What’s the Story?

For the first time in Bond-movie history, two musicians duet for the theme song. The song is ANOTHER WAY TO DIE, the movie is Quantum of Solace, and the musicians are Jack White and Alicia Keys -- who've now joined the ranks of legendary James Bond theme-ers like Shirley Bassey, Paul McCartney, and Tina Turner. White wrote and produced the song; he plays guitar and drums and shares vocal duty with Keys.

Is It Any Good?

You might think that pairing these two successful, passionate musicians would make for a sure thing. Think again. There's potential in this song, with slick lyrics like "Another dirty money heaven-sent honey, turning on a dime," but unfortunately it never quite takes off. With its obvious, almost cliched past Bond-theme standards like horns, bold piano, and strings, the overall sound falls flat.

White rocks it on guitar, but he and Keys sing in a dissonant harmony that doesn't quite fit, just confuses, and at times makes you wonder whether the notes are even right. But given the musicians' own reputations and legions of fans -- as well as the video's addition of the ultra-cool images of Daniel Craig as Bond -- this song might get a little solace after all.

Have you heard it?

Music Details

Artists

Alicia Keys
Jack White

Genre

Soundtrack

Parental advisory

No

Edited version
available

No

Release date

9/30/2008

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