Want to boost your mood? Try listening to the Prince, Bob Marley and the Beach Boys 

  • Researchers say a fast pace, predictable melody and punchy beat are key to mood-boosting
  • Claim acapella songs can also give us a boost.
 

Scientists have revealed why particular songs make us happy - and say those with a high-pitched voice are best at boosting our mood.
The research reveals the elements that go into making a song a happy one, such as a fast pace, predictable melody, and a punchy beat.
Now neuroscientist Dr Jack Lewis, who led the study, has created an 11-track 'prozac playlist', which includes hits by Prince, Beachboys, and Bob Marley.
Researchers say that listening to artists such as Bob Marley (pictured) can improve our mood. they also found Prince and the Beachboys can have a similar effect
Researchers say that listening to artists such as Bob Marley (pictured) can improve our mood. they also found Prince and the Beachboys can have a similar effect

THE 'PROZAC PLAYLIST'

  • Prince - Sexy Dancer
  • BB King - Let The Good Times Roll
  • Beachboys - Surfing USA
  • Curtis Mayfield - Victory -
  • Norman Jay remix
  • Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
  • Muddy Waters - Got My Mojo Working
  • Boney M - Sunny
  • The Darkness - I Believe In a Thing called Love
  • Scissor Sisters - Take Your Mama
  • Outkast - Hey Ya
  • Future heads - Acapella
  • Harder Better Faster - Daft Punk
  • M People - Moving on Up
    1812 - Tchaikovsky
Source: rara.com
Tunes sung without backing music - 'acapella' - and those that remind us of happy times in our life, such as a wedding, are also said to give us a boost.
Dr Lewis, who conducted the research for music streaming site rara.com, said it was essential to get the brain's 'reward pathways' firing.
He looked for music that stimulates the limbic and reward systems - areas of the brain responsible for generating emotions and sensations of pleasure.
And he claims certain musical styles stimulate all of these areas, producing a natural 'high' much like that created by good food and sex.
Dr Lewis said: "Even though it is typically seen as a 'sad' genre, early blues has all the hallmarks of music that can make you smile.
'Let the Good Times Roll' by undisputed King of the Blues, B.B. King is a good example.
'The simple, stripped-down style of his music with a punchy yet predictable brass and percussion rhythm get the brain's reward pathways firing.
'And his unparalleled string-bending and vibrato technique made the guitar sing with an emotional, vocal quality sure to get the limbic system cranked up.'
Dr Lewis said it was important for singers to connect with listeners on an 'emotional level' and revealed 'acapella' tracks were best placed to do this.
He said: 'Music is so ingrained into humans that it doesn't need instruments to have an effect on us.
'When we hear emotion in a human voice our brains are tuned to feel some of this emotion ourselves. 
'This is fundamental to empathy.'
Researchers say that listening to the Beach Boys can improve your mood - and fast paced, catchy songs are key
Researchers say that listening to the Beach Boys can improve your mood - and fast paced, catchy songs are key
'The harmonisation between several voices will activate the reward pathways, and can make you feel on top of the world.
'Indie rockers The Futureheads have produced an entirely 'a cappella' album, 'Rant' - it's highly recommended to get the brain tapping.'
The doctor revealed any song that 'reminds you of a time when you were blissfully happy' has the power to put you back in that mood.
He said: 'Perhaps it's music from an unforgettable summer music festival, your wedding day, or the opening track of a set from your favourite concert back in your younger days.'
Music that gets the heart pumping and skin tingling is also said to trigger brain pathways of euphoria.
Dr Lewis said: 'Any music that gets your heart pumping and your skin tingling can enable the brain to cast worries away.
'One example is the thrilling climax of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.
'Such music does this by causing deactivation of the brain area that orchestrates the fear response - the amygdala - making us feel less anxious.'
He added: 'Singers often communicate the 'happy' emotion using the upper register of their voices.
'When this happiness rubs off on us, premotor brain areas - which control our vocal muscles - automatically become more active.
'That is why you can find yourself singing or humming along without even realising.
'Other songs in this vocal style include Mika's 'Grace Kelly', Scissor Sisters' 'Comfortably Numb', and most of Prince's output to date.'
Dr Lewis revealed that some songs are 'inherently happy'.
Songs played in a major key, at a fast pace with a simple, predictable melody combine to create a universally positive sound.
However, more melancholy tracks are often played in a minor key, at a slower pace and with a meandering melody.
Nick Massey, CEO of rara.com said: 'We all enjoy listening to music, but Dr Jack's findings prove it is genuinely good for us.
'That is true whether you want to beat the January blues, or just put a smile on your face anytime.