James Bond fans weigh in on their favourite Daniel Craig-era Bond themes - who topped the list?

Virgin Radio

30 Nov 2022, 11:17

It seems James Bond fans have had their say when it comes to the best Bond theme of the Daniel Craig era. 

To celebrate the 60 years of 007, the official Twitter account for the James Bond cinematic franchise asked the big question: “Five Daniel Craig Bond movies. Five iconic themes. Which one have you listened to the most?”

The choice was between Chris Cornell’s You Know My Name from 2006’s Casino Royale, Another Way to Die by Alicia Keys and Jack White for 2008’s Quantum of Solace, Adele’s Skyfall for the 2012 movie of the same name, Sam Smith’s Writing On The Wall for 2015’s Spectre, and the most recent, No Time to Die by Billie Eilish. 

It's hard to pick just one out of the bunch (particularly as the final three all picked up Oscar prizes) but it seems the fans have spoken, and underneath the Twitter post, fans overwhelmingly chose Chris Cornell’s You Know My Name. 

In the thousands of responses, Cornell’s rock hit stood out among the rest, with one fan writing: “There is simply no substitute for Chris Cornell and "You Know My Name". This is also the best Bond movie there is, in my opinion.”

Another commented: “Skyfall is brilliant but Chris Cornell and @DavidGArnold's You Know My Name is outstanding and played a huge important role in introducing Craig as the new Bond.”

A third added: “You Know My Name by the incredible and IMMENSELY missed, Chris Cornell. The theme is reminiscent of the 1960s/70s James Bond songs yet modernized. It's intricate, catchy and memorable.”

Chris sadly passed away aged 52 in 2017, and was widely regarded as one of the best rock voices of his generation, leading the grunge era with Soundgarden, and later fronting Audioslave. 

The poll also brought up questions of the Bond themes that never were, including Radiohead’s take on Spectre. 

Before Sam Smith released Writing’s On The Wall, Thom Yorke and the gang recorded the title track in the hopes it would be picked by producers, but it came in too late, with the band deciding to release it as a B-side in 2011. 

As well as suggesting it’s the best track that never made it, one fan said of Radiohead’s Spectre: “It’s a shame we never got this masterpiece.”

Do you agree?