You Only Live Twice – SOUNDTRACK****

You Only Live Twice/Capsule In Space/Fight At Kobe Dock-Helga/Tanaka’s World/A Drop In The Ocean/The Death Of Aki/Mountains & Sunsets/The Wedding/James Bond Astronaut/Countdown For Blofeld/Bond Averts World War Three/You Only Live Twice-End Title

You Only Live Twice is the fifth James Bond movie, still starring Sean Connery as the original 007. Film again scored by John Barry. The title song by Nancy Sinatra was a UK No. 11 hit single. (US:27)

"John Barry clearly had his mind made up that he was going to create a romantic masterpiece, and his result is right on the mark. Nancy Sinatra performs the wondrous and lyrical title song, which is considered by many to be the sweetest James Bond title song of all. Japanese local music is clearly the key element here, with many flavours of it appearing in almost every track. Some of them include Tanaka's World, Mountains & Sunsets and The Wedding. One of John Barry's masterpiece tracks is the haunting Capsule In Space. There is also the fast tempo A Drop In The Ocean and the action filled piece, Fight At Kobe Dock-Helga."

"John Barry's score reflects the movie's extensive use of Japanese settings and cultural background, with Japanese flavoured melodies and even the use of Japanese instruments in some tracks. Additionally, in lieu of the usual emphasis on action underscoring, You Only Live Twice is more lyrical and atmospheric - even the title tune, sung by Nancy Sinatra, is the most unusual in the series to date, a sultry ballad with a haunting central melody."

"Barry successfully combined lyrical, oriental, and action motifs for a solid score which should be ranked amongst the best of the Bond soundtracks."

"John Barry's score to this Bond outing was magical. It captures elements of the culture of Japan, where the movie was filmed, and the action scores are absolutely exciting. Bond fans, your wait is over. This is the one you want for your collection."

"John Barry really outdid himself with this beautiful soundtrack to accompany everybody's favourite superspy, James Bond, on his latest mission. Beautiful arrangements and melodies, the music evokes so many different moods, so you know it is powerful."