Various Artists, John Barry - Diamonds Are Forever

About time an updated version came out

When the original score was released in 1971, it left out most of the best tracks in the movie. This CD re-issue fixes that. Unquestionably the best one that was missing was 'Mr. Wint & Mr. Kidd' - the theme of the pair of effeminate killers & their antics with a scorpion. 'Moon Buggy Ride' is also a lively theme as 007 outraces Blofeld's thugs in an experimental NASA moon vehicle. About time the full soundtrack was released! July 20, 2006

An Underrated John Barry Score

John Barry's complete score for "Diamonds Are Forever" is a memorable addition to the 007 catalogue, though it doesn't equal the high standards established by "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" and "You Only Live Twice." Nevertheless, this 1971 soundtrack far surpasses the mediocrity of "The Man With the Golden Gun." The title song by Shirley Bassey is guaranteed to ignite your stereo speakers. April 13, 2006

"Well, that's a neat trick...."

Sean Connery's first return to the role of James Bond still sparks a lot of discussion among the 007 fans. Was DIAMONDS the first "camp" Bond film, as evidenced by the light touches and wild theatrics (gay hit men! Blofeld showing up in drag!)? Or was it still a dangerous spy thriller where Bond is nearly cremated alive and when he backhands Tiffany with his tie to get answers?

It's actually somewhere in between, I think, and that's why the movie is still cool after all these years.

John Barry produces another solid 007 soundtrack to give DIAMONDS its own feel and personality. My only quibble would be that the tracks are not in order but I understand from other reviews that they couldn't contractually produce it any other way. Maybe someday.

Everyone looked like they were having a good time in this movie, and it comes through the music as well. This is one of the CDs I always have in my car during my frequent trips to Vegas. November 27, 2005

I think this is the worst of John Barry's 007 scores...

I never really enjoyed the music during the film (nor, for that matter, did I enjoy the film!). Very tacky, dated, too much American flavour to the whole thing. Sadly, listening to the extended soundtrack has reminded me only of why I never liked this film!

Particularly dislikable tracks included : slumber Inc, The Whyte House, Circus Circus.

That whole excessive use of 'vibrato' (?) and other musical techniques sound so dated...

I am a huge, huge fan of Barry's other Bond scores, esp You Only Live Twice, and OHMSS, Moonraker and others. I think OHMSS is the best. So wonderful, lyrical, exciting yet wonderfully romantic at times.

Sadly, these Diamonds just don't cut it for me... August 31, 2004

JOHN BARRY DOES IT AGAIN

of the original ten or twelve James Bond movies, are there really any bad soundtracks? The answer is no. And this one is one of the best. Lots of extra stuff here that wasn't in the movie, ended up on the cutting room floor, I guess. Great orchestral arrangements. February 6, 2004

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