29 JANUARY 1966
This was Jones' eighth single, and he'd already had big hits with 'It's Not Unusual' and 'What's New Pussycat?', but the two singles that preceded this - and the three that followed it - were all flops. His biggest run of success wouldn't begin until the end of 1966 and the 'Green, Green Grass of Home'.
Despite thaving a stirring Bond-style backing and arrangement, and a strong performance from Jones, this is one of the franchise's weaker efforts (although they had the tough job of following up Goldfinger), but the underwater opening titles are quite groovy and very sixties.
'He always runs while others walk.
He acts while other men just talk.
He looks at this world, and wants it all,
So he strikes, like Thunderball.
He knows the meaning of success.
His needs are more, so he gives less.
They call him the winner who takes all.
And he strikes, like Thunderball.
Any woman he wants, he'll get.
He will break any heart without regret.
His days of asking are all gone.
His fight goes on and on and on.
But he thinks that the fight is worth it all.
So he strikes like Thunderball.'