There are certain expectations that come with a theme to the opening credits of a Bond movie- many people have a set idea in their head of what the criteria is- big, brassy, a powerful singer belting out about the villain but theres a lot more diversity than people give this particular musical canon credit for. Theres sweeping and romantic, rocky and dangerous, and... umMadonna. Some of the themes are truly timeless, others are definitely products of their time. As Adeles theme has just been released, allow me to rank the 22 themes weve had (Ive decided not to include John Barrys theme tune, because that is not only completely iconic, but its a theme tune throughout all the films, and not a song specific to any individual film). Ive been impartial and ignored the actual films, instead focusing on each song for its musical calibre. So, without further ado- bum-bum-ba-ba-baaaabum-bum-bum-bum-bum-bum-bum-baaaa.
22. Tomorrow Never Dies
Artist: Sheryl CrowFilm: Tomorrow Never DiesI cant think about anything good in this tune. Sheryl Crow clearly doesnt have the lungs for it, and its too of its time. Crow sounds like shes whining throughout, and the distracting opening effects of a jet eurgh, theres nothing special or notable about this. With one exception, Brosnans films had a terrible time of it in regards to the opening theme, and this is definitely the worst.
21. Die Another Day
Artist: MadonnaFilm: Die Another DayOh dear. What more can be said of this. Sigmund Freud? Whats all that about? Now, Ive never liked Madonna, and this and the fact she appeared in the film (as if SheenEastons appearance in the opening titles of For Your Eyes Only wasnt weird enough) didnt help. This is not Bondy, its not interesting, it doesnt take you on a journey and set you up for the ensuing adventure, you just want it to end. It only just tops the previous entry because Madonna carries some clout and its not quite as weak as Crows entry.