8 Times Bands Released Songs That Sounded Like Ads
via James Maharaj / YouTube
Classic rock songs have often been used in commercials, sometimes making them feel more like jingles than rock anthems. Whether through direct licensing or sound-alike versions, these tracks have blurred the lines between music and marketing. Here are eight instances where classic rock songs were used in ways that made them resemble advertisements.
1. “Start Me Up” – The Rolling Stones
In 1995, Microsoft used The Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” to launch Windows 95. The song’s upbeat tempo matched the excitement of the new software, but some fans felt it commercialized the band’s rebellious image.
The partnership was notable, as it marked one of the first times a major rock band licensed a song for a tech product. While it introduced the song to a new audience, it also sparked debates about the commercialization of rock music.
2. “Venus” – Shocking Blue/Bananarama
Originally by Shocking Blue, “Venus” gained renewed popularity when Bananarama covered it in 1986. The song was later used in Gillette Venus razor commercials, aligning the lyrics with the product’s branding.
The catchy chorus and title made it an ideal choice for the ad, but it also shifted the song’s perception from a rock hit to a marketing tool. This usage exemplifies how advertising can redefine a song’s identity.
3. “Born to Be Wild” – Steppenwolf
Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild” has been featured in various commercials, including those for Jeep and Diet Pepsi. Its association with freedom and adventure made it a go-to choice for advertisers.
However, repeated use in ads has led some to view the song more as a commercial jingle than a rock anthem. This shift illustrates how overexposure in marketing can alter a song’s cultural significance.
4. “Rock You Like a Hurricane” – Scorpions
The Scorpions’ “Rock You Like a Hurricane” was used in a Fiber One cereal bar commercial, an unexpected pairing that caught viewers’ attention. The high-energy song contrasted with the product, creating a memorable ad.
While the commercial was effective, it also led to discussions about the appropriateness of using hard rock songs to promote everyday products. This example highlights how music can be repurposed in surprising ways.
5. “In the Air Tonight” – Phil Collins
Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” experienced a resurgence in 2007 when it was featured in a Cadbury Dairy Milk commercial. The ad, showcasing a gorilla playing drums, became a viral sensation.
The commercial’s popularity brought the song back into the charts, but it also associated the track with chocolate advertising. This instance demonstrates how a creative ad can redefine a song’s place in pop culture.
6. “Midnight Rider” – The Allman Brothers
Geico used The Allman Brothers’ “Midnight Rider” in a motorcycle insurance commercial, tapping into the song’s themes of freedom and rebellion. The choice resonated with the target audience of motorcyclists.
However, the use of the song in an insurance ad sparked conversations about the commercialization of counterculture music. It serves as an example of how advertising can repurpose songs to fit commercial narratives.
7. “Hold On Tight” – Electric Light Orchestra
Electric Light Orchestra’s “Hold On Tight” was featured in the early 1980s “Coffee Achievers” campaign, aiming to promote coffee consumption among young adults. The energetic song complemented the campaign’s message.
While the ad brought attention to both the product and the band, it also led to criticism about artists aligning with commercial interests. This case illustrates the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial appeal.
8. “Time of the Season” – The Zombies
The Zombies’ “Time of the Season” was used in a Tampax commercial, combining 1960s nostalgia with modern advertising. The ad featured Woodstock footage, linking the product to themes of change and empowerment.
This usage sparked discussions about the appropriateness of pairing classic rock songs with contemporary products. It highlights how advertisers leverage nostalgia to connect with audiences, sometimes at the expense of a song’s original context.
