7 songs of 007 in 7 decades

With the premiere of the new song of 007, by Billie Eilish, we bring this compilation of 7 original songs made for James Bond, one per decade. We will start with the classic by Nancy Sinatra and end with the new song by Billie, which opens 2020.

You Only Live Twice, Nancy Sinatra – 1967

The original theme was written for the 007 movie in 1967. The music was composed by John Barry, a veteran of musical composition for the James Bond movies. The lyrics are from Leslie Bricusse and the voice is from Nancy Sinatra. This is one of the best songs composed for the famous agent, becoming one of Nancy Sinatra's most heard hits.

Nobody Does It Better, Carly Simon – 1977

This song is of the power ballad genre and was written by Marvin Hamlisch, who wrote and performed other Bond songs during the 1970s. The lyrics are Carole Bayer Sager's and the voice is done by Carly Simon. It was the first theme that did not bear the title of the film, which in this case was The Spy Who Loved Me.

For Your Eyes Only, Sheena Easton – 1982

It bears the same title as the film of which it is the main theme, which was the twelfth feature of James Bond. It was composed by Bill Conti and Mick Leeson. The Scottish Sheena Easton was in charge of the interpretation. This song was a success on the radio and reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United Kingdom. She was also nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards that year.

GoldenEye, Tina Turner – 1995

This song, written by Bono and The Edge and composed by Éric Sierra, was controversial among fans of the Bond franchise, as it included electronic arrangements that resulted in a sound far from the traditional 007 film. However, this leisurely and sexualized rhythm would be the one that new generations directly associate with agent 007. A change made definitely for the better.

Die Another Day, Madonna – 2002

This song, which is the original theme of the film of the same name, is completely full of electronic pop sounds. The one in charge on this occasion was Madonna and it is obvious how it turned out: a worldwide success. She wrote it herself and it was just what the James Bond saga needed after it's previous song, from Garbage in 1999, had failed to gain notoriety in the United States.

Skyfall, Adele – 2012

This song was written by the British singer with the help of Paul Epworth and released on October 5, 2012, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the premiere of Dr. No, the first film of Agent 007. It's a more leisurely song, straying away from the enthusiasm of Madonna. It gives agent 007 more elegance and mystery, which have been two of his main characteristics forever. 

No Time To Die, Billie Eilish – 2020

Written by herself and her brother Finneas O'Connell, who composes and produces most of her songs, No Time To Die was released on February 13. This song also has a slow, dark and elegant tone. The artist, with 18 years, is the youngest singer in history to have written and performed a song for James Bond. The song has the characteristic sounds of the famous spy but also keeps the dark and adolescent style of the singer. A new sound for certain, but it pays homage to the spy tradition.

Read also: Meet the female composer who made history at the Oscars