The Most Popular Bond Song, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:31
Throughout the storied history of James Bond films, each new release brings with it a theme song that often captures the essence of the adventure and the era. These songs are more than just introductions; they are a cultural snapshot, encapsulating the style and feelings of their time, making each one distinctly memorable to fans. By voting on your favorite James Bond theme song, you contribute to a collective decision that highlights the most iconic and beloved tracks as seen through the eyes of fans around the world. This ongoing voting not only sparks debates and nostalgia but also helps new listeners identify which tracks have resonated most with audiences, giving a unique insight into the musical legacy of the Bond series.

What Is the Most Popular Bond Song?

  1. 1
    67
    votes
    "Goldfinger" by Shirley Bassey
    Steven Lek · CC BY-SA 4.0
    "Goldfinger" by Shirley Bassey - often cited as the most iconic Bond song, with its brassy horns and Bassey's powerful vocals.
    Goldfinger is the iconic Bond theme song performed by Shirley Bassey. It was featured in the 1964 James Bond film 'Goldfinger' and has since become one of the most popular and recognized Bond songs of all time.
    • Year released: 1964
    • Film: 'Goldfinger'
    • Genre: Pop
    • Composer: John Barry
    • Lyricists: Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley
  2. 2
    52
    votes
    "Live and Let Die" by Paul McCartney and Wings is a rock-infused track with memorable guitar riffs and explosive orchestration.
    Live and Let Die is a theme song for the 1973 James Bond film of the same name. It was written and performed by Paul McCartney and Wings, with McCartney also co-producing the track with George Martin. The song combines elements of rock, pop, and orchestral music, featuring dynamic vocals, intricate guitar riffs, and an explosive orchestral arrangement.
    • Film Release Year: 1973
    • Genre: Rock, Pop, Orchestral
    • Composer: Paul McCartney
    • Producer: Paul McCartney, George Martin
    • Length: 3 minutes 10 seconds
  3. 3
    16
    votes
    "Skyfall" by Adele is a haunting ballad that won an Academy Award and became one of the best-selling Bond themes.
  4. 4
    14
    votes
    "Nobody Does It Better" by Carly Simon is a catchy and romantic song that perfectly captures the suave and seductive nature of James Bond.
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    "A View to a Kill" by Duran Duran is a synth-heavy track that epitomizes the '80s sound and style.
    A View to a Kill is the theme song from the 1985 James Bond film of the same name. It was performed by the iconic British band Duran Duran.
    • Released: May 6, 1985
    • Genre: New wave, pop rock
    • Length: 3:35
    • Writers: John Taylor, Simon Le Bon, Andy Taylor, Roger Taylor, Nick Rhodes
    • Producers: Nile Rodgers, Duran Duran
  6. 6
    4
    votes
    "You Only Live Twice" by Nancy Sinatra is a dreamy and atmospheric tune that perfectly fits the film's Japanese setting.
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    "The Man with the Golden Gun" by Lulu is a funky and energetic song with a memorable chorus and brass instrumentation.
    The Man with the Golden Gun is the title song for the 1974 James Bond film of the same name. The song was performed by Scottish singer Lulu. It is a theme song that reflects the action-packed and glamorous nature of the Bond franchise, with its powerful vocals and energetic orchestration.
    • Release Date: 1974
    • Film: The Man with the Golden Gun
    • Genre: Pop
    • Lyrics by: Don Black
    • Music by: John Barry
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    "Diamonds Are Forever" by Shirley Bassey is another classic Bassey performance, with a lush orchestral arrangement and sultry vocals.
    Diamonds Are Forever is the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name released in 1971. It was performed by Shirley Bassey, an iconic British singer known for her powerful and soulful voice. The song is considered one of the most popular Bond songs and has become synonymous with the franchise. It captures the essence of the Bond films with its glamorous and seductive lyrics.
    • Release date: 1971
    • Film title: Diamonds Are Forever
    • Composer: John Barry
    • Lyricists: Don Black
    • Genre: Pop
  9. 9
    2
    votes
    "For Your Eyes Only" by Sheena Easton is a romantic ballad that showcases Easton's powerful voice and the film's emotional storyline.
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    "Thunderball" by Tom Jones is a bombastic and dramatic track that perfectly captures the action and suspense of the film.
    Thunderball by Tom Jones is the theme song for the 1965 James Bond film 'Thunderball.' It is a high-energy, dramatic song that perfectly captures the spy thriller atmosphere of the film. The song features Tom Jones' powerful vocals and is known for its bold brass instrumentation and exciting orchestral arrangement.
    • Release Date: 1965
    • Genre: Pop, Spy Pop
    • Duration: 3:00
    • Writers: John Barry, Don Black
    • Producer: John Barry

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Ranking factors for popular song

  1. Chart performance
    Analyze how well the song performed on music charts, such as the Billboard Hot 100, UK Singles Chart, or other notable charts around the world. This can be an indicator of the song's popularity and commercial success.
  2. Sales and streaming numbers
    Look at the number of sales and streams the song has garnered since its release – high numbers indicate a popular and well-received song.
  3. Awards and nominations
    Consider any awards, such as the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, or Golden Globe Awards, the song has won or been nominated for. Awards can be an indicator of the song's quality and impact on the industry.
  4. Cultural impact
    Analyze the impact the song had on pop culture and the music industry at the time of its release, as well as its lasting influence. This can include how often the song is referenced in media, covered or sampled by other artists, and its contribution to the Bond franchise's legacy.
  5. Critical acclaim
    Read reviews and articles from reputable music critics and publications to gauge the song's overall reception and standing in relation to other Bond songs.
  6. Song's relation to the Bond film
    Assess how well the song fits with the theme and tone of the corresponding Bond film. A good Bond song typically captures the essence of the film and contributes to its overall success.
  7. Timelessness
    Consider the song's ability to stand the test of time. A popular Bond song should have a timeless quality that continues to resonate with audiences, even decades after its release.
  8. Iconic elements
    Analyze the song's lyrics, melody, and arrangement for any distinctive or iconic elements that contribute to its popularity. Bond songs often have catchy, memorable hooks or unique musical features that help set them apart from other songs.
  9. Performance by the artist
    Take into account how well the artist performs and captures the essence of a Bond song. A strong vocal performance or unique artistic interpretation can enhance the song's overall appeal and popularity.
  10. Public opinion
    Finally, consider the opinion of fans and the general public. Polls, online discussions, and personal experiences can help gauge how well-received a particular Bond song is among listeners.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Bond song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2094 views
  • 200 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular bond song

Background Information: The Iconic Bond Theme Songs The James Bond film franchise has produced some of the most iconic movie soundtracks of all time. From the suspenseful and action-packed instrumentals to the sultry and smooth vocals, the Bond theme songs have become just as famous as the films themselves. Over the years, the series has seen a variety of talented artists lend their voices to the opening credits, including Shirley Bassey, Paul McCartney, Adele, and Sam Smith. Each Bond theme song has its own unique style and character, often reflecting the tone and plot of the film it accompanies. With so many memorable tracks to choose from, it's no wonder that fans continue to debate which Bond song is the most popular.

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