September 16, 2005 13:03

Proven by science: the catchiest songs of all time!

But you might not like what's at Number One

Europop hit ‘The Ketchup Song’ by Las Ketchup has been declared the catchiest summer song of all time according to a new, ultra-scientific study.

The components of what makes a cheesy summer hit have been broken down in a new study undertaken by a Huddersfield University lecturer for BA Highlife Magazine .

Dr Rupert Till, who also plays in electronica collective the Chillage People , has worked out a formula for a song’s ‘Catchiness Quotient’ based on a number of variables including number of steps in a dance routine; distance in semi-tones between the highest and lowest notes in the chorus; number of chords and promotional spend by the record company.

Dr Till said: “The Catchiness Quotient proves that there is a formula operating behind the phenomena of the Big Summer Song. Our unique formula reveals the science behind why every summer our charts are invaded by these poppy records that critics hate, but the public love.”

Feeding in all the variables The Top Ten catchiest tunes were found to be:

1. ‘The Ketchup Song’ – Las Ketchup
2. ‘Macarena’ – Los Del Rio
3. ‘Y Viva Espana’ – Sylvia
4. ‘Holiday’ – Madonna
5. ‘Agadoo’ – Black Lace
6. ‘Boys (Summertime Love)’ – Sabrina
7. ‘The Birdie Song’ – The Tweets
8. ‘Saturday Night’ – Whigfield
9. ‘Paloma Blanca’ – George Baker / ‘Una Paloma Blanca’ – Jonathan King
10. ‘Summer Holiday’ – Cliff Richard