The power of music when it comes to lifting spirits and comforting depression is well-documented. Time and again, researchers have determined that music can improve a person's state of health and well-being, according to the American Psychological Association.
This time, a researcher from Holland's University of Groningen was able to calculate specific songs that actually make listeners happy. Using a formula, Jacob Jolij discovered the key components to a perfect "feel good" songs.
"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," said Jolij via the Daily Mail. "However, there are some key criteria for composers to consider when creating feel good songs - namely lyrical theme, musical key, and tempo. Combine these three ingredients together and you have the formula for the perfect 'feel-good' song," he added.
The formula Jolij is referring to in the press release is below, and he used this on 126 songs to prove his theory.
Top 10 Feel Good Songs of All Time:
1. Don't Stop Me Now (Queen) 1978
2. Dancing Queen (Abba) 1976
3. Good Vibrations (The Beach Boys) 1966
4. Uptown Girl (Billie Joel) 1983
5. Eye of the Tiger (Survivor) 1982
6. I'm a Believer (The Monkees) 1966
7. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper) 1983
8. Livin' on a Prayer (Jon Bon Jovi) 1986
9. I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor) 1978
10. Walking on Sunshine (Katrina & The Waves) 1983
Top Feel Good Songs per decade:
'10s Happy (Pharrell Williams)
'00s Dancing in the Moonlight (Toploader)
'90s Let Me Entertain You (Robbie Williams)
'80s Uptown Girl (Billy Joel)
'70s Don't Stop Me Now (Queen)
'60s Good Vibrations (The Beach Boys)
