According to Science, Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ is Named Most Iconic Song Ever

Science? OK, you have my attention badass rocker scientists. 

Computer scientist and musician Dr. Mick Grierson examined songs featured in seven ‘all-time best’ lists from sources like Rolling Stone and NME, and ran them through analytical software to compare their key, BPM, chord variety, lyrical content, timbral variety, and sonic variance. John Lennon’s “Imagine” took second place. U2’s “One,” Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” rounded out the top five.

“We found the most significant thing these songs have in common is that most of them use sound in a very varied, dynamic way when compared to other records,” Grierson explained. “This makes the sound of the record exciting, holding the listeners attention. By the same token, the sounds these songs use and the way they are combined is highly unique in each case.”

“Ultimately,” Grieson added, “there is no ‘formula’ for this, other than to make your song sound as different, diverse and exciting as possible.”

I am sure some people are going to disagree with the 'science' behind this, but who cares. I have definitly listened to this song more than any other on the list. Well maybe not 'Bohemian Rhapsody', I enjoy reenacting 'Waynes World' when I am drunk.