In the realm of music, certain songs capture the essence of their eras, but their association with commercials can leave a sour taste for fans. Throughout the years, marketing teams have chosen to repurpose beloved tracks for promotional purposes, often in ways that undermine the original message. Here’s a look at a dozen notable examples where great songs have been tarnished by advertising.
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“Total Eclipse of the Heart” for Fiber One
This 1983 classic by Bonnie Tyler was co-opted to promote a snack that aids digestion. The transformation of heartfelt lyrics into a jingle about fiber is truly jarring. -
“If I Should Fall From Grace With God” for Subaru
Shane O’Connor, the lead singer of The Pogues, might need the funds from this Subaru ad, but at least the essence of the song remains intact. -
“Lust for Life” for Royal Caribbean
Selling cruises by using a song about addiction raises eyebrows. Somehow, this juxtaposition feels fundamentally wrong. -
“Bittersweet Symphony” for Nike
Originally a hit in 1997, The Verve’s track faced legal battles over sampling. The Rolling Stones ended up profiting from the royalties, which they then licensed for Nike commercials. The song still holds its emotional weight, despite its commercial ties. -
“Think” for Big Lots
Originally celebrating freedom, the lyrics were altered to focus on “value.” This change is disheartening on several levels. -
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” for Alamo
While this Bobby McFerrin tune was modified for a car rental service, the nostalgia remains intact, even if the song’s essence is slightly diluted. -
“99 Red Balloons” for Coca-Cola
Originally a poignant commentary on nuclear war, this track’s association with a soft drink feels like an erasure of its serious message. -
“Push It” for Geico
At least Salt-N-Pepa were in on the joke, embracing the absurdity of their classic being used in a commercial context. -
“Mony Mony” for Nissan
While not a lyrical masterpiece, associating drinking and reckless behavior with car culture is concerning. -
“Blue Monday” for Sunkist
Although it’s unclear if this ad aired in the U.S., the pairing of New Order with a soda brand feels misplaced. -
“Unbelievable” for Kraft
EMF’s lyrics were altered to “Crumbelievable” for cheese promotion. One can only hope they received sufficient compensation for this change. -
“Whip It” for Swiffer
Devo’s agreement to let their iconic song be used in a cleaning product advertisement was based on the sheer ridiculousness of the idea. Although I couldn’t find a video link for it, you can view the full commercial archived for educational purposes.
In conclusion, these twelve songs have been transformed into something far removed from their original intent, demonstrating how advertising can dilute the emotional power of music. If you’re exploring options for home insemination, consider reading more about home insemination kits and the importance of fertility supplements as you embark on this journey. For additional reliable information, Hopkins Medicine provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Keyphrase: Songs ruined by commercials
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