Scientific Study: List of Happiest Songs EVER
We all have songs that make us happy. Once it begins we just start to feel good. Whether it’s just because it’s fun to listen to, it’s a feel-good sound or it reminds us of a happy time.
Studyfinds.org shared the results of a scientific study by Dr. Michael Bonsor, a music Psychology teacher at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. His study revealed that “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys is the top song that makes people the happiest. Dr. Bonshor says the structure of the 1966 hit single checks all of the boxes when it comes to producing positive emotions in listeners. Other songs that follow Dr. Bonshor’s formula include “I Got You” (I Feel Good) by James Brown, “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel, “YMCA” by The Village People, and “Get the Party Started” by P!nk. I totally agree with that one!
Dr. Bonshor says, “Previous studies have found songs are perceived as happy if they are in a major key, with a sweet spot of approximately 137 beats per minute … we like high volume when it comes to how our happy songs are made, with notes played in a bright and bouncy way by instruments such as trumpets or electric guitars instead of mellower instruments. Finally, a repetitive rhythm or guitar riff that people can latch onto and becomes memorable is the cherry on the cake.”
According to a 2020 poll, Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky” was chosen as the happiest song ever. That list didn’t even include “Good Vibrations.”
Some of my happy songs are “Love Train” by The O’Jays, “Timber” by Pitbull and Kesha, “House Party” by Sam Hunt, “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire which is number 10 on their list; I could go on forever. What songs bring you joy and happiness whenever you hear them?
25 Best Sports Anthems, Ranked
Sports Anthems: It’s amazing how they can move thousands and thousands of people all at once. Without a doubt, at least some of these songs on this list will be played at some point during MLB’s Opening Day.
Most sporting events without music nowadays just fall flat. An appropriate soundtrack is practically essential. Now, different sporting events often have different vibes. This can vary by the sport itself, the level of said sport or the region in which the sport is being played.
With this in mind, this list was crafted to have some surprises, yet also be overall universal. It’s trying to walk a very particular line of mass appeal and unexpectedness. Truth be told, this list of the best sports anthems walks that line rather brilliantly.
A general view during the 2023 Opening Day game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park on April 07, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
How This Best Sports Anthems List Was Determined
This author has been to her share of sporting events over the years. Regardless of the sport, there are just certain songs that are ubiquitous at sporting events. Whether it’s high school, minor leagues or the pros, these 25 songs deliver on at least one over more of these levels:
-Does the song help hype up a crowd?
-Does the song add a new, appropriate level of emotion to a sporting event?
-Does the song have a unique tie to a team/athlete, but can also transcend it?
-Does it have a universally recognizable hook?
-Has it been used in a sports movie, thus, increasing its reach to the general public?
Look, this list is far from scientific, but it sure is a lot of fun, which is the whole point of any list like this. Frankly, it was a lot of fun to put together. It’s even more fun to revisit when major sports events appear on the calendar, from Opening Day to the Super Bowl and everywhere in between.
From rock to hip hop to EDM to pop, here are the 25 best sports anthems, ranked.
