Sam Smith makes chart history in UK

Smith topped the chart with combined chart sales and streams of 70,000 copies, finishing 13,000 ahead of his closest competitor, Justin Bieber’s What Do You Mean?

Good job, America, getting embarrassed like that by Britain and Canada.

Tony Hicks writes celebrity commentary for the Bay Area News Group.

They add: “The song was already fully written and was incredible but it was just Sam with a piano and an orchestra and it sounded very classic – an wonderful classic Bond song, like “Diamonds Are Forever” or “Goldfinger”.

Speaking on BBC Radio 1, Smith called the opportunity to record the theme a “highlight” of his career. “It has-been an unforgettable experience working with Barbara (Broccoli) & Sam (Mendes) to turn out to be part of this British legacy”.

Smith’s emotionally wrought take on the Bond theme tune was greeted with a mixed response from critics and fans. Even Skyfall, Adele’s Oscar-winning theme for the 2012 film, peaked at number two.

‘The thing is, Sam’s song will be the best ever Bond song for a few people and also the worst. From the opening bars I knew immediately, then the voice kicked in and it was exactly what I’d wanted from the beginning.

Sam joined the ranks of Tom Jones, Tina Turner and Adele when he premiered his 007 track “Writing’s on the Wall” last Friday, although reaction was varied.