Science Has Determined The World's Most "Feel-Good" Jam

By Kristy Puchko | Music | September 24, 2015 |

Somewhere scientists are trying to cure cancer. Somewhere else they’re trying to convince Republicans that Cilmate Change is a real thing. Meanwhile in Holland, cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Jacob Jolij has determined which songs are scientifically best at making you feel good.

Sure, taste is subjective. But Jolij’s has determined the key elements to an extraordinary feel-good song are “positive lyrics,” a high tempo of 150 beats per minute, and placing it in a third major key. His findings have also uncovered that songs from the past 25 years just aren’t as feel-good as those from the ’80s. Sorry, that’s just science.

Here’s the top-ten best feel-good jams according to science:

10. “Walking on Sunshine” — Katrina & The Waves (1983)

9. “I Will Survive” — Gloria Gaynor (1978)

8. “Livin’ on a Prayer” — Jon Bon Jovi (1986)

7. “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” — Cyndi Lauper (1983)

6. “I’m a Believer” — The Monkees (1966)

5. “Eye of the Tiger” — Survivor (1982)

4. “Uptown Girl” — Billie Joel (1983)

3. “Good Vibrations” — The Beach Boys (1966)

2. “Dancing Queen” — Abba (1976)

1. “Don’t Stop Me Now” — Queen (1978)