Billboard explains science behind one-word song titles: Why do "Happy," "Royals" and "Radioactive" succeed?

Billboard has noticed an interesting trend in the most current of hit songs: Simple titles make for better sales.

The magazine notes that from the turn of the millennium, there have been, on average, 20 or so songs to chart on the Hot 100 list. That number saw a slight boost during 2013 (23 one-word titles), and then then the total explodes upward: There have already been 31 one-word titles on the Hot 100 during 2014.

Those tracks tend to be among the highest performing tracks as well. Only three songs have topped the weekly Digital Downloads chart during 2014: "Timber" by Pit Bull and Ke$ha, "Dark Horse" by Katy Perry, and "Happy" by Pharrell Williams. And let's be honest, Perry may use two words to describe "Dark Horse," but two syllables isn't all that complex.

So why?

Billboard points out the social media culture, particularly Twitter, has given performers a reason to avoid long titles. Classic songs such as "You're Nobody (Until Somebody Kills You)" (by the Notorious B.I.G.) might be great, but it would be tough for Biggie to promote on Twitter. Although the song "#Selfie" might not necessarily reflect intelligence, The Chainsmokers' member Alex Pall demonstrated logistical skill in explaining the title.

"Today people are overloaded and constantly being sold on things," he said. "We wanted a very direct message about what the song is. The word is so identifiable, so we knew less was more."

Indeed, a one-word title does make it easier for listeners to remember song titles, but nothing can beat good songwriting for making a memorable song. Case and point: The Who's "Baba O'Reilly," which has become its signature song despite millions of fans believing that it's called "Teenage Wasteland."

Tags

Katy Perry, The Chainsmokers, The Who, Pharrell Williams, Lorde