Sam Smith to Sing for New James Bond 'Spectre'

Sam Smith to Sing for New James Bond 'Spectre'

When it comes to a James Bond movie, we all have been taught that there are at least two things it must have. One is a 007 British secret agent. Second, to be a Bond movie, it must have a high profile theme song.

The new upcoming Bond film “Spectre” already has a 007 British Secret Agent. Now it also has the theme song. It is sung by British singer and Grammy-winning songwriter, Sam Smith.

The 23-year old singer made the announcement on the social media site, Twitter. He tweeted “This is one of the highlights of my career. ... I am honored to finally announce that I will be singing the next Bond theme song.”

It is the first James Bond theme song recorded by a British male solo artist since 1965.

The song is called “Writing’s on the Wall.” Sam Smith says it is a classic love song. He wrote the song with singer and record producer Jimmy Napes, who worked with him on the number one hit song, “Stay With Me.”

Over the years, other singers like Adele ("Skyfall"), Madonna ("Die Another Day") and Tina Turner ("GoldenEye") have recorded the theme song for other James Bond movies. Shirley Bassey managed a “three-peat” — she recorded three theme songs for the popular movies. They are "Goldfinger," "Diamonds are Forever" and "Moonraker."

The song, ”Writing’s on the Wall,” will be released as a single September 25. “Spectre,” the movie, comes out October 26 in the United Kingdom, and November 6 in the United States.

I’m Marsha James.

Marsha James wrote the story for Learning English. Anne Ball was the editor.

Words in This Story

high-profile – adj. attracting a lot of attention in newspapers, on television, movies etc.

solo – n. something done by one person

three-peat –n. something done three times

Are you a James Bond fan? What has been your favorite theme song? And what do you think about Sam Smith singing the theme song for the new James Bond ‘Spectre’ movie?

Write your thoughts in the comments section.