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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 Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials (11–20)

Toshiba IC Boston

Let It BeThe Beatles

The Beatles – The Beatles – Let It Be (Official Music Video) [Remastered 2015]
Let It BeThe Beatles

The Beatles’ “Let It Be” was released in 1970 and is one of the band’s signature songs, a classic that stands out in music history.

The fact that both the album title and the song share the name “Let It Be” also makes it feel like a particularly special track.

Its structure builds from a quiet piano-and-vocal opening to gradually layered instrumentation, conveying a sense of human connection and warmth.

In Japan, it was used in a commercial for Toshiba’s IC Stereo Boston, and the choice to feature a song by such a historic band in an audio equipment ad reflects strong confidence in the product’s quality.

Nissan Liberty

ABCThe Jackson 5

This is a song that was featured in Nissan Liberty commercials from 2002 to 2004.

Some of you may also remember that parody versions of this song were used in commercials for the T&D Insurance Group and AGC.

It’s a track that almost everyone has probably heard, released in 1979 by The Jackson 5, the group formed by brothers including a young Michael Jackson.

With its catchy, sing-along pop melody and groovy bass line, it’s a fun tune that makes you want to move your body as you listen.

Kirin SPRING VALLEY Silk Ale <White> 'Dawn' Version

Piano ManBilly Joel

Billy Joel – Piano Man (Official HD Video)
Piano ManBilly Joel
KIRIN Spring Valley Silk Ale <White> TV Commercial “Dawn Teaser” Version 15 Seconds

Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” released in 1973 and included on several albums, is one of his signature songs.

The fact that “Piano Man” is also known as a nickname for Billy Joel shows just how big a hit the song was.

As the title suggests, the piano takes center stage, and when his soaring vocals layer over it, the result is a moving atmosphere.

In Japan, it was used in a commercial for Kirin’s Spring Valley Silk Ale, where the pairing with the song further emphasizes the emotional impact.

Toyota Brevis

Saturday in the ParkCHICAGO

Chicago – Saturday in the Park (Official Audio)
Saturday in the ParkCHICAGO

This song, used in a 2001 Toyota Brevis commercial, is by the American rock band Chicago.

Speaking of Chicago, they’re a rock band known for incorporating a horn section into their lineup.

In this track, you can enjoy a bright brass sound right from the intro, and the clean vocals add to it, making it a song that lifts your spirits as you listen.

It’s included on their 1972 album Chicago V.

JR West Otonabi 2015

Have You Never Been MellowOlivia Newton-John

Temptation of the Breeze [with Japanese subtitles] Olivia Newton-John
Have You Never Been MellowOlivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John’s 1975 number.

It’s well known in Japan by its Japanese title, “Soyokaze no Yūwaku” (Temptation of a Gentle Breeze).

Her clear, transparent vocals make it a pleasant track, and listening to it somehow feels nostalgic.

It was used in a Lotte Xylitol Gum commercial.

IHI “Journey: 170 Years of Technology and Wisdom”

Bridge Over Troubled WaterSimon&Garfunkel

Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water (Audio)
Bridge Over Troubled WaterSimon&Garfunkel

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” is an enduring masterpiece released by Simon & Garfunkel.

As this song plays alongside the chronicle of IHI’s corporate activities, it amplifies the power of the visuals and underscores a resolute call for hope.

The 170-year journey built on outstanding technology and continuous innovation evokes the image of a grand bridge stretching across open waters.

Simon & Garfunkel’s clear harmonies seem to point the way forward even now.

Their music, which powerfully conveys technological progress and corporate ideals, is truly a timeless masterpiece loved across generations.

[Classic Hits of the ’70s] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials (21–30)

PCA Life

Your SongElton John

Elton John – Your Song (Top Of The Pops 1971)
Your SongElton John
#EltonJohn – #YourSong / A moving commercial song ♪ I love the smiles of #husbands-and-wives and couples ♪ #Model #DaisukeA (#Daisuke Adachi) / PCA LIFE

A song by American singer-songwriter Elton John, whose life was portrayed in the 2019 film Rocketman.

Released in 1970 under the Japanese title “Boku no Uta wa Kimi no Uta” (“Your Song”), it became a major hit thanks to its sophisticated blend of jazz and folk and Elton John’s distinctive vocals, and has since been covered and performed by many musicians.

In Japan, it’s a familiar number that has been used in life insurance and car commercials, as well as theme songs for TV dramas.