Goldfinger [Soundtrack, Original recording remastered]

This is the first time that the UK and USA releases of the Goldfinger soundtrack have been combined into one complete album, featuring both the Goldfinger instrumental theme and the 4 tracks that inexplicably featured only on previous UK issues.
Beautifully remastered, it's just a shame that the original master tapes are no longer available to expand the album further as has been done with some of the other Bond albums. Even if you already have all the tracks on the previous CD issues, this is worth buying for the quality remastering alone!

"Goldfinger" is the first real Bond soundtrack of note as this was very much the start of the Bond sound and formula which continues to this day. After missing out on writing the title song for "From russia with love" which was penned by Lionel Bart, John Barry asked to write the title song as well as composing the score, Cubby Broccoli agreed and Barry hired Anthony Newley and Leslie Briscusse to write lyrics to the theme tune which would end up being ranked (in most Bond theme polls) number 1 all time favourite Bond theme song! The intro for the title song is now legendary and Shirley Bassey's vocal is one of emence power and control. Those blaring horns signal the start of the "Bond sound" and "Spy who loved me composer" Marvin Hamlish once commented of the "Goldfinger" theme that "If the dead heard the opening to Goldfinger they would surely wake up from their slumber"!

John Barry commented that "Goldfinger" was his favourite score largely because it was the first score to really come together, the Bond sound really started here and for the first time Barry was able to weave the theme into the score, a trait he continued right up to his final Bond outing on "The Living Daylights" some 23 years later!

Although Barry regarded this as his favourite score it doesn't really showcase his talents to the fullest. It's best regarded as somewhat of a work in progress to developing the Bond sound and style. That's not to say there isn't good stuff here, there is, but Barry would do a lot of it better on later films. One of the best cues in this score is "Into Miami' which although runs for less than a minute really encapsulates the 60's Bond vibe and for me is still one of my favourite Bond cues of all time. "Dawn raid on fort knox" is another good cue with it largely being the main action theme ( something Barry would develop further on subsequent films with each one having a main action theme) There is also a lovely surf rock instrumental version of the theme song which work surprisingly well with lots of twangy guitar!

"Goldfinger" is definitely worth adding to your Bond collection but i couldn't recommend you start with this, for me the best Barry scores would be "The Living Daylights" "Moonraker" "Thunderball" and "Diamonds are forever"

3/5

James Bond's third big screen outing is one of the most famous and best remembered of the series. The score and theme tune are similarly well remembered and famous.

John Barry once again provides a magnificent orchestral backdrop against which Bond can do his stuff. With themes that drive the action along and also provide thoughtful, tender and romantic moods as required, it is a soundtrack that stands up well in its own right, and can be listened to with perfect enjoyment in isolation from the film.

The bit that everyone will remember is Shirley Bassey's rousing theme tune. With lyrics by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, it's a powerful performance, so good that Bassey was called back not once but twice to record the themes for `Diamonds are Forever' and `Moonraker'. It's the highlight of the album, but there is much more here that is well worth listening to.

This CD release contains 4 previously tracks that in general really add to the album. The sound is clear and sharp, the remastering is a treat. There is a short booklet with some notes about the film and music, and a few stills from the film.

A great release of a great album.