The Science of the Earworm
Why does "All I Want for Christmas is You" return to #1 on the charts every single year? Musicologists point to the "Wall of Sound" production technique and a specific chord progression (shifting from major to minor) that mimics the structure of 1960s Motown hits. It feels nostalgic even the first time you hear it.
Most Streamed
Mariah Carey earns an estimated $2.5 million per year from royalties on that single song alone.
Oldest Hit
"Jingle Bells" (1857) was originally written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas.