What We're Following: Sad Songs, Sad Teens, and Scientific Breakthroughs
Plus: Having attractive parents means you'll be wealthier.
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Chart of the Week: Sad Songs Prevail
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The success of female songwriters like Billie Eilish and SZA at this year’s Grammys brought to mind this great chart from musician Chris Dalla Riva. The share of #1 hits in a minor key (that is, sad-sounding songs) jumped hugely in the early 2000s, and while it has since dipped, it remains a good 20-30% higher than what it was in the 1970s and ‘80s.