Top 5 Songs in 2008 Commercials

Music is an underutilized tool in advertising. There were a few advertisers who used music as a key element of their advertising, as opposed to a background track to fill dead space.

So here's my list of top songs for 2008:

Advertiser: Amstel Light
Song: Chelsea Dagger
Musician: The Fratellis

Amstel used this spot and this song to reenergize their brand and highlight its import credentials. It is much more male focused than their traditional message. My guess is this is aimed at Heineken and Stella drinkers who view Amstel as a girl's beer. Looks like they are muscling it up.




Advertiser: Bacardi
Song: The Muddle
Musician: ?

Bacardi was a bit genius this year by branding the mojito. These cool spots with thumping music really worked.


Advertiser: Apple iPod nano
Song: Bruises
Musician: Chairlift

What needs to be said? Apple is the master of using music in their spots. Their entire iPod series is pure genius and has created several music hits such as Bruises. Apple is best in class.



Advertiser: Nike
Song: List of Demands
Musician: Saul Williams

Nike is nothing but cool. They use great cinematography and music in all their spots to create an attitude and energy that few other advertisers can match. This spot makes you want to get up an run.



Advertiser: Lincoln MKS
Song: Technologic
Musician: Daft Punk

Lincoln is trying to change its image, to be more edgy, focused on technical superiority, which is a slight reach from where the brand has been. These spots help move Lincoln closer to Cadillac and further away from Buick.





If you are curious about music in commercials there are a few good sources (gotta love the internet):
http://www.squidoo.com/tv_commercial_music
http://www.whatsthatcalled.com/forum/index.php?automodule=blog&blogid=1&
http://adtunes.com/
http://findthatsong.net/
http://www.google.com/Top/Arts/Television/Commercials/