Why Adele's 'Someone Like You' Makes Everyone Cry

Do you ever get a little teary-eyed when listening to Adele? If so, you’re not alone. This article from the Wall Street Journal discusses the science behind the phenomenon and it is decidedly a result of “appoggiaturas” generating a cycle of tension and release.

An appoggiatura is a type of ornamental note that clashes with the melody just enough to create a dissonant sound. “This generates tension in the listener,” said Martin Guhn, a psychologist at the University of British Columbia who co-wrote a 2007 study on the subject. “When the notes return to the anticipated melody, the tension resolves, and it feels good.”

When several appoggiaturas occur next to each other in a melody, it generates a cycle of tension and release. This provokes an even stronger reaction, and that is when the tears start to flow.

Interesting! Love, Nik