Have you ever heard a song on a commercial and instantly felt a surge of nostalgia, or maybe even an urge to buy the product? We all have! The power of music in advertising is undeniable, and those catchy tunes often stick with us long after the ad has ended. That’s why we’ve compiled this ultimate list of the best songs from commercials – a collection of unforgettable jingles, iconic tracks, and hidden musical gems that have shaped our collective sonic landscape. From the instantly recognizable anthems to the surprisingly effective lesser-known choices, this list dives deep into the world of advertising's most memorable soundtracks. Whether you're a music aficionado, a marketing enthusiast, or simply curious about the power of sonic branding, get ready to rediscover your favorite commercial tunes and maybe even unearth some new earworms. Prepare for a trip down memory lane filled with the best songs from commercials that truly defined an era.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Happy | Pharrell Williams | G I R L | 1B+ |
| 2. We Are Young |
fun. Janelle Monáe | Some Nights | 1B+ |
| 3. Applause | Lady Gaga | ARTPOP | 441M+ |
| 4. Ms. Jackson | Outkast | Stankonia | 354M+ |
| 5. In The Air Tonight | Phil Collins | Face Value (Deluxe Editon) | 290M+ |
| 6. Sail | AWOLNATION | 278M+ | |
| 7. Love On The Brain | Rihanna | ANTI (Deluxe) | 277M+ |
1. Happy
Upbeat and infectious melody: "Happy" boasts an undeniably catchy melody that instantly lifts your spirits, making it perfect for grabbing attention in a commercial setting.
Positive and universally relatable lyrics: The simple yet powerful lyrics about the importance of happiness resonate with a broad audience, ensuring a positive emotional connection.
Memorability and brand association: Its bright, feel-good sound is easily imprinted on the listener's mind, creating a strong association between the product and a sense of joy.
2. We Are Young (2011)
Upbeat Tempo and Catchy Melody: "We Are Young" boasts an irresistibly upbeat tempo and a catchy melody that instantly grabs the listener's attention, making it perfect for injecting energy into a commercial.
Anthemic Quality: The song's anthemic chorus and feel-good vibes create a sense of shared excitement and optimism, easily translating into a positive brand association for viewers.
Nostalgic Appeal: Its popularity cemented its place in popular culture, triggering positive memories and associations for a broad demographic, which enhances its effectiveness in commercials.
3. Applause (ARTPOP - 2025)
Memorable Hook: Lady Gaga's "Applause" boasts an instantly catchy and undeniably anthemic hook, perfect for grabbing attention in a short commercial spot.
High-Energy Tempo: The song's driving beat and upbeat tempo create an infectious energy that's ideal for associating a product with positive feelings and excitement.
Pop Culture Impact: Its release and accompanying music video generated significant buzz, ensuring a wide range of audience familiarity making it a smart choice for broad commercial appeal.
4. Ms. Jackson (Stankonia)
Memorable Hook: Ms. Jackson's instantly recognizable and catchy hook propelled it into the commercial world, making it highly effective for grabbing attention and associating a brand with a positive feeling.
Nostalgic Vibe: The song's blend of soulful vocals and Southern hip-hop beat evokes a specific era, tapping into a powerful sense of nostalgia that resonates with viewers across generations.
Versatile Sound: Its upbeat tempo and feel-good energy make "Ms. Jackson" adaptable to a wide variety of product advertising, enhancing brand recall and positive audience association.
5. In The Air Tonight - Face Value (Deluxe Editon)
Iconic Sound: Phil Collins' signature drum intro in "In The Air Tonight" is instantly recognizable, a powerful and dramatic opening that has been memorably used in countless commercials, lending an air of suspense and intrigue.
Emotional Resonance: The song's building intensity and melancholic atmosphere create a powerful emotional backdrop, perfectly suited to evoke a range of feelings in advertising, from mystery to reflection.
Commercial Effectiveness: Its dramatic build and unforgettable hook make it a highly effective tool for creating a lasting impression on viewers, explaining its enduring presence in commercials across various product categories.
6. Sail (2010)
Memorable Melody: AWOLNATION's "Sail" boasts a soaring, anthemic melody that's instantly catchy and unforgettable, making it perfect for capturing attention in a commercial setting.
Emotional Resonance: The song's powerful vocals and building instrumentation create a sense of uplifting determination, effectively conveying a positive message to viewers.
Broad Appeal: Its blend of alternative rock energy and widely accessible chorus makes "Sail" a versatile choice for commercials targeting a diverse audience.
7. Love On The Brain - ANTI (Deluxe)
Memorable Hook: Rihanna's instantly catchy melody and infectious rhythm made "Love On The Brain" incredibly effective in grabbing viewer attention during commercial breaks, making it highly memorable.
Emotional Resonance: The song's blend of vulnerability and passionate vocals creates an emotional connection that resonates well with viewers, potentially increasing product recall due to emotional association.
Versatility: Its upbeat tempo and positive energy make "Love On The Brain" suitable for a wide array of products and commercial styles, increasing its appeal for advertisers.
8. Grinding All My Life (Nipsey Hussle)
Memorable Hook: "Grinding All My Life" boasts an instantly catchy hook that's perfectly suited for a commercial's short, impactful timeframe, sticking in the listener's head long after the ad ends.
Uplifting Tone: Despite its subject matter, the song possesses an underlying energy and optimism that lends itself well to conveying a positive brand message.
Brand Synergy: Nipsey Hussle's powerful vocals and the track's driving beat create a sense of ambition and progress, making it ideal for commercials promoting achievement or self-improvement.
9. Down (2017)
Memorable Melody: "Down" by Marian Hill boasts an instantly catchy melody that's both sophisticated and effortlessly cool, making it perfect for grabbing attention in a commercial.
Smooth Vocals: The song's smooth, sultry vocals create an alluring atmosphere, ideal for associating a product with a sense of luxury and sophistication.
Modern Vibe: Its contemporary R&B sound feels both familiar and fresh, a clever balance for broad commercial appeal.
10. Flat Beat (Mr. Oizo - 1999)
Sound: Flat Beat's distinctive, frenetic electro sound, characterized by its quirky synth lines and driving beat, perfectly captured the quirky energy of the commercials it soundtracked.
Memorability: The song's instantly catchy melody and unconventional rhythm are undeniably memorable, making it instantly recognizable even years after its initial appearance in advertising.
Commercial Effectiveness: Its unique sound perfectly complemented the often surreal and playful nature of the commercials it appeared in, proving that a memorable and unusual tune can greatly boost an ad's impact.
11A Little Less Conversation
Elvis Presley vs. Junkie XL
2002
12Lust for Life
Iggy Pop
1977
13No Friends In The Industry
Drake
2021
141234
Feist
2007
151901
Phoenix
2009
16La Symphonie des Éclairs
Zaho de Sagazan
2024
17The Golden Age
The Asteroids Galaxy Tour
2009
18Beggin'
The Four Seasons
1967
19My Drive Thru
Pharrell Williams,Julian Casablancas,Santigold
2008
20Training Montage
Joseph Shirley
2023
21Mad World
Gary Jules
2001
22Blood, Sweat & Tears
Dreamville,Bas,Black Sherif, Kel-P
2023
23Ma Boy
Dreamville
2023
24Pink Moon
Nick Drake
1972
25The Watcher
Dr. Dre
1999
26Checkmate
Joseph Shirley
2023
27Round 12
Joseph Shirley
2023