Elton John Critiques Madonna’s Bond Theme as ‘Worst Ever’

LONDON, UK — Sir Elton John has reignited a decades-old debate over the James Bond franchise’s iconic theme songs, calling Madonna‘s ‘Die Another Day‘ the ‘worst Bond tune ever.’ The legendary musician, who has never composed a Bond theme himself, made the scathing remarks in 2002, but his comments continue to resonate as fans revisit the franchise’s musical legacy.

Since its inception in 1962, the James Bond series has featured some of cinema’s most memorable music, with artists like Shirley Bassey, Paul McCartney, and Adele contributing to its storied soundtrack history. Bassey’s powerful vocals on ‘Goldfinger‘ and ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ remain fan favorites, while McCartney’s ‘Live and Let Die‘ and Adele’s ‘Skyfall‘ have also earned critical acclaim.

However, not all Bond themes have been met with universal praise. Madonna’s 2002 track for ‘Die Another Day’ has long been a point of contention. John, a Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner, did not hold back in his critique. ‘It hasn’t got a tune,’ he said bluntly. ‘James Bond themes are usually very camp, and this one’s different… They should have gone for somebody like Lulu or Shirley Bassey, or maybe I’m in that league?’

John’s comments were seen by some as a reflection of his long-standing rivalry with Madonna, as well as his disappointment at never being asked to compose a Bond theme. Despite his personal biases, many fans and critics have echoed his sentiments, noting that Madonna’s electropop-infused track strayed too far from the franchise’s traditional sound.

Other Bond themes have also faced criticism. Sam Smith‘s ‘Writing’s on the Wall’ from ‘Spectre‘ won an Oscar but was derided by some as aimless and self-indulgent. Similarly, Jack White and Alicia Keys‘ collaboration on ‘Another Way to Die’ for ‘Quantum of Solace‘ was seen as an unsuccessful attempt to reinvent the Bond formula.

Despite these missteps, the Bond franchise’s musical legacy remains unparalleled. Shirley Bassey’s contributions, in particular, have stood the test of time, with her themes often cited as the gold standard. As the series continues to evolve, fans eagerly await the next iconic theme that will define a new era of 007.