New research has revealed that almost three quarters of British people (73 percent) report that music is a crucial component to significant moments and memories in their lives. Out of these special moments, over a quarter (27 percent) of more than 2,000 respondents said music reminds them of a special holiday.
Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. recently commissioned listener research showed that music boosts our mood as well as helping us make memories, with more than three-quarters (76 percent) of Brits saying they have a go-to song that automatically makes them feel positive. Meanwhile, a third (32 percent) have a song that reminds them of love, however, in comparison, only two percent of people surveyed have a song that reminds them of an angry moment.
The research also revealed that certain songs, especially the oldies, are more likely to be associated with particular memories for Brits, and Bryan Adams’ ‘Summer of 69’ topped the chart as the song most likely to bring back summer memories.
UK’s top 10 songs for a trip down memory lane
- Summer of 69 – Bryan Adams
- Wonderwall – Oasis
- Come on Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners
- Careless Whisper – George Michael
- Mr Brightside – The Killers
- Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
- Pretty Green Eyes – Ultrabeat
- Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
- Angel – Robbie Williams
- American Pie – Don McLean
For 83 percent of respondents, music not only reminds them of a special moment but also of someone, they care about. Yorkshire (75 percent) is the county most likely to have a sentimental song that reminds them of a friend or family member compared to the rest of the UK. In contrast, people in the East Midlands are the least likely to have a song that makes them think of someone special at just 66 percent.
The findings also show that music is a topic of conversation, with almost a quarter (24 percent) of the respondents sharing their music recommendations at least once a week. The West Midlands is the most likely to share their musical tastes, with eight percent of them even sharing their recommendations on a daily basis, four times more likely than the South East (2 percent).
The good news for all those who love sharing music is that advances in audio and wireless technology are helping to make it even easier to enjoy music with the people around us. Many Bluetooth® wireless devices such as portable speakers and headphones can now support excellent sound quality, and in some cases are designed to deliver high-resolution audio.
“Music is such an important part of people’s lives and social events, and people want freedom from wires so that they can enjoy music everywhere. Many of today’s devices are designed to provide that untethered freedom combined with HD quality sound,” said Jonny McClintock, director, product marketing for Qualcomm® aptX™ for Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. “To help get a superior listening experience, whether streaming or playing from a personal library, it’s important that people choose devices (smartphone, headphone or speaker) that are designed to deliver great quality music via their wireless connection supported by aptX and aptX HD.”
Brummies are top sharers, while Yorkshire folk are most sentimental
Britain’s top summer anthems may be well known but the research reveals that Britain is also a land of music snobs. The West Midlands is the most confident region when it comes to their musical knowledge with 24% of them sharing their musical knowledge at least once a week. This is in contrast to the South East, with only 2% of them willing to share their music taste with others.
Music is not just an opportunity to show how knowledgeable you are, a special song can bring Brits together and be a crucial component of a relationship. Yorkshire is the most sentimental region, with 75% of them having song that reminds them of a loved one. Whereas, the East Midlands is the least sentimental and least likely county to have a song with someone they care about.
