You realise how important a well written lyric is - Hal David's expert words are so perfectly singable and enable Shirley to do what she does best - all the vowels and sounds in the right places for true diva delivery.

Although it's easy to get into nostalgia mode - ah, they don't make them like they used to - I have to agree. The recent Bond songs have not been up to scratch for a decade or more.

My dream gig would be to write a Bond lyric for Amy Winehouse or Gwen Stefani with music by Pendulum.

M

Oooh yes Michael; Amy would be the perfect Bond chanteuse.
I'll do it if you will.

Goldfinger.. only the wonderful Bassey could have done that so brilliantly. It's terrible and brilliant at the same time - I love it.

Agree about Amy Winehouse 100%.

Well get to it then , The new Bond movie is already in production at Pinewood studios.And unlike the last couple please write a decent tune so that the lyrics can at least be understood and heard.

The Bond theme song that time forgot. Hugely underrated and I don't think it charted at all.

As memory serves, both song and singer were a last-minute substitute for an indisposed Kate Bush, but can anyone confirm this?

We always go on about Bassey's voice and legendary singing style. There's even more to her than that. Here's a little exercise: play the YouTube extract of "Diamonds are Forever" from '73 and turn the sound right down. Remove the one thing everyone always talks about. Now watch her hands and her eyes. Who does she remind you of?



To answer the question myself: Prince. Coy, playful, bursting with personality. And those lyrics (by Don Black on a melody by John Barry.):

"I don't need love
For what good will love do me?
Diamonds never lie to me
For when love's gone
They will luster on"

Other Don Black classics: "Born Free", "Ben" and "Tomorrow Never Dies".