World’s Happiest Songs: According to Science

Science—it’s like magic, but real. 

Ok, I stole that from a Life is Good tee, but it made for a punchy intro so I won’t tell if you won’t. 

Back to science.

Science generates solutions for everyday life, allows us to develop new technologies, and even informs public policy decisions. Science can also help…get the party started??

Music psychologist Dr. Michael Bonshor conducted a study that determined the formula for the ‘happiest songs in the world,’ finding the most uplifting tracks have a tempo of 137 beats per minute, a standard verse-chorus-verse-chorus structure, and a slight element of surprise. 

Among the world’s happiest songs were ‘Good Vibrations’ by the Beach Boys, ‘Waterloo’ by ABBA, and a Earth, Wind, and Fire’s wedding pleaser ‘Dancing in September.’

We compiled all the science’s happiest songs into one 10-tune playlist that will turn your gloom to bloom with one press of the dial. (Are dials still a thing?)

Anyway, play it during workouts, post-dinner game nights, or whenever you’re feeling a little down and the only remedy is ‘Uptown Girl.’