Spectre title song - Writing's on the Wall

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  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    talos7 wrote: »
    With that said George Michael would have owned this, as would have Elton John and the late Freddie Mercury

    I tend to agree with this. George Michael in particular would have killed it.
  • Posts: 4,599
    I remember that there was a thread where we discussed who would have done a great theme song and George Michael came up. Its a shame that so soon after SS's song came out, we are discussing who could have done a better job. But impossible to disagree. GM proved that he had a great talent for being both sensitive and powerful. We had an embarrassment of riches within the UK pop industry at one time and now we seem to be a little thin on the ground. Poor old George, he would have done a stunning job IMHO
  • CatchingBulletsCatchingBullets facebook.com/catchingbullets
    Posts: 292
    Mercury would have done an AMAZING Bond song.

    Good call.
  • They should have teamed Barry with Queen in the early eighties. Imagine that!
  • CatchingBulletsCatchingBullets facebook.com/catchingbullets
    Posts: 292
    shamanimal wrote: »
    They should have teamed Barry with Queen in the early eighties. Imagine that!

    Oh my! Too good a prospect.

  • CatchingBulletsCatchingBullets facebook.com/catchingbullets
    Posts: 292
    shamanimal wrote: »
    I was waiting for the 'homophobia' accusations aimed at those of us that said the song wasn't 'manly' enough. It's like saying people who don't want a black Bond, (I'm one of them), are racist. It doesn't work like that, and it's a little insulting to be honest.

    It's honestly not meant to be insulting. Honest. I am not the first to see that - from wider media reactions. And some of them are from within the pink press too.

    But like others have said, that can of worms ain't worth it. Certainly not over a song from a movie.


  • Totally on board with this now. Once I burned it onto CD and played it on my tv. I got it. Very Bondian! The ending should have been more grand and bombastic though.
  • I've just listened to Lana Del Ray's new album, Honeymoon, it's really superb. She would have done a fabulous Bond song. Instead we've got this pony & trap!
    It does sap your enthusiasm for 'Spectre'.
    Hopefully eon will have the wisdom to ditch it.
  • SarkSark Guangdong, PRC
    Posts: 1,138
    bondjames wrote: »
    I don't remember anyone remarking on Chris Cornell saying "he's just way too masculine".
    James Bond can never be 'too masculine' imho. Quite simply, that's why there were no remarks to that effect about Cornell. I think it's inappropriate and just plain wrong to associate some of our disgust about this song with any implications about our views on gays. That is a false equivalence. Sure I think the song sounds 'girly', but that has no reflection on my view of Smith. If Cornell had sung the song this way I would have said the same thing about it. Thank goodness he did not.

    As usual, you're right. Being masculine is one of the defining traits of Bond. That's why we won't complain about Cornell being too masculine in YKMN. the criticisms of the song that some see as homophobic exist because those qualities aren't part of Bond's character. If one of the sappy love ballads from Roger's era had been sung from Bond's perspective people would be up in arms too.
  • TuxedoTuxedo Europe
    Posts: 251
    bondjames wrote: »
    @Tuulia, that's a good question about the influence of the song.

    Sam Smith was chosen for his current popularity. His purpose first and foremost imho was to create awareness for the film, and to cast a wide net (like Adele). He has succeeded. Now the trailers and word of mouth will do the rest (in terms of getting people into theatres) but at least with all the press (good and bad) enough people know there is a James Bond movie out there with a song sung by Sam Smith. Mission accomplished.

    In terms of it driving people to the theatre, that is a different question. It may, since more people know about it.

    Speaking from my personal perspective, my enthusiasm for SP has diminished dramatically. I know it's irrational, but that's the way I feel at this point. I'm sure the film will turn me around and I hope the score will do the same, but the sheer depressiveness/god awful misery of this song (to me) has certainly taken away that eagerness I had.....I won't deny it. Even Madonna didn't do that for me. That song was crap, but it was not depressive.

    The good news about this is the film can only be better than this song for me. So I'm one who is likely going to be very positively surprised in the theatre. I cannot be let down any more than I am now, and that's a good thing from my perspective.

    Great post! I feel exactly like you.
  • CASINOROYALECASINOROYALE Somewhere hot
    Posts: 1,003
    So when will the music video be released and YouTube version?
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,727
    Well Rita Coolidge's 'All Time High' wasn't very manly either but it's still a good song.
  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    edited September 2015 Posts: 11,139
    bondjames wrote: »
    Speaking from my personal perspective, my enthusiasm for SP has diminished dramatically. I know it's irrational, but that's the way I feel at this point. I'm sure the film will turn me around and I hope the score will do the same, but the sheer depressiveness/god awful misery of this song (to me) has certainly taken away that eagerness I had.....I won't deny it. Even Madonna didn't do that for me. That song was crap, but it was not depressive.

    That is surprising to read. Surely, you've seen the trailers which incidentally were made after Smith wrote the song; in fact SP had done less than 5 weeks of filming by the time he was done. Everything we've seen so far in terms of quality, enjoyment and excitement clearly stands independently from Smith's 20 minute effort which he cranked out shortly after everyone came back from the Christmas holidays.
  • dominicgreenedominicgreene The Eternal QOS Defender
    edited September 2015 Posts: 1,756
    Why is everyone set that this song is being sung from Bond's perspective? Sam Smith just said he was "playing a character".

    "Spend a lifetime running, and I always get away."
    sounds similar to:
    "You crossed me so many times, yet you never saw me."
    Just saying.
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy My Secret Lair
    Posts: 13,384
    After many plays, I'm loving it. :)
  • I never imagined the themes to be sung from Bond's perspective, but rather by an onlooker who sings about themes that allude to Bond's life and the tragic burden of having to be the one who passes judgement. The lyrics are one of the aspects of this song that I don't have any problems with. Actually, I'm sort of ok withthe song as a whole now. There will be better themesongs, there will be worse. Why keep nitpicking and spoil all the fun for yourself when there's still a great movie coming up? :D
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    edited September 2015 Posts: 17,727
    DrGorner wrote: »
    After many plays, I'm loving it. :)

    Yes, I'm finding that it certainly improves the more you listen to it - you accept and assimilate it in effect! :)
  • echoecho 007 in New York
    Posts: 5,921
    I never imagined the themes to be sung from Bond's perspective, but rather by an onlooker who sings about themes that allude to Bond's life and the tragic burden of having to be the one who passes judgement. The lyrics are one of the aspects of this song that I don't have any problems with. Actually, I'm sort of ok withthe song as a whole now. There will be better themesongs, there will be worse. Why keep nitpicking and spoil all the fun for yourself when there's still a great movie coming up? :D

    It depends on the song. NDIB and TWINE are clearly from Anya and Elektra's perspectives. YKMN and SF are from Bond's.
  • echo wrote: »
    I never imagined the themes to be sung from Bond's perspective, but rather by an onlooker who sings about themes that allude to Bond's life and the tragic burden of having to be the one who passes judgement. The lyrics are one of the aspects of this song that I don't have any problems with. Actually, I'm sort of ok withthe song as a whole now. There will be better themesongs, there will be worse. Why keep nitpicking and spoil all the fun for yourself when there's still a great movie coming up? :D

    It depends on the song. NDIB and TWINE are clearly from Anya and Elektra's perspectives. YKMN and SF are from Bond's.

    It still feels descriptive to me. 'The coldest blood runs through my veins, you know my name', doesn't feel like something Bond would think about himself. Maybe it's true, but someone else filled that in for him.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,727
    echo wrote: »
    I never imagined the themes to be sung from Bond's perspective, but rather by an onlooker who sings about themes that allude to Bond's life and the tragic burden of having to be the one who passes judgement. The lyrics are one of the aspects of this song that I don't have any problems with. Actually, I'm sort of ok withthe song as a whole now. There will be better themesongs, there will be worse. Why keep nitpicking and spoil all the fun for yourself when there's still a great movie coming up? :D

    It depends on the song. NDIB and TWINE are clearly from Anya and Elektra's perspectives. YKMN and SF are from Bond's.

    It still feels descriptive to me. 'The coldest blood runs through my veins, you know my name', doesn't feel like something Bond would think about himself. Maybe it's true, but someone else filled that in for him.

    I think there was a poster over on CBn who years ago explained what it all meant - some lines from M, some from Bond etc.
  • ShardlakeShardlake Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
    edited September 2015 Posts: 4,043
    I'm going to make one more comment then I won't come into this thread or any other discussing the song.

    I've heard it once and I'm sorry I don't like it, quite passionately in fact I personally think it's terrible but then a good few of you like it but that's my opinion. I'm not sure how I'm overreacting by saying this. I can see those who would have most likely been similar if I'd got my dream and Radiohead would have been the artist.

    The one factor it's always going to fall down for me is his voice, I just don't like it, I think it sounds weak to me and no I'm not taking pops at Sam Smith's sexuality. He could have been straight and sung the same way and my opinion would be just the same and I take great offense that anyone would imply I'm homophobic because I don't like it, I most certainly are not.

    The same way I've heard people say I can't listen to Guns n Roses because of Axl Rose's voice. I can't personally see why you would deprive yourself of one of the greatest rock debuts of all time and one of the best full stop rock albums of all time but if the voice is that much of a sticking point then I understand that you couldn't let it go.

    I'll go back to 2008, while I'll never call AWTD one of the best of the series I certainly personally wouldn't call it one of the very worst and the amount of venom on the previous forum when that was released was pretty strong. Jack White had committed some serious crime delivering what in some peoples eyes was series heresy and they didn't mind saying it. So now we are here again in 2015 and some people including myself have similar feelings about the new theme.

    I don't think if you really dislike it you are going over the top, I pretty much know when I hear something if it really rubs me up the wrong way like this has a few more plays it's not going get any better. If that makes me narrowed minded in some peoples opinions then so be it. I have an eclectic taste in music but I'm at that age when new stuff rarely excites me that is just the way it is and my love of music can make me very opinionated and I'm unapologetic music snob and unlikely to change.

    I hope that those like it continue to debate on it sensibly and respect others opinions. Anyway this is my last word on it. My views provoked some rather strong reactions so if I offended anyone sorry. RC7 and myself have made up and I'm putting the whole thing behind me and moving on and I'll be keeping out of threads discussing this song, I've said my piece and that is it.
  • ShardlakeShardlake Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
    edited September 2015 Posts: 4,043
    Double post.
  • MansfieldMansfield Where the hell have you been?
    edited September 2015 Posts: 1,263
    One recurring comment of criticism for the song in this thread has been that the lyrics make Bond weak. However, none of us have seen the film. It is a distinct possibility that the song is appropriate to the story. If that turns out to be the case, are people going to reassess their opinion of the song on that merit alone? Or, what I suspect is more likely and convenient for the psyche, will people carry that negative opinion over to the film itself? For the most objective fan, it will depend on the execution of the love story in the film as to whether or not it works. There have been quite a few posts drawing criticism of Craig's Bond if he does turn into the needy lover, but I think there can be a deep and meaningful premise around it. What if he wants to get out of espionage in a familiar, but fresh take on OHMSS? It could be appropriate to the character of Bond and the song.

    Of course, if the film does not have a romance relatable to the song, it deserves every bit of criticism it would get for being misleading to the film and just a one-off love song.
  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    Posts: 11,139
    I think some people should watch the trailers/TV spots and see if Bond looks weak or needy.

  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 17,727
    doubleoego wrote: »
    I think some people should watch the trailers/TV spots and see if Bond looks weak or needy.

    Maybe we should set up a charity to collect donations for the poor downcast sod? :D
  • MansfieldMansfield Where the hell have you been?
    Posts: 1,263
    doubleoego wrote: »
    I think some people should watch the trailers/TV spots and see if Bond looks weak or needy.
    Is that directed at me?

    In any case, 2 minutes, 30 seconds does not qualify for 2 hours, 30 minutes.
  • dominicgreenedominicgreene The Eternal QOS Defender
    Posts: 1,756
    @Shardlake And that's why your opinion is irrelevant. I don't understand how one -- especially a Bond fan -- can just listen to it once and be done with it, that's very childish imo.
  • ShardlakeShardlake Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
    Posts: 4,043
    @Shardlake And that's why your opinion is irrelevant. I don't understand how one -- especially a Bond fan -- can just listen to it once and be done with it, that's very childish imo.

    Everyone is entitled to their opinion like you saying Radiohead sound like a bunch of autistic 14 year olds. I respect your opinion please do the same and put your wooden spoon away.

    My opinion is relevant to me I tried to explain myself if you don't like it that is your problem, I don't like Smith and never have so me not liking the song isn't a big leap.
  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    Posts: 11,139
    Mansfield wrote: »
    doubleoego wrote: »
    I think some people should watch the trailers/TV spots and see if Bond looks weak or needy.
    Is that directed at me?

    In any case, 2 minutes, 30 seconds does not qualify for 2 hours, 30 minutes.

    It was. You and others. It's not an attack or anything but the point I'm making is, it's premature to start worrying if Bond will come off as weak or needy based on the song of a 23 year old who decided to write a 4 minute love song. With the footage we've seen so far and based on the comments from the cast and crew, Bond is on top form. We should trust what we can actually see what the film makers have shown us so far over Smith's song which he wrote lss than 5 weeks into filming.
  • Posts: 3,160
    The Atlantic nails it:
    "All the previous men to create 007 anthems performed over-the-top virility: In Jones’s case, it was with lounge-singer swagger and adventure-narrator drama; in the cases of Paul McCartney, or Jack White, or Chris Cornell, it was with seething rock edge. Smith is doing something else entirely—going supremely emotional, vulnerable, weak.

    Smith sounds so fragile there that you could argue he’s subverting the franchise, or betraying it. The James Bond character is lizardlike and amoral, a sex machine who’s always made to regret the rare instances when he allows a woman to hold power over him. The Daniel Craig era has complicated this notion, but not to the extent that Smith now has. Handwringing about a supposed cultural assault on masculinity awaits, no doubt."
    http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/09/writings-on-the-wall-sam-smiths-radically-wimpy-james-bond-theme/407383/
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