Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia
Episode: I’d Like to Teach the World to Buy Edition Part 2
Host: Chris Melanphy
Release Date: December 27, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Hit Parade, host Chris Melanphy delves into the intricate relationship between advertising and music chart success. Building upon the previous installment, Chris explores how strategic licensing of songs in commercials has historically propelled tracks—both classic and contemporary—to the top of the charts. Through detailed storytelling and insightful analysis, the episode underscores the pivotal role that advertisements play in shaping musical trends and artist careers.

Advertising’s Historical Influence: Levi’s Campaigns

[00:50 – 06:15]

Chris begins by examining one of the earliest and most influential ad campaigns: Levi’s jeans advertisements in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These ads were groundbreaking in their strategic use of popular and classic songs to enhance brand appeal.

• Reviving Classics: Levi’s first major success came with a cover of Sam Cooke’s “Wonderful World” in 1986, which climbed to number two on the UK charts. The following year, a rendition of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” reached number one, marking the first time the classic topped the UK charts.

  "The ad sent Cook's original version of Wonderful World back up the UK charts in 1986, where it peaked at number two."
  — Chris Melanphy [02:14]

• Sustained Success: This trend continued with hits like Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker” reaching number one in 1990, and The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” topping the UK charts in 1991. The strategy demonstrated Levi’s ability to breathe new life into older songs, making them relevant for a contemporary audience.

  "Should I Stay or Should I Go? Soon other advertisers hopped on this bring back bandwagon."
  — Chris Melanphy [04:25]

The Apple iPod Silhouette Campaign

[19:05 – 30:31]

Transitioning to the early 2000s, Chris shifts focus to Apple’s iconic iPod silhouette advertisements. Launched in 2001, these ads became a cultural phenomenon, significantly impacting the music industry by introducing and propelling new artists and revitalizing established ones.

• Breaking New Artists: The iPod ads were instrumental in launching the careers of bands like Jet and Gorillaz. For instance, Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl?” gained substantial traction after being featured in an iPod Shuffle ad, leading to their album Get Born achieving platinum status.

  "Jet's album Get Born had been out for several months before an iPod ad featuring their 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl?' Dropped."
  — Chris Melanphy [22:02]

• Boosting Established Acts: Veteran artists like Bob Dylan also benefited from Apple’s campaigns. Dylan’s Modern Times album became his first number one album in 30 years after being featured in an iPod ad, showcasing how advertisements could rejuvenate seasoned musicians’ careers.

  "Bob Dylan appeared in an iPod ad and was rewarded with his first number one album in 30 years."
  — Chris Melanphy [25:26]

• Silhouette Strategy: The silhouette ads, characterized by shadowy figures against colorful backgrounds, not only highlighted the iPod’s sleek design but also spotlighted the music. Initially featuring well-known acts, the campaign eventually embraced emerging artists, fostering a diverse musical landscape.

  "In these commercials, the Silhouettes were of the band members themselves, with just enough light on their faces so you could see the famous person singing."
  — Chris Melanphy [25:17]

The Transition into the Streaming Era

[30:24 – 37:45]

As the music industry evolved with the advent of streaming, the influence of advertising on chart success continued to adapt. Chris discusses the nuanced shift where licensing songs to advertisements became a mainstream strategy without the stigma of “selling out.”

• Chris Brown and Wrigley’s Stealth Ad: A notable example is Wrigley’s collaboration with Chris Brown in 2008. By embedding the Doublemint gum slogan into his song “Forever,” Brown’s track ascended to number two on the Hot 100, illustrating the seamless integration of advertising and music.

  "Wrigley had commissioned Chris Brown and his production team to write 'Forever' with the gum slogan embedded in the song."
  — Chris Melanfy [35:12]

• Public Backlash and Acceptance: Initially, this move sparked outrage among purists who viewed it as a commercial intrusion into music. However, the song’s popularity eventually overshadowed the controversy, leading to widespread acceptance of such collaborations.

  "The so called boycott didn't amount to much. By August, 'Forever' had climbed all the way to number two on the Hot 100."
  — Chris Melanphy [36:12]

• Modern Collaborations: Today, collaborations between artists and brands like Chevrolet’s “We Are Young” by fun., Jeep's Ex Ambassadors, and Travis Scott with McDonald's exemplify how advertising continues to be a powerful vehicle for musical success. These partnerships often result in chart-topping hits that remain integral to the artists’ legacies.

  "Or rapper Travis Scott, who has never been shy about mixing commerce with his art... the single debuted at number one on the Hot 100."
  — Chris Melanphy [38:00]

Conclusion and Reflections on Advertising and Music

[37:45 – End]

Chris wraps up the episode by reflecting on the enduring symbiosis between advertising and music. He posits that while the methods and platforms have evolved, the fundamental impact remains profound—advertisements continue to shape musical tastes, revive classic tracks, and launch new artists into the mainstream.

• Cultural Impact: The ability of ads to influence music consumption has transitioned from reviving old hits to making them integral parts of popular culture. This trend underscores the evolving dynamics of music marketing in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

  "Advertising could now turn cult music into popular culture."
  — Chris Melanphy [13:02]

• The Good Song Theory: Ultimately, Chris emphasizes that regardless of their commercial origins, good songs resonate with audiences and leave lasting impressions. Whether born from a classic revival or a modern ad campaign, the quality of the music ensures its enduring legacy.

  "A good song is a good song, like, for example, the bank jingle that songwriter Paul Williams bequeathed to the Carpenters back in 1970."
  — Chris Melanphy [41:57]

Notable Quotes

• Chris Melanphy

  "Levi's kicked off the series with an ad featuring a cover of the Sam Cooke classic 'Wonderful World' playing over footage of a hunky shirtless male model shrinking his Levi's 501 jeans by wearing them in a full bathtub."
  — [02:14]

  "The ads helped Apple sell millions of iPods, but as with Levi's UK ads from a decade earlier, the breakout star of the commercials arguably wasn't the dancing silhouettes or even the shiny iPods. It was the songs."
  — [20:31]

  "Advertising could now turn cult music into popular culture."
  — [13:02]

  "A good song is a good song, like, for example, the bank jingle that songwriter Paul Williams bequeathed to the Carpenters back in 1970."
  — [41:57]

• Kevin Bendis

  "In the spring of 2008, just as Apple was winding down its Silhouette ad campaign, a new Chris Brown single debuted on the Hot 100."
  — [33:36]

Final Thoughts

In I’d Like to Teach the World to Buy Edition Part 2, Chris Melanphy masterfully illustrates the profound impact of advertising on the music industry. By tracing the lineage from Levi’s classic campaigns to Apple’s innovative iPod ads and beyond, the episode highlights how strategic song licensing can ignite chart success and redefine artist trajectories. This exploration not only underscores the commercial power behind hit songs but also celebrates the enduring magic of music in shaping cultural landscapes.

For more insightful episodes and music history deep dives, subscribe to Hit Parade wherever you get your podcasts.