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We revisit the best James Bond theme songs | 143053__bassey_l
GOLDENVOICE Bassey, the belter behind several hit Bond themes
Sherry Bassey: Archive Photos/Newscom

Who says James Bond is all about bodacious babes and superbaddies? Through 19 films and five actors, 007 has saved the world with one not-so-secret weapon: hit songs based on the movie titles. Ranging from the cheesy to the cheeky, it's a musical dossier that reflects four decades of shifting pop tastes. ''We pick popular groups,'' says Bond producer Michael G. Wilson, who's been co-running the franchise since 1981's ''For Your Eyes Only,'' ''but sometimes the songs outlast the act.''

In 2001, Capitol Records released ''The Best of Bond... James Bond,'' which features every 007 tune from Shirley Bassey to Sheryl Crow. (Bond aficionados take note: The Bond theme by Shirley Manson's Garbage can be found on the ''World Is Not Enough'' soundtrack; the theme from Sean Connery's renegade flick, ''Never Say Never Again,'' is not included here because it wasn't part of the Bond franchise.)

Of course, the most enduring 007 sound is that slinky guitar-driven Bond riff -- perhaps the most recognizable musical motif in movie history. Played by Brit session guitarist-turned-Bond musician Vic Flick (who earned just $15 for his initial effort), it made its debut in 1962's ''Dr. No'' and is still going strong. The first official song appeared in the next film, 1963's ''From Russia With Love,'' which featured a tune by obscure English crooner Matt Monro over the movie's closing credits. But it wasn't until Bond film No. 3, when Shirley Bassey belted out ''Goldfinger'' over the opening credits, that the music became as essential as Q's gadgets.

Despite the theme music's artistic highs and lows, Danny Biederman, author of the ''Best of Bond'' liner notes, insists, ''People would flip if they made a movie without a song.'' What follows is an oral history of James Bond's record collection.


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