RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
Even for 007, it's tough to keep something top secret. This week, a security breach led to the release of this audio recording.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "SKYFALL")
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
That's the unmistakable voice Adele singing the theme to the latest Bond movie, "Skyfall." This song was not supposed to come out until today but earlier in the week someone leaked a snippet of it online. We're sure British intelligence is investigating.
Adele is now part of a who's who list of singers who've recorded Bond themes.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "GOLDFINGER")
MONTAGNE: Ah, yes, the voice of Shirley Bassey will recorded the most themes. "Goldfinger" in 1964, "Diamonds are Forever" in 1971 and "Moonraker" in 1979.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "LIVE AND LET DIE")
MONTAGNE: Paul McCartney and Wings had a hit with "Live and Let Die" in 1973. Four years later, Carly Simon recorded the theme to "The Spy Who Loved Me."
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "THE SPY WHO LOVED ME")
INSKEEP: This is the point where we may and I begin to feel like Casey Kasam. It was Duran Duran's turn in 1985 with "A View to a Kill."
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "A VIEW TO A KILL")
INSKEEP: And here's Madonna in 2002 with "Die Another Day."
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "DIE ANOTHER DAY")
INSKEEP: Others on the James Bond hit list include Louis Armstrong, Lulu, Sheena Easton, Tina Turner and Sheryl Crow.
MONTAGNE: And if you missed your favorite, check out our James Bond music playlist on Spotify.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "DIAMOND ARE FOREVER")
MONTAGNE: This is MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.
INSKEEP: And I'm Steve Inskeep.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "DIAMOND ARE FOREVER") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.