Latest Site News

[Liam.k.]

Matt Monro's 'From Russia With Love' can be heard on the radio during the film and later over the closing credits. It was the first theme to be composed by Bond legend John Barry, with lyrics supplied by successful musical songwriter Lionel Bart. The song has an old-fashioned style and there's a Sinatra quality to Monro's voice, but ultimately I think it's too out-dated for today's tastes.



The Bond producers went big with the film 'Die Another Day' in celebration of the franchise's 40 year anniversary and decided to go for a high-profile artist to perform the theme. Madonna was first choice and, together with Mirwais, they played with the Bondian format, chopping up the strings and incorporating electronic swirls and stuttered vocals. For most Bond fans, it was too anti-Bond, so it often appears at the bottom of these lists. For Madonna fans, it's regarded a lot higher - for me, I think it works great as both a Madonna song and a Bond theme. I applaud the risk that was taken and I think there is enough of the Bond formula there. It's dramatic, sinister and edgy.

Results
20. Die Another Day (Madonna) // 13 votes out of 34
21. From Russia With Love (Matt Monro) // 15 votes out of 34
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 3, pick your least favourite.