Artist says her song 24 was intended as the theme to SPECTRE.
Lana Del Rey, the melancholic crooner known for hits like Video Games and Summertime Sadness, recently revealed that she had penned a James Bond theme song that was ultimately rejected. Speaking backstage at the Ivor Novello Awards in London, where she was honoured with a special international award, Del Rey disclosed that her song 24 from the album Honeymoon was initially written for the 2015 Bond film SPECTRE.
During the event, when asked if she would ever consider writing a Bond theme, Del Rey responded with surprise, “I mean, how has that not happened?” She then sang a few lines from 24, before revealing, “I wrote that for them.” This revelation places Del Rey among an elite group of musicians whose work was considered but not selected for a Bond film, joining the ranks of Radiohead, Blondie, and Johnny Cash.
Sam Smith’s Writing’s On The Wall was the chosen theme for SPECTRE, and it went on to win an Oscar. Del Rey graciously acknowledged Smith’s success, “Sam, you did a wonderful job,” she said with a laugh, but expressed her hope of having another opportunity in the future. “One day, maybe… But I’m going to continue to do my little Nancy Sinatra thing every now and then and just pretend it’s the title track.”
Pop star Raye, who won songwriter of the year at the same ceremony, expressed her disbelief that Del Rey’s theme was rejected. “I can’t believe she would have been rejected by them, because she just has the perfect energy for it,” Raye remarked, adding that she would eagerly accept the chance to create a Bond theme herself if ever given the opportunity.
Del Rey’s revelation adds a new layer to the storied tradition of James Bond theme songs. These themes are often as iconic as the films themselves, with many tracks becoming hits in their own right. Yet, not all submissions make it to the silver screen. The list of “lost” Bond songs includes notable entries such as Johnny Cash’s Thunderball, Blondie’s For Your Eyes Only, and Radiohead’s SPECTRE. These songs, despite being cast aside, have sometimes been released independently by the artists, providing fans a glimpse into what might have been.
Producers often commission multiple artists to create potential themes, choosing the final song only after the film is completed. This practice has led to several well-known artists experiencing the sting of rejection, despite their established careers and fan bases.
As fans eagerly anticipate her next move, the possibility of a Lana Del Rey Bond theme remains tantalizing. Whether or not she gets another shot at the franchise, her unique voice and style continue to leave a lasting impact on the music world.
Source: BBC News
