“I write songs about myself, how can I make a ‘Bond’ song?” This was Adele’s candid response when approached by producers to create the theme song for Skyfall, the 23rd installment in the James Bond saga. Initially hesitant, the global superstar, known for her deeply personal and emotive music, grappled with the idea of composing a track that would embody the essence of the legendary spy franchise. However, director Sam Mendes, recognizing Adele’s unique talent, offered a simple yet profound piece of advice: “Just write a personal song!” He pointed to Carly Simon’s timeless hit, “Nobody Does it Better,” a Bond theme that resonated deeply as a love song, proving that personal narratives could indeed find their place within the grand scale of a Bond film. This pivotal conversation set the stage for what would become “Skyfall,” a song that not only captured the spirit of the movie but also cemented its place as one of the most celebrated Bond themes of all time.
From Personal Song to Bond Theme: Adele’s Hesitation and Mendes’ Advice
Adele’s initial reservation stemmed from her established artistic identity. Her sophomore album, 21, released in 2011, was a phenomenal success, dominating global charts and revitalizing the music industry. Known for its raw emotionality and confessional songwriting, 21 resonated with millions worldwide. The prospect of shifting gears to write a Bond theme, a genre often associated with cinematic grandeur and specific thematic expectations, felt like a departure from her personal style.
Despite her doubts, Adele took a crucial step that demonstrated her commitment to the project. Unlike Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better,” where the film title was subtly woven into the lyrics, Adele, according to Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, insisted on immersing herself in the world of Skyfall by reading the entire script. This deep dive into the narrative, the characters, and the overarching themes of the film was instrumental in shaping her approach to “The Skyfall Song”. It allowed her to find a personal connection to the Bond universe, paving the way for a theme that was both authentically Adele and intrinsically Bond.
Collaboration with Paul Epworth: Crafting the “Bombastic” Bond Sound
To bring the sonic vision of “Skyfall” to life, Adele reunited with Paul Epworth, the producer and co-writer behind her breakthrough hit, “Rolling in the Deep.” Epworth had been instrumental in pushing Adele’s vocal boundaries and fostering her confidence during the 21 sessions. His ability to create powerful and emotionally resonant soundscapes made him the ideal collaborator for a Bond theme, a genre known for its dramatic flair and orchestral bombast.
Epworth embarked on a meticulous study of the Bond musical canon. He understood that the quintessential Bond sound was initially established by Monty Norman, who composed the iconic theme for Dr No in 1962. Norman’s original guitar riff, famously lifted from his earlier work, “Bad Sign, Good Sign,” was then transformed by composer John Barry into a jazzy, sophisticated arrangement, complete with suspenseful strings and potent brass sections. This sonic template became the foundation for the “Bond song” tradition, which gained further momentum with vocal themes like Matt Monro’s “From Russia with Love” and Shirley Bassey’s unparalleled “Goldfinger.” These songs were not mere accompaniments but integral parts of the Bond film experience, generating significant publicity and cultural impact.
Deconstructing the Bond Sound: The “Minor Ninth” Eureka Moment
Epworth’s deep dive into the Bond songbook involved watching the first 13 films and dissecting the musical DNA of iconic themes like Bassey’s “Diamonds Are Forever,” and Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die.” This analytical process led to a “eureka moment” – the identification of “a minor ninth as the harmonic code” prevalent in many successful Bond themes.
The minor ninth, described by musicologists as a primary dissonance, is a complex musical interval spanning 13 semitones. Its inherent tension and dramatic quality make it a potent tool for composers seeking to evoke heightened emotion. Epworth strategically employed this interval throughout “the skyfall song,” building and releasing tension to mirror the film’s themes of “death and rebirth.” The chorus melody dramatically ascends as Adele sings of falling, creating a captivating sonic paradox. Furthermore, a subtle nod to the original Norman/Barry Bond theme is cleverly incorporated into the bridge between the chorus and the second verse, weaving a thread of musical heritage into the contemporary sound. This technique of referencing the classic theme was echoed in Billie Eilish’s “No Time to Die,” where Johnny Marr, former guitarist of The Smiths, played the iconic “spy chord,” further solidifying the lineage of Bond music.
Lyrical Depth and Vocal Power: Adele’s Unique Contribution
Despite the musical darkness of Epworth’s composition, Adele was immediately drawn to it. In a remarkable burst of creativity, she reportedly penned the first draft of the verse and chorus within a mere ten minutes of hearing the music in the studio. Epworth recounted her phenomenal speed and pre-preparedness, noting that Adele arrived with lyrics already formulating in her mind.
The lyrical content of “Skyfall” delves into themes of loyalty, resilience, and inner conflict. As Epworth explained in a BBC Radio 6 Music interview, the pair aimed to mirror Bond’s complex relationship with his country and MI6 through the song’s romance-tinged lyrics. Lines like, “You may have my number, you can take my name/ But you’ll never have my heart,” poignantly capture Bond’s internal struggle and emotional detachment.
Adele’s vocal performance in “the skyfall song” is a tour-de-force, channeling the powerful voices of vintage singers she admired, particularly Shirley Bassey. Set against a backdrop that swells from a delicate solo piano to a majestic 77-piece orchestra, complete with a dramatic gong, Adele’s voice commands attention. Interestingly, Adele herself noted that her first pregnancy deepened her vocal tone, a phenomenon supported by research from the University of Sussex, which indicated a measurable drop in women’s vocal pitch during pregnancy due to increased fluid volume affecting vocal cord vibration.
Critical Acclaim and Lasting Legacy: “Skyfall”‘s Impact
The impact of “Skyfall” was immediate and profound. Daniel Craig, the star of Skyfall, confessed to being moved to tears upon first hearing the song. He recognized instantly that it was precisely what the film needed, stating, “From the opening bars, I knew immediately… Then the voice kicked in and it was exactly what I’d wanted from the beginning. It just got better and better because it fitted the movie. In fact the more of the movie we made, the more it fitted.”
Released on October 5, 2012, two weeks ahead of the film’s premiere, “Skyfall” ascended to number one in 11 countries, achieving global chart dominance. The following February, it reached another pinnacle, becoming the first Bond theme to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song. This historic win marked the first Oscar for a Bond song in 47 years. Adele’s live performance of “the skyfall song” at the Academy Awards ceremony further cemented its iconic status. In a relatable moment after stepping off stage, the then 24-year-old new mother humorously kicked off her Louboutin heels, citing the constraints of her tight dress, a testament to her down-to-earth personality amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
“Skyfall” stands as a testament to Adele’s artistry and her ability to infuse personal depth into a globally recognized franchise. It not only served as a powerful thematic anchor for the film but also transcended its cinematic origins to become a beloved song in its own right, solidifying its place in the pantheon of legendary Bond themes and contemporary music history.
What is the best Bond song in your opinion? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
This article is inspired by ‘The Life of a Song Volume 2: The fascinating stories behind 50 more of the world’s best-loved songs’, edited by David Cheal and Jan Dalley, published by Brewer’s.
Music credits: Columbia; Success; XL; EMI; Parlophone; Universal
Picture credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
