"Writing's on the Wall" is a song performed by English singer Sam Smith, and it served as the theme song for the 2015 James Bond film "Spectre." Here are some interesting facts about the song and Sam Smith:
Oscar Win: In 2016, "Writing's on the Wall" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. This made Sam Smith the first openly gay man to win an Oscar in a major category.
Collaboration: The song was co-written by Sam Smith and Jimmy Napes. The duo had previously collaborated on Smith's hit song "Stay with Me," which also earned them a Grammy Award.
Chart Success: "Writing's on the Wall" reached the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart, making it the first James Bond theme song to achieve this feat. It also reached the top 10 in several other countries.
Mixed Reactions: The song received mixed reviews initially. While some praised Smith's vocal performance and the song's emotional depth, others criticized it for not being as impactful as previous Bond themes.
Influence of Past Themes: Sam Smith has mentioned being inspired by classic James Bond themes like "Goldfinger" and "Diamonds Are Forever" while creating "Writing's on the Wall." The orchestral arrangement and Smith's falsetto vocals contribute to the song's dramatic and Bond-esque feel.
Recording Process: Sam Smith recorded the vocals for "Writing's on the Wall" in just 20 minutes. He has mentioned that the song's creation was a quick and spontaneous process.
Grammy Nomination: The song received a Grammy nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media in 2017.
Chart History: "Writing's on the Wall" marked Sam Smith's fifth top-10 hit in the UK Singles Chart. It also became the first James Bond theme to win the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
These facts highlight the success and impact of "Writing's on the Wall" in both the music industry and the realm of James Bond theme songs.