The 10 happiest songs and the secret formula to writing one yourself

'ABBA,' 'The Village People' and 'Earth Wind & Fire'

'To each their own' as long as they are happy

Can music really make us happy?

Does music really make us happy? Let's look at some figures. In a British survey conducted by 'Müllerlight' of 2,000 people, "71% revealed that music has a powerful impact on their mood, with 64% saying they use music to spark joy."

The power of music

The power of music is real, so much so that a single song can raise our spirits when we're down, changing our mood and making us happier. And it's not just opinion or thought, it's science!

Music psychology is a real science

Michael Bonshor, a music psychologist at the University of Sheffield, UK, has studied this theory, endorsing its validity.

There's a formula for the perfect song

And Bonshor even claims to have found a formula for the perfect song to create happiness with almost exact precision.

The ingredients for a perfect song

According to Michael Bonshor, the song should be the following combination: "A major key, '7th chords,' 137 beats per minute, a strong beat, four beats in every bar, and a verse-chorus-verse-chorus structure."

It's obviously not so easy

The formula doesn't stop there. The song must also have a short opening, several repeating riffs, bright tones, high volume, and a complicated combination of predictable and surprising elements.

'7th chords' make all the difference

"We like ‘7th chords’ as they add interest; regular chords use three notes, whereas ‘7th chords’ add an extra note which provides a sense of musical ‘tension’ and ‘relief," Michael Bonshor explains in a statement sent to the media.

Trumpets and electric guitars help, too

“We like high volume when it comes to how our happy songs are made, with notes played in a bright and bouncy way by instruments such as trumpets or electric guitars instead of mellower instruments..."

...and the cherry on the cake?

..."Finally, a repetitive rhythm or guitar riff that people can latch onto and becomes memorable is the cherry on the cake," the psychologist concludes in his statement.

The 10 songs that make us happier

And since nothing is easier than giving examples, Michael Bonshor has offered a list of the 10 songs that make humanity the happiest, applying his formula for musical joy.

'The Beach Boys'

The hit 'The Beach Boys' was released in 1966, composed by Brian Wilson with lyrics by Mike Love. It is the song that produces the most happiness, according to Michael Bonshor's formula.

It was in inspirational hit worldwide

The song was not only a global success, reaching number 1 on the charts in several countries, but also directly influenced bands like 'The Beatles,' 'Led Zeppelin' and 'Pink Floyd.'

James Brown and 'Madness'

'I Feel Good' by James Brown and 'House of Fun' by 'Madness' rank second and third on this list of songs that make people the happiest.

P!nk, Billy Joel and Bob Marley

P!nk's 'Get the Party Started', Billy Joel's 'Uptown Girl', Bob Marley's 'Sun is Shining' and 'I Get Around', also by 'The Beach Boys' ranked from fourth to seventh.

'ABBA,' 'The Village People' and 'Earth Wind & Fire'

He closes his top 10 with 'YMCA' by 'The Village People, 'Waterloo' by 'ABBA' and 'September' by 'Earth Wind & Fire.'

There are always mixed opinions

Interestingly, a 2020 poll conducted by 'Greatest Hits Radio' left 'Good Vibrations' out of the 'Top 50 Happiest Songs Ever.'

What about 'Mr. Blue Sky?'

In a survey involving more than 1,300 adults ages 30-55, it was 'Mr. Blue Sky' by Electric Light Orchestra, was crowned the 'Happiest Song.'

'To each their own' as long as they are happy

As it goes, 'to each their own,' but in the end, what matters most is that everyone is happy. Enjoy your music!