“Writing’s On The Wall” has officially been unveiled by Sam Smith as the theme song for the upcoming Bond film Spectre, but the real question now is whether or not the track lives up to expectation.
Unfortunately the answer is a mixed bag of yes and nos. From the outset you can tell Smith’s label Capitol Records have brought out the big guns (as you’d expect for any self-respecting Bond track), but despite the bravado and obvious financial outlay on top-notch production, something’s still amiss.
Maybe it’s simply that the track feels too similar to its “Skyfall” predecessor. Adele offered up a listening experience filled with drama and grandeur, a marked contrast to 2008’s offering from Jack White and Alicia Keys (a combination we still deem as strange as the day it was announced) or even Chris Cornell’s rock-infused “You Know My Name” from Casino Royale.
I’m by no means denying the many ways in which Sam Smith’s effort epitomises a Bond track, with its dramatic orchestral arrangement, haunting vocals and dynamic choruses. Let’s not forget either the addition of its soaring string section, a key feature no Bond theme would be complete without.
Smith has made it clear from the off that his signature pop sound would not be making an appearance on this record, noting in a recent interview, “I hope that people aren’t expecting me to bring out a big pop song, that’s not what I wanted to do here… I’m not writing this about me, about my life, this is a James Bond song.”
On paper the track contains every element essential for a successful Bond theme song, but that formula by no means ensures critical acclaim or commercial chart success. Its predecessor, Adele’s “Skyfall”, was an undisputed hit but still managed to miss out on the coveted number one spot by a tiny margin, peaking at a respectable number two in the UK singles chart.
In fact, no Bond theme in chart history has ever managed to secure the number one spot, as can be seen in this handy little source of information produced by The Official Charts Company.
— SAM SMITH (@samsmithworld) September 25, 2015
Despite the lukewarm reception from fans and critics alike, the song is still being tipped as the first Bond theme to reach number one, with Ladbrokes having already paid out on many bets. Not only that, but the odds of “Writing’s On The Wall” gaining an Oscar nod have been slashed from 25/1 to an incredible 2/1 by the bookmakers. Credit where credit’s due, Smith has produced a good steady Bond track, with “good” being the significant word. It’s by no means a flop, nor is it a soaring symbol of success.
“Writing’s On The Wall” is simply a middle-of-the-road track that does its job, plays the part well and will never be looked back upon as an icon of the franchise. That being said, we might just find ourselves holding our tongues come Oscar season.
Take a listen to “Writing’s On The Wall” below and let us know your thoughts.
