hook

A hook is the most memorable part of a song — the element that catches the ear and stays in the mind. It can be a melodic phrase, a rhythmic pattern, a lyrical line, a guitar riff, or even a production effect. The hook is what makes a song recognisable from its first few notes. In commercial songwriting, the hook is considered the most important element — it's what makes listeners want to hear the song again. Many hit songs are built around a single hook that repeats throughout. The opening riff of Smoke on the Water, the bass line of Under Pressure, and the chorus melody of Happy are all examples of hooks that became cultural phenomena.