[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 (41–50)
Morning has BrokenCat Stevens
A signature classic by British singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, who was especially active in the 1970s.
The Japanese title is “Ame ni Nureta Asa” (literally, “A Morning Wet with Rain”).
The piano is played by Rick Wakeman of Yes.
The song has also been used in commercials for Canon Digital EOS Technology, FANCL, AC Japan (Japan Stroke Association), Suntory (beer business ads), and ENEOS.
[Classic Hits of the 70s] A roundup of Western songs used in commercials (51–60)
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.
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.
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?
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
This series of commercials, set in various scenes like a foot reflexology massage, a batting center, and an escalator, all convey the message that Recruit Agent is recommended for career changes.
Many viewers were likely drawn in by the subtly surreal atmosphere each spot has.
The background music is an arranged version of “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by the British comedy group Monty Python.
The song was created as the theme for the 1979 film Monty Python’s Life of Brian, and it’s popular overseas as a choral piece.
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.
As long as the sun is in the skynishikino akira
Akira Nishikino’s “Sora ni Taiyō ga Aru Kagiri” was released in 1971 and has long been sung as one of his signature songs.
It’s a popular track—he even performed it on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen—and it’s often featured in nostalgic music specials, so it’s known across generations.
With a calm yet powerful sound that embodies classic kayōkyoku, the gentle lead vocal layered with chorus conveys a warm, uplifting positivity.
The recurring phrase “as long as there is [X]” stands out, and the song has sometimes been adapted into parody lyrics for commercials.
That familiarity, along with its approachable feel, seems to be a key part of its enduring appeal.
