Your Smart Question of the Day…Answer!

A new study about music has chosen “this song” as the Happiest Song Ever…A hint…the word “happy” is NOT in the title of the song.

Answer: Good Vibrations by the Beach the Beach Boys is the Happiest song ever.

Full Survey

A new study by music psychologist Dr. Michael Bonshor reveals that “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys is the top song that makes people the happiest. Dr. Bonshor says the structure of the 1966 hit single checks all of the boxes when it comes to producing positive emotions in listeners. Other songs that follow Dr. Bonshor’s formula include “I Got You” (I Feel Good) by James Brown, “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel, “YMCA” by The Village People, and “Get the Party Started” by P!nk.

Dr. Bonshor says, “Previous studies have found songs are perceived as happy if they are in a major key, with a sweet spot of approximately 137 beats per minute … 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. Finally, a repetitive rhythm or guitar riff that people can latch onto and becomes memorable is the cherry on the cake.”