In 2014, a team of researchers from the University of Amsterdam conducted a study to determine the catchiest songs of all time based on a number of musical elements, including melody, rhythm, and harmony. The study analyzed over 12,000 songs from different genres and eras and used a computer algorithm to determine the songs' catchiness.
According to the study, the catchiest song of all time is "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls, released in 1996. The song scored the highest in the study's catchiness index, which measured how quickly a listener could identify and recall a melody after hearing it just once. "Wannabe" was found to have a simple but memorable melody, a strong and consistent rhythm, and a chorus that is easy to sing along to.
Other songs that ranked high in the study's catchiness index include "Mambo No. 5" by Lou Bega, "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor, "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson, and "Umbrella" by Rihanna featuring Jay-Z.
It's important to note that catchiness is a subjective measure and what one person finds catchy may not be the same for another. Nonetheless, this study provides an interesting insight into the scientific factors that make a song particularly memorable and easy to sing along to.
