After lots of extensive research, a new study has officially discovered what is claimed to be the “most relaxing song” in the world.
And now, they’re warning motorists not to listen to it behind the wheel.
The song, which is titled Weightless by Marconi Union, has been found to reduce blood pressure, slow the heart rate, decrease levels of cortisol – also known as the stress hormone – and can even make people so relaxed, they become drowsy and can even fall asleep, according to the study by shower gel brand Radox Spa.
Not only that, but the eight-minute piece of music was even found to be more relaxing than heading out for a walk, having a massage, or sipping a cup of tea.
During the research project, a group of participating women were given puzzles to complete in an allotted amount of time in order to increase their stress levels, and then, after completing the puzzles, they were played a number of different songs to essentially calm them down.
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While the songs were being played, the participants’ heart rates, blood pressure, and breathing were monitored by scientists.
Once all the research was complete, the study eventually found that ‘Weightless’ was 11% more effective than the other songs – with a reduction in anxiety levels by 65%, and even making some of the participants “drowsy”.
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Scientists discover the world’s most relaxing song, but warn not to listen to it while driving / Credit: RAC
“The results clearly show that the track induced the greatest relaxation,” explained Dr David Lewis-Hodgson, who conducted the research.
“Brain imaging studies have shown that music works at a very deep level within the brain, stimulating not only those regions responsible for processing sound, but also ones associated with emotions, and in fact, Weightless was so effective, many women became drowsy.”
Due to the drowsy nature of the song, Dr Lewis-Hodgson said he would “advise against driving while listening to the song” as he believes it could be “dangerous.”
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The reason the song is so relaxing, though, isn’t quite as coincidental as it may initially seem.
The band actually admitted to working with sound therapists on the track, and used pianos, guitars, chimes, and buddhist chants to create the melody.
The song can even make people so relaxed, they become drowsy and may even fall asleep / Credit: Gregory Pappas (via Unsplash)
Speaking on how the song was created, Lyz Cooper – founder of the British Academy of Sound Therapy – added: “The song makes use of many musical principles that have been shown to individually have a calming effect, and by combining these elements in the way Marconi Union have, has created the perfect relaxing song.
“The study found this to be the world’s most relaxing song.”
Ms Cooper explained that the song is so relaxing as it contains a sustaining rhythm that starts at 60 beats per minute and gradually slows to around 50, so while listening to it, your heart rate gradually comes to match that beat – which is known as entrainment.
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She also explained that the duration of the song being eight minutes in length is “important” as it generally takes about five minutes for this process to occur.
On top of that, Ms Cooper also added that the songs has no repeating melody throughout, which essentially allows your brain to completely switch off because you are no longer trying to predict what is coming next.
Fancy seeing what the crack is then? You can listen to it here – but just not in the car.
Stockport drop first collection in County Classics retro range
Danny Jones
Stockport County have finally released the first drop in their previously teased ‘County Classics’ retro fashion collection.
The Greater Manchester football club are enjoying a great resurgence of late, currently sitting fourth in the table and unbeaten in League One, not to mention boasting three wins on the bounce; it’s a great time to be a Hatter.
Somewhat secondary, of course, but they’ve also got a great selection of well-received shirts this year, too, with all three of their 2025/26 kits inspired by a precious part of their heritage.
Clearly going down a hit, they’ve decided to double down on the nostalgia factor and reignite the vintage spirit of their famous 1996/97 campaign and THAT legendary home shirt.
Speaking on the release, County said in a club statement: “County Classics isn’t just a product range – it’s a series. A journey through time.
“Each drop will revive another era, another shirt, another story that shaped the club we love. This is more than nostalgia. It’s the heartbeat of County history, reimagined for today.”
We already can’t wait to see which iconic kit they tap into next; our money is on the 91/92 away strip that they paid homage to just last season.
Unsurprisingly, numbers of each piece have been snapped up in a flash, with supporters, rivals and neutrals alike dubbing the casual wear and retro footy shirt reissue everything from “amazing” to “sickeningly cool”, with plenty already asking for a restock.
You get a closer look at the collection in full down below.
Credit: Stockport County FC (supplied)
The retro ’90s style training line has completely sold out already, but there are still towels and bucket hats, as well as some of the retro County kit itself left.
With the ‘Back to 1996’ star priced at £50 and the likes of bucket hats costing just £20, you can expect to see plenty of Stopfordians wearing the new gear at Edgeley Park this season and, indeed, for many years to come.
If these classic football shirts and pieces of lifestyle fashion have tickled your fancy, you can see what they have left and grab your item(s) of choice right HERE.
What old County look would you like to see the club recreate next as part of the Classics range, Hatters?
Manchester City hit with backlash from season ticket holders after ‘divisive’ North Stand update
Danny Jones
Manchester City have shared a new update on the impending North Stand expansion and concourse upgrade, but the most recent reveal has been met with plenty of backlash from supporters set to suffer the consequences.
The Etihad is currently undergoing a major transformation that will see numerous new facilities added to the wider campus experience – most notably the increased capacity of the North Stand, which will make room for a further 7,000 or so fans.
Back in March, the club revealed the official brand partners for their upcoming on-site hotel, which will also accompany a new sky bar and rooftop stadium walk experience as part of the wider plans, but while adding more seats and things for matchgoers to do sounds good on paper, it’s come at a cost for many.
Reacting to the news of social media, many regular fans are now set to be forced out of their seats to make way for more hospitality sections at the end of the stadium, meaning the post has proved ‘divisive’ to say the least.
Are you joking? I’ve sat in the same seat for almost 20 years and this is how I find out I’m ‘relocating’. It’s an absolute disgrace the way you’re treating loyal fans in favour of tourists. I was there when we were shit, do you think they will be here if we go to shit again?
As you can see, both Blues, neutrals, and even rivals alike are expressing their shock and disappointment in not only the decision but the manner in which the announcement was made.
One person said on X: “You turfed me and hundreds of others out of our seats four seasons ago when you dug them up for digital signage. We were all split up and had to scrape around for new seats. Had enough of all the new rules and digital tickets/transfers. I sit on my sofa now and save £3k.
Reply in the comments underneath the response, a Manchester United fan added: “I don’t like City, but this is something I can stand with [fans] on.”
Even well-known online commentators like ‘HLTCO’ (Hopkin Looking To Curl One), a.k.a. Dan Cook – a notable Crystal Palace die-hard – shared his two cents online.
“Man City season ticket holders are being told that they’re being permanently moved from the seats they’ve had for years to accommodate a new corporate seating area”, he wrote, adding: “This is the sort of thing that fans everywhere have to push back against; these clubs see us as a nuisance.”
In terms of what the stadium overhaul looks like, the latest CGIs show the first proper glimpse of the new ‘Cross Bar’ that will “offer a relaxed, social atmosphere” for around 300 fans, as well as the new ‘City Hall’ concourse area, which will cater to around 500 punters both on game-days and beyond.
As detailed in the full statement on the club website, they have insisted that they will be supporting those “may need to move seats ahead of the commencement of the 2026/27”, clarifying that no one will need to be relocated to accommodate the Cross Bar, specifically.
They go on to add: “We understand that relocating seats may be unsettling, and we are here to support these fans”. They have promised things like a “priority relocation window” and, most crucially, a guarantee that they won’t have to pay more to sit in what is typically a more expensive stadium block.
However, while they have also assured that people will be able to move groups of seats so as to stay around their friends, as explained by a user above, this is easier said than done and ticket uncertainty remains a big concern among the fan base.
What do you make of the latest Etihad Stadium news, City fans?
Emily Sergeant -
9th December 2022 
