Michelle Basch, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Sing-along songs are those magical ones that can get everyone in a crowded bar or club singing together.
Now, researchers say those infectious songs share certain characteristics.
A new study finds sing-along songs tend to be sung by high-voiced male singers who put a lot of obvious effort into their performances.
You’re also more likely to sing along with songs that have long musical phrases, and lots of pitch changes.
Musical psychologists at Goldsmiths University of London and the University of York came to these conclusions after studying the behavior of people at pubs and clubs in England.
They also came up with a list of Top 10 Sing-Along Songs (If some aren’t familiar, keep in mind the study was done in the U.K.):
- “We are the Champions” by Queen;
- “Y.M.C.A” by The Village People’
- “Fat Lip” by Sum 41;
- “The Final Countdown” by Europe;
- “Monster” by The Automatic;
- “Ruby” by The Kaiser Chiefs;
- “I’m Always Here” by Jimi Jamison;
- “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison;
- “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus;
- “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi.
Queen guitarist Brian May was very pleased when told his group was sitting at the very top of the Top 10 list.
“Fabulous. So it’s proved then? We truly are the champions. Science is a wonderful thing!”
WTOP has rounded up a few videos for you — in case, you’re in the mood to sing along:
Queen, “We are the Champions”
Village People, “YMCA”
Sum 41, “Fat Lip”
WTOP’s Lacey Mason contributed to this report. Follow Michelle , Lacey and WTOP on Twitter.
(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
