[Western Music] CM Songs I Often Hear Recently [2025]

20TH CENTURY BOYT-REX

20TH CENTURY BOY

Takako Tokiwa & Masato Sakai McDonald’s Samurai Mac “Challenge to Space” TV commercial

T.

Rex is a British rock band that was active primarily in the 1970s under the leadership of Marc Bolan and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.

Their song “20th Century Boy,” used as the CM song for McDonald’s Samurai Mac “Challenge to Space,” is also known as the theme song for the film 20th Century Boys.

Its simple yet unforgettable introductory guitar riff and distinctive vocals continue to captivate rock fans to this day.

Covered by numerous artists, including many in Japan, it remains a classic in rock history.

Soul Bossa NovaQuincy Jones

Soul Bossa Nova

This is a commercial introducing Paytoku, a pricing plan that lets you rack up lots of points.

It explains that simply subscribing to Paytoku boosts your PayPay point rebate rate, helping you accumulate points surprisingly fast.

The lively rhythm of Quincy Jones’s “Soul Bossa Nova,” a familiar tune in SoftBank commercials, also leaves a strong impression.

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

Monty Python – Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life (Official Lyric Video)

This series of commercials, set in various scenes like a foot reflexology massage, a batting center, and an escalator, all convey the message that Recruit Agent is recommended for career changes.

Many viewers were likely drawn in by the subtly surreal atmosphere each spot has.

The background music is an arranged version of “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by the British comedy group Monty Python.

The song was created as the theme for the 1979 film Monty Python’s Life of Brian, and it’s popular overseas as a choral piece.

bad guyBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – bad guy

The Bad Guys - 30-second TV commercial | Nationwide release on Friday, October 7

The song used in the commercial for the film “The Bad Guys,” produced by Universal Studios and DreamWorks Animation, is Billie Eilish’s “bad guy.” In an already short commercial, only a few seconds of the track are used.

Yet even in that brief moment, her uniquely whispery voice packs a powerful punch—that’s what makes it so remarkable.

Her slightly languid, dark-toned vocals also match the film’s moody atmosphere perfectly!

The Loco-MotionLittle Eva

The Loco-Motion – Little Eva

This is a commercial for the N-BOX JOY, an SUV-flavored model confidently unveiled in 2024 to compete head-to-head within the kei tall wagon category.

It showcases an active exterior and seat configurations that seem to anticipate car camping, and I’m very curious about the details.

The background music features an arranged version of Little Eva’s classic “The Loco-Motion.” Although it’s a 1962 song, it’s an immortal masterpiece that many people have likely heard.

You’ve Got a Friend in MeRandy Newman

You’ve Got a Friend in Me

Disney JCB Card “Toy Story” / “You’re my buddy.” 60-second version

The song used in the Disney JCB Card “Toy Story” commercial is You’ve Got a Friend in Me.

This song is also known in Japan by the title Kimi wa Tomodachi, and the original was released in 1996 by American singer-songwriter Randy Newman.

In the commercial, a cover with female vocals is used.

You’ve Got a Friend in Me features a relaxed, jazz-inspired feel, and it’s a wonderful song that puts you in a holiday mood just by listening.

If you head out on a trip while listening to this track, it’ll make your vacation vibes even stronger!

PowerSoolja

Power

Galaxy Tab S9 Series：Official Film | Samsung

The Galaxy Tab S9 Series commercial, “Official Film | Samsung,” showcases its astonishing performance.

In the ad, a catchy EDM track plays alongside stylish visuals.

The song is ‘Power’ by SOR/JA.

It’s a cool track overall, but the chorus is especially powerful and overwhelming.

With its simple phrases, it’s also the kind of song that makes you want to sing along.