59 replies to this topic

[LadySylvia]

Ah . . . the best of the main title songs.

Number one for me is THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, sung by Carly Simon. Heck, not only do I love the song, but it goes well with the Maurice Binder's artwork. Okay, here are my other favorites:


2. GOLDFINGER, which is sung by Shirley Bassey and in my opinion, the best thing about the movie.

3. LIVE AND LET DIE - this is the only Bond movie I can hear on an Oldies radio station. Paul McCartnery's best post-Beatles work.

4. YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE - great song by Nancy Sinatra. Very beautiful.

5. YOU KNOW MY NAME (from "CASINO ROYALE") - not a favorite with the critics, but it has become a favorite of mine.

6. MOONRAKER - A very beautiful song performed by Shirley Bassey. Very atmospheric.

7. OHMSS - great instrumental by John Barry

8. THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH - also not a favorite with the critics, but a favorite with me. My favorite of the Brosnan films.

9. DR. NO - another great instrumental.

[Licence_007]

Favourite

1.Nobody Does it Better - Carly Simon's song just captures the character of
Bond. Simply the best Bond song.
2.A View to a Kill - A brilliant 80s track by a great 80s band, always
been amongst my favourites. Shame about the film
though.
3.The Living Daylights - My love for 80s music continues and this track is
brilliant for the film.

Honourable Mention

You Know my Name - Chris Cornell

Least Favourite

Die Another Day - Brave attempt at a new style. Just didn't work
though.

[Cruiserweight]

Favorites:
1.Live And Let Die
2.A View To A Kill
3.The Living Daylights
4.Moonraker


Worst:
1.The World Is Not Enough
2.From Russia With Love
3.You Only Live Twice
4.Die Another Day

[Double-Oh Agent]

Favorites:

1. A View To A Kill
2. The Living Daylights
3. James Bond Theme

Least Favorites:

1. Never Say Never Again
2. Moonraker
3. Goldfinger

[john.steed]

Thinking about it, I found that there were several songs that I really liked. My favorites among very crowded field are:
1. Goldfinger
2. Nobody Does It Better
3. Live and Let Die

While not a title song, I also love All the Time in the World love montage.

On the other hand, there are no songs that I really dislike. However, most likely it is just my taste in music, but I find that I simply can not remember most of the songs in the Brosdan/Craig eara. For example, I simply can not recall the theme to The Living Daylight and I watched three days ago!

[sharpshooter]

Favourites in no order:

Live and Let Die
The Living Daylights
Nobody Does it Better
GoldenEye
You Know My Name
You Only Live Twice
Diamonds Are Forever
The World is not Enough
Moonraker

[HildebrandRarity]

I'll get more indepth and include the title sequences in my ratings...


Favorite Instrumental:

OHMSS...a driving tour de force by Mr Barry

Favorite Songs:

YOLT...beautiful, moody and haunting.

DAF...sexy and Bondian as hell with a powerful base line.

LALD...ground-breaking, frenetic and evocative.



Good song made better by Titles:

You Know My Name...best lyrics in a long time with a tune that's referenced well in the score. Klienmann Rocks!


Good song/poor lyrics:

AVTAK...a punchy rocker let down by sub-par lyrics and sub-par, dated Titles.


Sub-par song made better by the Titles.

DAD...Klienmann's work enhances the song in the context of what's up on screen but, on it's own, it's bottom half stuff.

GoldenEye...As above with Klienmann's first outing really enhancing the product within the context of the movie. Without Klienmann, the song's a snoozer.


Bottom quartile stuff:

TLD...Dated song for a top half James Bond film and, indeed, a top half James Bond score.

ATH from Octopussy...slow and tired. Sorry but it's a real yawner

Moonraker...same as directly above but with a better Binder Title.

NSNA...the bottom of the barrel from a week decade for James Bond songs.

[Qwerty]

Keep those votes coming in.

[chrisno1]

As it says SONGS i am excluding themes.

BEST:

1. GOLDFINGER - Its just inspired, everything comes together at once, powerful, sexy, and well used through the rest of the film

2. WE HAVE ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD - Virtually unnoticed in 1969, I always loved this song and it has become a romantic standard on radio thanks to that Guiness advert.

3. NOBODY DOES IT BETTER - Carly Simon singing the praises of our hero, simply beautiful

WORST:

1. THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN - Just horrible, corny lyrics and a dreadful delivery from Lulu

2. TOMORROW NEVER DIES - What on Earth was everyone thinking, not nly is KD Langs song better, but Moby'd 007 theme is better too, and we have to have this rubbish thrown at us. The things we Bond fans have to put up with.

3. THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS - I'm not an enthusiast of most post 1979 Bond songs, but Aha kinda cloned Duran Duran IMO; the song is horrific, but John Barry uses it well in the movie.

I didnt include CR'67 or NSNA, but THE LOOK OF LOVE is excellent and NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN is terrible.

[Aris007]

Best 4

1.On Her Majesty's Secret Service: For me the best soundtrack on a Bond film. No lyrics just amazing music. Well done!
2.Live and Let Die: Very good performance and music as well!
3.You Know my Name: Powerfull rock song by Chris. Not a good first impression, but liked it after 5 or 6 times!
4.A View to a Kill: Duran- Duran at their best!

Worst 4

1.From Russia with Love: The music is awfull! The song on the end credits is far better!
2.Thunderball: Tom Jones? I'd prefer a more powerfull perfopmance by him!
3.The Man With The Golden Gun: Awfull voice isn't it?
4.You Only Live Twice: Bad film, bad song!

[john.steed]

Best
1. Goldfinger- Love the song and a good introduction to the best of Bond's vilians.
2. Live and Let Die- Fun song that reminds me of my high school days. Especially nice having a song written by a Beatle after Bond's crack about the Beetles in Goldfinger.
3. "Nobody Does It Better" If Goldfinger sums up the films villians, this one sums up its hero.

Worst:
Here's the rub, with the exception of LTK, I can barely remember any of the song since TLS. Hence, a tie among TLD, GE, TND, TWINE, DAD and CR.

[sthgilyadgnivileht]

Favourites

The Living Daylights. Perhaps the last great bond theme, a cracking tune that works for the movie, just what a Bond title song should be.
OHMSS. Amazing, John Barry at his best. Because we hear it in the titles, we know it when it plays against those epic action scenes and it just makes them even better.
Goldfinger. The one that started it all. Influential.

Worst

TWINE. A good tune, but does nothing to enhance the film. I doubt anyone who saw the movie in the cinema would be singing or thinking about it on the way home.
Goldeneye. For the triumphant return of Bond, this song is a letdown. Evidence a Bond theme is about much more than just getting a talented vocalist to belt out the lyrics.
Thunderball. Only because it sounds like it was written in a hurry.

[RJJB]

Best Songs
1. Goldfinger
2. Thunderball
3. From Russia With Love

These are songs for which their connection to the movie is far more important to the movie. They are part and parcel of the entire movie package and are not focused on being a pop hit. I admit, I am an older guy, and these songs meant a lot more to me because they were Bond songs. Probably a bit "square", not at all any kind of rock music, but I always liked them.

Worst Songs
1. Nobody Does it Better
2. All Time High
3. Live and Let Die

The first two songs are wimpy songs in which the singer's droning is horrible. But the fit the quality of the movies they support. Live and Let Die is just a horrible turn to the pop music emphasis. It may have been a hit song, but it signaled a serious reduction in song quality, especially as a Bond song. The fact that it gets used in Shrek 3 indicates that there is nothing special about this garbage.

[Qwerty]

Keep the entries coming!

[Zorin Industries]

Best Songs
1. Goldfinger
2. Thunderball
3. From Russia With Love

These are songs for which their connection to the movie is far more important to the movie. They are part and parcel of the entire movie package and are not focused on being a pop hit. I admit, I am an older guy, and these songs meant a lot more to me because they were Bond songs. Probably a bit "square", not at all any kind of rock music, but I always liked them.

Worst Songs
1. Nobody Does it Better
2. All Time High
3. Live and Let Die

The first two songs are wimpy songs in which the singer's droning is horrible. But the fit the quality of the movies they support. Live and Let Die is just a horrible turn to the pop music emphasis. It may have been a hit song, but it signaled a serious reduction in song quality, especially as a Bond song. The fact that it gets used in Shrek 3 indicates that there is nothing special about this garbage.

I always despair when people use such final statements as "it signalled a serious reduction in song quality" when all that is really saying is "I didn't like it and neither did the last person I read online".... In the case of LIVE AND LET DIE, I think the movie going public (who kept the song at the top of the Billboard charts for two weeks), the Grammys (who nominated it four times and gave it one gong), the Academy Awards and the British chart paying public thought otherwise in 1973.

[DR76]

FAVORITES:

1) "Nobody Does It Better" ("TSWLM") - In my opinion, it was robbed of Oscar gold. Great performance by Carly Simon. The best, as far as I'm concerned.

2) "Live and Let Die" ("LALD") - Another Bond song robbed of Oscar gold. A triumph for Paul and Linda McCartnery, along with George Martin.

3) "Goldfinger" ("GF") - One of the movie's few redeeming qualities was this first-rate song performed by Shirley Bassey. An instant classic.



LEAST FAVORITES:

1) "Goldeneye" ("GE") - This song is pure crap. The worst in the franchise, as far as I'm concerned. Poor Tina Turner.

2) "The Man With the Golden Gun" ("TMWTGG") - Lulu sang this song. Does it even have a beat?

3) "Another Way to Die" ("QoS") - Alicia Keys and Jack White performed this very unmemorable song.

[singleentendre]

Best:

1. Nobody Does It Better

For me, NDIB is the quintessential Bond song. Carly Simon really hits a homerun here. The song never meanders and really is quite powerful. Definitely one of the most romantic songs EVER, let alone with Bond.

2. The World Is Not Enough

I don't even know where to start with this one. The lyrics, the vocals, the background, all outstanding. As someone earlier in the thread said, it's quite haunting. And it goes great with one of my favorite title sequences ever. A++

3. Licence to Kill

Catchy and powerful, LTK will always be a favorite of mine. And clocking in at 5+ minutes, it's a great and immersive listening experience. Though I feel it got a bit chopped up for the LTK titles, it still stands up great in the movie.


Worst:

1. Tomorrow Never Dies

I'd just like to say that I like/love most Bond songs. There's not really any that I hate. Except this one. It starts out ok. Then it just...I don't even know. UNTIL THE DAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY is neither inspired nor fun to listen to nor musically sound. It's just noise. Like TWINE, it has a matching title sequence, one that I hate that is.

2. All Time High

This is a very sweet slow song that I really enjoyed the first time I watched Octopussy. I think it fits great in the closing credits. In the opening credits...not so much. It just doesn't have enough energy to pull off being a Bond song.

3. For Your Eyes Only

It's just not my type of song. That's all. I don't hate it, I don't even really dislike it; I just feel neutral about it.

[danielcraigisjamesbond007]

Favorites:
1) The James Bond Theme (Dr. No)(How could anyone HATE it???)
2) You Know My Name (Great, great song for a great, great movie.)
3) Live and Let Die (Classic Bond song. )
4) Another Way to Die (Originally I LOATHED this song. Come to think of it, I first saw it on some football program. Anyone know what I'm talking about? Anyways, I thought, "WHAT HAVE THEY DONE?!" However, after a couple of times listening to the song, I really like it. It could have done without the third set of lyrics ("Another girl with her finger on the world...")


Worst:
1) The Man with the Golden Gun ()
2) Licence to Kill ()
3) The World is Not Enough ()

[Tybre]

Favorites

1. The Living Daylights
2. You Know My Name
3. Nobody Does It Better

Worst

1. Goldfinger HERESY! Sorry, but it just annoys me to no end...
2. Tomorrow Never Dies
3. The World Is Not Enough

2 + 3 of worst are just...lazy...wimpy...uninspired...crap...

[DaveBond21]

3. Licence to Kill

Catchy and powerful, LTK will always be a favorite of mine. And clocking in at 5+ minutes, it's a great and immersive listening experience. Though I feel it got a bit chopped up for the LTK titles, it still stands up great in the movie.

I hate the way it's chopped up in the LTK titles, rendering it meaningless. I think it's a great song when heard in its entirety.

[Blofeld's Cat]

Best: Live And Let Die

Least Best: All Time High

[Safari Suit]

3. Licence to Kill

Catchy and powerful, LTK will always be a favorite of mine. And clocking in at 5+ minutes, it's a great and immersive listening experience. Though I feel it got a bit chopped up for the LTK titles, it still stands up great in the movie.

I hate the way it's chopped up in the LTK titles, rendering it meaningless. I think it's a great song when heard in its entirety.

Perhaps, but at least there Gladys Knight sings "licence to kill" and not "licence to kilt"!

A good thing we were spared "A view to a kilt".

[Double-Oh Agent]

3. Licence to Kill

Catchy and powerful, LTK will always be a favorite of mine. And clocking in at 5+ minutes, it's a great and immersive listening experience. Though I feel it got a bit chopped up for the LTK titles, it still stands up great in the movie.

I hate the way it's chopped up in the LTK titles, rendering it meaningless. I think it's a great song when heard in its entirety.

Perhaps, but at least there Gladys Knight sings "licence to kill" and not "licence to kilt"!

A good thing we were spared "A view to a kilt".

Actually, Gladys Knight doesn't sing "licence to kilt". She really does sing "licence to kill". What is heard is her backup singers who are echoing Gladys' phrase with the words "to kill". But they say it so close to her "licence to kill" line that it sounds like she's saying "licence to kilt".

Actually, I miss the "to kill" echoes in the main titles whose absence makes the song sound incomplete, but I can understand why they were edited out.

Still, I wish with a title like Licence To Kill that we would have gotten a real rock song a la A View To A Kill and The Living Daylights rather than a ballad. How in the world can you have a title like Licence To Kill--in a revenge-themed movie no less--be a ballad?

[00Jaws]

Best:
1. Shirley Bassey - Goldfinger
2. Duran Duran - A View To A Kill
3. Tom Jones - Thunderball


Worst:
1. Rita Coolidge - All Time High
2. Lulu - The Man With The Golden Gun
3. Gladys Knight - Licence To Kill

[staveoffzombies]

Best:

1. You Know My Name - Sets the tone perfectly for the film. Energetic and full of life.
2. Diamonds are Forever - Out of the three great tunes by Shirley Bassey, this is my favorite. A great performance and some of the most suggestive lyrics in the series.
3. You Only Live Twice - I've always loved the music in this one and Nancy's vocals fit perfectly over top.

Nobody Does it Better and Live and Let Die are close fourth and fifth...

Worst:

1. Licence to Kill - Almost painful to listen to. The backing vocals are painful and it doesn't fit the film at all.
2. Another Way To Die - I don't care for the vocals at all in this one and the backing music does nothing for me.
3. All Time High - I normally enjoy the ballads, but this one is so dull and lifeless.

Edited by staveoffzombies, 08 July 2009 - 11:37 PM.

[jrcjohnny99]

Best

Moonraker - Shirley Bassey
Wonderful song that cathes the otherworldly elements of the movie; Pure class with one of Barry's most romantic melodies.

Goldfinger - Shirley Bassey
Shirl again with the granddaddy of all Bond songs; it epitomises 60s Connery Bond and perfectly matches the film.

Nobody Does It Better - Carly Simon
If Goldfinger epitomises Connery, then NDIB does it best for Roger..timeless lyrics and a wonderful vocal.

You Only Live Twice - Nancy Sinatra
One of Barry's greatest moments..those strings! wonderful vocals and a classy, world traveller kind of feel.

We Have All The Time In The World - Louis Armstrong
Elegic and moving, once again Barry delivers the goods, fits the movie perfectly and one of those Bond songs that stands completely apart from the film


Not the best...

The Man With The Golden Gun - Lulu
Just plain average; I've never liked Lulu's voice and this doesnt help; very uninspired from Barry (and probably his weakest score)

The Living Daylights - Aha
Not terrible..just a little weak and for me did not match up with the movie; where LTK should've had a rock song, TLD needed a big Barry ballad.

The World Is Not Enough - Garbage
Alas, just bland. a shame as I like the band, but this is what happens when bands try to write a "Bond" song. they should first just concentrate on writing a "good" song.

Die Another Day - Madonna
Aful. Doesn't even sound like a Bond song.

Never Say Never Again - Lani Hall
arrrgghhhhhh

I only imcluded main title or principal songs..otherwise that horrible Eric Serra effort would be the very bottom!!!

[Tybre]

3. Licence to Kill

Catchy and powerful, LTK will always be a favorite of mine. And clocking in at 5+ minutes, it's a great and immersive listening experience. Though I feel it got a bit chopped up for the LTK titles, it still stands up great in the movie.

I hate the way it's chopped up in the LTK titles, rendering it meaningless. I think it's a great song when heard in its entirety.

Perhaps, but at least there Gladys Knight sings "licence to kill" and not "licence to kilt"!

A good thing we were spared "A view to a kilt".

Actually, Gladys Knight doesn't sing "licence to kilt". She really does sing "licence to kill". What is heard is her backup singers who are echoing Gladys' phrase with the words "to kill". But they say it so close to her "licence to kill" line that it sounds like she's saying "licence to kilt".

Actually, I miss the "to kill" echoes in the main titles whose absence makes the song sound incomplete, but I can understand why they were edited out.

Still, I wish with a title like Licence To Kill that we would have gotten a real rock song a la A View To A Kill and The Living Daylights rather than a ballad. How in the world can you have a title like Licence To Kill--in a revenge-themed movie no less--be a ballad?

Personally I think it works quite well with the film *shrug*

[Dekard77]

1.Moonraker- Can I say dreamy or epic? It sets the tone for the movie and compliments Binder's titles also it even leaves your head.
2.Thunderball-every bit of 60's Bond. A classic whether it's Tom Jones vocals or Barry's trumpets I love it.
3.Another Way To Die - I know am going to get slapped for choosing this song, but when you watch it with the titles it's very catchy especially on the big screen. Also love the bit where Alicia Keys sings 'son of b..."

Honourable Mentions
1.Diamonds Are Forever- Barry goes full jazz on this and it holds up to this date.
2.Live and Let Die- I love the instrumental part more than the lyrics and again it compliments the titles and very memorable.
3.From Russia With Love-main titles instrumental version. Unforgettable and tres cool.

[O.H.M.S.S.]

FAVOURITES

1 - Nobody Does It Better (Carly Simon)
2 - You Only Live Twice (Nancy Sinatra)
3 - Goldfinger (Shirley Bassey)
4 - Diamonds Are Forever (Shirle Bassey)
5 - For Your Eyes Only (Sheena Easton)
6 - A View to a Kill (Duran Duran)
7 - On Her Majesty's Secret Service (The John Barry Orchestra)
8 - Licence to Kill (Gladys Knight)
9 - GoldenEye (Tina Turner)
10 - Moonraker (Shirley Bassey)

LEAST FAVOURITE

1 - Thunderball (Tom Jones)
2 - You Know My Name (Chris Cornell)
3 - Live and Let Die (Paul McCartney & Wings)

Edited by O.H.M.S.S., 12 July 2009 - 01:02 PM.

[quantumofsolace]

Worst
QOS. A mess of styles.
DAD. I expected brilliance as she had done great movie themes before but this was bad. When I first heard it I thought it was a bad dance remix.
TMWTGG. Doesn't Barry hate this one? It's a catchy tune but not right for Bond.

Best
MR. It's a lovely song, beautifully sang and creates that floating in space ambience perfectly.
LALD. A departure from the formula and a good rock track . Paul was at the height of his non-Beatles powers here.
CR. A good muscular rock song to herald the Craig era. Not a brilliant song but it works well with the tone of the film and the prescence of Craig.