Lana Del Rey’s 007 First Light Theme Song Review: A Disappointing Entry

The James Bond film franchise has long been defined by its iconic theme songs, typically delivered by major artists to set the tone for each new adventure. Now, IO Interactive's upcoming Bond game 007 First Light joins this legacy with a surprise release of its own theme, First Light, performed by popular recording artist Lana Del Rey. While the track hits all the expected musical notes, it ultimately feels like a hollow imitation rather than a genuine contribution to the canon. Is it one of the good ones? After listening closely, I regret to inform you that this Lana Del Rey attempt at a Bond theme is not great.

Bond themes are inherently subjective, making them perfect fodder for endless debate, but in this case, the verdict is clear: this song feels like Bond karaoke. It mimics the structure of what a 007 anthem should be—complete with slow strings and punchy horns—but utterly lacks the depth, emotion, and understanding that make a theme truly iconic. The lyrical wordplay attempts to tie the track to the film's narrative, such as the line "Dying just to know whether you'll play your life like a game," yet it comes off flat and filed down. Ultimately, Del Rey's signature voice is lost in an aural mush that fails to capture the spirit of the franchise.

Comparing First Light to the Greats

To understand why this track falls short, one must compare First Light to the gold standard of Bond music. Take Adele's theme for Skyfall, which I quite like; it is undeniably a Bond song but stands on its own as a distinct work by Adele. Similarly, Sheena Easton's brilliant "For Your Eyes Only" and Carly Simon's timeless "Nobody Does It Better" remain masterpieces because they balance franchise identity with artistic individuality. Even Tina Turner's theme for Goldeneye, which I personally do not care for at all, is distinctly hers in a way that this new release is not.

When looking at the history of Bond music, there was undeniably a time when these tracks were genuinely interesting works that made their releases notable events:

  • Paul McCartney delivered a legendary hit for Live and Let Die, famously agreeing to create something specific for the film.
  • Duran Duran hammered their unique stamp onto "A View to a Kill," creating a track that is as much a Duran song as it is a Bond theme.
  • Even Madonna's "Die Another Day," often criticized, deserves credit for veering off the path in an effort to do something different.

In contrast to these bold choices, First Light feels safe and derivative. It pales in comparison not just to the classics, but even to Chris Cornell's "You Know My Name" from Casino Royale, which was a flat, nasally effort completely unsuited for his generally awesome vocal talents.

The Verdict: A Forgettable Effort

It is crucial to clarify that this critique targets this specific track and not Lana Del Rey herself, who is generally quite good as an artist. However, I am certainly not the only one feeling this way; PC Gamer senior video producer Scott Tanner, a self-described "lifelong Bond fan," called the song "Lana Del Meh." This snappy nickname cuts to the point: the track is dull, derivative, and ultimately very forgettable.

Interestingly, this isn't actually Del Rey's first crack at a Bond song. She revealed in 2024 that her song "24" from her 2015 album Honeymoon was written for the Bond film Spectre, which came out the same year. Producers rejected it, however, opting for the Sam Smith track "Writing's On the Wall"—a decidedly mid Bond theme that won a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Original Song despite its lackluster reception from fans.

007 First Light is set to launch on May 27, 2026, but until then, listeners may find themselves wishing for a different kind of sound. For those eager to explore other upcoming titles and top-tier gaming experiences, check out the latest lists for 2026 games, our all-time favorite best PC games, and guides to the free PC games available in a freebie fest. Whether you are looking for the best FPS games with the finest gunplay or the best RPGs featuring grand adventures, GLI7CH has you covered, including recommendations for the best co-op games to play better together with friends.