Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, USA, surveyed 2,500 people about their emotional responses to thousands of songs from a variety of genres including rock, folk, jazz, classical, and heavy metal.

Based on the study the researchers concluded that music is a universal language which evokes 13 key emotions among listeners. The subjective experiences of music across cultures can be mapped within at least 13 overpowering feelings such as amusement, joy, eroticism, beauty, relaxation, sadness, dreaminess, triumph, anxiety, scariness, annoyance, defiance and excitement.

The scientists claim they have successfully documented the largest array of emotions that are universally felt through the language of music. As a part of the study the survey data was translated into interactive audio map. In this map visitors can move heir cursors to listen to any of the thousands of music snippets, and find out if the emotional reactions match how people from other cultures responded to the music.

The new map, as well as the findings may help psychological and psychiatric therapies designed to evoke certain feelings.