![[Classic Hits of the 70s] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HgzGwKwLmgM/hqdefault.jpg)
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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- 80s Western pop hits featured in commercials. A roundup of nostalgic CM songs.
- Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles. Introducing famous songs recently featured in commercials, too!
- Catchy commercial jingles. A roundup of those songs grabbing attention in ads!
- 80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s that have been used in commercials.
- Classic enka songs featured in commercials, along with original CM tracks, introduced together!
- [Nostalgic Commercials] A compilation of commercials that aired in the Showa era
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- Classic and hit Western pop songs from the 1970s
- [From timeless classics to the latest hits] A roundup of catchy commercial songs
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- [A Collection of Classics] Nostalgic 70s Western Hit Songs
[70s Masterpieces] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials (1–10)
Don’t Stop Me NowQueen
A song by Queen, the legendary British band and a four-piece rock group that has achieved immense popularity in Japan.
It is one of Queen’s signature tracks, also featured in the 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody.
Its distinctive vocal harmonies and driving piano are pleasing to the ear, and it has been used in numerous commercials over the years.
SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire
A single released in 1978 by Earth, Wind & Fire, a funk music band composed of African Americans.
It’s a famous song that makes anyone say, “Oh, I’ve heard this!” as soon as the intro starts.
It’s not only one of the band’s signature tracks but also a quintessential disco song loved worldwide.
Featured in commercials for Suntory and Kirin Beer, it’s an exotic, dance-inducing tune that feels catchy even to Japanese listeners who may not be familiar with funk.
Isn’t She LovelyStevie Wonder
When it comes to Stevie Wonder’s signature songs, “Isn’t She Lovely” immediately comes to mind! It was used in Kirin Beverage’s Gogo no Kocha (Afternoon Tea) commercial as well as in a Honda Logo ad.
Its catchy melody is wrapped in romantically resonant chords.
It has a slightly grown-up vibe that perfectly matches the image of Afternoon Tea.
Although it’s often thought of as a love song, the Japanese title is “Kawaii Aisha” (“Lovely Aisha”).
Stevie wrote it when his beloved daughter, Aisha, was born.
The song has a stylish feel while also conveying an unmistakably immense joy at his daughter’s birth.
Dancing QueenABBA
A song by the Swedish vocal group ABBA, released as a single in 1976.
As one of ABBA’s signature tracks, it’s likely a song everyone has heard at least once.
In Japan in recent years, many people have become familiar with it through its use in commercials for Shiki Theatre Company’s hit jukebox musical Mamma Mia!, which features 22 of ABBA’s hits.
With its poppy, catchy melody that lifts your spirits, it’s a blissful, feel-good number.
Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles
The title track from the Eagles’ 1976 album.
Many people have probably heard the chorus at least once.
Beyond the chorus, it’s a compelling number featuring a richly layered sound built from 13 guitars in the intro and throughout the song, as well as a structure that moves from a flurry of guitar solos in the outro into a melodious twin-lead.
Rooted in country rock, the song’s nostalgic yet expansive feel makes it a perfect fit for car commercials.
Top of the WorldCarpenters
A pop music song released in 1972 by the sibling duo, the Carpenters.
With a country-tinged atmosphere and beautiful harmonies unique to brother-and-sister vocals, it’s a quintessential number in pop music.
Thanks to its gentle vocals and melody, it has been widely used in Japan—for example in commercials for 7-Eleven, life insurance, and alcoholic beverages, as well as in TV drama theme songs.
It has also been covered by many musicians both in Japan and abroad, and has remained beloved around the world from its release to the present day.
LaylaDerek and the Dominos
A song by Derek and the Dominos, the band that featured Eric Clapton—who is counted in Japan as one of the world’s three greatest guitarists.
From the intro, you can savor Clapton’s bluesy guitar in this masterpiece that has gone down in rock history.
It has been used in various commercials over the years, and many of you may especially remember it from Mitsubishi Motors’ ads.