Beautiful tear-jerking songs / songs that make you cry your eyes out

Western songs used in commercials — tear-jerking classics and popular tracks

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

“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.

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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.

Western songs used in commercials – tear-jerking masterpieces and popular tracks (31–40)

Open ArmsJourney

Journey – Open Arms (Official Video – 1982)

Open ArmsJourney

It’s a 1982 track by Journey, the hugely famous American band known for the theme song of the movie “Umizaru,” and it was also used in a Nissan Elgrand commercial for a time.

Thanks to Steve Perry’s incredible vocals and the movie’s imagery, it’s the kind of song that unexpectedly brings a tear to your eye, isn’t it?

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Stay GoldStevie Wonder

Stay Gold – Stevie Wonder

Stay GoldStevie Wonder

This Stevie Wonder number, used as the theme song for the film “The Outsiders” and in a Toyota Camry commercial, was composed by Francis Ford Coppola’s father, Carmine Coppola, with Stevie Wonder writing the lyrics and performing the vocals.

It was never released as a single and isn’t included on any of Stevie Wonder’s original albums, making it a rare track available only on best-of compilations.

Its grand, sweeping feel really hits you emotionally.

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The Last Rose Of Summer

The Last Rose Of Summer

The Last Rose Of Summer

Set against footage of the Southern Alps and the Hakushu Distillery, this is a commercial for Suntory’s Hakushu whisky.

In a calm, measured narration, it introduces the brand’s dedication to whisky-making.

The background music is the Irish folk song “The Last Rose of Summer,” whose gentle, soothing warmth perfectly matches the mood of the commercial.

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All By MyselfEric Carmen

Eric Carmen – All by Myself (Audio)

All By MyselfEric Carmen

A ballad released by Eric Carmen in 1975.

It was used as a commercial song for Toyota’s Soarer and Daihatsu’s Copen.

Featuring a striking piano and a deeply melancholic melody, it’s a classic that moves every listener.

Celine Dion’s cover is also well-known.

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True love (with Kiki Dee)Elton John

Elton John & Kiki Dee – True Love (HQ)

True love (with Kiki Dee)Elton John

It was used in a commercial for the Honda S-MX.

The car’s tagline at the time was “Designed for Romance,” so they may have chosen a duet by Elton John & Kiki Dee to match.

It’s a beautiful ballad that feels like you’re wrapped in gentle vocals.

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In conclusion

As you might expect from songs chosen for commercials, they’re all memorable masterpieces.

Looking into foreign songs that have been used in ads again, it seems that classic hits tend to be reused every few years, and newer tracks released in recent years may also end up being used in other commercials going forward.

I’d be delighted if you found the song you were looking for!