The Top 12 Earworms in History

Tiredness, lack of sleep or boredom are ingredients in a melting pot of the tunes that we cannot get out of our heads. We call them “earworms”.

Some years ago the University of St. Andrews in Scotland compiled a list of the most persistent “earworms” in history, based on scientifically measurable factors which potentially make a song addictive. These included surprise, predictability, rhythmic repetition, melodic power and receptivity. 

Here is the St. Andrews’ list: 

• We Will Rock You -Queen      Queen - We Will Rock You (Official Video) - Bing video 
• Happy – Pharrell Williams     Pharrell Williams - Happy (Video) - Bing video 
• We Are The Champions – Queen     News Of The World (Deluxe Edition 2011 Remaster) de Queen en Amazon Music - Amazon.es 
• I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers     The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) (Official Music Video) - Bing video 
• YMCA – The Village People     Village People - YMCA OFFICIAL Music Video 1978 - Bing video 
• Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen     Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody (Official Video Remastered) - Bing video 
• The Final Countdown – Europe     Europe - The Final Countdown (Official Video) - Bing video 
• Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi     Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer - Bing video 
• Jingle Bells – James Lord Pierpont     Jingle Bells (One Horse Open Sleigh) James Lord Pierpont - Bing video 
• Who Let The Dogs Out? -  Baha Men     Baha Men - Who Let The Dogs Out (Official Video) - Bing video 
• Gangnam Style -Psy     PSY - GANGNAM STYLE(강남스타일) M/V - Bing video 
• Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley     Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Music Video) - Bing video 

Source:

XL Semanal 20/08/2023

Translation:

© Paul Whitelock 

Tags:

Baha Men, Bohemian Rhapsody, Bon Jovi, earworm, Europe, Gangnam Style, Happy,  I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), James Lord Pierpont, Jingle Bells, Livin’ On A Prayer, Never Gonna Give You Up, Pharrell Williams,  Proclaimers, Psy, Queen, Rick Astley, St Andrews, The Final Countdown, Village People, We Are The Champions, We Will Rock You, Who Let The Dogs Out?, XL Semanal, YMCA