How to Use Pop Songs and NOT Sound Awkward
Following up on my thoughts on Microsoft's poor choice in pop songs (pretend I didn't spend weeks on end going to school and not blogging...), I thought I'd provide a few examples of correctly utilized songs in ads.
My favorite example is the new(ish) jeep ad, featuring "God's Gonna Cut you Down" by Johnny Cash. This is so effective for so many reasons.
Another great song in a new ad is Hells Bels by AC/DC in a Terminix commercial. Dubious? Don't be.
This ad appeals to men and women with this ad. the service people are made to seem effective and capable, and undeniably sexy. I mean, if my Terminix guy rolled up to such a dramatic intro... I don't know what kind of trap they're setting, but I'd bite.
It's an easily recognizable song, it fits the mood Terminix is creating, and it instills a kind of confidence in the ability of Terminix to really do their job well. We are hiring them to eradicate pests and secure our homes. We often want friendly, knowledgeable service people coming to tend to our houses, but that description better applies to a gardener or the cable guy. We're hiring an insect hitman. The Bells of Hell should be the anthem of our household defenders!
My favorite example is the new(ish) jeep ad, featuring "God's Gonna Cut you Down" by Johnny Cash. This is so effective for so many reasons.
- Jeep drivers probably like Johnny Cash -- and this is definitely Johnny Cash at his absolutely most bad ass and most likeable. That man's ability to make music that was stirring and emotional is unparalleled.
- The actual song fits the feel of the ad and Jeep's new branding.
- Any potentially objectionable lyrics (the overt biblical references may raise an eyebrow in some circles) are avoided because Jeep is only using the beat from the intro of the song.
Another great song in a new ad is Hells Bels by AC/DC in a Terminix commercial. Dubious? Don't be.
This ad appeals to men and women with this ad. the service people are made to seem effective and capable, and undeniably sexy. I mean, if my Terminix guy rolled up to such a dramatic intro... I don't know what kind of trap they're setting, but I'd bite.
It's an easily recognizable song, it fits the mood Terminix is creating, and it instills a kind of confidence in the ability of Terminix to really do their job well. We are hiring them to eradicate pests and secure our homes. We often want friendly, knowledgeable service people coming to tend to our houses, but that description better applies to a gardener or the cable guy. We're hiring an insect hitman. The Bells of Hell should be the anthem of our household defenders!
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