Hit Country Song Ranked the Worst to Listen to While Working in New Study

If you're hoping to be productive at work, you might want to avoid listening to certain songs. Entertainment industry database Booking Agent Info did a study based on the most streamed songs of 2025, focusing on specific criteria to come up with a list of songs that are the "worst to listen to while working."

In the study, which was sent to Parade, three key factors were taken into consideration: Tempo (BPM), loudness (decibels), and danceability.



"Using a balanced benchmark, 120 BPM, –15 dB, and 50% danceability, the study identified which songs are most likely to disrupt workflow, either by being too energizing or not stimulating enough," reads a portion of the study. "The study analyzed 100 of Billboard's 2025 most-streamed songs, scoring each track for tempo (BPM), danceability, and volume (dB). Each metric carried an equal weight of 33.33%, and reference values were set at 120 BPM, –15 dB, and 50% danceability, representing a balance between energy and calm suitable for focus. Combined scores reveal which songs are most likely to interrupt workflow, whether by overstimulation or under-stimulation."

Topping the list is "Smile" by Morgan Wallen, a popular song that was released in 2024.

"With a tempo of 127 BPM and relatively high danceability, the track sits just above the ideal threshold, making it subtly distracting despite its laid-back appeal," according to Booking Agent Info. The song received a score of 83.78 per the study's metrics.

Wallen's song "Just in Case" was in the No. 2 spot, with a score of 83.63. Other tracks rounding out the top five worst songs to listen to while working include Billie Eilish's "WILDFLOWER," Alex Warren's "Ordinary," and "House Again" by Hudson Westbrook.

Out of the 98 songs on the list, 10 are tracks by Wallen.

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This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 6:30 AM.