When a new James Bond film approaches, all eyes turn to the actor chosen to embody the legendary spy. But equally significant is the voice that introduces the world to the film’s tone—a musician tasked with creating a song that captures the essence of Bond’s latest chapter. Historically, this has meant relying on grand, piano-driven ballads delivered by chart-topping vocalists, a formula that ensures commercial success while lending the franchise an air of sophistication.
Recent Bond themes, like Billie Eilish’s haunting No Time to Die, Sam Smith’s emotive Writing’s On The Wall, and Adele’s iconic Skyfall, have embraced this tried-and-true approach. Each delivered a memorable, award-winning track that aligned perfectly with the Bond brand.
But occasionally, stepping outside the traditional mold has produced remarkable results. In 1985, Duran Duran’s A View to a Kill infused the Bond soundtrack with dynamic pop energy, becoming the franchise’s only song to top the Billboard Hot 100. It proved that taking creative risks could pay off in unexpected and impactful ways.
Fast forward to 2006: Bond fans were bracing for the debut of Daniel Craig, a blonde, brooding actor set to redefine the iconic role. The decision to cast Craig had sparked debate, leaving filmmakers eager to signal a bold new direction for the series. Enter Chris Cornell.
Best known for his powerful vocals and raw songwriting from the 1990s grunge scene, Cornell was an unconventional choice for a Bond theme. Yet his gritty style and vocal range were the perfect match for Casino Royale, a film that promised to strip Bond of his polished veneer and reveal a darker, more vulnerable side.
Cornell’s You Know My Name, written for the movie’s opening sequence, was a bold departure from the series’ traditional sound. Combining aggressive rock with orchestral undertones, the track mirrored Bond’s new emotional complexity and raw intensity.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Cornell admitted he initially hesitated to take on the project. “Guys like me resist stuff like that,” he told This Is Nottingham. But when he learned Daniel Craig would play Bond, his perspective shifted.
“I’d seen Daniel in several films and knew he was an accomplished actor,” Cornell explained. “James Bonds tend to be actors you like for who they are—Sean Connery is always Sean Connery. But Craig was different. I thought, if they do this right, it could be genius.”
When producers shared the film’s opening sequence, Cornell’s enthusiasm skyrocketed. “I was really excited to be the guy to make that song,” he recalled. Even with the weight of following legendary artists like Paul McCartney and Duran Duran, Cornell embraced the challenge with humility and humor. “Oh, and Lulu—whoever that is—I don’t know who that is,” he quipped.
Cornell’s unique ability to see Craig’s potential before it became universally recognized cemented his place as a visionary artist. With You Know My Name, he not only gave Bond fans a glimpse of the new 007 but also redefined what a Bond theme could sound like.
As Craig delivered his first performance as the spy, Cornell’s track served as the perfect introduction. Before Bond even spoke, Cornell’s voice told audiences everything they needed to know: this was a Bond unlike any they had seen before.
