Song melodies have become simpler since 1950s – study

Scientists said the vocal melody of 1953’s Walking Behind You by Eddie Fisher is more complex than Poker Face by Lady Gaga (Martin Rickett/PA)

Melodies of popular songs have become simpler since the 1950s, according to scientists.

An analysis of hundreds of chart hits from the past 70 years has shown “a significant decline” in the complexity of rhythm and pitch in song melodies, UK researchers said.