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A hit song is one of the hardest things to achieve in music. However, there are countless examples of songs we love, from one-hit-wonders to tracks from legendary artists. From mastering songwriting to timing and cultural understanding, here are some parts to it.
Understanding Industry Demand
Industry legend Clive Davis is well known for producing Whitney houston. However, you may not know that he insisted on keeping that melodious and emotional solo intro on Houston’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” This was a testament to Davis’ master understanding of what music lovers want and when, as it tied into the release of “The Bodyguard” movie propelling Whitney to Michael Jackson levels of international superstardom.
Masterful Songwriting Skills
Of course, being able to write a song is a skill anyone who wishes to have a hit needs. There are a few aspects to a song that people need to give it a second listen. While there isn’t a special formula (although many have tried to create one), there are a few things to focus on. Lyrics are essential and must resonate with your target audience. Beyonce is a master at this. However, a good hit also needs a unique hook that catches people; Rick Astley, anyone?
Vocals Don’t Create a Hit Song
A hot song doesn’t always rely on quality vocal talent, as we have seen time and again. For instance, talented female artist Orianthi, who featured as lead guitarist on Michael Jackson’s ill-fated “This Is It” show, has sold a meager 100,000 copies of her albums despite having some of the best vocal skills in the world. Meanwhile, the Spice Girls have sold over 100 million globally despite being known as some of the worst live vocalists to grace the stage.
Timing and Cultural Relevance
A hit song can be propelled based on the times. As many people who listen to the radio are politically aware of having their ears to the ground, you can cater to these sensitivities. This can be challenging, but it makes a hit song when you get it right. For example, “We Are the World” was one of the most logistically challenging songs to put together and it almost failed. But the quality of production by Quincy Jones and the cultural timing of Michael Jackson made it a hit.
Marketing and Promo Materials
Marketing can play a critical role in any product, and a record is no different. But it can go wrong, even for huge artists. Michael Jackson famously took on Sony over the release of the 2001 album “Invincible”. Jackson was adamant that poor marketing was the reason for lower-than-expected sales, although it was among the best-selling albums that year. However, this is a lesson of how important the right marketing is necessary for the success of a record.
Summary
Understanding the audience and demand in music is a vital skill that will help you create a hit song. As we have seen time and again, you don’t even need excellent vocals but quality production. But you must also realize the importance of quality marketing and promotion.
