An Analysis of Repetitive Motifs and Their Listening Duration in Selected Western Popular Songs from 2000 to 2013

Past literature reveals that repetition in music is an important hook for attention as well as an important factor in gaining preference. This study investigates repetitive motifs in western popular music composition and arrangement. Fourteen chart-topping popular songs were selected and studied. Methods include identifying the repetitive motifs and their frequency in repetition and total percentage of listening time. Selected songs from Billboard Year-End Hot 100 Singles from 2000-2013 were used in this study where the impact of a repetitive motif on total listening duration of a song becomes the key subject to investigate. The outcome reveals the percentage of songs with and without repetitive motifs, the total number of motifs, and their frequency in the selected popular songs.