Monday, 2 November 2015

Song 21 - Die Another Day - Madonna

Die Another Day was the last James Bond Film to star Pierce Bronsan as the lead title. After the World is not enough theme title by Garbage failed to capture the imagination of the public. It was decided that the theme tune for Die Another Day needed a pop star who had the same pull as the Bond franchise themselves; enter Madonna.

Madonna is one of the most critically successful female artist of all time. Later in the Jukebox's future, there is going to be plenty of Madonna's tune in it. From "Like a Virgin" to "Hung up", Madonna has kept herself relevant for her audience throughout the decades she had been a commercial artist.  There are very few artists who could put the bang back into a Bond theme like Madonna could, and like anything that Madonna does. Madonna's "Die Another Day" became known as a electronic clash; with its mixture of electronic beats and string arrangements. Madonna's voice also had a electronic dubbing on it.

The electronic nature of the theme tune matched the plot of the film and the direction of the film came under criticism for having to much computer generate imagery. Marking the 40th anniversary of the James Bond Franchise; "Die Another Day" was the first Bond title sequences to directly reflect the film's plot since Dr No. At the start of the film, Bond is trying to survive 14 months of torture at the hands of the North Koreans.

Whether Madonna was a hit with her bond theme is highly debated. The song itself was nominated both for a Golden Globe and a Golden Raspberry Award.  Madonna actually won a Golden Raspberry for being in the film. Whether you like it or not, it belongs in the jukebox as it is a brilliant dance tune and shows that not all bonds songs needs a Bassey or Adele to become an iconic part of the James Bond History.

To have a dance to a Bond theme listen here:
Die Another Day by Madonna

Written by Madonna, Mirwais Ahmadzai
Album: Die Another Day, Original Song Track
Released: October, 2002

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