What makes a hook unforgettable? Many successful songwriters approach hooks with different philosophies, drawing on unique techniques to create that magical moment when a song grabs hold of a listener and doesn’t let go. For instance, some adhere to the “less is more” principle, ensuring the hook is simple and leaves room for the listener’s imagination. Others, like songwriter-producer Max Martin (who’s been cranking out hits for over 25 years for artists like Backstreet Boys, Ariana Grande, and P!nk) focus on creating earworms by combining repetition with surprising, yet logical, melodic shifts. Then there are artists like Bob Dylan or Joni Mitchell, who weave their hooks seamlessly into the storytelling, letting lyrics do the heavy lifting.
There’s no right or wrong way to make a good hook; some defy logical patterns. For example, Radiohead’s “Everything in Its Right Place” relies on a looping, hypnotic rhythm that feels almost off-kilter to pull listeners in. Generally though, patterns and trends exist for a reason. These trends go beyond genre, as human beings tend to gravitate to things that sound familiar. These satisfying things that please our ear and keep us hungry for more are generally called “hooks.”
What kinds of hooks are there?
For clarity, we have categorized hooks into three distinct types:
- Melodic Hooks: Think of Slash’s guitar lead at the start of “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” or the synth melody in The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.” Of course, this isn’t restricted to an instrument. Vocal melodies like “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.”
- Lyrical Hooks: A standout lyric or phrase, often found in the chorus. Carly Rae Jespen’s “Call Me Maybe” is a great example. Next time you’re with a group, try saying “Hey, I just met you” without someone replying with “…and this is crazy.” That’s a testament to how pervasive that hook is.
- Rhythmic Hooks: Even melodic hooks have a rhythm, but we’re talking about a percussive pattern or beat that drives the song — think Queen’s “We Will Rock You” — or signals a transition like Dave Grohl’s drum fill at the top of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” or the drum machine pattern in New Order’s “Blue Monday.”
Of course, many songs have these interwoven. Try tapping the rhythm of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” (You know, the “ra, ra, ro-ma-ma” part). It’s a recognizable melody of course, but you can probably spot something unique about it just by tapping along, and the lyrics are largely onomatopoeia for a reason: it’s extremely simple.
What principles might I consider when finding a hook?
Words and Phrases
A catchy word or phrase might be the key to your next hook, even if those words don’t make it to the final version. Paul McCartney, considered one of the all-time greatest songwriters, wrote “Yesterday” using placeholder lyrics. The original words, you ask? “Scrambled eggs, oh my baby, how I love your legs.”
Absurd, right? It probably wouldn’t be the classic that it is if Paul hadn’t made a few tweaks, but it demonstrates that songs can start with literally any words. Once you have something solid, let the melody lead and refine the lyrics later. The initial spark doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to get you started.
Repetition
There’s a reason why so many classic hooks rely on repeated elements. But repetition doesn’t mean monotony. A few small twists to keep it engaging, like adding a rest, shifting a note over a bit, or playing with a word to fit while changing the line’s meaning on a second pass, can give listeners a constant to anchor to while allowing for deviation. The syncopation in Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” is a great example, where the underlying groove repeats but the accents shift on different passes.
Contrast
To make your hook stand out even more, use contrast. Consider the “loud-quiet-loud” philosophy of bands like The Pixies: If your verse is sparse, let your hook explode with a wall of sound. In a Life of the Record interview, Steve Albini reflects on the Pixies’ dynamic shifts, describing it as an “aesthetic of intimacy, then exploding into … drama.” This approach taps into the listener’s emotions, making the transition to a loud, impactful hook feel even more satisfying.
How do I know if my song has a good hook?
So, you’ve sat and written something, and now you want to know if it can resonate with audiences. How can you see if it’s got legs? We encourage you to try the “earworm test.”
First, try it on yourself. Sing or record your hook, then step away for a while. See if it naturally sticks in your mind. Maybe one part does, and another part doesn’t. Play with it until it feels right.
Next, share it with someone else: a bandmate, a friend, or anyone you trust to be honest about their experience. If they’re humming it after just one listen, you’ve got a winner. If not, there might still be something there. You just might need to workshop it a bit.
The “Secret” of Writing a Hook: Keep It Simple
Leonardo da Vinci famously said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Picasso, centuries later, echoes the sentiment: “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” Basically, it takes practice and hard work to make things simple.
The common consensus is that a solid hook is simple. But if it’s so simple, why don’t all songs have amazing hooks? Let’s be clear that “simple” is subjective, but this can probably be read as, “don’t complicate things for the sake of it.” Trust your instincts, and focus on the emotional impact and clarity of your song.
The best hooks are, at their core, easy to digest and hard to forget. They connect with listeners on a visceral level and linger in their minds long after the song ends. If if makes you feel good writing it, chances are it will feel good for people listening.
Hopefully, some exploration helps you out next time you’re trying to elevate your songwriting. And if you need help getting it out there once it’s done, that’s where 19th & 7th comes in! We love helping artists like you. If you’ve got a song with a strong hook that might be in need of a signal boost, reach out to us! The world deserves a chance to hear the music you’re making.