Music

Compiling a List of Songs Most Likely to Induce Earworms

I think this guy is asking for trouble.  Here’s an email from this morning:

Da Da Da by Trio was played at a store I was in recently and it’s been stuck in my head ever since.  Is there a song or songs that has the same effect on you?  I’m thinking about putting together a collection of songs like that on my MP3 for long car trips …

Thanks!

Rick

Let me get this straight:  you’re looking to assemble of playlist of songs intentionally designed to induce earworms? That’s dangerous, dude.  (I’ve had Katy Perry’s “Firework” rolling in my head since last night. I may have to start drinking just to make it stop.)

Then again, maybe we can crowdsouce a list as sort of a, you know, preventive measure.  What are the songs most likely to induce insanity-causing earworms?

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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10 thoughts on “Compiling a List of Songs Most Likely to Induce Earworms

  • Toni Basil – Mickey

    Reply
  • "I get knocked down
    But I get up again
    No you're never gonna keep me down…"

    Reply
  • also…Billy Joel – We Didn't Start the Fire

    Reply
  • Funky Town by Lipps Inc – do do do do do…

    Reply
  • The Proclaimers – "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)"

    AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHRRRRRRHHHHH!

    Reply

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