Oxford study finds songs with sunny vibes are summer hits

Sean Paul's Temper hit number 11 on the UK Singles Chart in 2006. Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

According to a study by the University of Oxford, good weather can be the key to the success of a summer song that creates a good mood.

Energetic, loud and danceable songs full of positive emotions are especially popular in summer . , which helped the singles rise to the top of the charts, although they were worse in winter.

On the contrary, sad and melancholic songs were popular all year round.

Every top 100 song in the UK Singles Chart since its inception in the 1950s has been analyzed and correlated with weather data, including season, sunshine, temperature and rainfall.

“The success of hits depends on the complex interplay of many factors, including the music itself (e.g. style and genre), the listener, and the listening situation (whether we are alone or with friends, going to work or going to a party),” study. lead author Dr Manuel Anglada-Cake, lecturer in the music department at Oxford University, told the Daily Telegraph.

“In this study, we looked at another factor that was previously overlooked, namely whether the musical preferences of a given population, and in turn success in the music market, may also depend on broad environmental factors such as weather and seasonal patterns. .

Sunny songs sell less in winter

Data shows a correlation between upbeat dance songs that evoke positive vibes and warm, sunny weather. They were also less likely to chart in winter.

However, the negative, sad and gloomy music was not associated with any kind of weather.

«This suggests that negative emotional states may be influenced more by individual situational factors rather than general environmental conditions,» Dr. Anglada-Cake said.

Evelyn 'Champagne' King performs at the Kiss 104.1 Flashback Festival 2019 at Mable House Barnes on August 31, 2019 in Mableton, Georgia. encouraged them to listen to energetic, upbeat music.

However, they emphasized that the results are correlational and cannot imply causation by themselves.

Music induces happiness

External factors may also play a role, such as «industry gatekeepers or recommender systems that decide what music is available to consumers,» added Dr. Anglada-Cake.

In the article, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, the authors of the study say: «We found significant weather associations only with musical features that reflect exciting, positive music.»

p>

«That is, the songs are danceable, energetic, loud, fast, and evocative of positive emotions such as happiness, joy, and activity.

“Songs that score high on this musical factor include Ice Ice Baby by Glee Cast, Temperature by Sean Paul, and Get Loose by Evelyn & #39;Champagne' King.

“In conclusion, our results are consistent with the notion that prevailing weather conditions are associated with the popularity of energetic music. and evokes positive emotions.”

Play summer songs with a positive vibe.