Hoorstichting

Blackswan Concepts, working through our label Music in Brands, conducted research for the Nationale Hoorstichting (National Hearing Foundation), an organization dedicated to preventing hearing damage and improving the lives of people with hearing impairments. Our goal was to explore the complex question: what makes a summer hit an unforgettable earworm? To unravel the essence of the summer hit, we employed a unique approach. We filtered a list of summer hits from the 2000s, eliminating all known artists. This resulted in a pure dataset of songs from emerging artists, songs that stormed the charts on their own merit.

This filtered list allowed us to objectively analyze the musical characteristics of summer hits. We sorted the songs by various parameters, including key, length, tempo (BPM), instrumentation, and lyrical themes. Patterns emerged from this analysis: a dominance of major keys, simple chord progressions, and “catchy” melodies that easily stick.

Additionally, we examined the role of media attention and virality. How were these songs promoted, and what influence did platforms like YouTube and social media have? It became clear that an infectious rhythm, a recognizable chorus, and a cheerful, danceable atmosphere are crucial for the success of a summer hit. By combining these musical and cultural factors, we gained a deeper understanding of the formula behind the perfect summer hit.