Black artists are leading the list of “happiest songs,” according to a new Spotify analysis.
Looking through a variety of hits by both men and women across genres, the researchers of the study focused on more than 38,000 songs included in approximately 250 playlists to compile a list featuring 25 artists.
Of the artists that provided people with the most dopamine and made listeners feel the happiest, the study noted that ten out of the 25 artists represented in the list were Black musicians. Amongst these ten artists are musicians such as Swae Lee and Wizkid alongside others.
Hip-hop artist Drake and Pop/R&B artist The Weeknd charted in the top ten of the “happiest songs” with the latter taking the number one spot with his hit song “Blinding Lights.” The two artists were also identified as two out of four most popular musicians that increase listeners’ happiness. As for genres, pop, rap and hip-hop were identified as those that made listeners feel the best.
“Indeed, it’s these songs’ ability to tap into universal sentiments of happiness that truly showcases their artistry,” said the authors of the study in their release. “This speaks volumes about the transformative power of music, creating a shared soundtrack that aligns with our individual definitions of joy.”
The publishing of the new list comes during Black Music Month. Officially recognized as a month-long observance in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, Black Music Month is an annual celebration that honors the impact of Black artists and leaders in the music industry.
This year, President Biden officially proclaimed the month as Black Music Month before the start of June in a press release, recognizing the impact of Black artists on a variety of genres that currently dominate the music industry.
“During Black Music Month, we pay homage to legends of American music, who have composed the soundtrack of American life,” said President Biden in his official proclamation. “Spirituals, gospel, the blues, R&B, rock and roll, jazz, pop, rap, hip-hop, and more have molded American culture and given rise to new American art forms emulated around the globe.”
In honor of the month and Juneteenth, the White House also recently hosted a special concert on the South Lawn of the White House. Held on Tuesday, the inaugural lineup included performances by legendary artists such as Jennifer Hudson, Audra McDonald and Cliff “Method Man” amongst others.
