CURIOSITIES

The songs that can make people happier according to a neuroscientific study

Professor Jacob Jolij, a cognitive neuroscience researcher at the University of Groningen (The Netherlands), has developed a formula that determines which songs are likely to trigger happiness in listeners, taking into account the rhythm, beats per minute, melody and optimism of the words of those songs.

The research team led by Professor Jolij, therefore, analyzed more than 200 songs by applying the formula created by the professor, and then determined which songs were potentially most capable of instilling a good mood.

Here, then, are the songs that, according to that study, can improve our day: sure, they are all English-language titles and somewhat dated, but there is no denying that they are all big hits.

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Songs that can make us happier: research criteria
Professor Jacob Jolij, a cognitive neuroscience researcher at the University of Groningen (Netherlands), has developed a formula that determines which songs are likely to make the listener a little happier: the formula takes into account the rhythm, beats per minute, melody and optimism of the words of those songs. The research team analyzed more than 200 songs by applying the formula devised by the lecturer, and then determined which songs were potentially capable of instilling a good mood. Here, then, are the songs that, according to that study, could improve our day: sure, they are all English-language titles and somewhat dated, but there is no denying that they are all big hits.
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Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves (1985)
Released in 1985 as the fifth single from the album of the same name, "Walking on Sunshine" is the group's most famous song pop-rock Katrina and the Waves. A song with a decidedly upbeat melody: precisely because of this, the song is often used in advertising campaigns.
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I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor (1978)
The lyrics of this song describe the experience of a person who manages to find inner strength after recovering from a painful goodbye with their partner. "I Will Survive" occupies position 489 on the list of the 500 best music songs of all time according to famous U.S. music magazine Rolling Stone.
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Livin' on a Prayer - Bon Jovi (1986)
Probably the most famous song and one with which Bon Jovi is most widely recognized. The lyrics are about Tommy and Gina, a young couple in love who struggle to have a steady salary and, therefore, to keep their relationship strong.
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Girls Just Want to Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper (1983)
The song is part of the debut album of Cyndi Lauper. The video clip, in which the singer goes through all the stages of a woman's life by dragging a group of girls around New York, surpassed one billion views in 2022 on Youtube.
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I'm a Believer - The Monkees (1966)
Released in November 1966, "I'm a Believer" is the best-selling song of 1967. Many will also remember this song because in 2001 the U.S. group Smash Mouth, with the actor Eddie Murphy, made a cover of it for the soundtrack of the film "Shrek". The version by Smash Mouth was a huge success, bringing the original song by The Monkees back to the international charts as well.
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Eye of the Tiger - Survivor (1982)
In 1983 "Eye of the Tiger" was nominated for bothOscar and Golden Globe. The song enjoyed considerable success due to its inclusion on the soundtrack of the film "Rocky III," starring Sylvester Stallone. "Eye of the Tiger" is remembered for its riff guitar and unmistakable refrain.
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Uptown Girl - Billy Joel (1983)
The lyrics of the song tell the story of a man of humble origins and his attempts to woo a rich girl. The inspiration for the song was given to Joel by his relationship with Christie Brinkley, who would later become his second wife.
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Good Vibrations - Beach Boys (1966)
"Good Vibrations" is not just an upbeat song: in fact, Rolling Stone magazine ranked this song sixth on its list of the 500 best songs of all time.
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Dancing Queen - Abba (1976)
The song was first performed at the wedding of King Charles XVI Gustaf of Sweden to Silvia Sommerlath. The performance was in the Stockholm Opera House: the ABBA, dressed in traditional 18th-century costumes, honored the future queen by singing just "Dancing Queen".
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Don't stop me now - Queen (1979)
It is almost impossible not to receive an immense dose of energy after listening to this famous song by Queen. "Don't stop me now" is used (along with part of the video) as the beginning of the end credits of the movie "Bohemian Rhapsody" (2018) and, in general, because of its artistic value and cheerfulness, the song is included in the soundtrack of so many movies.
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