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?
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