Over the years, hit songs have shared so many qualities that we now have a “pop formula” outlining what exactly goes into good pop music. Here are 5 aspects of this pop formula that will help you maximize the hit potential of your own songs.
A Danceable Groove
Since the emergence of disco and hip-hop during the 1970s, rhythm has become more and more of an indispensable tool in popular songwriting. Good rhythm will not only help all the elements of a track groove together, but will also allow the listener to really “feel” and connect with the music. It’s no coincidence then that the best pop music typically fills the listener with an irresistible urge to dance, and you should always aim to do the same. Rhythm is one of the most instantly recognizable aspects of music, so having a highly danceable groove is a surefire way to draw people into your song.
Example: Normani – Motivation
Emotive Melody and Lyrics
If you want to make a pop song that people love to hum and sing along to, you simply can’t do without a catchy melody. Melody is the driving force behind a song, and is a major reason why songs often get stuck in people’s heads for days on end. Of course, no earworm is complete without killer lyrics, so special attention should be paid to language, tone, and the manner the vocals are delivered. A great blend of melody and lyrics is the perfect recipe for an emotionally moving song, one that has generated countless hits in the past.
Example: Julia Michaels – Issues
Storytelling
As with any other medium, one of the best ways to capture people’s attention is by telling an interesting story in your song. Most pop music does this exceptionally well. Songs that utilize storytelling are more memorable, relatable, and are capable of carrying more emotion than vague or out-of-context lyrics. The key to telling a story is to satisfactorily introduce, develop, and conclude it within the structure of your song, making sure that the music enhances rather than distracts from the plot. Do this adequately, and listeners will have yet another reason to get hooked on your song.
Example: The Weeknd – Blinding Lights
A Unique Selling Point/Hook
Every good pop song has a unique element that helps characterize it as a whole, commonly known as a hook. As the name suggests, a hook will both draw in listeners and keep them coming back for more, making it a vital element for a hit song. A hook can be pretty much anything–the chorus, a unique sound, a striking lyric, a vocal effect–but it’s almost always repeated several times throughout the song to increase its effectiveness.
Example: Lady Gaga – Stupid Love
Emphasis on Vocals
With how well they can convey emotion and add a human element to music, vocals will always be the main event in a pop song. Vocals should not only stand out from the other instruments in a track, but also be easy for listeners to sing along to. To achieve this, it’s good to follow the K.I.S.S principle when you approach songwriting: keep it simple and singable, and you’re well on your way to a good pop song.
Example: Taylor Swift – Shake It Off
The pop formula is a tried and true method for writing hits, but it is by no means a universal law. What do you think makes a great pop song?
