Under the Covers with James Bond - "Diamonds Are Forever"


Bassey is back. The incomparable Shirley Bassey, who gave voice to the opening of Goldfinger returns for an encore performance as only she can deliver. The style of  "Diamonds Are Forever" is classic Bond and holds up well when stacked against the complete Bond title music oeuvre, which really shouldn't be surprising. In truth, Shirley Bassey could sing your grocery list and it would epic.

Yes, the film is a bit campy in places (it does set up future iterations of the series quite well) but Sean Connery picking up the PPK one more time paired with Shirley Bassey's singing makes for a very memorable Bond opening, no matter where some rank the film on their Best of/Worst of lists.



For a rather pleasing rendition of this shining example of Bond music, you need look no further than 2008, when the Arctic Monkeys recorded a proper studio version of their already popular live cover of "Diamonds Are Forever".



Featured on the Domino Records compilation All the Rage, this is a great, modern take on the song which the performer makes their own while maintaining the integrity of the original. The same can also be said of this next karat.



UK vocalist David McAlmont nails it with this performance from Shaken and Stirred: The David Arnold James Bond Project album. Really, if you haven't picked up this album from David Arnold you are missing out on a great set of music.


The music of James Bond will return in Live and Let Die.




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