A hook is typically a single, brief musical concept, most often a brief passage, riff, or line, which is employed in modern music to create a tune attractive and to “grab the listener’s attention”. The word in regards to the musical concept is used as an allusion to the single note melody, which is found in all classical music. A hook may be very simple, but it is important that it has a specific purpose in order for it to become recognizable to listeners.
As we noted above, the term “hook” refers to the single note melody found in rock music. Rock musicians commonly employ them as a way of quickly advancing the music forward. It can also mean a sudden departure from a monotonous rhythmic pattern. For example, most rap songs have a distinct hook at the end, signaling the beginning of a new section. Most ballads have a similar thing at the end of their last verse.
So, what is a hook in music? It’s a relatively short phrase (usually around three to four bars) that provides the introduction or point of the song. This book serves as the pivot or point where the song’s main melody and professionally based verses and chorus are developed.
What about a bad romance? A bad romance, or bad love theme, can also serve as a hook in music. A bad romance song can be catchy, if it contains one or two verses that are interesting and do not focus solely on the protagonist. The lyrics sometimes contain a suggestion of a happy ending.
A hook in music can also serve as a bridge for the refrain, which is a repeated chorus or verses from the previous chorus. The refrain can also contain a bass line or guitar riff that provides a great deal of variation from the previous repeated lyrics. These variations allow the song to progress in a different direction. For example, the refrain in a ballad might go “Oh yeah, here comes the midnight sun…” and then go on to tell a story or narrate what is taking place. Sometimes, the refrain goes on to say something like “I’ve got a feeling that we’re all going to meet in the end…” which gives the listener something to keep track of.
Finally, a hook in music can be a simple rhythmic or melodic line. These lines, verses, or choruses, usually don’t have a full verse or chorus, but the lyrics move along with them. A great example would be the hook from Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here. The song starts with a repetitive four-line riff and then breaks down to a single line three times, before going back to the repetitive pattern again. This demonstrates the point that music writing or composing involves the development of ideas or structures, rather than just the development of elements within the song.