The secret power of music

I love listening to music, so I was fascinated to hear about some new research by scientists in Germany and Norway who wanted to find out which music provided more pleasure to listeners. The researchers used artificial intelligence to investigate how much “uncertainty” and “surprise” existed in 80,000 chords from 745 commercially successful pop songs. The study found that “chords provided more pleasure to the listener both when there is uncertainty in anticipating what comes next, and from the surprise the music elicits when the chords deviate from expectations”.

Confused?  In an interview, The Waif’s lead singer Vicki Thorn gives an example of their famous song I’m in London Still. The chorus is the same throughout the song and goes:

‘I’m in London still

I’m in London still

I’m in London still’ and the audience sings along

Then for the last time, it changes to:

‘Oh, I’m in London still

La-la-la-la-la London still

I’m in London’ … and the audience always gets a surprise when there’s no ‘still’!

Have a listen and see what she means.

Music can be a great way to lift your mood after stroke, to use as motivating music for your home exercises and relaxing music can help you chill out, rest or meditate. You don’t need a huge CD or iTunes collection to listen to a wide variety of music. You, your loved one or carer can set you up a free account on the web-based music platform Spotify, where you can set up your own favourite songs and playlists. If you haven’t used it already check out Spotify

Download my free list of music for lifting your mood or exercising or relaxation download here

What are your favourite songs for exercising?