Diamonds Are Forever [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

by John Barry

Overview

John Barry made his reputation with highly enjoyable and sophisticated soundtracks for early James Bond pictures, including From Russian With Love, Thunderball, and 1971's Diamonds Are Forever. Like many Bond soundtracks, Diamonds Are Forever features a dynamic mix of brass-heavy orchestral numbers, reconfigurations of the original Bond theme, dreamy ballads, and a celebrity vocal performance of the title track. Following up her "Goldfinger" hit, singer Shirley Bassey returns here with another bravura performance on the "Diamonds Are Forever" theme; although not as memorable as Bassey's earlier classic, the song still impresses with a catchy mix of rock elements (wah-wah guitar, electric bass, 4/4 beat) and full orchestration. And as is the fashion with soundtracks, this main title is recycled more than once -- in this instance, as both a flute-and-vibes lounge cut and as part of a darkly lush string arrangement. Along with easy listening, Henry Mancini-inspired cuts like "Tiffany Case," and "Q's Trick," Barry also gives a nod to Max Steiner's clamorous soundtracks with suspense and action backdrops like "Bond Smells a Rat" and "To Hell With Blofield." And the Bond theme gets its due on the noir-ish, cat burglar motif "Bond Meets Bambi and Thumper." With equally stunning pieces like the romantic waltz "Circus, Circus" topping things off, Diamonds Are Forever qualifies as one of Barry's most gratifying Bond soundtracks. ~ Stephen Cook

Product Details

Release Date:	07/10/2015
Label:	Virgin Emi
UPC:	0602547259462

Tracks

1. Diamonds Are Forever [Mian Title]
2. Bond Meets Bambi and Thumper
3. Moon Buggy Ride
4. Circus, Circus
5. Death at the Whyte House
6. Diamonds Are Forever [Source Instrumental]
7. Diamonds Are Forever
8. Bond Smells a Rat
9. Tiffany Case
10. 007 and Counting
11. Q's Trick
12. To Hell with Blofeld

Album Credits

Performance Credits

John Barry   Primary Artist,Conductor
Shirley Bassey   Primary Artist,Vocals
Sean Connery   Vocals
Tiffany Case   Vocals

Technical Credits

Don Black   Composer,Lyricist
Doug Schwartz   Reissue Remastering
John Richards   Engineer
Peter Grant   Design,Art Direction
John Barry   Composer,Performer
Lukas Kendall   Reissue Producer
Herb Agner   Project Manager
Michelle Azzopardi   Creative Director
Michael McDonald   Remixing
Jeff Bond   Liner Notes
Gregg Ogorzelec   A&R
Wendy Brueder   Project Manager
Sid Margo   Orchestra Contractor
Shirley Bassey   Performer