One of the defining features of the James Bond film franchise is its iconic theme songs, often performed by renowned artists. This tradition continues with IO Interactive’s highly anticipated game, 007 First Light, which has unveiled a surprise theme song titled First Light, performed by the acclaimed singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. The question on many minds is whether this new addition lives up to the legacy of its predecessors.
Bond Themes Through the Ages
Historically, Bond theme songs have been significant cultural moments, often transcending the films themselves. Take, for instance, Adele’s Skyfall, which stands as a powerful anthem both as a Bond song and an Adele track. Similarly, For Your Eyes Only by Sheena Easton and Carly Simon’s timeless Nobody Does It Better exemplify how these songs can resonate beyond the cinematic experience.
Even Tina Turner’s Goldeneye, while not universally adored, is unmistakably hers, showcasing the unique artistry that has characterized many Bond themes. The franchise has a rich history of collaboration with music legends, such as Paul McCartney, who delivered the unforgettable Live and Let Die, and Duran Duran, whose A View to a Kill is a quintessential example of a Bond song that retains the band’s distinctive sound.
While some may argue that recent entries, like Madonna’s Die Another Day, ventured too far off the beaten path, they still attempted to innovate within the framework of Bond themes. In contrast, Chris Cornell’s You Know My Name from Casino Royale has been critiqued for lacking the punch that his vocal talents typically deliver.
As for Del Rey’s latest offering, the reception has been mixed. PC Gamer’s senior video producer, Scott Tanner, a lifelong Bond enthusiast, aptly described it as “Lana Del Meh,” suggesting that it may fall short of the excitement and memorability that fans have come to expect from Bond themes. Critics have noted that while Del Rey is a talented artist, this particular track feels somewhat lackluster and derivative.
Interestingly, this isn’t Del Rey’s first attempt at a Bond theme. In 2024, she revealed that her song 24. from the 2015 album Honeymoon was initially written for the Bond film Spectre, only to be rejected in favor of Sam Smith’s Writing’s On the Wall, which, despite its accolades, has been regarded as a more mediocre entry in the Bond theme canon.
With 007 First Light set to launch on May 27, the anticipation surrounding both the game and its theme song continues to grow, leaving fans eager to see how this new chapter in the Bond legacy unfolds.
