Queen’s iconic anthem “Don’t Stop Me Now” has been crowned the nation’s favorite song to energize the start of the day, according to a recent study. Millions of Britons reportedly turn to the classic track as part of their morning ritual, often before their first cup of tea is even finished. The research highlights the significant role music plays in setting the tone for the day ahead.
The Power of Morning Music
The study, commissioned by Nutella, found that a substantial 87% of people believe listening to music helps them and their families feel more energized in the morning. Furthermore, 58% of respondents use music to cultivate a positive and “feel-good” atmosphere around the breakfast table. This indicates that music is not just background noise but an active component in shaping the morning experience for many.
Pop music emerged as the dominant genre for morning listening, selected by over half of those surveyed (53%). This was followed by R&B (21%), club classics (18%), and indie music (13%). The findings suggest a strong preference for upbeat and familiar tunes to kick-start the day.
Top Tracks for a Brighter Morning
Following Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” at the top of the chart, ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Katrina and The Waves’ “Walking on Sunshine” secured the second and third spots, respectively. These tracks, known for their infectious melodies and positive lyrics, are clearly favorites for lifting spirits.
The top 20 list features a range of well-loved songs designed to boost mood and motivation. Notable entries include:
- “Mr Brightside” by The Killers
- “Beautiful Day” by U2
- “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers
- “Wake Me Up” by Avicii
- “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac
The full top 20 list, reflecting a broad appeal across different eras and genres, includes:
- Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen (27%)
- Dancing Queen – ABBA (25%)
- Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and The Waves (22%)
- Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles (22%)
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston (22%)
- Mr Brightside – The Killers (21%)
- Beautiful Day – U2 (20%)
- Lovely Day – Bill Withers (18%)
- Wake Me Up – Avicii (17%)
- Everywhere – Fleetwood Mac (16%)
- Shotgun – George Ezra (13%)
- Fast Car – Tracy Chapman (13%)
- Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake (13%)
- September – Earth, Wind & Fire (12%)
- Rasputin – Boney M (12%)
- Praise You – Fatboy Slim (11%)
- As It Was – Harry Styles (10%)
- Levitating – Dua Lipa (9%)
- Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield (9%)
- Show Me Love – Robin S (9%)
The Science Behind the Sound
Psychologists have long theorized about the impact of upbeat music on the brain. The prevailing theory suggests that listening to cheerful music can stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This neurochemical response may contribute to improved mood, enhanced motivation, and a reduction in feelings of stress.
This scientific basis could help explain why so many individuals instinctively turn to their favorite music in the morning, even before engaging with daily tasks like checking emails. The act of listening to energizing songs appears to be a deliberate strategy for many to enhance their mental state and prepare for the day’s challenges.
Morning People and Their Music
Interestingly, the research also noted that more than two-thirds of Britons proudly identify as “morning people.” This suggests a significant portion of the population embraces the early hours and actively seeks ways to make them more productive and enjoyable. The widespread use of music in morning routines aligns with this tendency, providing a soundtrack to a positive start.
The study underscores the profound connection between music and emotional well-being, particularly during the crucial morning hours. By curating playlists of uplifting songs, individuals are not just listening to music; they are actively managing their mood, energy levels, and overall outlook for the day.
