Music is often described as the universal language, a medium that transcends borders and connects souls.
It has the power to evoke a myriad of emotions, from joy to sorrow, love to heartbreak.
But have you ever wondered which song, according to science, is the happiest of them all?
The answer might surprise you.
Initially, a study crowned “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen as the world’s happiest song.
However, as the methodology was refined, this iconic track was dethroned, though it still holds a respectable second place.
The current title of the world’s happiest song, as determined by researcher Jacob Jolij, is “Mr. Blue Sky” by the Electric Light Orchestra.
So, how did Jolij come to this conclusion?
He embarked on a comprehensive study, analyzing 126 songs spanning 50 years.
To ensure the accuracy of his formula, he surveyed over 2,000 individuals, inquiring about the songs that uplifted their spirits the most.
Jolij’s findings revealed that people generally prefer songs with a tempo that deviates from the average pop song, tunes in a major key, and those that are slightly more intricate than the basic three-chord compositions.
To put it in simpler terms, songs that resonate with happiness typically have a tempo of around 150 beats per minute (BPM) or higher.
This is in contrast to the 118 BPM average of most pop songs.
For instance, “Don’t Stop Me Now” boasts a tempo of 156 BPM and is set in the key of F Major, attributes that contribute to its cheerful vibe.
Jolij’s “Feel Good Formula” has undergone refinements over time.
It now includes a continuous rating system, grading songs on a “feel good” scale from 1 to 100.
This enhancement, according to Jolij, offers a more robust statistical model.
He also pointed out an interesting cultural observation: what might be perceived as a happy song in Liverpool could differ from what’s considered joyful in Jakarta.
Jolij’s work was built upon earlier research conducted by the University of Missouri.
While he incorporated the beats per minute of songs into his formula, he also discovered the significance of the song’s key in determining its happiness quotient.
Furthermore, he concluded that the most uplifting songs either revolved around positive themes and lyrics or were whimsically nonsensical.
Apart from the top contenders, several other songs made the list. Following “Mr. Blue Sky” and “Don’t Stop Me Now” were hits like “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys in third place.
Delving deeper into the “Feel Good Formula,” Jolij’s full regression formula is as follows: Rating = 60 + (0.00165 * BPM – 120)^2 + (4.376 * Major) + 0.78 * nChords – (Major * nChords).
For those intrigued by the intricacies of this formula and eager to learn more about Jolij’s research, there’s a wealth of information available.
In conclusion, while science might have its say on the happiest song, it’s essential to remember that music is deeply personal.
What brings joy to one might not resonate with another.
But it’s always fascinating to see how research and emotions intertwine, giving us insights into the songs that universally uplift our spirits.
Listen to the “Happiest Song On Earth” in the video below!
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