Song on the Volvo Commercial Explained: From Ben Rector to Frank Sinatra

Song on the Volvo Commercial Explained: From Ben Rector to Frank Sinatra

You know that feeling when you're half-watching a game or waiting for a YouTube video to start, and suddenly a song just... grabs you? That's basically the Volvo marketing strategy in a nutshell. They don't just pick "background music." They pick songs that make you want to go buy a sweater and drive through a foggy forest.

Honestly, if you're looking for the song on the Volvo commercial right now, you aren't alone. As of early 2026, Volvo has a few different spots running, each with a very specific vibe. Depending on whether you're seeing the "For Life" campaign for the EX90 or a holiday sales event, the answer changes.

The Breakout Hit: "Extraordinary Magic" by Ben Rector

If you’re watching the ads for the fully electric Volvo EX90, the song you’re likely humming is "Extraordinary Magic" by Ben Rector.

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It’s got that piano-driven, cinematic build that feels like the climax of a feel-good indie movie. Ben Rector is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter who’s been a favorite in the "I know that voice but can’t place the name" category for years. For this specific commercial, there's actually been some chatter on Reddit about whether he re-recorded a special version.

Listeners have pointed out that the vocals in the ad sound a bit more intimate—almost like he's sitting in the passenger seat next to you—compared to the original 2018 studio track. The lyric "I see it / I see it" is used perfectly to highlight the car's "Safe Space" technology. It’s a rare case where the lyrics actually match the product without being cheesy.

The Classics: Frank Sinatra and Amanda Bergman

Volvo loves a good "swede-ish" twist on a classic. Lately, they’ve been leaning into two very different versions of the same iconic song.

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That's Life.

  1. The Original: In the "For Life: Adventure" spots for the XC90 Recharge, they use the legendary Frank Sinatra version. It’s bold, brassy, and reminds everyone that Volvo isn't just for soccer practice; it’s for people who have lived a little.
  2. The Cover: Then there’s the Amanda Bergman version. This one is part of the 2025-2026 refreshed XC60 campaign. Bergman is a Swedish indie folk artist (you might know her from the band Amason), and she strips the song down. It’s haunting. It’s moody. It’s very... Volvo.

Other Songs You Might Be Hearing

Commercials rotate fast. If it’s not Ben Rector or Sinatra, it’s probably one of these:

  • "Ready for You" by Black Caviar & Viiq: This is the high-energy, beat-heavy track used for the "Holiday Safely" and "Sign & Drive" sales events. If the ad felt more like a fashion show and less like a mountain retreat, this was probably the one.
  • "70 Years of Summer" by Whitney: Used during the "Summer Safely" bonus events. It’s got that breezy, 70s-inspired horn section that makes you want to pack a cooler and head to the coast.
  • "Don’t Stop Me Now" (Cover) by Seinabo Sey: A powerful, orchestral reimagining of the Queen classic. This was a staple for the early EX90 "Shooting Star" ads and still pops up in regional broadcasts.

Why is everyone obsessed with Volvo's music?

The company has a weirdly good track record. Remember the Avicii "Feeling Good" collab? Or when they used "Hard Time" by Seinabo Sey years ago? They tend to pick artists that are just on the edge of the mainstream—talented enough to be "real" but catchy enough to get stuck in your head for three days.

They also lean heavily into their heritage. By using Swedish artists like Amanda Bergman or the late Avicii, they reinforce that "Scandinavian luxury" identity without having to say it out loud. It's smart branding.

How to Find the Song Next Time

If you’re watching a new spot and none of these fit, here is a pro-tip: check the bottom left corner of the screen during the first three seconds. Car brands are usually pretty good about crediting the artist in tiny white text there.

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Alternatively, the site iSpot.tv tracks real-time airings of car commercials and almost always identifies the track within 24 hours of it hitting the airwaves.

Actionable Next Steps

To actually get these tracks on your playlist, you can find the "Volvo 100" or "Volvo Official" playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. They are surprisingly diligent about updating them with whatever is currently airing on TV. If you’re looking for the Ben Rector version specifically, search for the Magic album, but keep an ear out for the "commercial edit" which hasn't officially dropped as a single yet.

For the Amanda Bergman cover of "That's Life," check her official artist page; it was released as a standalone single through Universal Music Scandinavia to coincide with the XC60 launch.

Stay safe on the road, and keep the volume up.