Australian commuters are all about the bass on their way to work

Music streaming startup Spotify has compiled a list of the most popular songs Australians listen to while commuting to work and it seems Aussies like to start the day with a dance.

The study, based on the ‘commuting’ playlists of Spotify users, found the song Aussie commuters listen to most to get pumped for the day ahead was ‘All About That Bass’ by Meghan Trainor.

Among the other favourite commuting tracks are ‘Blame’ by Calvin Harris and ‘Shower’ by Becky G.

Meanwhile, when it comes to winding down after work and reducing stress, ‘Heartbeats’ by José González is the go-to track.

Chris Tanti, chief executive of youth mental health foundation headspace, said music can have enormous benefits to a person’s overall wellbeing.

“There’s a growing interest in understanding how music may contribute to improving mood, with research showing it can enhance relaxation and reduce stress,” Tanti said.

“The accessibility of music means that people can easily incorporate it into their day as one of the strategies used to get in the right frame of mind. Spotify’s playlists are a great starting point and suggest what the nation is listening to. However, music is really subjective and you’re more likely to feel benefits from listening to your preferred style, whatever the genre.”

Eve Ash, psychologist and chief executive of Seven Dimensions, told SmartCompany listening to music is a great way to counteract work stress and prepare for a busy day. According to Ash, many people brood about their problems and anxieties as they commute to and from work.

“This creates a negative mindset, and when a person is moody their mood can be contagious – arriving at work sulky, upset, worried, sad or angry – impacting those around them,” she says.

“Loved ones at home dread the ‘negative one’ arriving home, face in a scowl, stories of how bad work was today or more particularly how awful a certain person was.”

“Music sets a mood and makes people feel good,” she says.

“Humans respond positively to music rhythms and beats. So anything that sets a good mood for work is a great idea. Just like exercise which makes us feel good.”

Around 80% of Australians find listening to music helps improve their mood and do so regularly in order to reduce stress, anxiety and tension.

The top five most popular songs commuters listen to on Spotify are:

1. All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor
2. Blame by Calvin Harris
3. Shower by Becky G
4. Shut up and Dance by Walk the Moon
5. Animals by Maroon 5