Subscribe Why Does Adele Make Us Cry?

We already know that Adele's Grammy Award-winning Someone Like You features on many iPods of the broken hearted and is a tearjerker - but did you know there's a scientific reason behind it all?

A study conducted by British psychologist John Sloboda about 20 years ago looked into why particular parts of songs triggered a physical reaction (such as tears and goosebumps). The result - certain songs contained a musical device called an "appoggiatura".

An "appoggiatura"?

In music speak, it's a "type of ornamental note that clashes with the melody just enough to create a dissonant sound."

And Someone Like You is loaded with them.

The Wall Street Journal breaks the song down even further - fascinating stuff.

Conclusion?

Songs are successful when they turn on the waterworks, written well and performed by Adele.

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