This might be a strange question but although I love loads of music I have a favourite or preferred sound. I was wondering if there is any musical reason for this? I don't really know that much about musical structure but I'm thinking because all of the songs have a similar vibe or feel to them, it might be that they are all in a certain key? or use a certain mix of major/minor chords? or something else?

The songs I am talking about are often nostalgic in feel and subject matter (not necessarily melancholy but certainly mellow and chilled). I don't think lyrical themes are the reason although obviously the type of music lends itself to lost love, yearning and soul searching and/or happiness. A lot of times they do have acoustic guitar to the fore (but again not always).

If I list some of them would anyone musically minded be able to spot anything common? here you go...

Beyonce - Irreplacable
Razorlight - America
Bob Marley and The Wailers - Stir It Up
Fergie - Big Girls Don't Cry
Neyo - Sexy Love
The Ting Tings - Be The One
Noah and the Whale - 5 Years Time
John Legend - Live It Up
Izrael Kamakawiwo'ole - Somehere Over The Rainbow
Gwen Stefani - Cool
Beach Boys - Sloop John B
Prince - Crimson and Clover
Keane - Somewhere Only We Know
Fleetwood Mac - Songbird
Coldplay - Viva La Vida

This is obviously a selection just to give you an idea. but it's these types of songs that will invariably make my ears prick up, put them on blast and repeat and usually make me go all warm and fuzzy inside.

So is this something emotional, or more based in music theory and structure?

You all think I'm mad don't you?
[Edited 8/19/09 8:37am]