I bet you didn’t know this Bond movie soundtrack was sampled in the intro of an iconic Linkin Park song

James Bond has been a big part of pop culture for many decades and it is impossible to imagine a world where he doesn't exist. British writer Ian Fleming introduced him in the early 1950s and Sean Connery played him for the first time since 1962's Dr. No. He went on to star in six more Bond films all until 1983's Never Say Never Again. As the first on-screen portrayal of this British secret agent, he gave a blueprint for how the character should appear on screen.

Since Connery's first appearance as the lead, the James Bond movies have been known for their thrilling action scenes that play out against the seductive charm of espionage. The secret to its magic is the suave protagonist who charms his way through any room he walks into. However, beyond him, what has struck out the most are its iconic soundtracks. They were so meticulously designed and placed that even many years later, people can recognize them from miles away.

Considering their popularity, it's no wonder that another pop culture figure decided to reference it for their work. As it turns out, Linkin Park reportedly used a sample from the soundtrack of From Russia With Love titled Tania Meets Klebb, composed by English composer John Barry (via WhoSampled).

Linkin Park and the enduring legacy of their sound

Linkin Park has been instrumental in shaping the early 2000s' pop culture and their influence has crossed boundaries. No matter what part of the world you lived in, if you grew up around that time, you must have heard at least some of their work. Since the breakthrough success of Hybrid Theory, the band has been known for its catchy blend of different genres, whether alternative rock, rap, or metal.

Chester Bennington was key to it all since his vocals resonated with people beyond borders. He might just be one of the important popular figures who gave voice to everyone's emotional struggles. So, even many years since the initial release of their albums, people can relate to them. Beyond nostalgia, there is another thing that struck a chord with most. It is the infectious sound they continued to have.

Among others, the credit for this also goes to Mike Shinoda, who is not just a rapper but a curious sound engineer, who was key to shaping the band's sonic identity. So, even many years later, the audiophiles rack their brains to figure out how it all comes about. In a recent Reddit post, a user revealed an uncanny similarity between the sound of the James Bond soundtrack and the intro of Linkin Park's Faint.

From Russia with Love: The second film with Sean Connery's James Bond

Linkin Park's Faint from their studio album Meteora begins with an eerie, almost surreal sound for a few seconds before the drums kick in. That introduction has reportedly sampled a part from a song in the From Russia with Love soundtrack. The original track by Jean Barry captures the mystery and intrigue of the moments when the clever femme fatale in the plot meets the ruthless figure.

From Russia with Love was steeped in the thrill of espionage that emphasized more on the intricate character dynamics in its Cold War era-set narrative. Young and modern viewers may not immediately connect with its hard-boiled spy-craft movie, but it has clearly endured the test of time, considering its influence on other forms of art, including the Linkin Park song. More importantly, it was important to build the identity of Bond as we know it now.