Keys inspired by White’s work for Bond film

It was after a long day of interviews and public appearances promoting a different film at the Toronto International Film Festival that she entered the studio with her unlikely collaborator.

"The inspiration to do it was because I’ve always been a huge fan of the White Stripes and Jack White, and I always wanted us to work together in some way,” Keys said. "And so, when it came into play, him and me doing the Bond theme, it felt, like, crazy, because it’s such an interesting mix of styles.”

Written by White, the song is a potent blend of fuzz guitar alt-rock and hip-hop rhythms played against orchestral brass and strings reminiscent of the franchise’s classic John Berry themes. The video features Keys playing a white upright piano and White alternating between guitar and drum kit.

"It’s a great song,” Keys said. "It has all the Bond elements to it, and the feeling of it is very energetic and explosive. ... It builds up really big and breaks down really small. I think it’s an interesting piece. ... It’s very kind of raw and soulful, rocky. And it’s hard-core. I love it. I was glad to put my style on something he had written.”

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