Continuation: So, it’s a perfect match that the voice of the new generation performs the title song for James Bond No Time To Die. She was sweet 18 when she created the song with her brother. Therefore, she is the youngest artist to write and perform a James Bond title track ever: Billie Eilish.
The list is long. It contains great names like Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, and Nancy Sinatra. Furthermore, Paul McCartney, Carly Simon, Sheena Easton, Duran Duran, a-ha, Tina Turner, Madonna, Alicia Keys, and Adele complete this list. But, of course, this is just a small excerpt. Howsoever, the list of artists, who performed a song for an installment in the James Bond film franchise, is completed by Billie Eilish.
BILLIE EILISH MIRRORS THE JAMES BOND OF THE GENERATION Z
Of course, it wasn’t a big surprise when Billie Eilish was announced as the performer of the theme song for the 25th James Bond adventure No Time to Die. Every chapter of the oldest film franchise of movie history and each title song represented the mood and zeitgeist of the respective epoch.
The young generation, no matter if you call it x, y, or z, must face many challenges. They are afraid for the future, and have to do it better, what did wrong the older. The young generation has to reduce and finally stop the climatic change.
They have also to take care of equality. Countless people still have to fight for their rights all over the world. And, they have to face the Corona pandemic.
Of course, all of this isn’t anything new. What is new is the awareness and the will to stand up for these things. The party time is over, but, of course, to have fun is still a common goal.
This epoch, which is characterized by a new awakening and helplessness, social network and loneliness, strength and vulnerability, confidence and depression, unity and inner strife is perfectly mirrored by Billie Eilish and her music.
Moreover, it also perfectly fits with Daniel Craig’s interpretation of James Bond. Never before the agent with the license to kill was lonelier, more vulnerable, tormented, and uncool than now.
NO TIME TO DIE
Billie Eilish’s No Time to Die respects and homages both Craig’s 007, and Bond’s legacy as well. The song follows certain classic Bond themes without copying them or losing Eilish’s unique character. The soft piano tune merges with orchestral strings and subtle synth sounds to caress Eilish’s touching voice.
As usual, Billie’s brother Finneas, who also won five Grammy awards this year, produced the song. The German film score composer Hans Zimmer (The Lion King, Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean) and the former guitarist of the British band The Smiths, Johnny Marr, supported the production unmistakably.
Billie Eilish’s brittle, breathy vocals go under the skin. In one moment, her voice drifts with the instruments. But in the next, she takes over absolute control.
The gifted artist sings about disappointment, deceit, and betrayal. Thereby, she fuels fan speculations that Dr. Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), Bond’s lover from Spectre, will break his heart once again.
Finally, No Time to Die closes with the same chord as the original Bond theme. The song contains drama, pain, and thrill and leaves no wishes unfulfilled.
At just 19 years of age, Billie Eilish is not only the youngest artist who sang an opening theme for the most famous spy movie series. Beyond that, with No Time to Die, she climbs up the Olympus of great serious artists. Because, by far, the song belongs to the best Bond themes of the past 56 years.
Pictures: © Universal Music
