In order to create the perfect “wake up” playlist, Spotify enlisted the help of music psychologist and Cambridge PhD candidate, David M. Greenberg, because nobody wants to wake up to a beeping noise or alarm clocks anymore. Greenberg and Spotify’s data team focused on three main elements these songs needed to have:
- Music that builds: A song that is too vigorous from the start won’t help you get out of bed — it’s too much too soon. Songs that start more gently (even just for a few seconds) and then build, help you wake up more gradually.
- Positivity: Once alert, you need to become motivated for the day to come; positive lyrics can get you out of a grumpy state and shift towards a feel-good attitude.
- Strong beat: It’s not just the lyrics, it’s also the sonic elements of the music. Songs that emphasize beats 2 and 4 of each measure — usually with the bass and drums — with a BPM of approximately 100-130 will get you moving and further the feel good mood.
Here are the songs:
- Coldplay – Viva La Vida
- St. Lucia – Elevate
- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Downtown
- Bill Withers – Lovely Day
- Avicii – Wake Me Up
- Pentatonix – Can’t Sleep Love
- Demi Lovato – Confident
- Arcade Fire – Wake Up
- Hailee Steinfeld – Love Myself
- Sam Smith – Money On My Mind
- Esperanza Spalding – I Can’t Help It
- John Newman – Come and Get It
- Felix Jaehn – Ain’t Nobody (Loves Me Better)
- Mark Ronson – Feel Right
- Clean Bandit – Rather Be
- Katrina & The Waves – Walking on Sunshine
- Imagine Dragons – On Top of the World
- MisterWives – Reflections
- Carly Rae Jepsen – Warm Blood
- iLoveMemphis – Hit The Quan
I’m going to try this tomorrow morning. I’ll let you know how it goes.
H/T Business Insider
