Recent research has delved into the emotional connection between music and memories, particularly focusing on why sad songs resonate deeply with listeners. A study conducted by the University of New South Wales, led by Professor Emery Schubert, involved 50 participants, primarily music students, and revealed that sad music, characterized by a slow tempo (60-70 BPM), soft dynamics, and dissonances, creates a sense of empathy and oneness among listeners [d60330a9]. Interestingly, 82% of participants reported enjoying music less when they imagined it without the accompanying sadness, suggesting that the emotional weight of these songs is integral to their appeal [d60330a9].
The emotional impact of music is further supported by a comprehensive study that explored the link between music's acoustic features and the emotions and memories they evoke, particularly in older adults. This study involved 113 healthy older adults who rated their emotional and memory responses to 140 song excerpts from the 1950s to the 1980s. Using Music Information Retrieval (MIR) tools, researchers analyzed various acoustic features and distilled them into six core musical components [f0dd3bf2].
Both studies highlight the powerful connection between music and memory. Music has the ability to evoke strong emotions and trigger memories, making it a significant aspect of human experience. Notable sad songs, such as Taylor Swift's tracks and Eric Clapton's 'Tears in Heaven,' exemplify this phenomenon, as they often trigger memories and associations that enhance emotional responses [d60330a9].
Listening to sad music has been shown to release hormones like prolactin and oxytocin, which may contribute to feelings of comfort and catharsis. This emotional release is a key reason why many people are drawn to sad music, even when it elicits tears [d60330a9]. The findings from both studies underscore the potential of music as a therapeutic tool, particularly in interventions aimed at improving cognitive function and emotional well-being in older adults [f0dd3bf2].
As Spotify data indicates, younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are increasingly searching for sad music, reflecting a broader cultural trend that embraces the emotional complexity of music [d60330a9]. This evolving understanding of music's role in our lives emphasizes its capacity to deepen our emotional connections to the past and enhance our overall emotional well-being [f0dd3bf2].