When feeling down, nothing beats some uplifting tunes to cheer someone up and put a grin back on their faces. Now, a scientific algorithm was used to determine the top 10 happiest songs, ranking 'Good Vibrations' by The Beach Boys in the top place.
Dr. Michael Bonshor, a music psychologist and university professor at the University of Sheffield who has undertaken considerable research into the influence of research on wellbeing, has uncovered all the components that create a great "happy" song, with the 1966 pop smash ticking every box.
Formula for the Happiest Songs
According to MailOnline, Dr. Bonshor discovered that the most uplifting tunes had a pace of 137 beats per minute (bpm) and a typical verse-chorus-verse-chorus structure, but are interspersed or with surprising features such as a key shift or 'seventh chords'.
Dr. Bonshor explained that people like seventh chords as they add interest to the music. Unlike regular chords that only use three notes, seventh chords add an extra note that gives a sense of musical tension and relief.
Meanwhile, the second and third happiest songs in the world are James Brown's 'I Got You (I Feel Good)' and Madness' 'House of Fun', respectively. Dr. Bonshor discovered, through a study commissioned by the yogurt company Müllerlight, that music in the major key is often considered as joyful.
He added that cheery songs, which usually have a strong 1-2-1-2 beat to them, also make people dance along with the tune. Such a short introduction and kicks off with a bang straight away need not have a long build-up for the song to have an upbeat sound.
Moreover, he noted that people like high volume so notes played in a bright and bouncy way by musical instruments, like trumpets or electric guitars instead of mellower instruments create happy songs.
Lastly, Dr. Bonshor pointed out that repetitive rhythm on a guitar riff that people can easily remember becomes memorable and is the cherry on top of the cake.
These elements make up the track known as 'The Lighter Note', which is a song that science has proven to light up the winter blues. A survey of approximately 2,00 Brits showed that two-thirds listen to music to cheer themselves up, wherein 40% cited listening to it during cold weather and dark nights. Also, 71% said that music is one of the most powerful tools that influence their mood.
Top 10 Happiest Songs Based on Dr. Bonshor's Formula
In a similar report by the Daily Mirror, the top three music genres that ranked the happiest are pop, rock, and dance. About 50% of the participants believe that the power of music has been underestimated, and 38% recognize it can deliver amazing highs and lows to the listener.
The poll also explored the general habits of listeners in the UK, which suggests that an average Brit listens to over 20 tracks a day. About half of the participants said they listen to music at home and 26% said they consume the most while driving.
Toby Bevans, the startegy and marketing director of Müller Yogurt & Desserts, said that good music has a powerful influence on a person in special ways and the best playlist energizes him when he has to put off running outside because of the cold weather.
The study, commissioned by Müller Yogurt & Desserts, has listed the top 10 happiest songs that passed the formula of Dr. Bonshor. Below are the songs included in that list:
- Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys
- I Got You (I Feel Good) by James Brown
- House of Fun by Madness
- Get The Party Started by P!nk
- Uptown Girl by Billy Joel
- Sun is Shining by Bob Marley
- I Get Around by The Beach Boys
- YMCA by Village People
- Waterloo by ABBA
- September by Earth, Wind & Fire
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