A View To A Kill (1985) – Duran Duran

In an unusual development, Duran Duran’s classic lineup actually recorded one of the best songs of their half-decade existence shortly before they split into Power Station and Arcadia, not to reunite until 2001. “A View To A Kill” stands as the only James Bond title song to reach #1 on the U.S. charts to date—a notable feat given some of its predecessors (“Thunderball,” “Live and Let Die,” “Nobody Does It Better,” “For Your Eyes Only”).

As the scene unfolds, Andy Taylor’s guitar detonates amidst a cadre of drums, courtesy of Roger Taylor, that boom like heavy artillery clearing a path for an orchestral cavalcade to create a diversion while John Taylor’s bass slinks down a hidden staircase in reconnaissance. Against Nick Rhodes’ veil of synthesizers peppered with ripples of staccato guitar, Simon LeBon weaves a plot of espionage and assassination entangled with deadly romance. Filtered samples of Fairlight CMI orchestra hits are scattered about in a smoke-and-mirror subterfuge. LeBon’s impassioned wail culminates in impetuous abandon en route to accomplishing the mission. Ultimately, all components of the coalition manifest to spring the trap, but we must question whether all escaped unscathed as the guitar fizzles out.

Listen to "A View To A Kill" and purchase from iTunes Music Store.