Bond at 50: My Favourite Soundtracks

 Although these are mainly based on the Bond theme songs, I classed them as soundtracks, as some of the various instrumentals are simply stunning throughout the franchise.

5. Dr. No (1962)
Best Song: The Original James Bond Theme (Orchestral arrangement by John Barry; composed by Monty Norman)

 I have to include it, it's synonymous not just with Bond, but film soundtracks in general. Though widely acknowledge as Bond stalwart John Barry's piece it was originally composed by low profile and often forgotten film composer Monty Norman. The Bond motif introduces the first Bond film before breaking into a calypso version of "Three Blind Mice", which I don't much care for. However this film soundtrack was also included for one final iconic musical moment. Ursula Andress walking out of the sea singing "Underneath the Mango Tree", to which Sean Connery joins in and makes his presence known. As for the main theme, it's been used in different variations, in every Bond film since, therefore it has to be on this list.

4. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Best Song: Nobody Does It Better (performed by Carly Simon; written and composed by Marvin Hamlisch)

 This would have probably been my number 1 if based on the theme song alone. However the soundtrack is severely hampered by the rest of Hamlisch's score, which tries to capture the late 70's era of music too much. Therefore it sounds awfully dated and not that good. For instance "Ride To Atlantis", really detracts from the fact Bond is driving a Lotus Espirit underwater, it's far too melancholly and makes one of the coolest Bond cars' ride, quite boring and lame. Plus his approach to the Original Bond theme, whilst quite appreciated amongst Bond fans, I think is a too dated. Having said all of that, Bond soundtracks should primarily be judged on the theme song, and "Nobody Does It Better" maybe the best.

3. Goldfinger (1964)
Best Song: Goldfinger (performed by Shirley Bassey; written and composed by John Barry)

 The most iconic Bond theme song only makes it to number 3 on my list. Whilst I agree with consensus, that Shirley Bassey's piece is the best song in the Bond franchise, there are better musical pieces, plus whilst the rest of the soundtrack is solid, there are slight let downs. On the plus side some of the more dramatic parts of the film are appropriately scored, even though it sounds dated, it such iconic music, that it's forgivable. It is also the film where Bond really starts to begin variations on James Bond signature theme, and this is brought to the fore throughout the movie. Which is one of the many reasons that this is probably the most loved film of the franchise.

2. Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
Best Song: Surrender (performed by K.D. Lang; written by Don Black and David Arnold)

 It would be impossible to talk about the James Bond soundtracks and not mention the man who has successfully brought the Bond music into the present day. David Arnold has made an indelible mark on the franchise, and all the high points in the recent outings tend to involve an Arnold piece in some way. Tomorrow Never Dies was his first Bond film, and despite a mediocre Bond film, as well as slightly disappointing title track, Arnold's high octane contemporary score, helps make the film feel more energised and entertaining. As for K.D. Lang's Surrender, it probably should have been the title track for the film, it's up there with Goldeneye in terms of quality, and maybe could be mentioned in the same breath as Goldfinger. Moby's mix of the original Bond theme, although of it's time, is still synonymous with modern Bond and is probably the best electronic foray into Bond soundtracks.

1. On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1968)
Best Song: We Have All The Time In The World - Instrumental (written and composed by John Barry)

 John Barry's work throughout the Bond films is well received and rightly so, he is probably the benchmark for other composers. On Her Majesty's Secret Service is, I think, his best score. The title track holds up very well, even by today's standard and is very Bond-centric. It is however his composition and arrangement on his song written for Louis Armstrong that steals the movie, and in my opinion the greatest piece of music throughout the Bond franchise. It's a piece that is reprised throughout the film, but you can never get sick of hearing it, it's one of the most luscious pieces ever put to film. Though the rest of the soundtrack tries to push the boundaries a bit to far with synthesisers, it is still for me the greatest soundtrack of the series.