When researchers at the University of St. Andrews began studying the science of earworms, they realized people really, really love Queen songs.
In case you already don’t have a few of their hits in your head by now, the group takes the No. 1 spot, “We Will Rock You.” That 1977 song’s News of the World other song, “We Are the Champions,” came in at No. 3, while 1975’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” finished at No. 6.
The list was compiled following a mathematical formula developed by the university’s School of Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies. And you thought you’d never need math in your life after high school.
An earworm required five key elements including rhythmic repetition, predictability, melodic potency, surprise and listener receptiveness, St. Andrews researcher Bede Williams said.
So, ready? And don’t blame me if you can’t get these songs out of your head.
University of St. Andrews Top 20 Earworms
1. Queen, “We Will Rock You”
2. Pharrell Williams, “Happy”
3. Queen, “We Are the Champions”
4. The Proclaimers, “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”
5. The Village People, “YMCA”
6. Queen, “Bohemian Rhapsody”
7. Europe, “The Final Countdown”
8. Bon Jovi, “Livin’ on a Prayer”
9. Various artists, “Jingle Bells”
10. Baha Men, “Who Let the Dogs Out?”
11. Psy, “Gangnam Style”
12. Rick Astley, “Never Gonna Give You Up”
13. Journey, “Don’t Stop Believin’”
14. Mark Ronson, “Uptown Funk”
15. Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off”
16. Michael Jackson, “Beat It”
17. Kaiser Chiefs, “Ruby”
18. Cast of The Rocky Horror Show, “The Timewarp”
19. Meghan Trainor, “All About the Bass”
20. Culture Club, “Karma Chameleon”
