Ever get a familiar guitar riff stuck in your head after watching a commercial? It’s a common advertiser trick. Classic rock anthems, with their energy and instant recognition, grab your attention and create a memorable backdrop. But have you ever stopped and thought, “Wait a minute, this song choice feels…off?”
Today, we’re diving into a few head-scratching moments where legendary rock tracks were paired with, well, let’s just say unexpected products. Get ready for a trip down memory lane with a twist – where rock and roll royalty met the world of TV advertising, not always harmoniously.
This intro starts with the familiar experience of classic rock in commercials, then transitions smoothly to the question of whether the pairing always works. It sets the stage for the “bizarre” (and catchy) combinations we’ll explore further in the article.
“I’m Broken” by Pantera (Carl’s Jr. Steakhouse Burger ad)
Carl’s Jr. isn’t known for elaborate commercials. Unlike some high-falutin restaurants that showcase fancy ingredients on a plate, Carl’s Jr. keeps it real. This 2010s ad exemplifies their approach. We see a close-up of some…well, not-so-fancy ingredients. Then, with a metal blast, Pantera’s “I’m Broken” kicks in.
But instead of a culinary masterpiece, the plates get tossed sky high. As the music rages, the ingredients magically transform – not in a fancy kitchen, but forming a delicious cheeseburger in mid-air. If only listening to Pantera could actually do that, right?
“Sympathy For The Devil” by The Rolling Stones (Mercedes-Benz CLA Super Bowl ad)
The formula’s as familiar as a worn-out cassette tape: car commercials, dramatic landscapes, and classic rock blasting in the background. It’s a reliable attention-grabber, but let’s be honest, it’s gotten a little predictable.
However, there’s always room for a twist. Take Mercedes’ 2013 Super Bowl ad, for example. They upped the ante by bringing Willem Dafoe on board, injecting a dose of unexpected star power into the classic car commercial formula.
“Rock You Like A Hurricane” by Scorpions (Fiber One cookies ad)
The soaring guitar riff of “Rock You Like A Hurricane” by Scorpions is synonymous with raw power and electrifying energy. It’s hard to imagine a more unlikely pairing than this classic rock anthem and… a fiber supplement.
Yet, Fiber One dared to be different with their unconventional commercial for their cereal bars. Let’s see how they managed to pull off this surprisingly passionate (and perhaps slightly humorous) combination.
“Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith (DICKS Sporting Goods ad)
There’s a reason classic rock anthems like “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith are timeless. Their energy is infectious, and they instantly elevate the mood. This is especially true in commercials, where the right song can transform the way viewers perceive a product.
Dick’s Sporting Goods tapped into this power by using “Sweet Emotion” in a TV ad. While “Sweet Emotion” might seem versatile enough to fit almost anything, let’s see how Dick’s Sporting Goods used it to capture the essence of the active lifestyle they promote.