’s rendition, though not reaching the same heights as other classics, deserves recognition for its ability to evoke the love-centric themes of the era.

While “All Time High” may not stand as a pinnacle in Bond theme history, its inclusion in the list emphasizes the diversity within the Bond musical landscape.

14. “Another Way to Die” by Jack White and Alicia Keys

“Another Way to Die” by Jack White and Alicia Keys holds the distinction of being the only duet in Bond theme song history. Despite being one of the most underrated title songs in the series, it brings a refreshing combination of Key’s pop voice and White’s rock instrumental.

The lyrics, accurately portraying how women in the series feel about characters like 007, mark a thematic departure. The absence of an easy-to-sing chorus and a title different from the film’s name may have affected its popularity, but its unique qualities and genre-blending collaboration make it a standout Bond theme.

“Another Way to Die” showcases the potential for innovation within the Bond theme genre, breaking away from convention while still maintaining the essence of the series.

13. “License to Kill” by Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight’s “License to Kill” emerges as one of the truly underrated title themes in the Bond series. While Knight’s voice invokes memories of other female voices in the early themes, the song’s instrumental gives it a distinctive 1980s feel.

The catchy chorus, though slightly repetitive, doesn’t overshadow the song’s superior lyrics compared to many other 1980s Bond themes. The extended runtime, at 5:15, makes it the lengthiest theme of the series, allowing the composition to unfold and immerse listeners in its unique atmosphere.

While “License to Kill” may not have achieved the same level of recognition as some other Bond themes, its combination of Knight’s vocal prowess, 1980s vibes, and thoughtful lyrics positions it as a gem in the Bond theme collection.

12. “Moonraker” by Shirley Bassey

Shirley Bassey, known for her iconic Bond themes, contributes “Moonraker” to the Bond legacy. While it may be the least memorable of Bassey’s three themes, the song remains a beautiful and evocative piece of music.

With her high-toned voice and soft musical notes, Bassey transports the listener to the vastness of space. “Moonraker” captures the film’s setting and themes, creating a sensory experience that, while not reaching the same level as her other classics, remains a noteworthy addition to the Bond theme repertoire.

Bassey’s ability to infuse her themes with the essence of each film showcases her mastery of the Bond theme genre. “Moonraker” may not top the charts, but its beauty and Bassey’s vocal prowess make it a valuable part of the Bond musical tapestry.

11. “You Only Live Twice” by Nancy Sinatra

Nancy Sinatra’s “You Only Live Twice” holds a special place in Bond theme history, not only for its musical merit but also for its ability to capture the essence of the film. The background music, reminiscent of traditional Japanese musical instruments, aligns perfectly with the movie’s setting in Japan.

The song is notable for being the first example of a budding star reaching new heights after performing a Bond theme. While some may argue that “You Only Live Twice” doesn’t reach the standards of the most classic Bond themes, its beauty and thematic alignment earn it a place among the top Bond songs.

Sinatra’s rendition adds a layer of sophistication to the Bond theme legacy, making “You Only Live Twice” a beautiful and evocative addition to the catalog.

10. “Goldeneye” by Tina Turner

Tina Turner’s contribution to the Bond theme repertoire with “Goldeneye” reflects the vibrancy and excitement of the 1990s. The upbeat and catchy quality of the song mirrors the anticipation surrounding the film, creating a sonic experience that resonates with Bond enthusiasts.

“Goldeneye” successfully captures the essence of the era, serving as an exciting and original piece of 1990s art. The song’s alignment with the movie’s themes and its undeniable status as a Bond theme contribute to its place in the top 10.

Readers may argue for “Goldeneye” to be ranked even higher, considering its ability to encapsulate the spirit of both the film and the musical landscape of the 1990s. Its inclusion in the top 10 highlights the diverse and evolving nature of Bond themes over the decades.

9. “A View to a Kill” by Duran Duran

Duran Duran’s “A View to a Kill” holds a special place in Bond theme history as the only song to reach No. 1 on the U.S. chart. Its success attests to its popularity and enduring appeal, making it arguably the most beloved 007 theme.

The song captures the essence of the 1980s with its loud synthesizing sound, emphasizing the musical trends of the era. Despite weak lyrics, the energetic and dynamic nature of the composition elevates it to iconic status. The fact that it remains the only Bond theme to reach No. 1 in the U.S. and climb to No. 2 in the U.K. speaks volumes about its cultural impact.

“Duran Duran’s title song may not be a musical masterpiece, but its historic achievement and lasting popularity secure its place as a treasure in the realm of Bond themes.

8. “From Russia with Love” by Matt Monro

Matt Monro’s “From Russia with Love” without lyrics in the title theme still stands out due to its presence in the film’s end credits. The love story depicted in the lyrics contributes to its status as one of the best Bond themes.

7. “Thunderball” by Tom Jones

Tom Jones’s “Thunderball” with its powerful horns and vocals creates a memorable title theme with a double meaning. Its depiction of Bond or antagonist Emilio Largo adds depth, contributing to its place among the top themes of the 1960s.

6. “Diamonds Are Forever” by Shirley Bassey

Shirley Bassey’s contribution to the Bond theme legacy is noteworthy. “Diamonds Are Forever” stands as a testament to her vocal prowess and the unique approach taken in this composition. The song, with its preference for diamonds over love, adds a layer of intrigue and sophistication to the Bond universe.

The wonderful composition, blending Bassey’s powerful vocals with space-themed instrumentals, creates a cinematic experience. The choice of diamonds as a central theme aligns seamlessly with the film’s narrative, where the allure of precious gems becomes a metaphor for the characters’ desires and the stakes involved.

While “Diamonds Are Forever” may not have achieved the same popularity on the billboard top 100, its artistic merit and contribution to the Bond theme catalog earn it a well-deserved place in the top 10.

5. “Writing’s on the Wall” by Sam Smith

Sam Smith’s “Writing’s on the Wall” marks a significant moment in Bond theme history as the first title theme to secure the top spot on the U.K. singles chart. This achievement underscores the song’s resonance with contemporary audiences and its broader appeal beyond the confines of the Bond franchise.

The lyrics, infused with a poetic quality, resonate with listeners on a personal level. Smith’s high vocals, complemented by the background piano, create a melancholic yet captivating atmosphere. The emotional depth conveyed in the song adds a layer of complexity, aligning with the evolving portrayal of Bond in the Daniel Craig era.

While “Writing’s on the Wall” is a relatively recent addition to the Bond theme repertoire, time will reveal its enduring impact. Its unique qualities and historic achievement position it as a strong contender for a top position among Bond themes.

4. “Goldfinger” by Shirley Bassey

Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger” is a classic that transcends time. The combination of powerful vocals, screaming horns, and evocative lyrics creates a sensory experience that aligns with the film’s themes, placing it among the top Bond themes.

3. “Nobody Does It Better” by Carly Simon

Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better” breaks conventions by not sharing the film’s title but succeeds brilliantly. Its aquatic feel, complemented by Simon’s voice and piano, makes it a timeless classic, transcending the Bond series.

2. “Skyfall” by Adele

No Bond theme has transcended the series over the last 40 years quite like Adele’s “Skyfall.” Released in 2012, the song achieved unprecedented success, capturing the essence of Daniel Craig’s Bond and resonating with contemporary audiences.

“Skyfall” reached No. 8 in the U.S. and became the first theme since “A View to a Kill” to climb to No. 2 in the U.K. Adele’s powerful vocals, combined with the hauntingly beautiful composition, elevated the song to instant classic status. The lyrics, poetically capturing the themes of running and feeling something unique, added depth to the song’s emotional resonance.

The popularity of Adele in 2012 and the timeless beauty of “Skyfall” make it likely that even music fans who have never seen a Bond film will recognize and appreciate this song. Its status as a top-tier Bond theme is undeniable.

1. “Live and Let Die” by Paul McCartney & Wings

In the realm of Bond themes, none surpasses the popularity of “Live and Let Die” by Paul McCartney & Wings. Peaking at No. 2 and No. 9 on the U.S. and U.K. Top 100 charts, this song remains an enduring favorite almost 50 years after the film’s release. McCartney’s musical genius, coupled with the dynamic shifts in the song, especially the iconic riff, secures its unquestioned position as the top Bond theme in history.

Conclusion

The journey through the rich tapestry of James Bond theme songs reveals a diverse collection, each contributing to the cinematic legacy in its own way. While opinions on the “best” theme may vary, “Live and Let Die” stands tall as a testament to the timeless allure of Bond music. As we continue to witness new additions to the Bond theme repertoire, the debate over the best Bond theme will persist, keeping the intrigue and excitement alive for generations to come.

Author Profile

Mark Boardman

Mark Boardman is an established showbiz journalist and freelance copywriter whose work has been published in Business Insider, Daily Mail, Bloomberg, MTV, Buzzfeed, and The New York Post, amongst other media. Often spotted on the red carpet at celebrity events and film screenings, Mark is a regular guest on BBC Radio London and in demand for his opinions on media outlets such as Newsweek, Daily Express, and OK! Magazine, as well as Heart radio, Capital FM, LBC, and Radio 2. His TV credits include ITV News, This Morning, BBC News, The One Show, Sky News, GB News, and Channel T4. Mark is a keen traveller having visited 40+ countries, and a devout sports fan who also attends as many gigs as he can across the capital when not rubbing shoulders with the stars. Email Mark@MarkMeets.com