Music Expert's Formula Identifies Top 10 Happiest Songs

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There’s nothing like a warm sunny day to boost your spirits. But what about those not so sunny days?

You could consider listening to what music psychologist Michael Bonshor calls the 10 scientifically happiest songs.

These songs most closely follow the formula Bonshor says guarantees a song will make the listener happy.

They are written in a major key with 137 beats per minute using a verse-chorus-verse-chorus structure. They combine predictability with some surprises, like a key change or unexpected notes. They use 7th chords and four beats in every bar.

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“Previous studies have found that songs are perceived as happy if they are in a major key, with a sweet spot of approximately 137 beats per minute. We like ‘7th chords’ as they add interest; regular chords use three notes, whereas ‘7th chords’ add an extra note which provides a sense of musical ‘tension’ and ‘relief.’ Alongside this, cheery songs usually have a strong 1-2-1-2 beat to them, so that you can dance along," Bonshor said in a news release.

So which song takes the top spot according to Bonshor's formula? It's "Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys.

That beginning plays into the other aspects of what makes a happy song, said Bonshor, who teaches music psychology at the University of Sheffield.

“A short introduction means that the song kicks off with a bang straight away, and there’s not a long build up. 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," he said.

According to Bonshor's formula, here are the top 10 scientifically happy songs (Spotify playlist):

1. "Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys
2. "I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown
3. "House of Fun" by Madness
4. "Get the Party Started" by Pink
5. "Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel
6. "Sun Is Shining" by Bob Marley
7. "I Get Around" by the Beach Boys
8. "YMCA" by Village People
9. "Waterloo" by ABBA
10. "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire

Bonshor worked with Müllerlight, a fat-free yogurt brand, to put the formula to the test. Artists Jamie P and Oliver Price used it to create "The Lighter Note," which is pretty peppy.

The yogurt company also commissioned a survey of 2,000 British adults that found that 71% said music is one of the most powerful influences on their mood. Two-thirds of those surveyed said they listen to music to cheer themselves up, and 40% said they listen to music to cheer up when it's cold and dark outside.

It only takes 14 seconds, on average, for music to improve their mood, the survey said.

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