Queen's 'Don't Stop Me Now' has been crowned the UK's favourite feel-good wake-up song, according to a new poll. The study, commissioned by Nutella, found that music is a vital part of Britain's morning routine, with 87% saying it helps them feel more energised when they get up, while 58% find it creates a feel-good atmosphere around the breakfast table.
ABBA and Katrina Close Behind
The poll of 2,000 Britons placed ABBA's 'Dancing Queen' and 'Walking on Sunshine' by Katrina and The Waves in second and third place respectively. More than two thirds (68%) of respondents proudly describe themselves as morning people, insisting that an early start leaves them feeling happier, more prepared and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at them.
Morning Person Habits
The biggest signs of being a 'morning person' include throwing open the windows (55%), making the bed daily (48%) and stopping to appreciate birdsong (43%). Almost a third of Brits (31%) brew a fresh pot of coffee, 29% reply to messages before 7.30am, 20% sing in the shower and 14% even go for a run before breakfast. Another 12% admit to dancing around the kitchen while making their morning drink.
Pop Dominates Breakfast Soundtrack
Pop music dominates Britain's breakfast soundtrack, chosen by more than half (53%), ahead of R&B (21%), club classics (18%) and indie (13%). The top five wake-up tunes are completed by 'Here Comes The Sun' by The Beatles (22%) and Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' (22%).
Top 20 Morning Songs
The rest of the top 20 includes Mr Brightside by The Killers, Beautiful Day by U2, Lovely Day by Bill Withers, Wake Me Up by Avicii and Fleetwood Mac's Everywhere. Modern favourites like George Ezra's Shotgun, Harry Styles' As It Was and Dua Lipa's Levitating also feature, alongside timeless classics such as September by Earth, Wind & Fire, Rasputin by Boney M and Praise You by Fatboy Slim.
Psychologists have long suggested that upbeat music can stimulate the release of dopamine – the brain's feel-good chemical – helping improve mood, boost motivation and reduce stress. This may explain why so many Brits instinctively reach for their favourite playlist before they've even checked their emails.
DJ TeaSpoony Launches Summer Breakfast Club
To celebrate the findings, legendary DJ and producer DJ Spoony has temporarily become "DJ TeaSpoony" to launch Nutella's Summer Breakfast Club, encouraging families to make more of their mornings with good food, good music and time spent together. DJ TeaSpoony said: "Summer mornings are all about slowing down and making the most of that precious time over breakfast. In our house, music has always played a massive part in our morning routine. Taking some time to try some tasty new recipes, together with some great tunes to set the vibe, it's the perfect way to start the day."
Mathieu Maggi, Marketing Director, Nutella UK & Ireland at Ferrero, added: "We're delighted to be partnering with DJ TeaSpoony. He's synonymous with feel-good music and bringing people together, making him the perfect choice to front our Summer Breakfast Club. Whether it's trying delicious recipes or curating the ultimate breakfast playlist, it's all about helping people start their day with a smile, positivity and, of course, one heaped teaspoon of Nutella."
Full Top 20 Good-Mood Morning Songs
- Don't Stop Me Now – Queen (27%)
- Dancing Queen – ABBA (25%)
- Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and The Waves (22%)
- Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles (22%)
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston (22%)
- Mr Brightside – The Killers (21%)
- Beautiful Day – U2 (20%)
- Lovely Day – Bill Withers (18%)
- Wake Me Up – Avicii (17%)
- Everywhere – Fleetwood Mac (16%)
- Shotgun – George Ezra (13%)
- Fast Car – Tracy Chapman (13%)
- Can't Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake (13%)
- September – Earth, Wind & Fire (12%)
- Rasputin – Boney M (12%)
- Praise You – Fatboy Slim (11%)
- As It Was – Harry Styles (10%)
- Levitating – Dua Lipa (9%)
- Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield (9%)
- Show Me Love – Robin S (9%)
