Radio Shack television commercial 2013

What the Radio Shack TV commercial - New Phone Smell is about.

The Radio Shack TV Spot, 'New Phone Smell,' is a commercial that features the iconic song "Cars" by Gary Numan. The ad showcases the latest phone available at Radio Shack, and the excitement that comes with it.

The commercial starts with an individual unboxing their new phone, which instantly triggers an overwhelming sensation of excitement. The phone is shown in various angles, highlighting its sleek design and advanced features. The character then proceeds to take the phone around the town, introducing it to different parts of their life.

The memorable lyrics of "Cars" play in the background, setting the tone for the commercial. The song's futuristic and upbeat tone meshes perfectly with the theme of the ad, creating a perfect harmony. As the commercial progresses, the character uses the phone for various tasks such as taking photos, playing music, and browsing the internet.

The ad concludes with the character returning home, plugging the phone into its charger, and savoring the new phone smell. The message conveyed by the commercial is clear - owning the latest phone from Radio Shack brings with it a sense of excitement, innovation, and modernity.

Gary Numan's hit song, "Cars," has become synonymous with the futuristic aesthetic of the late '70s and early '80s. It's an iconic track that has been heavily sampled and covered in popular culture, making it the perfect accompaniment to this Radio Shack ad.

Overall, the Radio Shack TV Spot, 'New Phone Smell,' is a fantastic example of how music, visual aesthetics, and advertising can come together to create an impactful and memorable commercial. The ad effectively communicates the benefits of owning the latest phone while immersing the audience in an exhilarating experience.

Radio Shack TV commercial - New Phone Smell produced for Radio Shack was first shown on television on August 4, 2013.

Song from commercial Radio Shack TV Spot, 'New Phone Smell' Song by Gary Numan

"Cars" by Gary Numan

"Cars" is the debut solo single by English musician Gary Numan ). It was released on August 21, 1979, and is from his debut studio album "The Pleasure Principle." The song was a commercial success, reaching number 1 in several countries and is considered one of Numan's most enduring songs.

Lyrics and Meaning

The lyrics of "Cars" are about how people use technology and material goods to isolate themselves from human contact. Numan has stated that he has Asperger syndrome , and the song's lyrics reflect his feelings of social isolation. The song describes the safety and comfort that cars provide as a metaphor for the isolation that modern society can create.

Music and Production

The song features a simple arrangement of synthesizers and electronic drums, with Numan's vocals cutting through the mix. The song's iconic synth riff was made using the Vox Humana program on a Polymoog 203a keyboard. The descending synth notes, which enter the mix at 0:06, are one of the most recognizable hooks in 1980s pop music.

Music Video

The music video for "Cars" features Numan driving a car through a futuristic cityscape, with other cars following him. The video was directed by Derek Burbidge and was one of the first music videos to use computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create special effects.

Overall, "Cars" is a classic synth-pop song that helped define the sound of the 1980s. Its catchy synth riff and memorable lyrics continue to resonate with audiences today.