Top 10 catchiest pop songs of all time according to science
Can't get the Spice Girl's "Wannabe" out of your head 18 years later? You're not alone, a new study says.
The research, out of the University of Amsterdam, is founded on the basis that all catchy songs have a "hook"--that part that you find yourself singing whether you like it or not. The researchers wanted to test theories about what makes a good hook and how music and memory work together. They presented their findings at the Manchester Science Festival.
The study had participants play several "name-that-tune" games. More than 20,000 people have played the games so far. This "catchiest song" list was built based on how quickly the hook was recognized.
(To see how it works, go to the website and play the games yourself!)
The final top ten list includes everything from iconic '90s hits to one-hit wonders to songs given new life by commercials.
For better or worse, these songs are truly ingrained in our brains.
10. "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith, recognized in 2.84 seconds
9. "Don't You Want Me" by the Human League, 2.83 seconds
8. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston, 2.83 seconds
7. "Beat It" by Michael Jackson, 2.8 seconds
6. "Oh, Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison, 2.73 seconds
5. "SOS" by ABBA, 2.73 seconds
Tap to see this video on the news app.
4. "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga, 2.66 seconds
Tap to see this video on the news app.
3. "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor, 2.62 seconds
Tap to see this video on the news app.
2. "MAMBO No. 5" by Lou Bega, 2.48 seconds
Tap to see this video on the news app.
1."Wannabe" by Spice Girls, 2.29 seconds
Tap to see this video on the news app.
Note: The songs are attributed to the artist whose rendition is most recognizable, not necessarily the original artist.
