Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
One of the artists has two songs on the list.
One of the artists has two songs on the list.
Do you want to be happy?
Most of us would probably answer “yes” to that question, and many would turn to music to make it happen.
Magical music
There’s just something about music that can change our mood pretty much no matter the situation – several exeptions, of course.
But what are the happiest songs?
What good music is is a matter of opinion and taste, but there’s actually science suggesting that some songs can make you happy, no matter your personal preferences.
What makes a song happy?
Dr. Michael Bonshor, who has a PhD in music psychology and has researched music in relation to well-being extensively, told The Independent, that a combination of a couple of thingsmakes up the recipe for a happy song.
Beat, keys and structure
In his research, Bonshor found that combining a major key, 7th chords, a 137 BPM, a strong beat, four beats in every bar and a structure of verese-chorus-verse-chorus is the best way to compose a happy song.
Get your music app ready
So open your preffered music app, make a playlist called “Happy Songs”, and get ready to add the following 10 songs to make a sure-fire pick-me-up-playlist based on Bonshors research!
“September” by Earth, Wind and Fire
The 1978-hit is a bulletproof way to get the dance floor populated, and it’s been a stable at parties ever since it’s release in 1978.
“Waterloo” by ABBA
Another 1970’s hit, more specifically in 1974, when ABBA represented Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest with “Waterloo”.
“YMCA” by Village People
You know the dance for the chorus, and ever since it’s release in 1978, hands have been flying in the air whenever Victor Willis states that “It’s fun to stay at the …”
“I Get Around” by The Beach Boys
Brian Wilson and Mike Love made an instant classic, when the Beach Boys released their 1964-album “All Summer Long” with “I Get Around” being the opening track.
“Sun Is Shining” by Bob Marley
It used to be fairly unknown, but since it’s release in 1971, “Sun Is Shining” has become one of Marleys most popular songs – and when you hear it, you understand why.
“Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel
The first 1980’s entry on this list (1983), Billy Joel released an instant evergreen when he added “Uptown Girl” as the second single to his ninth studio album, “An Innocent Man”.
“Get The Party Started” by P!nk
The singer-songwriter released her debut album in 2000, but it was her second album, “Mizzundaztood”, that featured her first major hit “Get the Party Started” in 2001.
“House Of Fun” by Madness
Ska may not have survived the ravages of time, but whenever you hear “House of Fun” by British ska-pioneers Madness, you might think about giving the genre a resurrection.
“I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown
James Browns borderline primal scream that is the beginning of the 1964-hit is likely to make everyone present continue the lyrics and start twisting along with the jam.
“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys
The only artist with two entries on the list is The Beach Boys, and honestly: How can anyone hear “Good Vibrations” without getting in a better mood?