In this paper, we analyze the best selling singles of all time to predict the title of the next multi-million seller.
Methodology
We started with a list of the 250 singles and downloads that have been estimated to have sold in excess of 5 million copies worldwide. We ran statistical formulae against the 250 song titles to measure:
- The mean number of letters in a song title.
- The letter count across the song titles in aggregate.
We then ran a clustering algorithm to select the most representative distribution of letters across the average song title length.
Given our collection of letters, we wasted several hours coming up with some anagrams.
Results
- The mean for the song title length is 17 letters.
- The letters for the ‘ideal’ song title length of 17 letters are, in alphabetical order: AADEEEHILNOORSTUY.
- Further research revealed that a song with this exact title was Norway’s entry to the Eurovision Song Contest in 1987.
- That aside, there are several English-language anagrams that present themselves as likely candidates for the next multi-million selling song.
Conclusion
I can confidently reveal that the title of the next multi-million selling smash will be one of the following:
- Adele is another you
- Ueno Easter Holiday
- Are you Edith Sloane?
Note that each song title has been registered with a music publishing house. You can contact the author for national or global licensing rights.
Here is a predecessor from that list of best selling singles of all time.