SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:09 Min.
From the soundtrack of 1979’s Moonraker starring Roger Moore, this James Bond tune was recorded by Welsh singer Shirley Bassey. This song has since been re-released on some compilation albums, primarily multiple updates of the Best of Bond … James Bond (which includes the franchise’s theme songs to date).
Note: Best of Bond .. James Bond includes a 40th anniversary edition in 2002 and a subsequent update in 2008 for Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name” from Casino Royale.
REVIEW:
It’s an impressive hat trick for Shirley Bassey, including 1964’s “Goldfinger” and 1971’s “Diamonds Are Forever,” as she maintains the record with three Bond title songs. Considering this time she is tasked with cooing about about a space shuttle (or, in the song’s context, the film’s villain), it’s up to Bassey to somehow transform the song into an analogy to seeking the perfect soul mate in marriage.
To her credit, her vocal magic has never sounded better. By poignantly bringing the lyrics to life, Bassey transforms “Moonraker” into a shockingly good, almost dreamy love song. Even if the gentle “Moonraker” isn’t a Top 5 Bond theme, it is definitely worthy of re-discovery. Bassey’s classiness alone makes this song an underrated gem.
Going a step further, her song is frankly the most enduring asset of the dubious ‘Bond Goes to Outer Space’ concept. Aside from its box office popularity at the time, “Moonraker,” in terms of actual cinematic merit, rates among the worst-ever Bond films. Just like she does with “Diamonds Are Forever,” Bassey’s title song admirably tries distracting viewers from how lousy the movie actually is.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
Note: For a “Moonraker” instrumental, try Lifestyles’ 2001 Night at the Movies two-disc set. Its orchestral rendition of “Moonraker” (on Disc 1) is a great choice for any relaxation/sleep aid playlists.
