Ranking every theme song from the James Bond franchise

Nothing against Sam Smith, he's an international pop star who continues to enjoy consistent success. However, someone needs to kick off this list. From the Sam Mendes-directed Spectre, the Smith-crooned "Writing's on The Wall," became the first James Bond theme to reach No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. It won Best Original Song at both the Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. Still, when compared to the rest of the Bond movie theme catalog, it tends to be panned, especially by critics and die-hard fans who are not always in tune with what the younger generation likes. Maybe it's too dramatic sounding. 

Among James Bond film fans and professional music critics, The Man With the Golden Gun theme has long been chided as the worst musical theme within the franchise. Composed by the legendary John Barry and co-written by Don Black, the song was performed by Scottish singer Lulu. Now, Bond themes of the 1960s and '70s have been known for their campiness, on occasion. However, critics felt this tune was beyond healthy camp, and downright obscene due to sexual innuendoes in the lyrics. Over the years, though, some critics have actually softened to the song.

The movie that saw Timothy Dalton take over the James Bond starring role was also the final one in the franchise where the original score was done by the aforementioned John Barry. And, how many Bond fans remember that a-ha, from "Take on Me" fame, performed the title track? The synth-poppers delivered a tune that could very well have been found on a John Hughes movie soundtrack from the same decade. The epitome of early 1980s British pop. Not a bad song, but something that never really fit the mold of Bond music. 

This was the first James Bond theme performed as a duet, featuring two of the business's most respected and celebrated artists, Jack White and Alicia Keys. White also played drums, while Keys was on the piano. The Memphis Horns were also featured, but in the annals of Bond themes, the song never really took off like others of the kind over the years. The tune peaked at No. 81 on the Billboard Hot 100. A rather disappointing showing from that standpoint. It just never seemed to work right.

The second James Bond film soundtrack was composed by the acclaimed David Arnold. He and Don Black co-wrote the self-titled theme, which was, to some surprise, performed by the standout alternative rock outfit Garbage. Not that Garbage wasn't worthy of the gig, but it was an interesting choice. And, a nod to the contemporary popularity of the band and the overall success of alternative music. While singer Shirley Manson delivers her usually potent vocals, it seems Garbage was a bit out of its comfort zone on this effort.

From the movie that saw Pierce Brosnan in his final Bond lead role. It was performed by Madonna, who, one would think, was probably overdue to play a part in the Bond movie musical universe. No stranger to film soundtracks, Madonna, who co-wrote the title theme, delivers a solid effort, and perhaps the most dance-oriented Bond theme to date. Though it might not be every Bond fan's cup of tea, the track was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and two Grammy Awards.

This was Timothy Dalton's second and final film as James Bond. Though not the first choice to perform this Bond theme, the legendary Gladys Knight did the honors. In a retro-like performance, harkening back to those early Bond themes of the 1960s, Knight's effort isn't quite to the Shirley Bassey level (we'll get to her soon), but it's strong enough to rate well among Bond fans. However, it doesn't stand out, and might be considered a missed opportunity for greatness. 

The title theme of the second James Bond movie, and the first where the venerable John Berry took the helm in composing the soundtrack. There are actually two versions of the theme. An upbeat, almost fervent instrumental piece is played during the opening credits of the movie. Then, as the end credits rolled, the lyrical take performed by underrated English singer Matt Monro can be heard. There's almost a lounge-singer approach taken by Monro, which seemed about right for those early Bond pictures. 

Octopussy was released the same year as Never Say Never Again , an "unofficial" Bond film, that starred Sean Connery, but was not produced by Eon Productions. Roger Moore was again in the driver's seat for Octopussy, and the theme "All Time High," was written by John Berry and performed by two-time Grammy Award-winner Rita Coolidge. It certainly has a soft-rock feel, with some subtle jazz undertones, that made it a popular tune to mainstream audiences, but might not have fit in completely well with other more celebrated Bond themes. 

Sheryl Crow co-wrote and performed the theme to this Pierce Brosnan mid-1990s Bond vehicle. Crow beat out plenty of quality competition (Pulp, Saint Etienne, to name a couple) to earn the gig. And she delivers a quality performance that has stood the test of time over the years. Though it's not the first Bond theme that comes to mind, Crow successfully blends the sultry and bombastic vibe that fans have come to love and expect from their James Bond movie themes. 

While Casino Royale is best known for being Daniel Craig's debut in the James Bond role, the Chris Cornell-performed "You Know My Name" is one of two theme songs in the franchise that don't appear on the original film soundtrack. Still, it's one of the more underrated Bond pieces of music, as well as in the catalog of the late Soundgarden legend. While the track certainly has a Bond vibe, it might be the hardest theme in the history of the franchise.

Prominent Welsh singer Shirley Bassey performed three theme songs amid the James Bond film franchise -- all to rather high acclaim. This was the last, but certainly memorable. Although not as popular as the other two Bond offerings from Bassey (we'll get to those soon), "Moonraker" is more than serviceable and captures the poignantly strong vocals that were a trademark of a singer whose legacy was essentially in lockstep with that of James Bond movie music.

When Bond soundtracks moved on from Shirley Bassey, but the need for a commanding female vocal performance was still there, Tina Turner proved more than worthy of the challenge on "GoldenEye," a movie that also introduced Pierce Brosnan in the title role. Having already earned icon status several times over, Turner delivered a subtle cabaret-like version of a tune co-written by U2's Bono and the Edge. It's complete with plenty of soul, yet filled with mainstream pop sensibility expected from Bond themes of the time.  

Written by famed American composer Bill Conti, "For Your Eyes Only" is another Bond theme sung by a star artist of the time. Sheena Easton was among the biggest during a good chunk of the 1980s, and delivered another mega hit that was nominated for both an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award. In addition, Easton also became the first artist to appear in the movie performing the song as seen during the opening credits of the picture. The tune reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

From the fourth Bond film of the same name, "Thunderball" was performed by another legend in Tom Jones. In the annals of the James Bond franchise of films, the pairing of 007 and Jones only made sense. A couple of cool customers, loved by the ladies and good at what they do for a living. However, this was not the original intended theme for the movie. After things didn't work out in that capacity with "Mr Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang", co-written by John Barry and Leslie Bricusse, the former teamed with prominent British lyricist Don Black on "Thunderball." 

The first Bond movie to star Roger Moore, Live and Let Die is also associated with one of the most notable classic rock songs of all time. Beatle Paul McCartney wrote this popular hit with his then-wife Linda, and the bombastic theme became the first Bond theme to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. McCartney regularly played the song with his band Wings and continues to do so during his solo outings. In addition, Guns N' Roses enjoyed success with its cover version from the early 1990s. 

From the most recent Bond movie, and another sign the franchise is turning to some of music's biggest superstars of the day to take on the theme. And, there are not many bigger than Billie Eilish. Co-written with brother and regular collaborator Finneas O'Connell (who also produced the track), Eilish's effort is brilliantly haunting, while following the usual orchestral wonderment of Bond themes from the past. It could be argued that this is Eilish's most mature vocal performance. The piece won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media, Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, Oscar for Best Original Song.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service is known for being the only Bond picture to star the forgettable George Lazenby. However, there are two songs generally worth celebrating from the movie. First, the opening and title cut is the third time the "official" theme was in instrumental form. In this case, more along the lines of the famous Bond instrumental (more on that in a bit. Then, there's the wonderfully composed, beautifully Louis Armstrong-performed "We Have All the Time in the World." It was the last song the legendary Armstrong recorded before his death two years later.

Performed by Nancy Sinatra, the title theme for the fifth Bond film is considered one of the great ballads of the time. Sinatra recorded two versions of the song -- for the movie and the mainstream. Another John Barry composition, "You Only Live Twice" was a top 20 hit and spent 19 weeks in the Billboard Hot 100. Interestingly enough, Nancy Sinatra's legendary father, Frank, was originally offered the chance to record this classic. 

Another Bond movie directed by Sam Mendes, "Skyfall," the third to star Daniel Craig, earned a little more than $1.1 billion to become the highest-grossing Bond movie worldwide. It didn't hurt that Adele was part of the fun, co-writing and performing this stirring theme song. Bombastically soulful, "Skyfall" earned victories at Grammy Awards, Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. However, "Skyfall" joins the aforementioned "You Know My Name," as the only James Bond theme songs that do not appear in original form on the movie soundtrack. 

More magic from Shirley Bassey and John Barry, the title tune from the third Bond movie started the trend of being overlaid over the opening sequence of the film. It also kicked-started the direction of Bond music toward the pop persuasion, and added to the popularity of the movie by delivering a memorable soundtrack with a significantly catchy number to boot. Campy? Sure, but in many regards, Bassey's "Goldfinger" is the quintessential spy/action movie song. 

Sure, true and die-hard fans of the James Bond franchise probably think this is way too high to place what's undoubtedly a pop song. Then again, the 1960s Bond themes were also pop-oriented. Performed by '80s favorites Duran Duran, "A View to a Kill," from Roger Moore's final Bond appearance, the band also co-wrote it with John Barry. It's still the only Bond theme to top the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and earned a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Original Song. 

The soundtrack to this highly popular Bond film was composed by the legendary Marvin Hamlisch. He composed this jewel of the album, a Carole Bayer Sager-penned classic that remains one of fellow legend Carly Simon's most notable hits. In fact, it's one of the great all-time soft rock tracks, reaching No. 2 on the Hot 100 and earning nominations for an Academy Award and a Grammy for Song of the Year. It also has the distinction of being the first James Bond theme song not named after the title of the movie. Though, the phrase "The Spy Who Loved Me" is part of the lyrics. 

In addition to being Sean Connery's final film in the starring Bond role, Diamonds Are Forever also produced what many fans and historians of the franchise is the best James Bond movie theme song. The title cut marked the second of three times the great Shirley Bassey performed a Bond theme. Bassey's vocals are sultry and sexy, and this infectious pop song is a perfect complement to the campy film and suave demeanor of the legendary hero in this particular film. In the James Bond realm, Shirley Bassey is the vocal queen. 

Let's call it nostalgia. Or a nod to where it all began. Regardless, the beloved "James Bond Theme," composed by Monty Norman, a British musician, is one of the most famous and memorable movie theme songs of all time. It debuted in the series' first film, Dr. No, starring Sean Connery (John Barry helped arrange the piece for the picture) and has been a part of every Bond movie going forward. There have been various versions and tweaks to the original within the franchise over the years and the theme's been covered more than 50 times.