Top 5 Opening Theme Songs for James Bond

With the announce of “Spectre” this week I' am in full excitement for the next James Bond film. To celebrate I started listening to the Bond 50th Anniversary Soundtrack. The soundtrack has all of the opening Bond songs, and a collection of some of the best orchestrated themes from each film up to Quantum of Solace. Today I want to share with you my picks for the top 5 opening songs for James Bond. My picks are based on re playability, how does the song relate to the James Bond character or lore and impact it had in the mainstream.

5. Goldeneye by Tina Turner

Goldeneye was a great track for a great film and really set the tone for Pierce Bronson Bond. The song has tons of re-playability and why it doesn't personally define James Bond. This song does describe Goldeneye and it's devious ways. Tina Turner nailed the tone of the song and knocked it out of the park. The song was later covered by Nicole Scherzinger for the remake of the Goldeneye videogame.

4. You Know My Name By Chris Cornell

There is a reason Casino Royale is probably the greatest Bond film ever made. Not only did it have a stellar cast, stellar story but the music really knocked it out the park. Chris Cornell did just that with You Know My Name. Bond theme songs are usually known for a more jazz, classical, and even R & B feel. However Chris Cornell theme song rocks literally. The use of guitars with James Bond signature theme creeping in was perfect. The lyrics were also top notch and describes the tone of the film and James Bond. “The coldest blood runs through my veins you know my name.”

3. Diamonds are Forever By Shirley Bassett

There is a reason Shirley Bassett has more than two Bond theme songs under her belt. She really knows how to capture the essence of the film. Her voice is timeless and very hard to forget. Out of all the songs she has recorded for Bond I think Diamonds are Forever is the best. The impact of the song has been huge. The song has been used in commercials, sampled by various artist such as Kanye West for his song Diamonds. Not to the mention the song is great song for a Bond film. Lyrics such as I don't need love for what will love do me, not only describes Bond but the overall film. This is a song I can play over and over and still be amazed.

2. Tomorrow Never Dies By Sheryl Crow

I will probably get heat for this choice. However I love Tomorrow Never Dies opening song by Sheryl Crow. I think the song did a great job of personifying what a Bond girl might be feeling. Lyrics like

"Darling you've won it's no fun Martinis, girls and guns. It's murder on our love affair. 'Cause you bet your life every night while you're chasing the morning light. You're not the only spy out there. It's so deadly my dear. The power of wanting you near until the day. Until the world falls away, until you say, there'll be no more goodbyes I see it in your eyes tomorrow never dies."

 The song not only describes an emotion a Bond girl might be feeling. The song also describes the life James Bond lives. Sheryl vocals nailed it and it's one of the definitive Bond songs.

1. Skyfall By Adele

Hands down this is the best Bond song. Adele nails it and every single aspect. This song is so good that it even won an Oscar. Not only does this capture Bond persona it includes an orchestra verison of the theme. One of the best lyrics is

"You may have my number, you can take my name but you will never have my heart."

If that doesn't describe Bond I don't know what will.

What is your favorite Bond song? Let me know in the comment section.