“We Are The Champions” is Scientifically Proven to be the Catchiest Queen Song Ever: Here’s Why Brian May Agrees

There are iconic songs, and then there’s “We Are The Champions”. Queen’s anthem is one of the greatest songs ever written, and it’s been scientifically proven to be the catchiest Queen track of all time. With its anthem-like quality and universal appeal, it’s not just a song; it’s a global celebration of victory, perseverance, and unity.

Brian May’s Favorite Queen Song

As Queen’s legendary guitarist, Brian May has seen and heard it all. From the band’s early days to their continued success, May is no stranger to the magic that is Queen’s music. But when asked about his favorite song, it’s clear that “We Are The Champions” holds a special place in his heart. May described the track as one that “always pulls something out of you,” noting that no matter what the circumstances are, the song always sounds powerful and uplifting. “It’s one of those songs where even if the winds are blowing in the wrong direction, it still sounds good,” May told Classic Rock in 2011.

He continued by reflecting on the song’s intent when it was written. “We wanted to get the crowds waving and singing,” May explained. “It’s very unifying and positive. People love it because it’s so uplifting.” The song was specifically crafted to encourage audience participation, a sentiment that remains a core part of its appeal today. Even after Freddie Mercury’s passing, the track remains a staple of Queen’s live performances, continuing to inspire audiences around the world.

The Scientific Proof Behind the Catchiness

While “We Are The Champions” has always been a fan favorite, it wasn’t until the early 2010s that scientists stepped in to officially prove its catchiness. Researchers at Goldsmiths University took a deep dive into the science of music, analyzing the mathematical and physical properties of sound waves to understand why certain songs are more likely to get stuck in our heads.

Dr. Daniel Mullensiefen, one of the researchers, explained that every musical hit relies on a combination of math, science, engineering, and technology. According to him, there’s a “special combination of neuroscience, math, and cognitive psychology” that makes a song perfect for sing-alongs, and “We Are The Champions” hit all the right notes.

“It’s not just about the melody or the rhythm,” Dr. Mullensiefen said. “It’s about the frequencies and harmonics, the way the brain processes sound, and the emotional resonance the song creates with listeners.” The study concluded that songs with a specific set of musical and psychological features were far more likely to become “catchy” and remain in our minds long after we hear them. And Queen’s anthem, with its powerful, repetitive chorus and uplifting message, fits the bill perfectly.

Freddie Mercury’s Vision

Interestingly, Freddie Mercury wasn’t thinking about math or science when he wrote “We Are The Champions”. Instead, he was focused on something much more human: the spirit of sport. In interviews, Mercury revealed that he wrote the song with football fans in mind. “I wanted a participation song, something that fans could latch on to,” he said. “I suppose it could also be construed as my version of ‘I Did It My Way.'”

For Mercury, the song was about overcoming challenges and celebrating victories, big and small. With its anthemic chorus and message of triumph, “We Are The Champions” became the soundtrack to countless victories—both in sports and in life itself. And while Mercury may not have been thinking about musical formulas or scientific studies when he wrote it, he unknowingly created a song that would go down in history as one of the catchiest tunes ever produced.

Why “We Are The Champions” Still Reigns Supreme

To this day, “We Are The Champions” remains an enduring symbol of victory and unity, a song that brings people together across generations and across cultures. From stadiums full of cheering fans to karaoke bars around the world, the track has proven time and time again that it has the power to bring people to their feet, arms in the air, singing in unison.

For Brian May, the song’s power isn’t just in the notes or the lyrics—it’s in the emotional connection it fosters. “It’s one of those songs that transcends time,” he said. “It always makes you feel good, no matter what’s going on in the world.”

As science has shown, “We Are The Champions” is the perfect blend of psychology, music theory, and pure heart. It’s more than just a song; it’s a timeless anthem that continues to inspire and unify people all over the globe.

So next time you find yourself belting out the chorus, know that it’s not just your love of Queen that’s making it stick in your head—it’s the science behind the song, proving that “We Are The Champions” truly is the catchiest Queen song ever.