With the release of the new James Bond film “Skyfall”, I thought it appropriate to stop and take a look back at some of the music which has helped make James Bond films both new and old a success. Here is a list of my top 8 James Bond theme songs.

1. “View To A Kill” by Duran Duran (from “View To a Kill”, 1985)

Maybe I’m a bit biased since Duran Duran is my favorite band but seriously, how can you not love this song? Not only does it have a catchy tune, hot male singers, but it is the only James Bond theme song to date which has reached number one on the Hot 100 charts. Plus you can’t help but smile when lead singer Simon Le Bon makes a play on the film at the end of the music video by introducing himself as “Bon, Simon Le Bon.”

2. “Live and Let Die” by Paul McCartney and the Wings (from “Live and Let Die”, 1973)

Not a huge fan of anything relating to the Beatles but this song rocks. I love how the song starts out simple then leads into a catchy, upbeat tempo. You can almost picture the explosion after each time McCartney sings the lyrics “so live and let die.” The song did well on the charts reaching number two.

3. “Nobody Does It Better” by Carly Simon (from The Spy Who Loved Me”, 1977)

Like the previously mentioned song, this also reached number two on the Hot 100. While this song may not make you want to go out and kill some bad guys, it has a great melody which I think fits well with the theme of the film.

4. “Skyfall” by Adele. (from “Skyfall”, 2012)

I’m surprised this song didn’t chart higher. Peaking at number eight, Adele slows things down in this ballad with haunting lyrics that fit the James Bond theme perfectly. Adele’s soulful voice is ideal for this theme song.

5. “Goldfinger” by Shirley Bassey (from “Goldfinger”, 1965)

Maybe it’s just me but music was so great in the 60s. Reaching number eight, Bassey’s lyrics are minimal in the song, repeating the word “Golfinger” half a dozen times, however, the clever use of brass instruments make the song work by giving it a “classy” feel.

6. “For Your Eyes Only” by Sheena Easton (from “For Your Eyes Only”, 1981)

Personally, I think this song is a little cheesy and not exactly “Bond” material with its slow, love ballad feel. However, it did relatively well reaching number four, so someone must have liked it, right? Not a bad song overall but one that definitely screams 80s.

7. “You Only Live Twice” by Nancy Sinatra (from “You Only Live Twice”, 1967)

Sinatra, best known for her song “These Boots Are Made for Walkin”, takes a slower tempo with her James Bond theme song in 1967, complete with a light orchestral accompaniment that fits in lovely will her mellow voice and lyrics. A modest success, reaching number 44 on charts.

8. “Diamonds Are Forever” by Shirley Bassey (from “Diamonds Are Forever”, 1972)

Seven years after “Goldfinger”, Bassey is back with yet another Bond theme song. The song gives a similar vibe to her previous hit although it didn’t do as well in the charts, only reaching number 57. Still a mildly catchy tune which I place at number eight on my list.

There you have it: eight songs, eight James Bond films. Which ones do you think should be up there?

Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this blog are the opinions of Erin Peden and do not reflect the opinions or views of any other Pioneer employees.

To contact Erin Peden, email staffwriter1@occc.edu.