song plays in the Google Pixel 9 “Best Take” commercial

There are certain moments in advertising when a song and a visual collide so perfectly that it etches itself into your memory. You're watching a commercial, a familiar riff starts playing, and suddenly you're not just seeing a product—you're feeling its promise. Google's latest campaign for the Pixel 9 has achieved exactly that.

If you've seen the new Pixel 9 ads floating around your YouTube feed or interrupting your favorite shows, you've probably had one overriding question: What is that amazing song?

The answer is as iconic as the technology it's promoting. Let's dive into the music powering Google's Pixel 9 "Best Take" campaign, explore the different versions of the commercial, and understand why this particular track is the perfect backdrop for a phone that's all about capturing perfect moments.

The Anthem: "I Want to Break Free" by Queen

The song dominating Google's Pixel 9 advertising is none other than the legendary "I Want to Break Free" by Queen. This 1984 classic, with its unmistakable synth intro and Freddie Mercury's powerful, yearning vocals, has been given a new lease on life as the soundtrack to Google's vision of AI-powered photography.

But why this song? On the surface, it's an anthem about liberation and breaking away from constraints. For Google, this is a direct metaphor for what the Pixel 9's AI features, particularly "Best Take," offer users. You are no longer constrained by a bad blink, a turned head, or someone looking the wrong way in a group photo. The AI lets you "break free" from imperfect moments, allowing you to select the best expression for everyone from a series of shots and seamlessly create one perfect picture.

The song's themes of freedom and self-expression resonate deeply with a generation that lives their lives through photos. It’s not just about taking a picture; it's about curating a memory, presenting your best self to the world, and being free from the frustration of a ruined group shot.

The Main Event: "The Magic Is Back" (Global Ad)

Song: I Want to Break Free — Queen
Watch here:

Watch YouTube video

This is the flagship commercial for the entire Pixel 9 series. Titled "The Magic Is Back," this global spot is a cinematic tour de force. It doesn't just focus on one feature; it showcases the entire ecosystem of Google's latest AI innovations, from Gemini integration to advanced photo editing.

As the ad opens on everyday scenes—friends laughing, families gathering, street performers captivating crowds—the familiar opening synths of "I Want to Break Free" begin to build. The visuals are warm, authentic, and beautifully shot, all captured on the Pixel 9. The song swells as we see the "Best Take" feature in action: a group of friends squinting in the sun, and then, with a magical swipe, everyone's eyes are open and smiling. The message is clear: Google is bringing the magic back to photography, freeing you from technical limitations so you can focus on the moment. Queen's anthem provides the perfect emotional crescendo, making you feel the liberation as much as you see it.

The Feature Focus: "It Is What It Is" (Best Take & Gemini)

Song: I Want to Break Free — Queen
Watch here:

Watch YouTube video

While the global ad is broad, this 30-second spot, titled "It Is What It Is," hones in on the hero feature: Best Take. The title itself is a clever play on words. We've all accepted imperfect photos with a shrug and a resigned "it is what it is." Google's message is that with the Pixel 9, it doesn't have to be that way anymore.

This version of the commercial is tighter, faster, and laser-focused on the problem Best Take solves. We see a montage of classic photo fails: someone blinking, a child looking away, a friend mid-sneeze. Each time, the frustration is palpable. But then, the magic of AI kicks in. The Queen track kicks into a higher gear as we watch the user seamlessly swap faces to create the perfect shot. The song's energy perfectly matches the "aha!" moment of discovery. It's no longer "it is what it is"; it's "it is what you want it to be." The commercial is a masterclass in using a beloved song to elevate a specific product feature into an emotional experience.

A Different Beat: The Verizon Collaboration

Song: Original Score — Ravi Kuma & BLACKPAW
Watch here:

Watch YouTube video

Not every Pixel 9 commercial features Queen. A notable exception is the high-energy collaboration with Verizon, titled "You Break It, We Take It." This spot, designed to air during major sporting events including the lead-up to the 2026 Olympics, takes a completely different sonic approach.

Gone is the classic rock anthem. In its place is an original, rhythmic score composed by Ravi Kuma and BLACKPAW. The music here is modern, percussive, and driving. It matches the fast-paced, almost sports-highlight-reel editing of the commercial. The focus is on durability, performance, and the partnership between Google and Verizon. The music underscores the message of reliability and strength—you can take this phone anywhere, and Verizon's network will keep you connected. It's a brilliant counterpoint to the emotional Queen ads, showing the versatility of both the product and Google's marketing strategy. You can feel the energy and the promise of performance in every beat.

The Local Touch: "La magia está de regreso" (Spanish Version)

Song: I Want to Break Free — Queen

Great advertising knows that emotion transcends language. The Spanish-language version of the campaign, titled "La magia está de regreso," proves this perfectly. It retains the core elements of the global ad but adapts them for the Hispanic market.

Crucially, it keeps the same powerful soundtrack: "I Want to Break Free" by Queen. Music is a universal language, and the song's themes of liberation and breaking free from constraints are just as resonant in Spanish as they are in English. This version, however, places a slightly stronger emphasis on the Pro model's camera capabilities, showcasing stunning low-light shots and detailed portraits that speak to the photography-obsessed audience. The familiar Queen anthem provides a comforting thread of continuity, ensuring that while the language changes, the emotional core of the campaign—the magic of capturing perfect moments—remains powerfully intact.

Why This Song Works

Google's choice of "I Want to Break Free" is a stroke of marketing genius for several reasons:

Instant Recognition: Queen is one of the most beloved bands in history. The song's opening notes immediately grab attention and evoke positive feelings.

Thematic Perfection: The lyrics about freedom are a direct metaphor for the "Best Take" feature, which frees users from imperfect photos.

Emotional Resonance: The song's mix of vulnerability and power mirrors the user's journey from photo frustration to the joy of a perfect memory saved.

Cross-Generational Appeal: Queen's music connects with older generations who remember the original release, while younger audiences know it from countless movies, shows, and viral moments.

The Bottom Line

The Google Pixel 9 "Best Take" campaign is a textbook example of how to use music to elevate a product message. By pairing the timeless anthem "I Want to Break Free" with stunning visuals of AI-powered photography, Google has created commercials that are not just seen but felt.

Whether you're watching the global epic "The Magic Is Back," the feature-focused "It Is What It Is," the energetic Verizon spot, or the beautifully adapted Spanish version, the music pulls you in and makes you believe in the magic. So the next time you hear those iconic Queen synths, you'll know exactly what they represent: the freedom to capture life perfectly, one photo at a time.

What song plays in the Google Pixel 9 “Best Take” commercial?

The Anthem: "I Want to Break Free" by Queen

The Main Event: "The Magic Is Back" (Global Ad)

The Feature Focus: "It Is What It Is" (Best Take & Gemini)

A Different Beat: The Verizon Collaboration

The Local Touch: "La magia está de regreso" (Spanish Version)

Why This Song Works

The Bottom Line