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Western songs from the 90s featured in commercials. A roundup of CM songs.

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?!”

Foreign songs from the 90s used in commercials. CM song roundup (11–20)

Nissan Elgrand / Nissin Cup Noodles

I Don’t Want to Miss a ThingAerosmith

Aerosmith – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Official HD Video)
I Don't Want to Miss a ThingAerosmith

A song by Aerosmith, the American hard rock band that could rightly be called a living legend.

The track became a massive hit in 1998 as the theme song for the film Armageddon, and in Japan you’ve likely heard it in various contexts—used for the Nissan Elgrand in 2001 and as a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial song in 2018, among others.

Its majestic arrangement featuring strings and the distinctive, passionate vocals make it a truly one-of-a-kind piece—an enduring classic that remains beloved more than 20 years after its release.

Change The WorldEric Clapton

Eric Clapton – Change The World (Live Video) | Warner Vault
Change The WorldEric Clapton

This song may seem like an Eric Clapton piece, but it was originally released in 1996 by American female country singer Wynonna Judd.

Eric Clapton’s version was included on the soundtrack of the 1996 film “Phenomenon,” won a Grammy Award, and became known worldwide.

In Japan, a cover by Chikuzen Sato and Char was used in a Nissan commercial, and a cover by CHEMISTRY was used in a Suntory Whisky commercial.

Panasonic Digital High-Definition Video Camera, Aijou Size / AEON

To Love You MoreCéline Dion

Céline Dion – To Love You More (Official Audio)
To Love You MoreCéline Dion

A single released in 1995 by Canadian singer Céline Dion, also known for the theme song of the film Titanic.

In 2007, it was used in a commercial for Panasonic’s “Digital High-Vision Video Camera Aijō Size,” and it has also been featured in commercials for the AEON English conversation school and as the theme song for the TV drama “Koibito yo.” The song has sold over one million copies in Japan alone.

It is also famous for a collaboration with violinist Taro Hakase, making it a luxurious number where you can enjoy her overwhelming vocals and the beautiful sound of the violin at the same time.

Honda S-MX

True loveElton John & Kiki Dee

Elton John – True love (ELTON JOHN – LOVE SONGS)
True loveElton John & Kiki Dee
1996 Honda S-MX | Honda S-MX

Under the catchphrase “Designed for romance,” the 1996 commercial for the S-MX minivan—popular for its promotion targeting young couples—featured a song by Elton John.

This track, “True Love,” is a duet with fellow British singer Kiki Dee and was released as a single in 1993.

It’s a mellow piece where their harmonies resonate beautifully, a song so enchanting you can’t help but be spellbound.

Toyota Carib

Thank YouBoyz II Men

Circa 1995 commercial: Boyz II Men – Toyota Carib

Boys II Men, who released numerous classic songs and can be considered key figures in shaping the R&B scene of the 1990s.

Among their tracks, one of the fan favorites, “Thank You,” was featured in a Toyota Caldina commercial that aired around 1995.

After being included on their 1994 album II, the song was released as a single in 1995.

Classified as New Jack Swing—a genre based on funk and incorporating elements of hip-hop, soul, and gospel—the track stands out with its groove typical of Black music and its beautiful vocal work, and it still feels fresh even when you listen to it today.

Mizuho Bank 3013 TV commercial

Only IfEnya

Enya – Only If (Official Video)
Only IfEnya
Mizuho Bank commercial featuring Mao Inoue

This commercial features Mao Inoue introducing the sentiment behind Mizuho Group’s slogan, “One Mizuho.” That sentiment is said to be “becoming number one for our customers” and “uniting as one group.” Dressed in outfits that match the brand’s image color, the ad effectively conveys the group’s slogan and concept.

For the background music, they selected Enya’s “Only If,” which is also used in other Mizuho commercials.

Its beautiful strings, vocals, and flowing melody lend an air of elegance and make you feel refreshed as you listen.

Western music from the 90s used in commercials. Compilation of CM songs (21–30)

Nissan Highway Star series

U Can’t Touch ThisMC Hammer

“U Can’t Touch This” is a song by American rapper M.

C.

Hammer, who was hugely popular in the 1990s.

Many people will recognize its distinctive bassline in the intro.

In Japan, it was used in a 2011 commercial for Glico Pocky featuring Kazunari Ninomiya from Arashi.

In the ad, Ninomiya performs a comical dance to the song.

It’s a dance number that makes you want to move to the beat the moment you hear it!