Music psychologist Dr. Claire Renfrew has analyzed hundreds of tracks to create a playlist she says is scientifically proven to boost your mood.
Each song follows the same “feel-good formula”:
- Major key 🎵
- 7th chords 🎹
- Four beats per bar 🥁
- Tempo around 137 BPM ⚡
At the top of her list? “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap, followed by The Beatles’ “Day Tripper” and Oasis’ “She’s Electric.”
It’s no secret that music can lift your spirits, but Dr. Renfrew dug deep to find out why. After studying hundreds of tracks, she discovered that songs with bright major keys, repetitive structures, and positive lyrics are the ultimate dopamine triggers.
“Most happy songs are in a major key, which naturally feels brighter,” Renfrew explains. “Our brains love familiarity and predictability, so simple, uplifting chord progressions are incredibly satisfying. And yes — turn up the volume for the full effect.”
Top 10 Songs That’ll Put You in a Good Mood:
1️⃣ Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
2️⃣ Day Tripper – The Beatles
3️⃣ She’s Electric – Oasis
4️⃣ Mamma Mia – ABBA
5️⃣ Riccione – Thegiornalisti
6️⃣ One More Time – Daft Punk
7️⃣ Still Into You – Paramore
8️⃣ Happy – Pharrell Williams
9️⃣ Comunque Andare – Alessandra Amoroso
🔟 Levitating – Dua Lipa