Exceptions to the Rule: Pop Songs Without Hooks

When we think of hit pop songs, hooks often come to mind. A chorus or catchy melody that is repeated can elevate a track to chart-topping glory.

The Return of DNA and Sicko Mode

However, not all hits fit the traditional mold. Two examples that have garnered attention are DNA by Kendrick Lamar and Sicko Mode by Travis Scott. Both songs follow a similar structure of verse, beat change, and repeat, thus avoiding a conventional chorus. While these tracks may not have a typical pop song hook, they still manage to make significant impacts.

The Elephant in the Room: Bad Guy

Another notable example is Billie Eilish's Bad Guy. In a fascinating interview with Rolling Stone, Billie and her brother explained that the song doesn't have a hook or any part of it designed as such. This unconventional approach to songwriting challenges the assumption that hooks are essential to the success of pop songs.

Alternative Hooks: Riffs and Melodies

While hooks are essential to many pop songs, some artists choose to substitute them with other elements, such as a memorable riff or a consistently repeated melody. For instance, Paranoid by Black Sabbath lacks a conventional chorus but features an instrumental section that is repeated with some changes. Similarly, Money by Pink Floyd has no clear chorus but benefits from its iconic riff.

The 12-Bar Blues and Beyond

Songs based on the 12-bar blues often do not need choruses, relying instead on recurring lines at the end of each verse. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen challenges the pop formula with a complex structure that includes a repeating piano figure and Roy Orbison-style chorus in the ballad section, as well as a guitar riff in the hard rock sections. This blending of different genres and structures demonstrates that successful pop songs can exist outside the traditional chorus format.

Missed Opportunities and Chart Success

It is worth noting that songs without a conventional chorus, like Squeeze's Up the Junction, can still achieve chart success. Despite lacking a clear chorus or obvious riff, this song managed to find its audience through its unique melodies and structures.

Conclusion

Pop songs without hooks or traditional choruses challenge our understanding of what makes a hit. While these songs may seem like exceptions, they demonstrate that the pop landscape is diverse and can accommodate various structures and forms. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Billie Eilish, Black Sabbath, and Squeeze show us that the absence of a hook does not necessarily mean the absence of chart success.