Lana Del Rey’s Rejected James Bond Theme

Lana Del Rey recently revealed that she wrote a song for a James Bond film, only for it to be turned down by the 007 producers. At the Ivor Novello Awards in London, the singer admitted that one of her tracks, “24,” from her 2015 album “Honeymoon,” was composed for the fourth Bond film, “Spectre.”

Ultimately, it was Sam Smith’s song “Writing’s On the Wall” that was chosen for the film, a track that went on to win the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2016. When asked by the BBC if she would consider writing another song for the franchise, Del Rey responded, “How has that not happened yet? Maybe someday…”

RAYE, a British artist and winner of the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song, expressed surprise at Del Rey’s revelation. “I can’t believe they turned her down; she has the perfect energy for it,” she said. “I feel like she would absolutely nail it, and I hope it happens in the future.”

Johnny Cash – ‘Thunderball’

Film: “Thunderball” (1965), Sean Connery’s fourth outing as 007.

Chosen Song: Tom Jones – “Thunderball”

“Thunderball” had a lot to live up to after the box-office success of “Goldfinger,” which set a high standard for the franchise. The producers went with Welsh singer Tom Jones, but an alternative could have been Johnny Cash. Cash’s song carried the expected country vibe, with a galloping rhythm that might have been an interesting choice. However, the Western sound was perhaps not quite Bond. Another option was “Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” by Shirley Bassey and Dionne Warwick.

Alice Cooper – ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’

Film: “The Man with the Golden Gun” (1974), Roger Moore’s second film as 007.

Chosen Song: Lulu – “The Man with the Golden Gun”

The legendary Alice Cooper could have performed a Bond theme, but his song was reportedly submitted a day too late for consideration. Instead, the producers chose Lulu’s song, although Bond composer John Barry wasn’t a fan. Nevertheless, Cooper included his Bond theme on his album “Muscle of Love.”

Blondie – ‘For Your Eyes Only’

Film: “For Your Eyes Only” (1981), one of Roger Moore’s most underrated Bond films.

Chosen Song: Sheena Easton – “For Your Eyes Only”

Blondie originally composed a synth-pop theme for the film, but it ended up on their 1982 album “The Hunter.” Lead singer Debbie Harry pulled out after producers suggested she perform without her bandmates, collaborating instead with composer Bill Conti. It’s a shame, as Blondie’s version arguably surpassed the already decent Easton track.

Pet Shop Boys – ‘This Must Be The Place I Waited Years To Leave’

Film: “The Living Daylights” (1987), Timothy Dalton’s debut as Bond.

Chosen Song: “The Living Daylights”

The iconic synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys recorded a moody theme fitting the film’s betrayal themes and Dalton’s grittier take on Bond. However, the honour went to Norwegian pop group A-Ha, whose song “The Living Daylights” became a hit.

Ace of Base – ‘Goldeneye’

Film: “Goldeneye” (1995), Pierce Brosnan’s debut as Bond.

Chosen Song: Tina Turner – “Goldeneye”

After a six-year hiatus, the Bond series returned in 1995 with Tina Turner’s “Goldeneye,” a magnificent callback to the Bassey days. However, Europop group Ace of Base was in talks to perform with their song “The Goldeneye.” Their label, Arista Records, pulled the proposal, fearing the franchise’s doom after the long break. It was likely for the best, as their kitschy ’90s pop couldn’t match Turner’s song. Ace of Base later released their track in 2002 under the name “The Juvenile.”

These artists, despite their rejections, contributed to the rich tapestry of music considered for the James Bond series. Their stories highlight the often unpredictable journey of creating an iconic Bond theme.