close menu

Sam Smith’s SPECTRE Theme ‘The Writing’s on the Wall’ is Here

You only need to listen to one second of this song to figure out Sam Smith‘s latest release is a Bond theme. The British crooner has taken his sweeping vocals to cinematic new heights with “The Writing’s on the Wall”, his contribution to the new Daniel Craig-led 007 flick, released on Friday morning. And if we can intuit anything from the official Spectre theme song, it’s that we’re heading back to a simpler time.

Big band jazz and sumptuous strings to boot, “The Writing’s on the Wall” is decidedly old-school in its approach and orchestration: this is Smith’s attempt at the diva-ry of the 40s and 50s, where distilled, understated glamour was the pinnacle of class. This isn’t to say there’s not that seemingly classic-and-required Shirley Bassey business—there’s definitely hints and nods to that—but it’s most certainly a departure from Adele’s bangarang “Skyfall.” Where Adele’s tune was bombastic, Smith’s has a lighter touch to his grandeur: could this mean we’re in for a different sort of Bond film? Could James Bond actually feel a bit insecure this go-around? “If I risk it all / Could you break our fall? / How do I live? How do I breathe? / When you’re not here I’m suffocating. / I wanna feel love / Run through my blood / Tell me is this where I give it all up?”

Is this where Craig gives it all up? Or are we—more likely than not—reading way too much into a song?

We were sort of hoping for some more horns, to be honest, but what do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Image: Columbia Pictures

Alicia Lutes is the Associate Editor of The Nerdist. Find her on Twitter @alicialutes.

The Mysterious Medical Condition That Gives People Dragon Faces

The Mysterious Medical Condition That Gives People Dragon Faces

article
Hundreds of Real Doctors Have Famous Fictional Doctor Names

Hundreds of Real Doctors Have Famous Fictional Doctor Names

article
What is Wrong with MAD MAX’s War Boys?

What is Wrong with MAD MAX’s War Boys?

article