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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Western pop hits from the 80s used in commercials. Nostalgic CM song roundup (41–50)
The Blood That Moves The Bodya-ha
The song “The Blood That Moves The Body” by a-ha was used in a Gatsby commercial that also featured the band members.
The ad combined image cuts of the a-ha members and flowers with product shots, creating a simple, almost overseas-style commercial.
The track is included on the 1988 album “Stay on These Roads” and was later released as a single.
Its synth-infused sound and the vocals’ subtle sense of wistfulness leave a strong impression.
80s Western pop hits featured in commercials. A roundup of nostalgic CM songs (51–60)
Tuxedo BodyLeo Sayer
This commercial straight-up showcases what Okinawa, reached via ANA, is like, with the sea at its heart.
It focuses solely on people walking along the shore, and the bright, bursting smiles you see there convey the freshness and exhilaration of Okinawa’s ocean.
The song that further emphasizes the passion and breeziness felt from these visuals is Leo Sayer’s “Tuxedo Body.” The blend of its gentle sound and expansive vocals is striking, and the soft tones that create a sense of floating have a calming effect that really puts your mind at ease.
The ReflexDuran Duran
The British rock band Duran Duran helped spark the early-1980s New Romantic movement and the rise of MTV.
They also appeared in a commercial for Suntory Whisky Q.
The version of the commercial featuring their chibi, two-heads-tall characters used “The Reflex” as the CM song.
XanaduOlivia Newton-John
In this commercial, which highlights the desire to stand by and support customers, Mao Inoue puts those feelings into words.
Many viewers likely felt, “I can trust them!” when they heard the message about walking together to make their dreams come true someday.
The background music features a song from the 1980 film Xanadu.
It has a bright, refreshing vibe and is very pleasant to listen to.
Sowing The Seeds Of LoveTears for Fears
This is a commercial for the sixth-generation Silvia, which underwent a model change in 1993.
Even though it’s a sports car, the ad conveys a refined and elegant vibe.
The BGM features the stylish “Sowing The Seeds Of Love,” one of Tears for Fears’ signature songs released in 1989, boasting a cool, solid groove characteristic of Western rock.
Never Ending StoryLimahl
In the Honda Stepwgn commercial that aired in 2005, the song “Never Ending Story” was used.
Originally released in 1984 as the theme for the film The NeverEnding Story, it was sung by Limahl, a member of Kajagoogoo.
In contrast, the Stepwgn commercial featured a cover version performed by Miu Sakamoto rather than Limahl himself.
While Limahl’s original is a synth-driven pop track, Sakamoto’s cover employs piano and strings, resulting in a beautifully refreshing arrangement.
Call MeBlondie
This is the song used in the commercial for the lowered-spec S-MX that aired in 1998.
It’s a track by the American rock band Blondie, released in 1980.
Some may also remember that, in addition to this commercial, it was used the same year as the theme song for the film American Gigolo.
The four-on-the-floor beat driven by the bass drum is striking, and the song’s structure—combining dance music with punk rock—felt fresh at the time.