TOP 40/ 60 YEARS OF JAMES BOND MUSIC. This post: #11. More: tomorrow.

The TOP 40 SONGS from

60 YEARS of

 BOND

9Rank: 11

]Title: MOONRAKER

$Performer: Shirley Bassey

)Movie: Moonraker

l Year: 1979

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Shirley Bassey has recorded the most Bond title songs. She remains the yardstick for all subsequent 007 themes, and for good reason. Her execution of the songs for ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ remain timeless precision. For ‘Moonraker’, an understated and different approach was astutely applied. There isn’t much depth in the lyrics, but Bassey injects gravitas and romance in her inimitable way.

‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ was originally to be succeeded by ‘For Your Eyes Only’, but producer Albert R. Broccoli diverted to ‘Moonraker’ in order to cash in on the growing appeal of science fiction.

‘Moonraker’ was directed by Lewis Gilbert, the third and last Bond movie with him in that role. The film’s cast included Bernard Lee in the role of M for the eleventh and final time.

Prior to Bassey being asked to perform “Moonraker”, it has been revealed that Johnny Mathis had been approached, but there are conflicting reports as to why this plan was abandioned. The title song was created by an experienced team. John Barry composed the music. Hal David supplied the lyrics. The former also produced the track.

OP