Can the Lyrics of a Song Predict Its Commercial Success?

March 21, 2014 Alan Cross 1 Comment 488 Views

SPOILER ALERT: Yes.

First, let’s break song topics down by decade:

1960s: Nostalgia, Pain, Rebellion
1970s: Nostalgia, Rebellion, Jaded
1980s: Loss, Aspiration, Confusion
1990s: Loss, Inspiration, Escapism
2000s: Inspiration, Pain, Desperation

Now take a look at this chart words used in lyrics through the years:

There’s more information coming, too, via a study schedule for publication in June in Journal of Advertising Research. Further reading is available right now in Pacific Standard magazine.

(Pamela Chelin contributed to this article.)

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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