OnBuy.com conducted a study that analysed Spotify playlists titled ”motivational” and ”concentration” to determine the all-time most productive songs.
People on average who took part in the study found that overall, ”My Love” by Sia, ”Real Love” by Tom Odell, and ”I Wanna Be Yours” by Arctic Monkeys among the most productive songs to study to, with people completing 6 of the 10 tasks through the duration.
”Secret Garden” by Bruce Springsteen and ”Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin also among those that increase productivity and concentration with people also completing 6 of the 10 tasks.
OnBuy’s study also found a general correlation with the beats per minute (BPM) of a song. The lower the BPM, the more productive people were.
Least productive playlist
Despite being a popular song, ”I’m So Excited” – The Pointer Sisters, was the worst song for productivity. People only completed 2/10 tasks whilst listening to this song.
Also among the worst songs to be productive to was ”Roar” by Katy Perry and ”Dancing With Myself” by Billy Idol; with all participants also completing 2 out of the 10 tasks.
The penultimate least productive songs were ”Fight Song” by Rachel Platten, ”Unstoppable” by Sia, and Bat Out Of Hell by Meat Loaf. Participants only completed three tasks whilst listening to these songs.