It’s official: Sam Smith has recorded the new Bond theme song.
The British soul singer’s upcoming release “Writing’s On The Wall” will feature in the upcoming James Bond film, Spectre.
“This is one of the highlights of my career,” comments Smith in a statement. “I am honored to finally announce that I will be singing the next Bond theme song. I am so excited to be a part of this iconic British legacy and join an incredible line up of some of my biggest musical inspirations. I hope you all enjoy the song as much as I enjoyed making it.”
Smith — who has co-written the title song with regular collaborator and fellow Grammy Award winner Jimmy Napes — becomes the first British male solo artist to win the coveted job since Tom Jones recorded “Thunderball” for the 1965 movie of the same name. Capitol Records will release “Writing’s On The Wall” on Sept. 25.
Smith has had an up–and-down year. Early on, he shone at the Grammy Awards where he performed “Stay With Me” and took home four trophies. But a vocal cord hemorrhage in April forced him to cancel shows and take an extended rest. He’s since made a full recovery.
With “Writing’s On The Wall”, Smith joins an elite circle of recording artists who’ve contributed songs for the enduring Bond series, a group that includes Adele, Duran Duran, Paul McCartney & Wings, Madonna, Shirley Bassey and Tina Turner.
Today’s announcement (Smith dropped a major clue on Monday) ends months of speculation in which the likes of Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Adele, Lana Del Rey, Lorde, Noel Gallagher and even Radiohead were tipped as candidates to helm the new Bond song.
Spectre, the 24th film in the James Bond franchise, will be released Oct. 26 in the U.K. and Nov. 6 in the U.S.
