When we heard Sam Smith and Disclosure collaborating on the new James Bond theme “Writing’s On The Wall for upcoming movie Spectre we were expecting something a bit more dance-oriented to align with their other big collaboration, "Latch." So when Smith sings “I’ve been here before / but always hit the floor,” we were expecting something to happen after the drums snap in and turn this into a banger. But that's not what this song is, with the trio channeling this moodier side for the legacy theme song.
Sure, for a 007 theme this song makes sense with its epic string arrangements and horns that will likely soundtrack Daniel Craig's silhouette dancing with a triplet of artsy assassins in the film’s opening moments. But still, this doesn't quite pass the cut of what a good Bond theme should be. In retrospect, nothing will beat the greatness of Adele's “Skyfall.” Who doesn’t enjoy obnoxiously screaming SKYFAAAALLL repeatedly in quiet-only study spaces?
Jabbari Weekes is a Noisey Canada Staff Writer. Follow him on Twitter