James Bond video game adaptation 007 First Light is following in the footsteps of its film counterparts, and will open with an iconic theme song, this go around, sung by Lana Del Rey.
Given Del Rey previously recorded a theme song for 2015’s Spectre that didn’t make the cut, this feels like a form of redemption.
David Arnold, who previously scored Bond films including Casino Royale and Tomorrow Never Dies, returns on composition, and co-wrote the track. You can certainly feel his influence in the song’s pace and jazzy vibes.
Theme song for 007 First Light revealed – quick links
007 First Light theme song – listen here
The 007 First Light theme song, suitably titled First Light, is lush and orchestral, with notes of rock in a crescendoing chorus. There are elements of Adele’s Skyfall here, as well as the higher-tempo You Know My Name by Chris Cornell.
Del Rey’s voice is certainly fit for the part, with her breathy notes and full-bodied range adding that all-important rich, sensual vibe to the song.
We expect this particular theme will debut early into the game, setting the scene for Bond’s prequel adventure within a (presumably) artful cutscene hinting at what’s to come. There’s a strong tradition of gorgeous, sweeping James Bond theme sequences over the years, and this will hopefully compete against the best.
When you’re up against naked women being crawled on by scorpions, fire and ice demons, ghostly manors, and Eva Green in playing card form, there are high expectations.
James Arnold on the new Bond theme song
According to composer James Arnold, returning to the Bond franchise for this particular song was gratifying, particularly with Lana Del Rey on board.
‘The Bond theme is a unique storytelling moment; it has to capture scale, drama, and intrigue all at once,’ Arnold said, via Rolling Stone.
‘Having been part of that musical lineage, I understand how important it is to honour its heritage while allowing it to evolve. Lana brought an elegance and atmosphere to the song that felt perfectly suited to continuing that tradition while introducing something fresh for a new era.’
What to know about 007 First Light
007 First Light is in a rather intriguing position, as it has the potential to attract a whole new audience to the world of video games. Plans for new James Bond cinematic adventures are progressing, but after years away from the big screen, 007 First Light is the only imminent project to satisfy long-time fans.
Given the announcement here, it does seem like the game will pay direct homage to the film franchise, with similar sensibilities about grandeur and action.
ScreenHub: 007 First Light: everything to know about the new James Bond game
Those keen to check it out should know this is an official prequel to the James Bond story, developed by IO Interactive in collaboration with current series rights holders Amazon MGM and Eon Productions. The game follows a young Bond, played by Patrick Gibson (Dexter: Original Sin, Shadow and Bone) as he works to earn ’00’ status.
007 First Light is set to launch for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on 27 May.
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