Think of your favorite pop song. Can you explain why you like it so much? It can remind you of a memorable event, or help you in a way that makes you happy or sad. A new study has uncovered a simple, measurable explanation that can determine your preference for one song over another. It has the harmonic texture of pop songs linked to their chart placement.

Structure of a Song

Harmonic surprise can be described as where the music deviates from the listener's expectations. Scientists have predicted that these changes in structure could trigger a pleasant reward in the brain. In other words, harmonic surprise may increase the chances of a song becoming a hit.

Norberto Grzywacz, Professor of Neuroscience and Physics:

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