London - The British singer Adele's theme for the new Bond film Skyfall has topped the iTunes chart within hours of its release on Friday.
It was number one within 10 hours of being released, overtaking last week's official UK number one Gangnam Style.
The track is hotly tipped to become the first 007 theme to make it to number one in the official chart when it is announced on Sunday.
Adele's song, which shares its title with the movie, was given its full premiere on her website Friday and made available to download. Fans had been given a taste of the track earlier in the week when it was leaked online, then swiftly removed.
The song - for which she teamed with Paul Epworth once more, who co-wrote and produced her massive hit Rolling In The Deep - is her first new material since her career exploded following the success of second album 21 early last year.
Previous Bond theme artists have all failed to take their songs to the top of the charts, including Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Tom Jones and Madonna, while Duran Duran made it to just number two in 1985 with A View to a Kill.
The single's release comes exactly 50 years to the day since the world premiere of the first Bond movie, Dr No. And the film company behind the 007 franchise has designated today Global James Bond Day, with a number of activities to mark the anniversary.
They will include the auction of a number of items of Bond memorabilia by Christie's in London, including Daniel Craig's trunks, which he wore in Casino Royale.
The 23rd Bond film, Skyfall, Daniel Craig's third outing as 007, is being given its premiere in London on 26 October.
