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[Classic Hits of the 70s] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials

When it comes to Western music from the 1970s, there were so many timeless classics that are still loved today.

Many of those popular songs have been used in TV commercials in Japan since back then.

And in recent years, quite a few of them have been newly featured in commercials again.

In this article, we’ll give you a comprehensive introduction to 1970s Western songs that have been used in commercials so far.

As we gathered the tracks featured in commercials, we ended up with a wonderful collection of masterpieces, so take this opportunity to find some new favorites!

[Classic Hits of the 70s] A roundup of Western songs used in commercials (51–60)

Nissan Corporate Commercial 1999

La Vie En RoseBette Midler

In a corporate commercial aired in 1999, Bette Midler’s rendition of “La Vie En Rose” was featured.

The song was originally released by Édith Piaf in 1946, and this version is a cover recorded in 1977.

The gentle accompaniment and Bette Midler’s sweet, tender vocals are striking, and from beginning to end you can’t help but be entranced by her voice.

Get It OnChase

The Japanese title is “Black Flame,” released in 1971.

It was used as the commercial song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ canned coffee “WANDA,” featuring Junji Takada and Taichi Kokubun.

More recently, it has also been used in an NTT Docomo commercial starring Shinichi Tsutsumi and Go Ayano.

Isn’t this trumpet melody something everyone has heard?

Kirin Beer Kirin Ichiban Shibori

Theme from New York, New YorkFrank Sinatra

Theme From New York, New York (2008 Remastered)
Theme from New York, New YorkFrank Sinatra

The song you often hear in Kirin Ichiban Shibori commercials was created as the theme for the 1977 film “New York, New York.” It was originally sung by Liza Minnelli, but the version covered by Frank Sinatra later became the most well-known.

It’s said to have been used in the Ichiban Shibori commercials since 2012.

For some reason, that relaxed brass sound perfectly fits the vibe of a beer commercial, doesn’t it?

ChangesDavid Bowie

David Bowie – Changes (HQ)
ChangesDavid Bowie

A well-known early signature song by David Bowie.

Bowie during his glam rock days was really cool.

It was used as the CM song for Sanyo’s Eneloop batteries.

It’s very sad that we can no longer see his performances.

CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE「Intense and irresistible」

Follow MeBertrand Burgalat, A.S. Dragon feat. Whitney Peak

The Chanel fragrance COCO MADEMOISELLE’s promotional commercial “Intense and irresistible” features actress Whitney Peak.

In the ad, there’s a scene where Whitney Peak sings “Follow Me.” The song was originally released in 1978 by Amanda Lear, and this time Whitney Peak is covering it.

Her moody, understated vocal delivery—distinct from the original—sounds really cool.