[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!
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Classic Hits of the 70s: A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials (31–40)
All By MyselfEric Carmen
A ballad released by Eric Carmen in 1975.
It was used in TV commercials for Toyota’s Soarer and Daihatsu’s Copen.
Featuring a striking piano and a deeply melancholic melody, it’s a masterpiece that moves listeners to the core.
Celine Dion’s cover version is also well known.
Stayin’ AliveBee Gees
The 1970s saw a worldwide disco boom—what we’d now call club culture.
As a result, disco music that put everything on “whether you can dance to it” became hugely popular.
Among the many disco songs, the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” is a quintessential example.
It was even used in a Honda Odyssey commercial.
A steady drum beat and a funky bass line underpin the overall rhythm—this is where “danceability” is decided.
On top of that come a catchy guitar riff and a brass section.
And you can’t forget the melodious strings! Whether they’re there or not makes a world of difference.
Disco was also a place to meet people, so creating a sense of romance was important.
That’s why you needed a beautiful melody carried by the strings.
Another hallmark is the male vocal style sung almost entirely in falsetto!
I Feel the Earth MoveCarole King
Carole King, a female singer-songwriter who has had a strong influence on Japanese musicians as well.
She’s strongly associated with gentle, expansive songs like “You’ve Got a Friend” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” In “I Feel the Earth Move,” though, you can hear her powerful, sultry side.
It’s well known from the Toyota RAV4 commercial.
The A section is just so cool, with pounding piano and funky rhythm guitar.
In contrast, the chorus showcases her free, expressive vocals in a sexy way.
That contrast gives the track a capricious, little-devil charm!
HonestyBilly Joel
A song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, included on his 1978 album 52nd Street and later released as a single.
With lyrics about seeking honesty in a world full of insincerity, it’s a perfect fit for commercials by financial institutions and corporations.
It has been used as teaching material in English classes, and many musicians in Japan and abroad have covered it—an enduring classic that hasn’t lost its luster even long after its release.
Raindrops keep falling on my headB.J.Thomas
A hit song by B.J.
Thomas, released in 1970.
It’s a track loved across generations.
It was used in commercials for Nissan Skyline, Sapporo Premium Alcohol Free, and Sanyo’s drum-type washer-dryer.
Its ending section influenced Dreams Come True’s “Haretara ii ne.”
[Classic Hits of the 70s] A compilation of Western songs used in commercials (41–50)
Sky Highjigsaw
A number released in 1975 by the British pop group Jigsaw.
In Japan, it’s very famous as the entrance theme for professional wrestler Mil Máscaras.
The song was originally produced as the theme for the 1975 action film “Sky High,” and it reportedly reached No.
3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.
9 on the UK Singles Chart.
It was also used as the commercial song for Kirin Happoshu Smooth.
IrresistiblementSylvie Vartan
Carried by a sweet melody, a passionate vocal pursuing a lost love resonates in the heart.
It’s a track that showcases Sylvie Vartan’s charm to the fullest.
Released in September 1968, it reached No.
13 on the French singles chart.
In Italy, under the title “Irresistibilmente,” it climbed to No.
3, capturing hearts across borders.
It has continued to be loved by multiple generations, featuring in the film Water Boys and in a Kirin Beer commercial.
It’s a perfect song for a drive or when you want to relax.