Science Has Determined The Catchiest Song Ever

Researchers determine the very best (or worst) earworms of the last 70 years.

Scientists from the University of Amsterdam and the Museum of Science & Industry in Manchester, England set out to figure out what the most recognizable and catchy song is, using an online game called Hooked On Music.

Of course music is a lot like beer in that popularity is not a good determination of overall quality.

Anyway here’s the top 20.

20. Elton John, “Candle in the Wind”
19. Boney M., “Rivers of Babylon”
18. Elvis Presley, “Devil in Disguise”
17. Britney Spears, “Baby One More Time”
16. Culture Club, “Karma Chameleon”
15. Michael Jackson, “Billy Jean”
14. Bachmann-Turner Overdrive, “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet”
13. Elvis Presley, “It’s Now Or Never”
12. Hanson, “MMMbop”
11. Lady Gaga, “Poker Face”
10. Aerosmith, “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing”
9. The Human League, “Don’t You Want Me”
8. Whitney Houston, “I Will Always Love You”
7. Michael Jackson, “Beat It”
6. Roy Orbison, “Pretty Women”
5. ABBA, “SOS”
4. Lady Gaga, “Just Dance”
3. Survivor, “Eye Of The Tiger”
2. Lou Bega, “Mambo No.5”

And number 1? One of the great exports (or embarrassments) of the ’90s British music scene.

Sorry what music you find yourself singing to yourself for the next few days.

-Tristan Pinnock, Blast Science Correspondent