1. ICELAND - Tourism : 'Inspired by Iceland'

Visiting Iceland is on many people's 'Bucket List', so it would have been easy for the Icelandic Tourism Board to simply commission an advert that showcased the country's dramatic landscapes and outstanding natural beauty. But instead they harnessed the catchy track 'Jungle Drum' by homegrown singer/songwriter Emiliana Torrini Davíðsdóttir and ending up creating a fun, quirky and far more engaging piece of communication... anyway, just watch it, you'll see what I mean!


2. John Smiths- No Nonsense : 'DJ' 

The whole series of John Smith ads featuring Peter Kay were superb. This one starring Kay as a wedding DJ is one of my favourites, but if you want to binge-watch the entire series; here's the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15l3hx6loQc


3. T-Mobile - Life's for Sharing: 'Welcome Home'

What advertiser doesn't love a flash-mob, especially in the late naughties!?! This ad is so well choreographed and perfectly sung in acapella/beat-boxing you can't help but be impressed, uplifted and happy to be home... even if you land at Heathrow Terminal 5 on a cold October night.


4.  Air NZ – Safety Video: 'Men in Black'

Air New Zealand have a reputation of producing unique in-flight air safety videos (They've made parodies of The Hobbit, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition & many more). Admit it, the temptation to ignore the safety video on most other airlines is too easy, but not with Air NZ. Their eccentric style, combined with the Kiwi's fanatical love of their legendary All Black rugby team, leaves you entertained by this highly watchable and highly educational 5 minute video. I know it's not technically a TV ad but still, sit back, relax and enjoy the flight...


5. Cadbury’s - Dairy Milk: 'A Glass and a Half of Joy'

Yes, what list of musically-inspired adverts would be complete without the infamous Cadbury's Gorilla? But it was a close call though, I'm a big fan of the brother and sister eyebrow dance-off almost as much. Either way it's a great way to sell me chocolate (as if that's necessary!) and more than surreal enough to keep my attention. Hit it Phil!



Daniel Hewlett
