Hook me baby one more time: the psychology of pop music
May 27, 2023
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Music psychologist Tim and musicologist Jadey discuss the power of hooks in pop music. They explore the psychology behind hooks and the difference between hooks and earworms. They also discuss the universality of hooks, the concept of hookless songs in different genres, and the complex nature of pop music.
Hooks are defined as musical moments that stand out or are easily remembered, contributing to a song's catchiness and memorability.
Hooks can turn into earworms, which are involuntary musical imagery that gets stuck in our heads, and the podcast explores the psychological mechanisms behind their encoding, storage, and retrieval in our memory.
Deep dives
The Power of Hooks in Pop Music
Hooks, those memorable musical moments that stand out, are the focus of this podcast episode. Music psychologists Dr. Tim Byron and Dr. Jady O'Regan explore what makes songs catchy and memorable, delving into the psychology of hooks in pop music. They discuss how hooks grab our attention, the balance between novelty and repetition, and the interplay between hooks and earworms. Through examples like "Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears and "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen, they highlight the craft and complexity of pop music hooks. They also touch on how TikTok is changing the way hooks are conceived and the concept of hookless songs.
Defining Hooks and Earworms
Hooks are defined as musical moments that stand out or are easily remembered. They can be chords, melodies, lyrics, or even vocal techniques that catch our attention. The balance between novelty and repetition contributes to a hook's memorability. Earworms, on the other hand, are involuntary musical imagery that gets stuck in our heads. They are songs or fragments of songs that we can't seem to shake off. The podcast explores how hooks can turn into earworms and the psychological mechanisms behind their encoding, storage, and retrieval in our memory.
Examining Top Hooks in Pop Music
The podcast discusses some of the top hooks in pop music. They mention "Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears, "Shake It Off" and "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift, "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen, and "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd. These examples showcase different types of hooks, such as catchy melodies, unexpected chord progressions, and distinctive vocal techniques. The hosts delve into the artistry and craftsmanship of these hooks, highlighting their impact on creating memorable pop songs.
The Application of Hooks in Various Music Genres
While hooks are predominantly associated with pop music, the podcast acknowledges that hooks exist in other genres as well. Hooks can be found in rock, classical, and even ambient music, although their prominence and stylistic approaches may differ. The podcast mentions examples like Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall" and Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" to illustrate how hooks are employed beyond the realm of pop music. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the versatility and significance of hooks in different musical contexts.
What's the most catchy song you can think of? Is there a moment that makes you suddenly pay attention, mesmerised by the melody or beat?
You're probably reflecting on a song's hook.
But why do hooks capture our minds and memories?
A music psychologist and musicologist share their thoughts on the power of hooks.
In this episode you'll hear Tim and Jadey cover pop songs which Sana credits at the end of the episode. To see the written credits, head to our website.
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