On Her Majesty's Secret Service Soundtrack
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Music composed, arranged and conducted by John Barry
'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' performed by The John Barry Orchestra, written by John Barry. 'We Have All The Time In The World' performed by Louis Armstrong, written by John Barry. 'Do You Know How Christmas Trees Are Grown?' performed by Nina, written by Hal David and John Barry
Music originally recorded at CTS Studios, Bayswater, London, in October 1969
Total playing time: 1:19:44 (2003 release)
Review
On Her Majesty's Secret Service marked the departure of Sean Connery as Bond, with George Lazenby stepping into the fray. While there was criticism at the time that James Bond would not survive this transition, John Barry pulls out all the stops to make the outstanding On Her Majesty's Secret Service soundtrack ». After a long wait fans now not only have long-lost cues restored, but all the tracks have been digitally restored to their full glory.
While not the title theme, Louis Armstrong's 'We Have All The Time In The World' blends seamlessly into the film, and is a treat to listen to by itself, but sadly was the last recording made in his illustrious career. We are however treated to the excellent 'Main Theme - On Her Majesty's Secret Service' as a title theme which is probably the greatest action music in the series.
Looking at the tracks on the album, it has it all. There is action, suspense, thrills, romance, ambiance, big numbers and even some early synth that will please anyone. There is not one track on the CD that you could fast-forward or miss out, each one provides essential listening. Great action tracks appear in the form of 'Battle At Piz Gloria', 'Escape From Piz Gloria' and 'This Never Happened To The Other Fella' (to name just a few) with renditions of the main title theme running through them. There is real tension in 'Gumbold's Safe' where you actually feel you are part of the film, feeling the pressure as Gumbold's return gets ever closer. There is soft elegant music in 'Journey To Blofeld's Hideaway' and 'Try' which creates an excellent ambiance.
In contrast is 'We Have All The Time In The World/James Bond Theme' which is perhaps one of the saddest tracks in the series. Whilst you are listening you feel connected to Bond as he cradles Tracy, his late wife, after being shot by Irma Bunt. Then suddenly and unexpectedly, the harrowing sound of the 'James Bond Theme' kicks off to round things off nicely. As such there are no highlights on the album, as every track has a special highlight which makes this pure magic.
Play Listing
The following tracks are from the remastered 2003 release. While you may prefer to listen to the tracks as they are presented, below is a list of the tracks arranged in the order they appear in the film. §
2. This Never Happened to the Other Fella (5:06)
6. Main Theme - On Her Majesty's Secret Service (2:35)
8. We Have All the Time in the World (Instrumental) (2:59)
3. Try (3:41)
12. Journey to Draco's Hideaway
13. Bond and Draco (4:34)
1. We Have All the Time in the World (3:15)
14. Gumbold's Safe (4:59)
7. Journey to Blofeld's Hideaway (4:53)
15. Bond Settles In (2:16)
16. Bond Meets the Girls (3:27)
17. Dusk at Piz Gloria (2:32)
18. Sir Hillary's Night Out (Who Will Buy My Yesterdays?) (4:46)
19. Blofeld's Plot (5:19)
20. Escape from Piz Gloria (4:53)
5. Do You Know How Christmas Trees Are Grown? (3:21)
4. Ski Chase (3:39)
9. Over and Out (3:11)
10. Battle at Piz Gloria (4:03)
21. Bobsled Chase (2:01)
11. We Have All the Time in the World - James Bond Theme (4:38)
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