2673 replies to this topic

[Pussfeller]

The first few times I heard it, I was sure that it wasn't a catchy song. And now it's stuck in my head too.

[JimmyBond]

It does feel samey, but at the same time it feels miles ahead of the Bond songs from the Brosnan era (I only compare it to the Brosnan songs because they were going for a similar ballad approach).

[Dustin]

It does feel samey, but at the same time it feels miles ahead of the Bond songs from the Brosnan era (I only compare it to the Brosnan songs because they were going for a similar ballad approach).

Truth be told I never listened much to them apart from GOLDENEYE. Which if memory serves from my experience was also the only one widely heard on radio. Could well be this will turn the trend.

[S K Y F A L L]

I voted not bad, I'm sure I'll grow to love it and it will stand the test of time but right now I have a difficult time not comparing it to her other huge hits and not the other Bond themes.

[KM16]

All new high.....US iTunes, #2. Knocked off One Direction and PSY. Will it overtake Taylor Swift!?

[Ernst Stavro BIofeld]

I like it alright. I'm sure the song will grow on me though the more I listen to it.

[SecretAgentFan]

I love it. It´s a very traditional Bond tune. Its major accomplishment is not being unusual or surprising with new ideas like "Live and let die" but bringing back the big dramatic ballad to the Bond film universe.

Somehow I like it the more I listen to it - maybe that´s due to my usual high expectations for a Bond song. I probably expected a more soulful, less melodramatic sound. But I absolutely adore the way the song starts and ends, very score-like sounding, and it probably gives us a first impression of how Thomas Newman will score the film (unless this song version is a completely different mix). I can imagine now how the PTS segues into this song and the song segues back into the film.

The background choir repeating Adele´s singing of the chorus is a bit cheesy, isn´t it? But it works.

For me, definitely a huge step forward from AWTD.

I´m wondering whether we will ever get a more laid back tune in the Craig era, another "Nobody does it better"... Well, probably Craig is just too intense for that.

Edited by SecretAgentFan, 05 October 2012 - 06:12 AM.

[Guy Haines]

My reaction to the theme - very good indeed. I agree with those who think we could have done without the backing singing, but apart from that I've no complaints. Adele does a fine job, I'm impressed with the orchestration, and the theme sounds like a Bond theme, albeit an even "darker" one than we're used to. (Reminds me of a more doom-fraught take on DAF.)

I understand Thomas Newman's arranger was involved. If the arrangement for the theme is any guide, the full soundtrack should be well worth listening to.

Incidentally, as a regular reader of The Guardian (And, to balance things out, The Daily Telegraph!) I'd like to disassociate myself from the more negative comments displayed above! :-))

[Dustin]

Well, I suppose the Grauniad has been the target of a little cyber flash there, don't really think that's anything like exemplary for people's reaction overall.

[SecretAgentFan]

Think so, too.

And it´s always fashionable to hate things that are expected to become huge hits. All the Adele-backlashers listen to the new song non-stop anyway...

[Jim]

Fine; I expect I will work very well within the titles. Is that final image on the official quasi-video a gun settling into a river bed? Is that from the film?

[Guy Haines]

Well, I suppose the Grauniad has been the target of a little cyber flash there, don't really think that's anything like exemplary for people's reaction overall.

Probably the "Dave Spart" types have been expressing an opinion about the theme in particular and 007 in general (Private Eye readers will know who I'm talking about!. ;-) )

[Skudor]

Just listened to the Adele song. It's definitely an improvement over the past near-half dozen but not sure it'll quite make the hall of fame of my favourites. Huge improvent though, and great vocals.

[thecasinoroyale]

It's up there with the greats for me - one of the best ballad's for a Bond film in many a year.

I admit I've always been wary of Adele, not being a huge fan, but have to say hearing this won me over for her powerful and haunting vocals. Nothing is loud, in your face and distorted, it's a simple song with fantastic orchestral support delivering a cracking song, perfect for Bond.

I hope it plays out even better mixed with a suitable title sequence, as I think it will be very engrossing, and dare I say very emotional, especially if this is played at the end credits.

Good work Adele - I doth my cap to you.

[JCRendle]

Skyfall is currently #1 on the iTunes chart!

[Goodnight]

According to itunes, in the UK at least, it's top of the singles chart.

That's incredible, given it's been out less than 12 hours

[Shrublands]

Yes, and the BBC are reporting that it is already the iTunes Number 1 in just 10 hours of sale.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...t-arts-19841624

Adele's Bond theme, Skyfall, tops iTunes chart

Skyfall, the new Bond theme sung by Adele, has topped the iTunes chart after being released online in the early hours of Friday morning.

It was number one within 10 hours of being released, overtaking last week's official UK number one Gangnam Style.

[Tuxedo]

A good song on its own that sure will work with the titles. We have to wait and see how it works with the generall tone and story of Skyfall. I have a good feeling about this.

[SecretAgentFan]

Yes, and the BBC are reporting that it is already the iTunes Number 1 in just 10 hours of sale.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...t-arts-19841624

Adele's Bond theme, Skyfall, tops iTunes chart

Skyfall, the new Bond theme sung by Adele, has topped the iTunes chart after being released online in the early hours of Friday morning.

It was number one within 10 hours of being released, overtaking last week's official UK number one Gangnam Style.

That´s how one markets a movie - choosing a real mega star to deliver her follow-up to a massive success as the next Bond song! EON has grabbed the chance and turned it into gold! Congrats!

[marktmurphy]

I do think it's a little bit on the side of boring, but it does a good job at what it does.

I still prefer Another Way to Die. Sorry.

[Dekard77]

No love for AWTD

[SecretAgentFan]

AWTD? Sooo yesterday...

[Simon]

Still think it is a cracking entry - if only they had thought of an alternative to 'crumble'.

Tumble, stumble, ...?

[marktmurphy]

I reckon we'll get a lot of fans turning on this over time: people will start to get bored of it and think it's a bit anti-climatic. It'll work in the film well enough.

[The Shark]

After 5 hours of sleep, I've come to the conclusion that it's a big disappointment. It's quite good and Adele does sell it, but it could have been much more. The vocals don't really go anywhere, and she never has a chance to truly let-rip, as she's proved she can do. The backing vocals are wank (sound like a school assembly - is this the same guy who arranged the wonderful backing vocals in Rolling in the Deep?), the Grade 1 piano recital at the beginning is dull, the songwriters must have been on valium, lyrics are primary school level, and the orchestration too simple. It could have done with a quasi-baroque harpsichord solo (the song's harmonies and bass line remind me somewhat of Bach's Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor), a countermelody during the second or third chorus, or some contemporary electronics. It needs an edge and something unpredictable to hold the listener's interest. I feel like I'm always two or three steps ahead of it as it's playing (doesn't help that it's so damn ponderous), whereas I should be the one playing catch-up.

I still love the "Are your loving arms" bit, though. The string arrangement reminds me of what Carl Bagge did on Lana Del Ray's "Off to the Races", in a good way..

[col_007]

Not a big fan really

[Dekard77]

It's a good sign she doesn't rip her lungs out in this song! Rolling in the deep can be too much for my taste.

AWTD had an extremely unusual sound, can imagine the people who don't like it but I dig it. The fact that it was sparingly used over crawl end crawl wasn't a good idea.

[marktmurphy]

After 5 hours of sleep, I've come to the conclusion that it's a big disappointment. It's quite good and Adele does sell it, but it could have been much more. The vocals don't really go anywhere, and she never has a chance to truly let-rip, as she's proved she can do. The backing vocals are wank (sound like a school assembly - is this the same guy who arranged the wonderful backing vocals in Rolling in the Deep?), the Grade 1 piano recital at the beginning is dull, the songwriters must have been on valium, lyrics are primary school level, and the orchestration too simple. It could have done with a quasi-baroque harpsichord solo (the song's harmonies and bass line remind me somewhat of Bach's Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor) or some contemporary electronics. It needs an edge and something unpredictable to hold the listener's interest. I feel like I'm always two or three steps ahead of it as it's playing (doesn't help that it's so damn ponderous), whereas I should be the one playing catch-up.

I still love the "Are your loving arms" bit, though. The string arrangement reminds me of what Carl Bagge did on Lana Del Ray's "Off to the Races", in a good way..

Ponderous and predictable are probably decent phrases. I don't think it's awful: it's decent, but there's no big hook to catch me and... it's just sort of fine. It's always nice to get someone's different take on a Bond song so it feels fresher than the Arnold efforts.
I like the orchestration, though. Feels very lush.

[The Shark]

Rolling in the deep can be too much for my taste.

It always retains my interest, and it's got enough going on relative to the song's tempo to hide any flaws.

I like the orchestration, though. Feels very lush.

It's good, but there should be more elements coming in as it progresses. It doesn't really develop.

[Dekard77]

Maybe Adele sang in moderation to suit everyone and not try to copy Bassey. A bold choice as it appeals to someone like me who doesn't like her much. But it's the orchestration I'm really impressed with and towards the end there is a strong hint of Barry. I miss that man dearly!!!