Gimme Five!: Bond Themes

Honestly, I've only seen one 007 movie, but I've heard tons of the series' theme songs. I'm not a huge fan of action films (though I'm giving Skyfall a shot this weekend), and--don't hate--I almost feel a great Bond theme can pull off even more attitude than the film itself (says the girl who has only seen one of them). Anyway, let's stop talking about the things I don't know about and let's turn to some 007 theme songs that'll make you feel like a secret agent just listening to them.

(And, although I risk losing the reader altogether at this point, Paul McCartney's "Live and Let Die" isn't even on my list. Don't get me wrong, I love McCartney and think he's one of the greatest songwriters of all time, and although it is a really good song, I just don't feel the swagger.)

5) "The World is Not Enough" by Garbage

What?! Garbage makes the list and McCartney doesn't?! This is ludicrous! It's sheer madness! Well, not really. This song is arrogant, dreamy and sensual at the same time, with a classic touch. Are those not also the traits of a perfectly swoon-worthy Bond?

4) "Diamonds are Forever" by Shirley Bassey

There's a good chance that you know this song because of Kanye West's "Diamonds from Sierra Leone" (which is fine because that's also a great song). After Bassey's iconic "Goldfinger," they brought her back for another theme... and another, "Moonraker." A fourth, please?

3) "Another Way to Die" by Jack White and Alicia Keys (Quantum of Solace)

If you don't already know, let me tell you, Jack White is amazing. Along with McCartney, he's one of my favourite songwriters of all time. This song is dark, powerful and hits you hard when you least expect it. (Yet another idealistic embodiment of Bond.) It's also a very unlikely and pleasantly surprising duet.

2) "Skyfall" by Adele

This song is pure brilliance. If you're looking for someone to pick up where Shirley Bassey left off, you've found it. Sign her on right now for two more themes.

1) "Goldfinger" by Shirley Bassey

Well what else would it be? I've already praised her twice. This song is smooth and rich, moving and simply unforgettable.

Stay Classy: Goldfinger

Maybe you’ve never heard of it. Maybe you’ve always wanted to see it. Or maybe you’re just tired of the new. Whatever your reason, the classics are always worth a nod. Every Friday in Stay Classy, we look some of the films that started it all and how they hold up today. So sit back while we reel through the past.

Photo: source unknown

Does anyone really do it classier than Bond? In black tuxes with slicked back hair and timed precision in everything he does, from planting bombs, framing bad guys and opening fire to save the day. Not to mention, he also gets the gal and a shiny, souped-up Aston Martin. That's just Bond for you.

Sean Connery is the original Bond and to many, Goldfinger will forever be untopped. In this film, our hero is on the tail of Auric Goldfinger, trying to figure out and bust his gold smuggling operation. Along the way, he sets off explosives, high-speed chases and love affairs. I mean, come on, he's Bond, James Bond. Supposedly, Goldfinger outsmarts everyone but of course, that's until he's got the smoother spy on his case.

It's a very slow-paced film, definitely one for fans to savour but it can quickly turn off non-Bond aficionados. Dialogue builds slowly and scenes progress in small steps, all in great build up to action that hits hard.

Connery himself is also a compliment to the tone in his calm coolness. He carries a silent you-can't-touch-me attitude, and who wouldn't when it's true. He carries the ideal characteristics of a spy: quick-thinking, collected and always ready. Of course, that is also because he set the precedent for a lot of spy films that followed. He's also got the perfect spy expression, like he always has a secret, and he almost always does.

Another thing Bond films are often noted for are the theme songs and "Goldfinger" sung by Shirley Bassey is a great fit to the intro in her rich, swelling voice over scenes form the film projected onto a woman's body painted in gold, as the sound of violins and brass slither through the hair. It almost feels like contemporary art. It's such a beautiful lead into the film.

Although it was the third film in the series, the film was also a great set-up to the others that would follow, but because it was so successful, some fans say newer additions can never compare. For younger generations, a more relevant comparison would be Goldmember, the Austin Powers series spoof of the film, sort of. Totally different but iconic just the same.

However, if you like Goldmember, there's a good chance that Goldfinger won't be to your taste. Goldfinger is a film that requires patience and an afternoon dedicated solely to relaxing. You won't feel like doing much after this film unwinds your brain into slow-mo world. But if you're looking for something chill and laid-back, this is where it's at.