You've begun to study commercial songs, you're reading books on commercial writing, and you're paying close attention to the successful songs of the day. You are beginning to understand how this new approach differs from the way you used to write. By now you have no doubt discovered that the single most important component of commercial songwriting is that sometimes elusive creature known as The Hook. Since this is certainly the case, lets see if we can shed some light on this often misunderstood yet absolutely essential piece of commercial songwriting. In short, the hook must be that part of the song the listener goes away remembering.
Great hooks start with great ideas.
Great hooks sell great songs. Great hooks are what publishers, record companies and recording artists are all looking for. Most publishers decide to pass or accept based on the hook. I have worked with major publishers that won't even listen until you have pitched the hook first. It is almost always the song's title, and is usually found within the song's chorus.