The Music of James Bond

Over the past four decades, James Bond - that quintessential English gentleman - has thrilled us with his adventures and given us some of the best moments in cinematic history. Based on Ian Fleming's books, the character has, over the years, fought the bad guys, saved the world from destruction on a number of occasions - and always got the girl. With a James Bond film, you can be sure of fast action, fast cars, gadgets, gorgeous Bond girls and a theme song that comes to define the film...

It all began in 1962 with the "James Bond Theme", originally performed by John Barry for the first ever Bond film "Dr. No". The latest in the long line of Bond themes is "Another Way To Die", the first ever duet in the franchise's history. The song utilises the talents of White Stripes main man Jack White and soul-sensation Alicia Keys. Traditionally the theme songs take the same title as the film in which they are used, but the recent trend set in motion by Chris Cornell with "You Know My Name" is continued in Quantum of Solace, and the song no longer carries the same title. As well as singing on the track, White wrote and produced it, while Key's played piano. The legendary Memphis Horns also contribute.

Jack White took his inspiration from John Barry's instrumental piece for "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". As a fan of the films (and of the Bond themes), he realises how important the theme song can be to the film: "You're definitely taking on a responsibility - there's a tradition of powerful music in all these films ... But that's why I'm involved creatively with music - for challenges like this. That's what I live for."

Throughout its history, a whole host of famous names from the world of music have contributed songs to the James Bond films. Performances of these prestigious Bond songs are usually handed to top artists of the day, either through discussion with the film's composer or sometimes simply based on the success of current artists. These acts have ranged from Tom Jones and Matt Monroe in the 1960s, Paul McCartney in the 1970s, Duran Duran and A-Ha in the 1980s, right up to Madonna and Chris Cornell in the 21st Century. Shirley Bassey currently holds the record for singing the most number of themes, with three - from "Goldfinger", "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Moonraker". John Barry will forever be associated with the signature Bond theme - "James Bond Theme" from 1962's "Dr. No" - but it was actually composed by Monty Norman. Since that film, however, Barry has composed the score to most of the films. In recent years, David Arnold has taken on the mantle as the composer for the film's score - including "Quantum Of Solace".

To listen to the pick of James Bond theme from down the years, click here for our Best of Bond playlist.

And what of the film itself? Well, it opens in cinemas across the UK today, and it promises to be another fast-paced, high-adrenalin adventure. "Quantum Of Solace" picks up where the previous film ("Casino Royale") left off - it sees James Bond travelling to Bolivia to try to foil a coup against the Government, whilst at the same time seeking revenge for the death of Vesper Lynd. It's sure to be another exciting installment in the longest running franchise in cinematic history.