Western songs used in commercials — tear-jerking classics and popular tracks
“What was that song from the commercial I saw ages ago again?” “I want to know the details of that song I heard in a recent commercial.” If you love music, you’ve probably had these thoughts at least once.
Since some commercials only air during a specific period, tracking them down can end up being more work than you’d expect.
In this article, we’re featuring a lineup of timeless Western hits used in both old and new commercials, all centered around the theme of ‘tear-jerkers.’
And ‘tear-jerkers’ doesn’t just mean ballads—enjoy a wide range of classics gathered from various angles, from hopeful, up-tempo pop to rock numbers steeped in melancholy.
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Western songs used in commercials – tear-jerking classics and popular tracks (21–30)
Stay With MeBobby Caldwell
It was the commercial song for the now-defunct cigarette brand Parliament.
The singer was Bobby Caldwell.
Perhaps thanks in part to this commercial, he was extremely popular in Japan.
The ad featured flowing shots of a city nightscape that matched the song perfectly, making for a cool commercial with a sophisticated, adult vibe.
Peter Cetera of Chicago also covered the song.
HonestyBilly Joel
Billy Joel’s 1979 hit.
It was used in commercials for Nestlé, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Sony.
I remember hearing it for the first time in a Sony ad—the chorus was so poignant and beautiful that it gave me goosebumps.
The One That You LoveAir Supply
A 1981 track by the Australian group Air Supply that was used in Toyota’s Allion.
Known in Japanese as “Seaside Love,” it’s a bittersweet number that evokes a summer evening by the sea.
It’s definitely a song you’ll want to listen to while driving along the coast.
SheElvis Costello
An Elvis Costello number that was used as the theme song for the British film Notting Hill and in a commercial for Toyota’s Ist.
The original is a work by the French singer Charles Aznavour.
Thanks in part to the film’s impact, it’s a sweet and heartrending tearjerker of a number.
Going The DistanceBill Conti
It was used in the Stepwgn SPADA commercial.
Just from the song title, it might not ring a bell, but the moment you hear it you’ll go “Ah!”—it’s that super-famous instrumental number from the movie Rocky.
I bet many people were moved to tears as they remembered the emotional final scene of the film.
Look What You’ve Done To MeBoz Scaggs
A number by Mr.
AOR, Boz Scaggs, that was used in Toyota’s Cresta.
It’s said to be a collaboration with the one and only David Foster.
It was also used as the theme song for the 1980 film Urban Cowboy, starring John Travolta.
Boz’s characteristically enveloping vocals make your heart skip a beat.
Hard To Say I’m SorryCHICAGO
A famous song by Chicago that has been used in many car commercials, including Mitsubishi Motors’ “Tredia,” Ford’s “Telstar” in 1992, and Toyota’s “Mark II Qualis” in 1997.
Co-written by Peter Cetera and producer David Foster.
There’s not much to add since it’s such a well-known track, but the final guitar solo is truly moving.