"Writing's on the Wall" is a song performed by British singer Sam Smith, which served as the theme song for the 2015 James Bond film "Spectre." Here are some interesting facts about Sam Smith and the song:
Bond Theme History: Sam Smith is the first British male solo artist to record a James Bond theme song since Tom Jones in 1965. His selection for "Spectre" followed in the footsteps of iconic artists like Adele, Shirley Bassey, and Paul McCartney, who have also recorded Bond themes.
Grammy Win: "Writing's on the Wall" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 88th Academy Awards in 2016. This made Sam Smith and co-writer Jimmy Napes the first British act to win the Oscar for a Bond theme.
Commercial Success: The song was a commercial success, topping the UK Singles Chart and becoming the first Bond theme to do so. It also reached high chart positions in many other countries, solidifying Sam Smith's status as a global pop sensation.
Vocal Range: Sam Smith's powerful and emotive vocals are a trademark of their music. Their ability to hit high notes in "Writing's on the Wall" showcases their impressive vocal range, and this performance contributed to the song's critical acclaim.
Personal Connection: Sam Smith has revealed that they wrote "Writing's on the Wall" in 20 minutes and that it was inspired by their own feelings of loneliness and isolation. This personal connection to the song's lyrics likely added depth to their performance.
Recording Studio: The song was recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London, adding to its cinematic and timeless quality.
Bond Legacy: Sam Smith's "Writing's on the Wall" continues the tradition of Bond theme songs being iconic in their own right and contributing to the cultural legacy of the Bond franchise.
Music Video: The music video for the song features Sam Smith walking alone through various landscapes, including a snowy mountain and a dimly lit corridor, reflecting the song's themes of solitude and introspection.
Co-Writer Jimmy Napes: The song was co-written by Sam Smith and British songwriter and producer Jimmy Napes. The collaboration between the two artists has been fruitful, as they have worked together on several successful projects.
Bond Elegance: "Writing's on the Wall" captures the elegance and drama associated with James Bond themes, making it a fitting addition to the Bond film series.
"Writing's on the Wall" by Sam Smith stands as a significant contribution to the James Bond musical canon and showcases the artist's vocal talent and emotional depth.