For a year, rumor had it that Adele was recording the theme to the new James Bond film, Skyfall. But it was only on Monday that the singer confirmed it herself via Twitter, and wordlessly at that. Today, “Skyfall” officially premiered, timed to the 50th anniversary of Dr. No, the spy franchise’s first film, released on this day in 1962.

“Skyfall,” which Adele co-wrote with producer Paul Epworth (“Rolling In The Deep”) doesn’t disappoint. The darkly epic track, arranged by Epworth and Skyfall orchestrator J.A.C. Redford (The Amazing Spider-Man, The Iron Lady, Wall-E), was recorded with a 77-piece orchestra at London’s Abbey Road Studios and features some wonderfully ominous strings. The brassy-voiced Adele turns in a tantalizing performance that harkens back to the days when Shirley Bassey was the series’ go-to singer (“Goldfinger,” “Moonraker,” “Diamonds Are Forever”). Quintessentially Bond, “Skyfall” also includes a nod to 007’s instrumental theme.

With “Skyfall,” Adele adds her name to a legacy that, besides Bassey, includes Paul McCartney, Sheena Easton, Duran Duran, Tina Turner, Madonna, and Garbage. There hasn’t been a more perfect fit in years — particularly in the era of Daniel Craig as James Bond — though Adele admits she’s wasn’t so sure.

“I was a little hesitant at first to be involved with the theme song for Skyfall,” Adele says in a statement. “There’s a lot of instant spotlight and pressure when it comes to a Bond song. But I fell in love with the script and Paul had some great ideas for the track and it ended up being a bit of a no-brainer to do it in the end. When we recorded the strings, it was one of the proudest moments of my life. I’ll be back combing my hair when I’m 60 telling people I was a Bond girl back in the day, I’m sure!”

Just a few spins in, I’m already sure that Adele’s “Skyfall” will easily ascend to rank among the best-ever Bond themes.

Purchae Adele – “Skyfall” via iTunes.