No Time to Die (song)

"No Time to Die" is a song by American singer Billie Eilish. It is the theme song of the upcoming James Bond film of the same name, and was released through Darkroom and Interscope Records on February 13, 2020.[1] The song was written by Eilish and her brother Finneas O'Connell, and recorded in a bedroom studio.[2][3] At age 18, Eilish is the youngest artist in history to write and record a James Bond theme song.[4][5]

"No Time to Die"
Single by Billie Eilish
ReleasedFebruary 13, 2020 (2020-02-13)
Format
Recorded2020
GenreOrchestral pop
Length4:02
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Billie Eilish singles chronology
"Everything I Wanted"
(2019)		 "No Time to Die"
(2020)		 "Ilomilo"
(2020)
James Bond theme singles chronology
"Writing's on the Wall"
(2015)		 "No Time to Die"
(2020)

"No Time to Die" debuted atop the Irish Singles Chart and the UK Singles Chart. It became Eilish's first number one single in the UK and made her the first artist born in the 21st century to top the chart. Furthermore, the song became the first James Bond theme by a female artist to top the UK chart, as well as only the second Bond theme ever to top that chart.[6]

In the United States, "No Time to Die" debuted and peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.[7] The previous Bond theme, Sam Smith's "Writing's on the Wall" from 2015's Spectre, peaked at number 71.

Background

In January 2019, Eilish told her management that she wanted to be involved "if any Bond things come up…whatever we have to do we will do". When the opportunity did arise, the pair jumped into action to book a recording studio, but it left them "intensely uninspired" and suffering from writer's block. Following this lacklustre day in the studio and they ended up writing and recording the song in a tour bus in Texas, after Finneas came up with an initial chord progression; in just three days the song was written and recorded. Prior to this, the siblings had a meeting with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, who sent them the script for the opening scene in order to give them a bit of inspiration, which Eilish said was "so cool" and "really, really helpful."[8]

Finneas claimed it was useful to go back to listen to previous Bond themes to ensure they were on the right track and did not copy or recreate something which had already been done before, adding that "there are few things in your career that are as desirable as doing a Bond song. We did not take the opportunity lightly and worked as hard as we could to prove ourselves". Eilish also revealed that Daniel Craig himself had a major role in vetting the submissions.[8]

Composition

"No Time to Die" is a ballad.[9] The track runs at 74 BPM and is in the key of E minor. It runs at four minutes and two seconds.[10] According to Roisin O'Connor of The Independent, the song "features classic elements of the most memorable Bond themes including a slow build; a dark, shivery theme; and dramatic orchestration".[11] Cassie Da Costa of The Daily Beast said the song "begins with moody, atmospheric piano music before Billie's pop-enunciated alto vibrato creeps in with depressive yet vague observations about love, loss, and violence".[12]

The song features orchestral arrangements by Hans Zimmer as well as Johnny Marr on guitar.[13]

Promotion

Eilish was announced as the performer of the theme song for the 25th film in the James Bond franchise in January 2020, initially via the franchise's official Twitter account.[14] Eilish called the opportunity "a huge honor",[2] and O'Connell said they "feel so so lucky to play a small role in such a legendary franchise".[2] No Time to Die director Cary Joji Fukunaga described himself as a fan of the duo, and the film's producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, said the song is "impeccably crafted".[5] At the 92nd Academy Awards, Eilish said the ballad was "written" and "done".[15]

Eilish performed the song live for the first time at the 2020 Brit Awards on February 18, 2020.[12]

Critical reception

Alexis Petridis of The Guardian gave an overall positive review, stating, "'No Time to Die' is a confident, appealing addition to the Bond theme canon."[16] Chris Willman of Variety wrote that "'No Time to Die' is one of the better Bond songs of the last 25 or 30 years."[17] Roisin O'Connor of The Independent stated that "'No Time To Die' is one of the best Bond theme songs we've had in some time."[18] Alexa Camp of Slant Magazine said, "the lush, darkly cinematic track falls in line with past 007 themes".[19] Cassie Da Costa of The Daily Beast described the song as "not at the level of Shirley Bassey's 'Goldfinger' [...] or Nancy Sinatra's 'You Only Live Twice'". She added "it's certainly not Eilish's best, but as of late, the Bond universe has been perfectly satisfied with good enough."[12]

In June 2020, the song was listed as the 22nd best song of 2020 so far by Billboard.[20]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal and 007.com.[21][22]

  • Billie Eilish – vocals, songwriting
  • Finneas – production, songwriting, bass, percussion, piano, synthesizer, vocal arrangement
  • Stephen Lipson – production, mixing
  • Johnny Marr – guitar
  • Hans Zimmer – orchestral arrangements
  • Matt Dunkley – orchestral arrangements
  • Rob Kinelski – mixing
  • Casey Cuayo – mix engineering
  • Eli Heisler – mix engineering
  • John Greenham – mastering

Charts
Chart (2020) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[23] 4
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[24] 2
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[25] 3
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[26] 42
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[27] 11
Czech Republic (Rádio Top 100)[28] 99
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)[29] 1
Denmark (Tracklisten)[30] 4
Estonia (Eesti Tipp-40)[31] 1
Euro Digital Songs (Billboard)[32] 1
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[33] 3
France (SNEP)[34] 26
Germany (Official German Charts)[35] 5
Greece (IFPI)[36] 2
Hong Kong (Metro Radio)[37] 1
Hungary (Single Top 40)[38] 1
Hungary (Stream Top 40)[39] 1
Ireland (IRMA)[40] 1
Israel (Media Forest)[41] 4
Italy (FIMI)[42] 25
Japan (Japan Hot 100)[43] 63
Malaysia (RIM)[44] 4
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[45] 15
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[46] 3
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[47] 9
Norway (VG-lista)[48] 3
Portugal (AFP)[49] 6
Scotland (Official Charts Company)[50] 1
Singapore (RIAS)[51] 5
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[52] 1
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[53] 43
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[54] 3
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[55] 2
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[56] 1
US Billboard Hot 100[57] 16
US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard)[58] 22
US Rolling Stone Top 100[59] 4

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[60] Gold 40,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[61] Gold 400,000
United States (RIAA)[62] Gold 500,000

*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone
sales+streaming figures based on certification alone

Release history
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various February 14, 2020
[63][21]
Australia Contemporary hit radio Universal [64]
Italy [65]
United Kingdom February 15, 2020 [66]

See also

References
  1. "Billie Eilish's James Bond Theme, 'No Time to Die,' Gets a Release Date". Billboard. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  2. Strauss, Matthew (January 14, 2020). "Billie Eilish Pens Theme Song for New James Bond Movie No Time to Die". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  3. Newstead, Al (January 15, 2020). "Billie Eilish to sing new James Bond theme song 'No Time To Die'". ABC Online. Retrieved February 10, 2020.
  4. Goodman, Jessica (February 6, 2020). "Oscars 2020: Billie Eilish to have "special performance" at the Academy Awards". KNXV-TV. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
  5. Snapes, Laura (January 14, 2020). "James Bond: Billie Eilish to provide No Time to Die theme". The Guardian. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
  6. Copsey, Rob (February 21, 2020). "Billie Eilish's No Time To Die scores biggest opening week of all time for a James Bond theme". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  7. Roddy Ricch's 'The Box' Tops Hot 100 For Seventh Week, Dua Lipa Hits Top 5
  8. "Louise Minchin interviews Billie Eilish & Finneas in world's first TV interview on new Bond theme". YouTube. February 17, 2020. Retrieved February 19, 2020.
  9. James Young, David (February 14, 2020). "Billie Eilish's James Bond theme 'No Time To Die' is here | NME Australia". NME. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  10. "Key and BPM of No Time To Die by Billie Eilish | Musicstax". musicstax.com. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  11. O'Connor, Roisin (February 14, 2020). "Billie Eilish releases 007 theme 'No Time to Die'". The Independent. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  12. Costa, Cassie da (February 14, 2020). "Billie Eilish's Bond Theme Is Sleek, Sorta Sexy, and a Bit of a Bore". The Daily Beast. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  13. Moye, David (February 13, 2020). "Billie Eilish Just Dropped Her New James Bond Theme 'No Time To Die'". HuffPost. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  14. Vanderhoof, Erin (February 10, 2020). "Billie Eilish's Oscars 2020 Performance Proved Why She's Quickly Becoming One of Hollywood's Faves". Vanity Fair. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  15. Jones, Damian (February 11, 2020). "Billie Eilish says her James Bond theme song is a ballad". NME. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  16. Petridis, Alexis (February 14, 2020). "Billie Eilish: No Time to Die review – a Bond theme befitting the Craig era". The Guardian. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  17. Willman, Chris (February 14, 2020). "Billie Eilish's James Bond Theme: Nobody's Done It Better in Years (Column)". Variety. Retrieved February 17, 2020.
  18. "Billie Eilish's 007 theme 'No Time to Die' is one of the best we've had in some time". The Independent. February 14, 2020. Retrieved February 17, 2020.
  19. Camp, Alexa. "Billie Eilish Drops Lush James Bond Theme Song "No Time to Die"". Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  20. "The 50 Best Songs of 2020 (So Far): Staff Picks". Billboard. June 10, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  21. "Credits – Billie Eilish – No Time to Die". Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  22. "No Time to Die theme released". 007.com. February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  23. "Australian-charts.com – Billie Eilish – No Time to Die". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  24. "Austriancharts.at – Billie Eilish – No Time to Die" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
  25. "Ultratop.be – Billie Eilish – No Time to Die" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  26. "Ultratop.be – Billie Eilish – No Time to Die" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  27. "Billie Eilish Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
  28. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – RADIO – TOP 100 and insert 202020 into search. Retrieved May 18, 2020.
  29. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 202008 into search. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
  30. "Track Top-40 Uge 7, 2020". Hitlisten. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  31. "EESTI TIPP-40 MUUSIKAS: Eesti Laulu lood tungivad edetabelisse – kes kõige kõrgemale?". Eesti Ekspress (in Estonian). Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  32. "Euro Digital Song Sales – February 29, 2020". Billboard. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
  33. "Billie Eilish: No Time to Die" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
  34. "Top Singles (Week 8, 2020)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  35. "Offiziellecharts.de – Billie Eilish – No Time to Die". GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  36. "Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 7/2020". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on February 24, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  37. "Metro Radio Chart (International) - Week: 9". Metro Broadcast Corporation. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  38. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  39. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Stream Top 40 slágerlista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  40. "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  41. "{{{artist}}} – {{{song}}} Media Forest". Israeli Airplay Chart. Media Forest. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
  42. "Top Singoli – Classifica settimanale WK 8" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  43. "Billboard Japan Hot 100: 2020/03/02 付け". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  44. "Top 20 Most Streamed International & Domestic Singles In Malaysia". Recording Industry Association of Malaysia. Recording Industry Association of Malaysia. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  45. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 10, 2020" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 Retrieved March 7, 2020.
  46. "Dutchcharts.nl – Billie Eilish – No Time to Die" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  47. "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. February 24, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  48. "VG-lista – Topp 20 Single uke 8, 2020". VG-lista. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  49. "Portuguesecharts.com – Billie Eilish – No Time to Die". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  50. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  51. "RIAS International Top Charts Week 8". Recording Industry Association (Singapore). Archived from the original on March 1, 2020.
  52. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 202008 into search. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
  53. "Top 100 Canciones: Semana 8". Productores de Música de España. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  54. "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 8". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  55. "Swisscharts.com – Billie Eilish – No Time to Die". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  56. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  57. "Billie Eilish Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
  58. "Billie Eilish Chart History (Hot Rock Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  59. "Top 100 Songs". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
  60. "Canadian single certifications – Billie Eilish – No Time to Die". Music Canada. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  61. "British single certifications – Billie Eilish – No Time to Die". British Phonographic Industry. June 12, 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2020. Select singles in the Format field. Select Gold in the Certification field. Type No Time to Die in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  62. "American single certifications – Billie Eilish – No Time to Die". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved June 12, 2020. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH. 
  63. "No Time to Die by Billie Eilish". Amazon. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  64. "Singles To Radio". The Music Network. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  65. "BILLIE EILISH "No Time To Die" | (Radio Date: 14/02/2020)". radiodate.it. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  66. "BBC - Radio 1 Playlist". BBC. Archived from the original on February 14, 2020. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.