80s Western pop hits featured in commercials. A roundup of nostalgic CM songs.
“What was that song they used in that commercial again…?” Everyone’s had that moment at least once.
And when it’s a Western song, you might only remember the lyrics vaguely.
In this article, we’re rounding up and introducing popular tracks from the 1980s—the so-called golden age of Western music—that were featured in Japanese commercials!
The lineup includes not only nostalgic commercials from the ’80s for those who remember the era, but also recent ads that have revived ’80s hits.
Younger readers might even discover that a familiar commercial jingle was actually a hit from the 1980s.
Enjoy!
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- Catchy Showa-era commercial jingles. Introducing famous songs recently featured in commercials, too!
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1980s Western pop hits featured in commercials: A nostalgic roundup of CM songs (21–30)
Rock Me AmadeusFalco
Falco is an Austrian musician from Vienna.
Following the success of the 1984 film Amadeus, his song Rock Me Amadeus gained attention and became a hit.
The song was used in a commercial for Mandom’s Water Wax.
When the phone stops ringingEighth Wonder
Eighth Wonder is a British band fronted by vocalist Patsy Kensit.
Their 1987 song “When The Phone Stops Ringing,” known in Japan by the title “Uwaki na Teddy Boy,” was used in a Noevir Cosmetics commercial.
1980s Western pop hits featured in commercials. Nostalgic CM song roundup (31–40)
Private motionJohn Warren
The song “Private Motion,” a classic by artist John Warren, known for his yacht rock–centered musical style.
While Warren excelled at laid-back ballads typical of yacht rock, this track departs from that impression and is crafted as a hard rock piece.
Released in 1989, it exudes a unique atmosphere thanks to the exquisite blend of the sultry phrases of the era and hard rock.
When You Say You Love MeGene Miller & Deborah Davis
This song is a duet by Deborah Davis and Gene Miller titled ‘When You Say You Love Me’ (Japanese title: ‘Sasayaki wa Destiny’).
It was used as the commercial song for the Toyota Corolla FX in 1987.
Special WomanChris Farren
This song is “Special Woman” by Chris Farlowe.
It was used as the theme song for Asahi Beer’s Super Dry commercial in 1987.
It is said that the addition of tenor saxophone to his vocals expressed a “dry, sharp sound.”
There Must Be An AngelEurythmics
Eurythmics are a British duo who consistently released hit songs throughout the 1980s.
Their song “There Must Be an Angel” was used as the theme for a Kao Sofina commercial.
Can’t Help Falling In LoveCorey Hart
Cory Hart’s 1986 release, “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” This song is a cover; the original was sung by Elvis Presley.
This cover version stays close to the 1961 original and doesn’t add any unusual arrangements, so it doesn’t have the distinctive atmosphere of that era, but it does deliver a tasteful melody.
It’s a classic that’s calming just to listen to, so why not use it when you want to relax or as a sleep aid?