Goldfinger: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [Soundtrack]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The third film in the James Bond series was the one that transformed 007 into a pop-cultural phenomenon (and turned Sean Connery into a star). It also set the tone for every Bond soundtrack to follow, featuring a huge title pop hit (which introduced the extraordinary Shirley Bassey-- long a superstar in England--to American audiences) and, of course, John Barry's loud, brassy instrumentals, some close enough to pass for rock 'n' roll. The wonderful "James Bond Theme" had been used in the first two flicks, but never this predominantly. Barry genuinely builds suspense, tension, and mystery within his sounds--and, along with McCartney's "Live and Let Die," the title song remains the best (and definitely the most haunting) of all the Bond-based title tunes. (You were going to suggest "A View to a Kill," perhaps?) In fact, after reaching No. 1 on the LP charts for three weeks in 1965, this went on to have such a pop-cultural effect that the Beatles would borrow the "James Bond Theme" for the intro to their own "Help," while years later, the postpunk band Magazine would score a huge British hit with a cool cover of "Goldfinger." Simply the best Bond all the way around. --Bill Holdship

Goldfinger: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Music, John Barry, Shirley Bassey, Anthony Newley, Film Music, Original Score, Pop, Soundtrack, Soundtracks, Soundtracks & Film Scores, Spy Music

Average customer rating:

Barry's Best Bond

Music with the Midas touch

Best James Bond Soundtrack

Establishing a Screen Icon

John Barry score 5 stars with this one

Goldfinger: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
John Barry , Shirley Bassey , and Anthony Newley
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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From Russia with Love

ASIN: B00000DRBX
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Main Title - Goldfinger Into Miami
Alpine Drive - Auric's Factory
Oddjob's Pressing Engagement
Bond Back In Action Again
Teasing The Korean
Gassing The Gangsters
Goldfinger (instrumental version)
Dawn Raid On Fort Knox
The Arrival Of The Bomb And Count Down
The Death Of Goldfinger - End Titles

Amazon.com

The third film in the James Bond series was the one that transformed 007 into a pop-cultural phenomenon (and turned Sean Connery into a star). It also set the tone for every Bond soundtrack to follow, featuring a huge title pop hit (which introduced the extraordinary Shirley Bassey-- long a superstar in England--to American audiences) and, of course, John Barry's loud, brassy instrumentals, some close enough to pass for rock 'n' roll. The wonderful "James Bond Theme" had been used in the first two flicks, but never this predominantly. Barry genuinely builds suspense, tension, and mystery within his sounds--and, along with McCartney's "Live and Let Die," the title song remains the best (and definitely the most haunting) of all the Bond-based title tunes. (You were going to suggest "A View to a Kill," perhaps?) In fact, after reaching No. 1 on the LP charts for three weeks in 1965, this went on to have such a pop-cultural effect that the Beatles would borrow the "James Bond Theme" for the intro to their own "Help," while years later, the postpunk band Magazine would score a huge British hit with a cool cover of "Goldfinger." Simply the best Bond all the way around. --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews:

Barry's Best Bond.......2003-11-15

Of all the Bond scores, 'Goldinger' has always been my personal favorite. As the movie is also my favorite Bond film, the score holds a special place with me, bringing some good memories. The newly expanded score CD replaces 4 tracks there were on the original UK LP, that was not released in the US. 'The Laser' is actually one of my favorite tracks from the entire album. Thanks to EMI for its fine remastering and expansion of this classic Bond score.

Music with the Midas touch.......2003-08-18

Having impressed both moviegoers and the industry in his rookie year as the Bond series' lead composer, John Barry followed up with a soundtrack that's almost as impressive. This CD is a combination of spectacular music and -- even without the remastering -- brilliant production.

While Barry had to give way to Lionel Bart when it came to composing the "From Russia With Love" title song, the "Goldfinger" theme music is Barry all the way, and it's as close to a perfect movie song as there is. Mix the bombast of Barry's horn-soaked arrangement, the over-the-top lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Tony Newley, and of course the powerful delivery by vocalist Shirley Bassey...and you have a theme song that's a thriller itself.

The CD is filled with gems, including the brilliant big-band instrumental "Into Miami" -- used just after the title credits to accompany the wonderful slow aerial zoom to the Fountainebleau Hotel. The suite "Alpine Drive - Auric's Factory"
has wonderful violin passages balancing the "Goldfinger" music and a suspenseful section during which Bond spies on the Auric Enterprises plant.

The soundtrack CD reaches its powerful peak in "Dawn Raid on Fort Knox" and "The Arrival Of The Bomb And Countdown." Each has violins and horns building upon each other dramatically to a finish that doesn't need the movie visual to leave you tingling.

The only clunker is the Duane Eddy-ish, monaural guitar instrumental of "Goldfinger..." which obviously sounds as if it's from a worn master tape. The arrangement is fine, but the audio quality is a drawback from what's otherwise a spectacular disc...which comes awfully close to the brilliant "From Russia With Love" in front to back quality.

Best James Bond Soundtrack.......2003-07-22

Goldfinger has to be the best James Bond soundtrack. It not only has the best James Bond Theme song but the score is one of the best. They don't compose them like this any more. It brings back fond memories.

Establishing a Screen Icon.......2003-05-15

I don't think any other soundtrack did for a film or film series what GOLDFINGER did for James Bond. The main title of GOLDFINGER performed by Shirley Bassey is the definitive theme that sets the benchmark for all of James Bond's cinematic adventures. Not just the melody but the very sound and delivery musically identifies what a James Bond film is all about. Composer John Barry and lyricists Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley have the gratitude of many generations of James Bond fans. Musically I believe it is essential to have a strong main title to a Bond film, which goes in tandem with the James Bond Theme when properly juxtaposed. The film and how it fits into the world of James Bond relies on a delicate balancing act of musical scoring. In many ways GOLDFINGER is also the definitive James Bond score. If you listen to John Barry's eloquent and stimulating compositions: "Alpine Drive" and "Oddjob's Pressing Engagement" you can hear this juxtaposition of the "Goldfinger" main title and the "James Bond Theme" composed as a counterbalance to the battle of wits that Bond and Goldfinger engage in on the screen. Track 4: "Bond Back in Action Again" can not go unmentioned because this again is another innovative use of the "James Bond Theme" that clearly defines James Bond from the opening gun barrel right through the pre-titles opening sequence. This is an essential James Bond soundtrack.

John Barry score 5 stars with this one.......2002-11-24

I just recently got this CD and have found it to be very entertaining and exciting. I love listening to it on my drives to and from work but it is a bit dangerous as you find yourself stepping on the gas and grabbing those tight corners.
I have always been a big fan of the movie GOLDFINGER and have really enjoyed this CD. It has wonderful orchestrations with the GOLDFINGER theme running through many of them. Barry uses some excellent nuances of the GOLDFINGER theme in place you wouldnt expect. I have also heard some incredible horn playing that would be hard to find anywhere else.
It is a great CD if you love bond music you cant go wrong getting this.

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