- Recent songs, random associations or repetitive movements can bring back melodies, especially when the mind wanders, leading to the earworm effect.
- Earworms have specific characteristics that make them highly memorable and likely to persist in our minds.
- How to get rid of it? Chewing gum, distracting yourself with challenging activities, or replacing the song with another can break the loop.
Who hasn’t experienced having a song stuck in their head for days without relief? This phenomenon, known as an earworm, is a common and often unpredictable experience. It can strike at the most unexpected moments, even with songs we never imagined we would find ourselves mentally humming.
These days, whether we like it or not, the Sanremo Music Festival is all anyone is talking about, a breeding ground for potential new earworms. Some festival songs become the soundtrack of our daily lives, playing everywhere: on the radio, in stores, in social media videos, and even in our heads without us realizing it. But what makes a song a true tormentone (catchy hit)?
How is a earworm start?
It’s no surprise that songs that get stuck in our heads are often the ones we’ve recently listened to. However, it’s not just hearing a song that triggers the mental loop, random associations, a word, a sound, an emotion, or even a repetitive movement can bring a melody back to mind.
One interesting aspect is that earworm “hit” us at times when our minds wander, such as when we are exercising. If you have ever run with music in your ears, you have probably noticed that some refrains take root in your mind more easily than others. This happens because the music synchronizes the rhythm of our steps, making the experience more immersive.
Which songs get stuck more easily in the head?
According to some studies, the most “sticky” songs tend to share certain characteristics:
- fast and engaging rhythm that stimulates the brain and aids memorization.
- long, sustained notes, as in Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You, that create a hypnotic effect.
- repetitiveness and predictable structure, with easy-to-remember choruses.
These types of songs are perfect for becoming the soundtrack of our workouts. Music helps maintain rhythm and makes exercise more enjoyable. In fact, when we run, walk, or do repetitive activities like washing dishes or showering, our minds are more receptive to catchy tunes.
How to get rid of an earworm?
Sometimes they are pleasant, other times they can become annoying. If a song is bothering you and you want to get rid of it, you can try one of these methods:
- Chewing gum: the rhythmic movement of the jaw engages the same brain areas used for humming, reducing mental space for the song.
- Distracting the mind: a challenging conversation or an activity that requires concentration can break the loop.
- replacing the song with another one: if you can’t shake the melody, try substituting it with another one.
Whether it’s a Sanremo song or any other tune, music’s power over the mind is undeniable. So, if a catchy hit sneaks into your head while you’re running, maybe it’s best to embrace it: it might just give you the perfect rhythm to complete your training!