James Bond: One of the most iconic film franchises in the world.
When you hear the name, you think of mystery, suspense, Bond girls, and, of course, those legendary opening theme songs.
Even if you haven’t seen the movies, you’re sure to know the music. The soundtracks of Bond often create just as much excitement as the British secret agent himself.
Across the past 63 years, 25 films have been paired with ballads sung by some of the biggest names in music, with each track aiming to match the tone of its accompanying film.
Not all have been hits - in fact, some have been notoriously bad - but most have succeeded in emulating the spirit of Agent 007.
Below, we rank eight of these classics that have come to be the timeless and legendary sound of Mr Bond.
8. 'For Your Eyes Only' (1981) - Sheena Easton
An 80s ballad through and through. ‘For Your Eyes Only’ makes it feel as though you’re in a dream - perhaps one that James Bond is in, too.
When you hear this, you can picture Sheena superimposed onto those iconic opening credits.
7. 'Moonraker' (1979) - Shirley Bassey
No voice is better suited to a Bond theme than that of Shirley Bassey. There’s something about her on ‘Moonraker' that just feels like James Bond.
Add an orchestral arrangement to the mix and it oozes 007 sophistication.
6. 'Thunderball' (1965) - Tom Jones
This one is very James Bond and very cinematic. The horn arrangement and that silky baritone voice of Tom Jones let you know you’re in for a killer Bond film packed full of action.
It might not be for everyday listening, but it’s something to hit play on when you want to feel like the main character.
5. 'Nobody Does it Better' from 'The Spy Who Loved Me' (1977) - Carly Simon
The magical sound of Carly Simon on ‘Nobody Does it Better’ adds a touch of lusty romance and sadness to Roger Moore’s Bond in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’.
It may be overplayed, but you can’t deny it’s a classic.
4. 'You Only Live Twice' (1967) - Nancy Sinatra
‘You Only Live Twice’ has that Golden Age charm about it.
With its haunting melody, thoughtful orchestration, and Nancy’s angelic vocals, ‘You Only Live Twice’ transports you to the world of Bond.
3. 'Live and Let Die' (1973) - Paul McCartney and Wings
Another hit from the Roger Moore era. The build to the crescendo and tempo changes on ‘Live and Let Die’ take you on a rollercoaster ride.
There’s no better way to convey the thrills of the movie than through this song.
2. 'Goldfinger' (1964) - Shirley Bassey
Shirley Bassey is too good to only include once. ‘Goldfinger’, the first song she recorded for the series, is yet another Bond hit which she does justice to.
Nobody else would have been able to sing it with such raw emotion. It’s an epic and talented piece of storytelling through song.
1. 'Diamonds Are Forever' (1971) - Shirley Bassey
The second song Shirley Bassey recorded, ‘Diamonds Are Forever’, is largely thought to be the number one Bond song, and we have to agree.
Choosing between this and Goldfinger was a difficult task, but there’s something about the intro to Diamonds that just pulls you in, almost as though you’ve been put under a spell.
It’s sexy, magical and eerie in the best way possible.
