After several rather comical scores by Barry for the Bond series, John Barry returns to his usual form with the score to Moonraker. This is a rather surprising occurence since Moonraker is considered to be one of the most comical Bond film to date. Bond in Space! So is this score. And I do mean that in a good way. From the opening song sung by the always enjoyable Shirley Bassey to the last occurence of Barry's 007 theme, this score truly delivers.
Tracks such as Space Lazer Battle and Flight into Space are probably the highlights of the score. Filled with action and coherent passages, these pieces remind listeners of much of Barry's early work on From Russia with Love and Goldfinger. Although those scores are above even these works, this one can hold its own. This is currently the last film to feature the 007 theme Barry introduced in From Russia with Love. It is featured in Bond Arrives in Rio and Boat Chase. This is part of what makes this track my favorite. The other part being that the first half of the track features a vocal performance of the Moonraker theme sans lyrics. It is melodious nonetheless and quite well done.
However, the main song itself is also a reason for the success of this score. This is probably one of the best Bond songs around and still doesn't seem all that dated considering its well over 20 years old. I enjoy this score for its action and tunes and if you enjoyed Barry's scores to From Russia with Love and Octopussy I think you'll like this one too.
Total time:
1: Moonraker - Main Title (3:02) - Shirley Bassey
2: Space Lazer Battle (2:43)
3: Miss Goodhead Meets Bond (2:44)
4: Cable Car and Snake Fight (3:04)
5: Bond Lured to Pyramid (2:02)
6: Flight into Space (6:28)
7: Bond Arrives in Rio and Boat Chase (2:34)
8: Centrifuge and Corrinne Put Down (2:32)
9: Bond Smells a Rat (2:21)
10: End Title - Moonraker (2:28) - Shirley Bassey