Song lyrics have become angrier since the 80s, study shows

Analysis also showed the number of different words used within songs has decreased, particularly among rap and rock songs. Photo: AP

Song lyrics have become angrier over the past four decades, while the words in rap, country, pop, R&B, and rock songs have also become simpler and more repetitive, according to research published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Rap songs showed the most profound increase in anger and negative emotions while country songs had the lowest rise, the researchers said.