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Review: Sam Smith – ‘Writing’s On The Wall’ – The Best Modern Bond Theme to Date?

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Nottingham chapter.

‘The name’s Bond. James Bond.’ With those words, ladies and gentlemen, I swoon – especially when the Bond in question is Daniel Craig. In THOSE tight trunks. With the latest instalment of James Bond’s daring deeds (and the promise of more topless scenes), it’s only right that the intriguingly named Spectre, due to be released October 26th, has a stunning Bond theme to match.

From Tom Jones, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner and Shirley Bassey, to Adele with her recent and slightly sinister ‘Skyfall’, the famous Bond theme has been sung by the biggest names in the music business, and is a highlight of each film’s release. It is no secret that the theme of the long-awaited twenty-fourth Bond film, Sam Smith’s ‘Writing’s on the Wall’, has been lauded as one of the hottest songs of the year.

After months of guessing the identity of the artist, and what the theme would sound like, ‘Writing’s On The Wall’ is, indeed, a true Bond theme which lives up to our expectations. A haunting piano melody and soaring strings are combined with Sam Smith’s powerful vocals to create a theme which sticks to tradition yet has its own unique twist.

Although it received mixed responses from critics, many comparing it unfavourably to ‘Skyfall’, I have to be honest in saying that I think this is certainly the best modern Bond theme to date, and is on par with Shirley Bassey’s iconic ‘Goldfinger’. As the first Bond theme to ever take the Number One spot on the Official UK Singles Chart, it would seem that the public agree. With Sam Smith describing the Bond tune as a highlight of his career, there is no stopping Smith’s or Bond’s success.

With the suspense of Spectre to come, let’s hope the film lives up to its spine-chilling theme, today’s abundance of 5 star reviews seems to suggest that it will! I, for one, will certainly be on the front row, singing along and enjoying Bond appearing majestically out of the sea.

Watch the music video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jzDnsjYv9A

 

Review written in association with Renegade Music.

 

Edited by Georgina Varley

Image sources:

http://giphy.com/gifs/serious-james-bond-aBcsaAYpBEtLW

http://giphy.com/gifs/shirtless-james-bond-daniel-craig-ELh8NPtLpKjMk

http://c.directlyrics.com/img/upload/sam-smith-writings-on-the-wall-cover.jpg

English student at the University of Nottingham. Passionate about books, journalism, heritage and chocolate.
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Naomi Upton

Nottingham

Naomi is a third year English student at Nottingham University and Co-Editor in Chief of HC Nottingham. Naomi would love a career in journalism or marketing but for now she spends her time beauty blogging, attempting to master the delicate art of Pinterest, being an all-black-outfit aficionado, wasting time on Buzzfeed, going places, taking pictures and staying groovy.