It turns out the secret to better mental health might be hiding in plain sight—or rather, echoing through the pub on a Friday night.
A new study has revealed the UK favourite singalong songs, and leading the chorus is none other than Neil Diamond’s timeless anthem, Sweet Caroline.
According to the poll of 2,000 music-loving Brits, 80 percent say singing boosts their mental well-being, while over a third (37%) are adamant they’ve got a voice worth hearing. Even more audacious—17 percent believe they could have made it big, given the right vocal coach and a bit of luck.
But let’s not bury the headline: with a whopping 41 percent of the vote, Sweet Caroline clinched the top spot as Britain’s ultimate singalong anthem.
Whether it’s “hands touching hands” in the pub or shouting “so good, so good!” at a family do, the nation can’t resist belting out the 1969 hit.
Hot on its heels are ABBA’s Dancing Queen (28%) and Robbie Williams’ Angels (25%). Other crowd-pleasers in the top ranks include Bon Jovi’s Livin’ On A Prayer, Elton John’s I’m Still Standing, Adele’s Someone Like You, and Oasis’ Wonderwall—all songs that have become a soundtrack to British life.
The findings, commissioned by menthol lozenge brand Jakemans, show just how deep our love affair with singing goes. Whether it’s in the shower (45%), while cooking (36%), or mid-commute in the car (35%), there’s no shortage of makeshift stages across the country.
One in six (17%) say Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners is their go-to track, while Mr. Brightside, Umbrella, Sex on Fire, and Shake It Off round out the top singalong contenders. Clearly, we don’t need much encouragement to turn any gathering into an impromptu concert.
“Singing out loud uplifts the soul,” said Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper, Brand Manager at Jakemans. “Whether you’re part of the 36% belting out tunes in the kitchen, or singing along at a concert this summer, don’t let anything hold back your voice.”
And we won’t—26 percent of Brits plan to sing on holiday this summer, 21 percent at concerts, 18 percent at sporting events, and another 18 percent at music festivals. Group singing isn’t just fun—it’s therapeutic, says celebrity vocal coach Annabel Williams:
“A great sing-along song has that magic mix of a catchy melody and feel-good lyrics that you just can’t help but belt out… Singing together actually releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which boost happiness and bring people closer together.”
Despite the enthusiasm, Brits aren’t exactly warming up for their moment in the spotlight. Two-thirds (65%) admit they’re doing nothing to prep their voices—23 percent simply haven’t thought about it, while another 23 percent believe their vocal cords will bounce back naturally.
Unsurprisingly, half have suffered sore throats after a night of singing, and six in ten have even had to stop mid-tune due to strain.
Williams warns, “Whether you’re warming up for a stage performance or belting out your favourite tunes at home, you need to be giving those vocal cords some TLC…
One of my ultimate insider secrets, which I’ve passed on to the performers I work with, is Jakemans menthol throat lozenges. I’ve used them for the past 10 years for myself and my clients as the natural menthol vapours help soothe your throat and clear airways.”
So there you have it: the UK favourite singalong songs are more than a party trick—they’re a national treasure, a tonic for the soul, and a reminder that sometimes, all you need is a little melody and a lot of heart.
Whether you think you’re the next Adele or just enjoy shouting Don’t Stop Believin’ at the top of your lungs, science—and the nation—are singing your praises.
