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Science makes people sing YMCA: study

Queen wins top gong for We Are the Champions

Catchy tunes have a scientific "X-factor" that make them singalong hits, British experts have revealed.

Researchers wanted to know why certain songs inspired unabashed wedding guests and clubbers to belt out their favourites in public.

They solved the karaoke conundrum after observing thousands of volunteers as they lent their voices to a long list of tunes.

Singalong songs contained four key elements, the scientists discovered.

These were: long and detailed musical phrases, multiple pitch changes in a song's "hook", male vocalists, and higher male voices making a noticeable vocal effort.

Using this formula, the researchers then compiled a list of the 10 most singalong-able hits.

Number One was We are the Champions by rock group Queen.

Taking the next five places in the singalong chart were YMCA by Village People, Fat Lip by Sum 41, The Final Countdown by Europe, and Monster by The Automatic.

Music psychologist Dr Daniel Mullensiefen, from Goldsmiths University of London, said: "Every musical hit is reliant on maths, science, engineering and technology; from the physics and frequencies of sound that determine pitch and harmony, to the hi-tech digital processors and synthesisers which can add effects to make a song more catchy.

"We've discovered that there's a science behind the singalong and a special combination of neuroscience, maths and cognitive psychology can produce the elusive elixir of the perfect singalong song.

"We hope that our study will inspire musicians of the future to crack the equation for the textbook tune."

The findings were released to coincide with the final call for entries to Britain's 2012 National Science and Engineering Competition, which is open to young people undertaking science and technology projects.

Ex-Queen guitarist Brian May commented: "Fabulous, so it's proved then? We truly are the champions."

Male vocalists are important because singing along to a song is a "subconscious war cry", the researchers believe.

Psychologically, people looked to men to lead them into battle.

Vocal effort indicated high energy and purpose, especially when combined with a smaller vocal range.

Examples of "high effort" male singers included Freddie Mercury of Queen and Jon Bon Jovi.

Other songs on the singalong list included Ruby by the Kaiser Chiefs, I'm Always Here by Jimi Jamison, Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus, and Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi.

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More about: CA Technologies, Mercury Interactive, Monster, University of London

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