From Ultimate Classic Rock:
 
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Queen Dominate New Scientific Study of History’s Most Addictive Songs


When researchers at the University of St. Andrews began studying the science of earworms, they discovered something classic rock fans already know: Queen make very addictive songs.
 
The band finished with three of the Top 10 earworms of all time, including the No. 1 spot, “We Will Rock You.” That 1977 song’s News of the World companion, “We Are the Champions,” came in at No. 3, while 1975’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” finished at No. 6.
 
The list, which will be used in association with a new Heinz advertising campaign, was compiled following a mathematical formula developed by the university’s School of Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies.
 
An earworm required five key elements including rhythmic repetition, predictability, melodic potency, surprise and listener receptiveness, St. Andrews researcher Bede Williams told NME.
 
Bon Jovi‘s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Europe‘s “The Final Countdown” and Journey‘s “Don’t Stop Believin’” also made the St. Andrews Top 20. You can see the complete list of earworms below.
 
“If you look at the songs which emerged from the research, they all have a distinctive rhythmic fingerprint,” Williams said. “If we remove the melody, they’re still recognizable by their rhythm alone.”
 
University of St. Andrews Top 20 Earworms

1. Queen - We Will Rock You
2. Pharrell Williams - Happy
3. Queen - We Are the Champions
4. The Proclaimers - I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)
5. The Village People - YMCA
6. Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
7. Europe - The Final Countdown
8. Bon Jovi - Livin’ on a Prayer
9. Various artists - Jingle Bells
10. Baha Men - Who Let the Dogs Out?
11. Psy - Gangnam Style
12. Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up
13. Journey - Don’t Stop Believin'
14. Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk
15. Taylor Swift - Shake It Off
16. Michael Jackson - Beat It
17. Kaiser Chiefs - Ruby
18. Cast ofThe Rocky Horror Show - The Timewarp
19. Meghan Trainor - All About the Bass
20. Culture Club - Karma Chameleon

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The tune I can never get rid of after hearing it is The Monkees - Daydream Believer

Where's (Bow Before) Asparpuss FFS? No. 21?

An earworm required five key elements including rhythmic repetition, predictability, melodic potency, surprise and listener receptiveness, St. Andrews researcher Bede Williams told NME.
 
The obvious fact is that the most *addictive* earworms are the ones that have the most airplay, no?  *We Are the Champions* is played at virtually every NBA game!  (as is YMCA!) Why didn't they study the number of times each of these have been played?! It's amazing people spend their time studying this BS.  How can something have both surprise and predictability?  Oh I forgot, St. Andrews is where you send your royalty (isn't it?)

SteveStrummerUK
 
 
The tune I can never get rid of after hearing it is The Monkees - Daydream Believer

Funny, haven't heard that song in a long time but it started running through my head this morning for some reason.

Just goes to show that simple ears are most susceptible to earworms. 

I wouldn't have said that Bohemian Rhapsody had 'rhythmic repetition' or 'predictability'. The other 3 qualities, certainly.

jamesg1213

SteveStrummerUK
 
 
The tune I can never get rid of after hearing it is The Monkees - Daydream Believer

Funny, haven't heard that song in a long time but it started running through my head this morning for some reason.

Spooky

bapu
Where's (Bow Before) Asparpuss FFS? No. 21?

It is No.1 on every other planet in the universe.
 
By decree.

bapu
Where's (Bow Before) Asparpuss FFS? No. 21?

Thinking about it...
 
 
I haven't heard this wonderful tune in a while.
 
 
Link?