The Secret Science of Pop(2017)

The Secret Science of Pop is a documentary that explores whether data science can unlock the formula for chart success. Evolutionary biologist Professor Armand Leroi assembles a team of scientists to analyse over 50 years of UK chart music, searching for patterns that separate hits from misses. When algorithms reveal surprising insights into what makes pop music commercially viable, Leroi partners with legendary producer Trevor Horn to test the theory. Together they apply machine-learning techniques to develop an unsigned artist's track into a potential chart-topper, blending scientific rigour with music industry expertise to answer a deceptively simple question: can you engineer a hit?