5 greatest Bond songs and the newest from Sam Smith


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MI6 — This year will mark the release of the 24th James Bond film when "Spectre" releases in November. As has become the custom with Bond films, a theme song has been released in conjunction with the film.

The last Bond film, "Skyfall," featured a song from Adele, which eventually won the Academy Award for best original song. New singing sensation Sam Smith has provided the tune "Writing's on the Wall" for "Spectre" and it is now available.

The new song is already making waves and was on its way up the charts just hours after its release. The new tune has us thinking about Bond songs of the past and which are the best. And since we don't have anything better to do, here are the five best Bond theme songs in commemoration of Sam Smith's newest addition to the Bond catalogue.

You can see my favorite Bond theme songs here on this Spotify playlist.

#5 "Thunderball" – Tom Jones

Somehow a crooner like Tom Jones was just born to sing a James Bond theme song and he got his chance with 1965's "Thunderball."

Jones' song hasn't aged very well over the past 50 years and the less said about the misogynistic lyrics the better. But all in all, Jones' incredible voice and the catchy Bondesque theme are enough to give it a spot on the list.

#4 "Diamonds are Forever" – Shirley Bassey

When you think of classic Bond theme songs it's hard not to think of Shirley Bassey. The songstress lent her voice to three Bond themes including "Moonraker," "Goldfinger" and the one we've placed on this list, "Diamonds are Forever."

Truth be told, "Goldfinger" could have ended up on the list, but "Diamonds are Forever" is just too iconic. It's the classic Bond theme and one that will be the standard for years to come. In many ways "Diamonds are Forever" is the epitome of a Bond theme and the song that many Bond themes have followed.

#3 "Skyfall" – Adele

Adele quickly became a household name with monster hits like "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You." It comes as no surprise that Bond fans were excited when they heard she would be writing and performing the song for the 23rd Bond film "Skyfall."

Adele did not disappoint.

The powerful vocalist managed to write a song that not only hit number two on the charts, but also instantly became one of the greatest Bond themes of all time.

"Skyfall" marked the 50th anniversary for the Bond film series and Adele's smooth, haunting tune was the perfect addition to the festivities. Adele went on to win the Academy Award for best original song for "Skyfall."

#2 "Live and Let Die" – Paul McCartney & Wings

Is it any real surprise that one of history's greatest songwriters ended up near the top of this list?

In 1973, Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney wrote the theme "Live and Let Die" and performed it with Wings. The song is powerful, unique and strangely beautiful.

McCartney is a music legend and his Bond theme manages to transcend the genre and become just a classically fantastic song. It's one of those tracks that as soon as it comes on the radio you have to listen to the whole thing.

#1 "You Know My Name" – Chris Cornell

When the grunge scene hit in the early 90s I'm not sure anyone thought one of the movements most popular bands would have its lead singer lending his talents to perform a Bond theme song, but it happened.

Former Soundgarden and Audioslave front man Chris Cornell wrote and performed "You Know My Name" for Daniel Craig's first turn as Bond in "Casino Royale."

Cornell's incredible voice matches the smooth yet gritty tone of the song and he managed to create one of the best — if not the best — Bond themes we've ever heard.

There's a reason it's at the top of my list.

That's a wrap

My guess is your list differs from mine and I'd love to know how. Let us know what you think are the greatest Bond theme songs of all time.

"Spectre" is due in theaters Nov. 6, 2015.

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About the Author: John Clyde ----------------------------

John has been writing about movies, news, sports and pretty much anything awesome for more than five years. John is the co-host of the Flix Junkies podcast and will always entertain you with his stories.

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