Singer Sam Smith has succeeded in doing what previous James Bond theme song performers have not.
“Writing’s On The Wall,” Smith’s self-penned track for the upcoming 007 movie Spectre, has reached the top spot in the U.K. music charts, the singer’s fifth number one overall.
Even “Skyfall,” which earned Adele an Oscar, only got to number two in 2012, as did Duran Duran’s “A View To A Kill” in 1985.
The achievement came amid mixed reviews for the song. While former Bond Roger Moore claimed that it was “very haunting and wonderfully orchestrated,” others have criticized it for being too bland.
The Guardian said it sounded “less like a Bond theme song than a latterday pop ballad – the kind of thing that X Factor contestants have a crack at.”
The full video for “Writing’s On The Wall” has also been released, offering new glimpses fromSpectre, including Union Jack-covered coffins and scenes featuring Monica Bellucci and Lea Seydoux.