The concept is simple: the host of the channel listens to a song that they have never heard before and those watching get to see their reactions. The chosen song is often accompanied by the original music video, and both the music video and the person watching it are in view. I don’t usually go for stuff like this but there are a couple of channels that – thanks to a combination of the tracks selected and the hosts’ reactions – are infectious to watch. There are loads of channels like this, but a couple that have caught my eye are by Jayvee TV and Jamel AKA Jamal, established YouTubers who get decent viewing figures for their reaction videos. The music is an eclectic mix ranging from 50s rock and roll through to modern hits.

Providing the host hasn’t previously heard the track, almost any song could be used, and often fans of the channel send requests. Some of Jayvee TV and Jamel AKA Jamal's videos get a few thousand views, and others have many more including Ram Jam – ‘Black Betty’ and Queen – ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, which have both topped 1 million views.

It might be hard to understand how some people have never heard certain songs, but remember that the majority of YouTubers doing these videos are either young or live in countries where certain tracks were never a hit. This may help you understand how classic tracks that we know so well have skipped an audience. Here are a few of my favourite ‘reaction videos’ on YouTube:

‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ – Gerry & the Pacemakers

The reaction to this track on Jayvee TV is incredibly moving. This is a song from 1963 that was recorded many years before the host was even born. He’s never heard of the group or the song, and his subscribers requested he listen to it. It’s clear to see that he is moved after only a few seconds and actually pauses the video halfway through to gather himself. The video that accompanies the track is a more recent one, filmed in black and white. It features the general public singing each iconic line, invariably adding to the emotion of the song. The host’s reaction is as heart-warming as the track itself.

‘Barcelona’ – Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé

This is a strange track to choose, but the combination of a rock legend and an operatic diva intrigues both the hosts and the viewers, and the reactions are quite brilliant. It’s clear that the hosts know who Freddie Mercury is but have no idea about his singing partner. The track is elegant throughout, and both singers perform immaculately. Each verse and chorus showcases their incredible vocal ranges to perfection and when the track reaches its crescendo you can see that each host has been emotionally touched by the performance.

We Are The World’ – USA For Africa

This is my favourite reaction track. Because I know the video so well, it is a joy to see someone watch it for the first time, having no idea of the superstar line-up that appears on the track. From the moment Lionel Richie sings the opening line the host is hooked. The track continues with appearances from Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, Tina Turner and Billy Joel to name but a few, and each one draws a look of absolute disbelief from the host, who recognises most of the singers, but had no idea they all appeared in this 1985 global hit.

The artists come thick and fast with Michael Jackson and Diana Ross picking up the first chorus before appearances from Dionne Warwick, Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Huey Lewis and Cyndi Lauper, leaving the host open mouthed in amazement.

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ – Queen

Of all the tracks that feature on these ‘reaction’ channels, this 1975 classic is amongst the most popular. For the few who have never heard this track, it is a rollercoaster ride of musical styles that evokes the most incredible reactions. There really is nothing that can prepare you for this classic tune, and when you watch the hosts listen to it for the very first time, you are drawn in by their reactions as each part of this legendary masterpiece unfolds.

I watched a few more reaction videos to see what other tracks they had listened to for the first time. I loved seeing their reaction as Phil Collins hits that iconic drum pattern during ‘In The Air Tonight’ or when the opening horns kick in on ‘Jump Around’. Songs that we all know so well, but try and think back to when you first heard them. What was your reaction?

After watching a number of these videos it made me think about my own reaction to music. I’ve been a professional DJ for over 25 years and in that time I’ve played thousands of songs, many times each, and that can mean I don’t listen to them in the way I used to or the way the audience does. I’ve become oblivious to some tracks; they stop having any great meaning because I’ve heard them so much. I’ve lost track of the number of times that I’ve played songs like ‘Summer Of 69’, ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ and ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’. These songs, and many more like them, have been the backbone to a large percentage of events that I’ve performed at, especially in the early days of my DJ career when my music knowledge was not as diverse as it is now.

Inspired by these reaction videos on YouTube, I decided to revisit some classic tracks and listen to them in the comfort of my own home rather than in a live event scenario.

At the risk of facing the wrath of many Pro Mobile readers, I’ve never really cared much for ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. I felt it was over-played on radio and it always made me change the station when it came on. I would go as far as saying that I disliked the song. That was until I watched the movie ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, a film that perfectly documents the life of Freddie Mercury and Queen’s rise to fame. It focusses heavily on certain songs, including the title track.