Do you get very stressed in traffic? Perhaps the solution is to listen to the songs on the list below that are “proven” to make you happier.
The study, conducted by music psychologist Dr. Claire Renfrew, revealed several songs capable of stimulating dopamine production in the brain.
The list includes 30 songs, which were made available in the playlist World’s Happiest Car Playlist by FIAT on Spotify. The brand’s aim is to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the 600 and the arrival of the Grande Panda in the UK in 2025.
All tracks follow the same scientific formula that is proven to stimulate dopamine production: a combination of being in a major key, featuring seventh chords, four beats per bar, and a tempo of 137 BPM.
The music should also have a “simple and repetitive structure” and positive lyrics. For maximum dopamine increase, Dr. Renfrew recommended that the songs be “played [at high volume] with friends and/or family while on the road.”
“Most happy songs are in a major key, which sounds more cheerful and is associated with positive emotions. They usually have a simple, inspiring, and, above all, familiar chord structure. This is pleasing to the ear because our brains find predictability rewarding,” she said.
“Meanwhile, fast tempos increase arousal and can enhance movement, as they reflect an elevated heart rate, mimicking excitement or joy. And positive, inspiring themes in the lyrics—such as love, summer, dance, freedom, and friendship—can foster a sense of connection.”
The list includes tracks like Happy by Pharrell Williams and I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney Houston, both of which follow the “rules” mentioned by Dr. Renfrew.
The playlist also features Can’t Stop the Feeling! by Justin Timberlake, Get the Party Started by P!nk, and Eye of the Tiger by the band Survivor.
Levitating by Dua Lipa is also included, as well as One More Time by Daft Punk, and Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson, featuring Bruno Mars.
“[The playlist] is designed to keep spirits high on long trips. Car journeys are at the center of many family memories, so we wanted to create a soundtrack that helps make those shared moments even more enjoyable,” said Giuseppe Cava, General Manager of Fiat UK.
Photo and video: Unsplash. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
