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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1980s Western pop hits featured in commercials. Nostalgic CM song roundup (31–40)
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.”
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?
Over Night SuccessTERI DESARIO
“Over Night Success,” sung by American singer-songwriter Teri DeSario, was released in 1984.
The song was created and released as a commercial jingle for Sony’s cassette tapes and became a big hit in Japan.
ALWAYS MINEBETH ANDERSEN
There’s a song called “Always Mine” sung by Beth Andersen.
It seems the song is sometimes used for weddings or reception openings.
It was also featured as the commercial song for the 1987 Honda Tact Full Mark New.
StrutSheena Easton
Sheena Easton, the British singer who debuted with “Modern Girl” in 1980.
The song that played in the memorable version of the Takara Shochu Jun commercial—where she appeared in a kimono and sang—was this track, “Strut.”
Western pop hits from the 80s used in commercials. Nostalgic CM song roundup (41–50)
I Should Be So LuckyKYLIE MINOGUE
This commercial, which opens with Mikako Tabe repeatedly turning a capsule toy machine while holding a 500-yen coin, introduces McDonald’s 500-yen set menu.
After failing to get the character she wants no matter how many times she tries and finding herself down to her last 500-yen coin, she suddenly remembers the McDonald’s Set 500, stops playing the gacha, and heads to McDonald’s.
Her blissful expression as she bites into a hamburger is striking—it really makes you want to go to McDonald’s! The background music is a cover of Kylie Minogue’s signature song “I Should Be So Lucky.” Its bright, catchy melody is instantly familiar and lifts your spirits as you listen.
Fooled By A SmileSwing Out Sister
Swing Out Sister is a British pop duo that was hugely successful in the 1980s, known for genres like synth-pop and blue-eyed soul.
Their classic track Fooled By A Smile was used in a Dido Drink commercial, and it’s notable for its melody that evokes the vibe of 1970s disco music.
It’s a work that exquisitely blends the musical sensibilities of the 1980s and the 1970s, so if you like music from those eras, you’ll probably enjoy it.