musical products

I spent a lot of time in the car in the past few days on my way to Florida for Spring Break. During this time, I listened to a lot of radio. I didn't realize how many songs contained product placements as part of their lyrics. These brands are getting major exposure. Here are a few examples from the land of pop music (lyrics from www.azlyrics.com):

"...And I know it sounds so old
But cupid got me in a chokehold
And I'm afraid I might give in
Towels on the mat my white flag is wavin'

I mean she even cooks me pancakes
And Alka Seltzer when my tummy aches
If that ain't love then I don't know what love is

We even got a secret handshake
And she loves the music that my band makes
I know I'm young but if I had to choose her or the sun
I'd be one nocturnal son of a gun..."
-an exerpt from "Cupid's Chokehold" by Gym Class Heroes

"I still go to Taco Bell
Drive through, raw as hell
I don't care, I'm still real
No matter how many records I sell
After the show or after the Grammies
I like to go cool out with the family
Sippin', reminiscing on days when I had a Mustang..."
-an exerpt from "Glamorous" by Fergie

These to songs are great examples of product placements within music. Writing a blog about product placement, I've learned to listen and look for product placements in any medium, but if you aren't looking for them then you're just singing along. People all over are singing along to these songs on the radio, or in clubs. The exposure of these brands is amazing. They're so obvious, yet are going to get to the audience without them really noticing or minding. I think music is an excellent medium for product placements. As long as the products are worked into the song, I think that consumers are going to accept them. This may be the new 'it' medium for product placement.