The tricky art of the James Bond theme song

Want to record a 007 theme that will go down in music history? This is where to begin.

Music to Bond by.
(Image credit: Illustration by Jackie Friedman | Images courtesy AP Images, iStock, BeatsByDre.com)

Later this month, Sam Smith will unveil "Writing's on the Wall," the theme song for the upcoming James Bond movie Spectre. If it succeeds, it will propel Smith's fame to staggering new heights, introduce him to millions of new listeners, and put him in prime contention for a murderer's row of trophies, including Grammys and an Oscar. If it fails, it will earn Smith an unhappy place in infamy, on its way to an endlessly extended shelf life of being picked apart and mocked by generations of 007 fans.

No pressure, though.

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Scott Meslow

Scott Meslow is the entertainment editor for TheWeek.com. He has written about film and television at publications including The Atlantic, POLITICO Magazine, and Vulture.