In the spring of 1996, David Soldier, in collaboration with artists “Komar and Melamid” (who came up with a way to produce the most-wanted and most-unwanted paintings), posted an online poll to gather data on people’s musical tastes. With 500 responses, he and lyricist Nina Mankin attempted to compose the most-wanted and mos-unwanted song. The results?

Most Wanted (guest-starring Vernon Reid on guitar):

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A musical work that will be unavoidably and uncontrollably “liked” by 72 ± 12% of listeners

The most favored ensemble, determined from a rating by participants of their favorite instruments in combination, comprises a moderately sized group (three to ten instruments) consisting of guitar, piano, saxophone, bass, drums, violin, cello, synthesizer, with low male and female vocals singing in rock/r&b style. The favorite lyrics narrate a love story, and the favorite listening circumstance is at home.

Most Unwanted (Oops, how’d that happen…?):

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Fewer than 200 individuals of the world’s total population will enjoy this

The most unwanted music is over 25 minutes long, veers wildly between loud and quiet sections, between fast and slow tempos, and features timbres of extremely high and low pitch, with each dichotomy presented in abrupt transition. The most unwanted orchestra was determined to be large, and features the accordion and bagpipe (which tie at 13% as the most unwanted instrument), banjo, flute, tuba, harp, organ, synthesizer (the only instrument that appears in both the most wanted and most unwanted ensembles). An operatic soprano raps and sings atonal music, advertising jingles, political slogans, and “elevator” music, and a children’s choir sings jingles and holiday songs.

I think they’re equally horrible, but I like the second one much better, especially the Walmart jingles the kids sing. Read more about these experiments here.