How to Write a Hit Song: Inspirational Songwriting Techniques of Popular Songwriters

This article offers some inspiration for those that already have a basic knowledge of songwriting and are looking for one or two new ideas to help things along. Here’s a few techniques that top songwriters use all the time.

Start with the Title

A lot of songwriters swear by this technique. It relies on the title being the essence and guiding light for the rest of the lyrics. It’s also about taking the first step, often the most difficult when it comes to writing a song. Pick a title that interests you and inspires you to write more, then use it to guide the rest of the songwriting process.

Find a good Hook

Having a strong hook might just make the difference between a good song and a top 40 hit.

The hook is what’s missing if a song doesn’t demand attention on the first listen. It might be a melodic vocal line or an instrumental passage. It could occur at the beginning, middle or end of the tune and may or may not be repeated, but it’s usually part of the chorus.

Confused? Listen to other hit songs and their hooks for inspiration.

Use the Emotional Compass

At the heart of every hit song is the emotional connection it has with its audience, be it about unrequited love, going to church or partying all night long.

The important thing to remember is the emotional connection begins with the songwriter and his or her relationship to their song. In a practical sense this means using emotion as a guide for what to write next rather than logic or the pursuit of approval from others. Follow the direction of the emotional compass.

Borrow a Hit Song

Take a hit song that already exists and write new lyrics to the existing melody. The new lyrics can then be transferred to an original song, or at least inspire a direction that wouldn’t otherwise have been taken.

This can be a great exercise to avoid predictable rhymes, rhythms and melodies. It’s unlikely that the new song will sound anything like the original hit.

Feedback

Get opinions from other people hearing the song for the first time. Their feedback can be invaluable as it’s impossible to listen to it for the first time again yourself! Don’t let one person’s negative response distract you from the task at hand. Use first opinions of the song as a gauge. You’ll know straight away if you agree with any negative responses and can adjust the composition accordingly.

Of course there is no single secret formula to writing a hit song. If there was everybody would be doing it all the time and there would be more hit songs than people to listen to them. Try to write a really good song that deserves to be a hit, even if it never delivers on the fame and fortune.