GoldenEye (song)


"GoldenEye" is a song performed by Tina Turner, and the eponymous theme song for the 1995 James Bond film, GoldenEye. Released as a single in November 1995, the song was a big chart hit in Europe, topping the Hungarian Singles Chart and reaching the top five in Austria, Finland, France, Italy and Switzerland, as well as number 10 on the UK Singles Chart. It was less successful outside the continent, reaching number 43 in Canada, number 63 in Australia, and number two on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100.

Background and release

The song was written by Bono and The Edge of U2. Bono and The Edge wrote the song for Turner when they learned that she had been invited to sing the theme to the upcoming Bond movie. The track was produced and mixed by British producer/remixer/composer Nellee Hooper, best known for his work with Massive Attack, Madonna, U2 and Björk. The track reached number 10 on the UK Singles Chart and became a top-five hit in several European countries.
"GoldenEye" was first released on the original motion picture soundtrack and the following year it was included on Turner's album Wildest Dreams. The song has been covered by Nicole Scherzinger for the 2010 remake of the GoldenEye 007 video game.

Critical reception

from Billboard described the song as a "tingly, feline performance" and added that producer Nellee Hooper "captures the essence of the movie, wrapping the track in sweeping strings and horns that are fondly reminiscent of the classic "Goldfinger"." He noted that U2's Bono and the Edge "get in on the fun, writing a tune that's fraught with cryptic lyrical twists and romantic intrigue." Nisid Hajari from Entertainment Weekly said that "the James Bond myth certainly allows for the trinity of Sex, Danger, and Elegance to verge on melodrama." He noted the song's "self-conscious vocals and maudlin horns and strings" and added that "Goldeneye" "blithely crosses the line". David Cook from The Michigan Daily wrote that "it's amazing how similar this song sounds to other opening songs from previous James Bond movies — there must be some magic formula to making all of the sound so Bondlike." Music & Media called "GoldenEye" a "perfect candidate for the soundtrack of 007's latest adventure" and wrote that Tina Turner "and her raw R&B power easily fit in the Shirley Bassey tradition." They also noted that composers Bono and The Edge "stayed close to the traditional James Bond sound". Jeff Farance from The News-Journal said in his movie review that "the title sequence is pure Bond, with Tina Turner belting out the title song in the grand tradition of magnificent music for 007."

Music video

The music video for "GoldenEye" was directed by English film director Jake Scott and made its debut at the end of October 1995.

Versions and remixes

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Chart Position
Belgium 86
Belgium 52
Canada Adult Contemporary 58
Europe 25
France 66
Germany 73
Netherlands 155
Switzerland 36

Certifications and sales

Alternate rejected theme song

Like many Bond themes before it, Tina Turner's version was not the only recorded song for the film. Swedish pop band, Ace of Base also recorded a song that was optioned to the studio. Ace of Base's "The GoldenEye" was later reworked into "The Juvenile" which appeared on their Da Capo album in 2002.