Cinematic Point Of View

Soundtrack Spotlight: ‘Moonraker’ by Shirley Bassey

January 15, 2026

1–2 minutes

007, film, Films, ian-fleming, James Bond, John Barry, Moonraker, Movie Soundtrack, Movies, Roger Moore, science fiction, Shirley Bassey, Soundtrack, Soundtrack Spotlight

The first film I watched in 2026 was the James Bond classic ‘Moonraker’ (1979) and the theme song has been stuck in my head ever since.

Performed by Shirley Bassey, Moonraker’ was her third Bond title theme after ‘Goldfinger’ (1964) and ‘Diamonds Are Forever‘ (1971). Apparently, Bassey wasn’t the first choice for composer John Barry, who wanted Johnny Mathis for this one. When Mathis dropped out, Bassey got a call late in the game and eagerly stepped up to the plate.

‘Moonraker’ is also the 11th film in the James Bond franchise and it might be one of the corniest and most fun.

After a Space Shuttle is hijacked, James Bond investigates an industrialist named Hugo Drax, who is hiding a sinister genocidal plan to wipe out the human race and replace it with his own master race. I guess on hindsight, that plotline doesn’t sound like “fun,” but it’s all done with a wink and nod that only the Roger Moore 007 movies can deliver.

I feel like whichever Bond you grew up with is generally the Bond you enjoy the most. I think For Your Eyes Only was my first Bond film and so Roger Moore has always been my favorite James Bond. How about you?

Fun fact. Did you know that the opening skydiving sequence, where Bond jumps without a parachute, took 88 real skydives to film? Must have been a lot of insurance paperwork on this production.