In the Western music scene of the 1990s, countless popular songs emerged across genres—rock, pop, hip-hop, and dance music alike.
Not only were they beloved at the time, but many of these tracks are still cherished by listeners today, and they’ve had a major influence on the music that followed.
You often hear these ’90s hits used in commercials, don’t you?
Because of that, you might recognize the melodies or phrases but not actually know the song titles.
In this article, we’ll introduce a comprehensive list of classic ’90s Western songs that have been used in commercials!
You might finally find that song you’ve thought, “I recognize this, but what is it called?!”
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Western songs from the 90s used in commercials. CM songs roundup (1–10)
CarnivalThe Cardigans
The Swedish band The Cardigans.
Formed in 1992, this group scored hits in the Swedish pop scene with a slightly retro, ’60s-style acoustic rock sound.
Here’s a song they released in 1995.
It was used on the soundtrack of the American film Austin Powers and, in Japan, in a 2005 Toyota Prius commercial, which drew a lot of attention.
Their sound is great—evoking both nostalgia and freshness at the same time.
Are You Gonna Go My WayLenny Kravitz
Many of you probably recognize this song just from hearing the intro riff.
Released in 1993, this track by Lenny Kravitz was nominated for the Grammy Awards for Best Rock Song and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
In Japan, it became a popular, fast-paced tune featured in many commercials, including for the Nissan Wingroad, Asahi Wilkinson Tansan, and Suzuki Alto Works.
Ordinary WorldDuran Duran
A song by Duran Duran, the rock band that helped ignite the New Romantic music genre that began in the UK in the late 1970s.
Released in 1993, the track also drew attention in Japan for being featured in a SONY MD Walkman commercial.
While retaining the synthesizer-driven electro-pop sound emblematic of New Romantic, it’s a number that also breathes with the live feel of organic instrumentation, including an emotional, guitar-forward performance.
Virtual InsanityJamiroquai
Jamiroquai, hailing from the UK.
They have lots of stylish tracks that defy genre boundaries—pop, soul, jazz-funk, rock, electronica, and more.
This song, released by Jamiroquai in 1996, sparked buzz on Twitter when it was revealed that its lyrics were inspired by Sapporo’s underground shopping arcade.
It was also memorable that in 2010, a parody version of the song performed by Jamiroquai himself was used in a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial.
It’s a track with many ties to Japan.
Black or WhiteMichael Jackson
A song by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson that was used as the commercial theme for SONY KIRARA BASSO.
It became a massive hit, topping the charts in over 15 countries worldwide, and its iconic guitar intro is so famous that even people who don’t know the song have likely heard it.
Packed with everything from punchy rock guitar that cuts through a lively rhythm to rap, it’s a catchy, pop number truly worthy of the title King of Pop.
To Be With YouMr. BIG
A song by Mr.
Big, an American hard rock band whose members all possess high-level musicianship.
In Japan, the track was used in a commercial for Citigroup subsidiary DIC, and its success, including reaching No.
1 in the United States, helped solidify the band’s popularity.
While it’s a catchy number that prominently features acoustic guitar, it also delivers Mr.
Big’s signature punchy bass presence and beautiful choral harmonies.
Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)C+C Music Factory
This track, with its striking high notes at the beginning, is a 1991 release by C+C Music Factory.
It was played frequently on MTV and featured in numerous commercials.
With Martha Wash’s vocals and Freedom Williams’s rap, it’s an energetic song that, just like the lyrics say, makes you want to start dancing the moment you hear it.
It was used in a Bitbank commercial in 2024 and also in a Y!mobile ad in 2018, so many of you may find it familiar.