From Bassey to Billie Eilish: Ranking Every James Bond Theme Song You’ve Ever Heard!

The James Bond film series is renowned not only for its action, suspense, and iconic characters but also for its unforgettable theme songs. Each Bond movie has featured a signature track that sets the tone for the film and often becomes as synonymous with the franchise as the spy himself. These songs, ranging from bold and brassy to haunting and melodic, have spanned genres and decades, providing a diverse soundtrack to the iconic spy series.

In this ranking, based on research from music-focused sources like Classic FM, we dive into the top 24 vocal Bond theme songs, excluding the instrumental James Bond Theme from Dr. No (1962). From the classics to the more recent hits, here’s a look at how they all stack up based on musical merit.

1. Diamonds Are Forever – Shirley Bassey (1971)

A stunning achievement in both vocal power and dramatic flair, Shirley Bassey’s iconic theme for Diamonds Are Forever takes the top spot. Its bold, sweeping orchestration and Bassey’s impassioned delivery set the standard for all Bond themes that followed.

2. You Only Live Twice – Nancy Sinatra (1967)

This theme stands as one of the most hauntingly beautiful Bond songs. Nancy Sinatra’s smooth yet ethereal vocals, paired with John Barry’s lush orchestration, make this track an unforgettable classic.

3. GoldenEye – Tina Turner (1995)

Tina Turner’s GoldenEye brings a fiery energy to the franchise. Her powerful voice and the song’s strong melody captured the transition of Bond into a new era while maintaining the grit and intensity that fans expect.

4. Nobody Does It Better – Carly Simon (1977)

Written by Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer Sager, Carly Simon’s Nobody Does It Better is a perfect blend of vulnerability and boldness. Its mellow yet enduring qualities have made it a fan favorite for decades.

5. Goldfinger – Shirley Bassey (1964)

Shirley Bassey’s second Bond theme, Goldfinger, is perhaps the most iconic of all. Its unforgettable chorus, dramatic brass, and Bassey’s powerhouse vocals make it the quintessential Bond theme.

6. For Your Eyes Only – Sheena Easton (1981)

Sheena Easton’s For Your Eyes Only brings a pop sensibility to the franchise, with its catchy melody and Easton’s sweet yet assertive vocals creating an unforgettable theme for the 1981 Bond film.

7. License to Kill – Gladys Knight (1989)

Gladys Knight’s License to Kill is a soulful masterpiece that fits perfectly with the darker, more serious tone of the film. Her rich voice and the song’s smooth yet intense instrumentation elevate this track.

8. The World Is Not Enough – Garbage (1999)

Garbage’s The World Is Not Enough is one of the standout themes of the late 1990s Bond era, combining dark, brooding lyrics with a swirling melody that perfectly mirrors the tone of the film.

9. A View To A Kill – Duran Duran (1985)

Duran Duran’s A View To A Kill is an energetic and electrifying pop anthem that stands as one of the best Bond themes of the 1980s. Its driving beat and soaring chorus make it a standout track.

10. Moonraker – Shirley Bassey (1979)

Bassey’s Moonraker is a lush, dramatic ballad that encapsulates the grandeur and strangeness of the film itself. Her emotive vocal performance sets this theme apart as a sophisticated gem.

11. We Have All The Time in the World – Louis Armstrong (1969)

Although it’s not the film’s title track, Louis Armstrong’s We Have All the Time in the World is a poignant, bittersweet ballad that has become one of the most beloved songs in Bond history.

12. No Time to Die – Billie Eilish (2020)

Billie Eilish’s No Time to Die brings a modern, haunting quality to the franchise. Her ethereal voice and the minimalist orchestration fit perfectly with the darker, more introspective tones of Daniel Craig’s final Bond film.

13. From Russia With Love – Matt Monro (1963)

Matt Monro’s From Russia With Love is a smooth, lush ballad that complements the espionage thriller perfectly. Monro’s soothing voice delivers the song’s romantic yet ominous lyrics with understated elegance.

14. Skyfall – Adele (2012)

Adele’s Skyfall is a modern classic, winning numerous awards and establishing itself as one of the most successful Bond songs in recent history. Its powerful orchestration and Adele’s soaring vocals bring a timeless quality to the theme.

15. Tomorrow Never Dies – Sheryl Crow (1997)

Sheryl Crow’s Tomorrow Never Dies is a catchy rock anthem that delivers energy and attitude. Its strong chorus and Crow’s confident delivery make it an underrated gem.

16. You Know My Name – Chris Cornell (2006)

Chris Cornell’s You Know My Name is gritty, raw, and full of energy, perfectly setting the stage for Daniel Craig’s first outing as Bond in Casino Royale. Its intense rock vibe makes it stand out from other Bond themes.

17. Live and Let Die – Paul McCartney & Wings (1973)

Paul McCartney & Wings’ Live and Let Die is one of the most well-known Bond themes. Its blend of rock, orchestral elements, and McCartney’s signature vocals creates a unique and unforgettable experience.

18. All Time High – Rita Coolidge (1983)

Rita Coolidge’s All Time High for Octopussy is a smooth, sultry ballad that captures the essence of the 1980s Bond films. Its mellow tone and Coolidge’s relaxed vocal style make it a standout in the genre.

19. The Man With the Golden Gun – Lulu (1974)

Lulu’s The Man with the Golden Gun is a lively, energetic track with a bold, brassy sound. Its infectious energy perfectly matches the campier tone of the film.

20. Writing’s On The Wall – Sam Smith (2015)

Sam Smith’s Writing’s On the Wall is a haunting, emotional ballad, but its slow pace and overly sentimental tone haven’t made it as widely beloved as other Bond themes. Nonetheless, it earned Smith an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

21. Thunderball – Tom Jones (1965)

Tom Jones’ Thunderball is a robust, operatic performance with an overwhelming sense of grandeur. While it’s a fitting theme for the film, its intense orchestration can feel overblown for some.

22. Another Way To Die – Alicia Keys & Jack White (2008)

The collaboration between Alicia Keys and Jack White on Another Way to Die is experimental, but its clash of styles and unconventional structure makes it less accessible than most Bond themes, earning a mixed reception.

23. The Living Daylights – A-ha (1987)

A-ha’s The Living Daylights is an upbeat, catchy tune, but its ’80s pop sound doesn’t quite fit the iconic, cinematic Bond tone, making it less memorable compared to others in the series.

24. Die Another Day – Madonna (2002)

Madonna’s Die Another Day is a club anthem that attempts to blend the Bond franchise with pop culture. While innovative for its time, the track’s electronic beats and over-the-top production feel out of place within the traditional Bond mold.

Conclusion

The James Bond franchise boasts a rich legacy of iconic theme songs, each capturing a unique moment in time within the series. From the powerful ballads of Shirley Bassey to the modern hits of Billie Eilish, these songs not only define the films they accompany but have also become deeply embedded in pop culture. Whether they’re soaring anthems or more introspective ballads, each song contributes to the franchise’s legacy, making Bond not just a film series, but a musical experience.