Why is it that some songs are unforgettable after just one listen, while others vanish from memory almost instantly? From nursery rhymes to chart-topping hits, certain melodies have a unique ability to lodge themselves in our minds — often for hours or even days.
This phenomenon isn’t just chance. Catchy melodies follow recognisable patterns that engage our brains in specific ways. Understanding these techniques not only helps explain why we get “earworms,” but also gives composers and performers insight into how to make music truly memorable.
Psychologists studying “earworms” (involuntary musical imagery) consistently find that simple, repetitive structures are easier for the brain to remember. Think of the opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony or the chorus of Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You — both rely on short, repeatable motifs.
Most memorable tunes move mostly by steps (adjacent notes), with the occasional leap to grab attention. For example, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is remembered largely because of its iconic opening leap.
Rhythm is just as important as pitch. A syncopated or distinctive rhythm can make a melody instantly recognisable — from the off-beat lilt of reggae to the driving pulse of dance music.
Melodies that rise and fall in ways that mirror speech patterns often feel more human and expressive. Adele’s Someone Like You is a modern example: its melodic contour mirrors the shape of a heartfelt spoken phrase.
Studies from Durham University and Goldsmiths (University of London) suggest that around 90% of people experience earworms weekly. Songs are most likely to “stick” if they combine:
Our brains latch onto these patterns because they’re easy to process and recall — much like catchy advertising jingles.
Catchy melodies aren’t just accidents — they’re carefully crafted combinations of simplicity, rhythm, and emotional shape. By understanding the science and art behind them, musicians at every level can unlock the secrets of writing, playing, and appreciating tunes that truly stick.