Maths Formula Finds The Best ‘Feel-Good’ Song Of The Past 50 Years

A mathematical formula has found the perfect ‘feel good’ song of the past 50 years - and it’s Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me NOw’.

Dr Jacob Jolij of the University of Groningen analysed 50 hits, using feedback from listeners about what made them happy in songs.

Dr Jolij used data from what listeners said made them happy to create a ‘formula’ for feel-good success - with ingredients such as songs with 150 beats per minute, and a major third key.

Working with tech brand Alba, Dr Jolij placed Queen’s hit first, with Dancing Queen by Abba in second, and Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer in third.

Dr. Jolij said: ‘A feel good song is very personal.

‘Music is intimately linked with memory and emotion, and these associations strongly determine whether a song will put you in a good mood or not.

‘However, there are some key criteria for composers to consider when creating feel good songs: namely lyrical theme, musical key, and tempo.

‘Holiday-themed lyrics naturally remind us of happy times, while a major third musical key sounds happy to our ears and something we associate with confidence.

‘A high tempo of 150 beats per minute also subconsciously triggers a sense of energy. Combine these three ingredients together and you have the formula for the perfect "feel-good" song.’