Ad Roundup – #5 April 2021

*The* Celine sync of dreams. Beats created from plants. Alexandre Desplat. A 10/10 collection of creative music choices gracing our eyes and ears for the DLMDD April ad roundup.

Wrigleys Extra Gum – For when it’s time

There’s a lot happening in this ad. It’s good, chaotic fun, it’s great in fact, but I could barely concentrate on the ad because I was so delightfully distracted by hearing, what is, undoubtedly, the most iconic Celine song (sorry ‘My Heart  Will Go On’ but absolutely nothing beats the deeply visceral, emotional  journey one goes on during the 7 minutes and 36 seconds of “It’s All Coming  Back To Me” – shivers!) and that is a testament to the power of this sync. An unbelievable sync. The kind of sync you dream about but, inevitably, someone  along the way destroys this dream with the ‘hmm not sure this works’ comment or ‘hey! can we try these 50 other songs that might work better?’ but NEVER do. So, whoever pushed to make this happen, I salute you – you are  my hero. Thank you. 

The kind of sync you dream about but, inevitably, someone along the way destroys this dream with the ‘hmm not sure this works’ comment or ‘hey! can we try these 50 other songs that might work better?’  but NEVER do.

Agency: Energy BBDO, Production Company: MJZ, Director: Nick Ball 

McDonalds – Own little world

Now, as a woman who has been known to indulge in a McDonald’s breakfast  on occasion (currently more frequently than usual – blaming it on the pubs re opening and subsequent hangovers), this spot spoke to me. But, it simply must be said, that there is something so singularly beautiful about charging to your local Maccies pre-11am, placing the order, receiving the order (anticipation building), reaching into the iconic brown bag, delicately opening the wrapper, then, finally, tenderly picking up and taking the first bite of an egg & cheese McMuffin. An incomparable, overwhelming feeling of bliss, one might dare say (I will dare to say it).  

It feels VERY right that this ad and this song should come together in this jubilant celebration, an unashamed ode to the beauty of the McDonald’s brekkie. 

And the TUNE, for we must mention the iconic “This Will Be (An  Everlasting Love)” by queen Natalie Cole. A song that has earned its rightful  place within the soundtrack of many of my favourite films. Most notably, The Parent Trap (special shout-out to A Cinderella Story also). A song that truly brings a smile to my face every time I hear those opening piano chords – feels VERY right that this ad and this song should come together in this jubilant celebration, an unashamed ode to the beauty of the McDonald’s brekkie. 

BRB just popping to maccies now. 

Agency: Leo Burnett, Production Company: Rogue, Director: Georgie Banks-Davies 

McCain and Family Fund – Little Moments 

Really love this. 

Earlier this year, McCain pledged £1m to leading childhood disability charity Family Fund, an organisation that provides grants and services to families raising disabled or seriously ill children and helping them to spend more time together. 

The above spot, titled ‘Little Moments’, is part of a nationwide campaign to  drive awareness of Family Fund. The ad features six families from across the  UK, all of which have been supported by the charity, and shines a light on the  importance of treasuring and celebrating “the little moments” that many of us take for granted. 

Delightfully sound tracked by “Kristofferson’s Theme” by Academy-award winning composer Alexander Desplat. The delicate composition beautifully underpins the spot, supporting and adding to the warmth and charm already  exuded by the visuals. 

You can donate to Family Fund and support the incredible work they’re doing to support families here.

Agency: Adam&EveDDB, Production Company: Pulse Films, Director: Finn McGough 

Subway – VeGang 

Subway are doing “plant-based grime” and honestly it’s … really cool?

Grime legend P Money and producers Star.One collected sounds at an urban farm from plants that are actually used in Subway’s plant-based menu. 

Electrodes, which detect electrical variations, were placed on the plant leaves in order to collect their vibrations, these vibrations were then remixed to create the track, entitled ‘Vegang’, over which P Money raps about his  personal experiences being vegan… wow ok Subway, someone’s levelling up their innovative marketing techniques game. 

The song is part of the campaign ‘Plant-Based Beats’ and aims to appeal to  Subway’s majority Gen-Z audience. Because, sadly, at the end of the day, we’re  all out here trying to establish relevancy with the illusive Gen-Z-ers. 

Agency: Above & Beyond, Production Company: Radical Media, Director: Jamal Edwards 

Lucozade – It’s On 

Sometimes, it’s the simple concepts that just hit. Great spot, great tune, great vibes. Cheers. 

Agency: Adam&EveDDB, Production Company: Somesuch, Director: Max Weiland 

Honourable mentions: 

Amazon Alexa – Pompeii by Droga5 

Taylors of Harrogate – What if everything was this simple? by Lucky Generals