BETA
Chapter 1
The anatomy of an earworm
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Answer
Chapter 2
What makes a song sticky
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Chapter 3
How to silence the loop
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YOUR GOAL
Master of Why songs get stuck
Ch 2 · What makes a song sticky
nic Modern music is engineered to loop, which trains the brain to repeat the music automatically.
nic Sticky melodies combine predictable musical structures with unusual, leaping pitch changes to grab attention.
Fun Fact
Catchiest song ever: A 2014 study by the Museum of Science and Industry found that 'Wannabe' by the Spice Girls was the fastest-recognized song.
Glossary
earworm (noun)
A catchy song or tune that runs continually through a person's mind. In 2016, researcher Kelly Jakubowski found that fast tempos and unique interval leaps make tunes especially persistent.
A catchy song or tune that runs continually through a person's mind. In 2016, researcher Kelly Jakubowski found that fast tempos and unique interval leaps make tunes especially persistent.
Quiz
According to musicologist Elizabeth Margulis, what psychological effect makes us love repeated melodies?
Quiz
Which 2012 South Korean pop hit became a massive global earworm using pentatonic hooks?
Quiz
Which 2017 Spanish-language song by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee became a global earworm using syncopated beats?
Quiz
What is the term for a short, catchy musical pattern designed to grab the listener's attention?
Quiz
In a 2014 UK study, which 1996 pop song was recognized by listeners faster than any other track?
Quiz
Which 2009 Lady Gaga song was identified in a 2016 study as one of the most common earworms?