In last place is the most recent James Bond theme, 'Writing's on the Wall' by Sam Smith. I know it's a polarising track but I think being first out is undeserved. I imagine the heavy use of falsetto is what deters people from the track, but the production has all the drama and intensity you'd expect from a Bond theme and everything comes together so well when you hear it play during the opening credits (I think it may work better in this context than when played as a stand-alone song). Radiohead had originally been approached to compose a track for the film. The band put forward 'Man of War', an outtake from OK Computer, but the producers wanted an original piece in order to be eligible for the Academy Award for Best Original Song. They created 'Spectre' but it was ultimately rejected, supposedly 'too dark' (why you'd ask Radiohead to write a song and be shocked that it was dark!).
We also lose 'Another Way to Die' by Alicia Keys and Jack White, the first and only duet. I have a soft spot for this song but I do agree that it places at the bottom of the Bond themes. It starts off great, I really like the snarling, aggressive electric guitar and I think the piano compliments it well. Jack and Alicia's contrasting vocals work fine in A-B-A-B form but it doesn't work when it comes the chorus, which is already to jarred and awkward. The problems with the song become more prominent towards the end. I remember there being lots of names rumoured to record the Bond theme at the time; Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse were originally signed but the latter's personal problems meant they were unable to, which lead the producers to reach out to various music agencies. 'Forever (I Am All Yours)' by Christian Wolf and Eva Almér can be heard online and Bond theme legend Shirley Bassey recorded a song titled 'No Good About Goodbye' with David Arnold, although the latter has since confirmed the song wasn't written for Bond.
Results
22. Another Way to Die (Alicia Keys & Jack White) // 18 votes out of 52
23. Writing's on the Wall (Sam Smith) // 19 votes out of 52
For Round 2, again pick your TWO least favourites.
I have to admit I voted for those 2 but without re-listening to the old ones, but I did now, and certainly some are worst than Sam
the problem with the SamSmith song is that he over-sings it and ruins it
Good riddance to that Sam track. Maybe not quite "first to go" but def bottom 5. So overrated (in general - obvz not on here lol)
I went for Rita and a-ha.
Madonna has to go next! Also voted Rita Coolidge
I went for 'From Russia With Love' and 'The Man With the Golden Gun'.
'From Russia With Love' just isn't much to my taste and I think Matt Monro's voice is a bit dull and lacks in feeling, especially when compared to the other early Bond themes. I do like the John Barry instrumental that was used over the opening credits though, very vibrant, romantic and exotic.
'The Man With the Golden Gun' is another guilty pleasure of the Bond themes but seems more suited to Austin Powers than James Bond. I can't fault Lulu's vocal though, she gives it her all and it's a belty and provocative performance.
Writing’s On The Wall didn’t deserve to finish bottom here, it’s not that bad!
I don't think Sam's is quite the worst, but I definitely would have been voting for it soon anyway so it's no biggie.
Tom Jones - Thunderball
Chris Cornell - You Know My Name
No way did Sam deserve to be last here. It’s actually one of the best Bond themes for me and I’m not really a huge fan of them personally but if we’re voting on the song it’s a smash!
Back to the poll I voted LuLu and a-ha.
Matt Monro.
Madonna.
Matt Monro & Madonna to die this round.
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