Renowned songwriter RuthAnne Cunningham, known for global hits like “Too Little Too Late,” reveals her insights into the competitive music industry as she prepares for the release of her new album, The Moment, on 10 October. Cunningham’s career, spanning two decades, includes collaboration with top artists and producers such as John Legend and Avicii, with her work accumulating over 12 billion streams globally, reports BritPanorama.
One recurring question in the music world is how to craft a hit song. While no definitive formula exists, Cunningham emphasizes the importance of creative tools and techniques that can enhance a songwriter’s chances of success.
Max Martin, often cited as one of the most successful songwriters with 28 number one singles, employs a method termed “Melodic Math” to create standout pop tracks. However, Cunningham cautions against a purely clinical approach, advocating instead for a balance between structure and emotional depth in songwriting.
For aspiring songwriters looking to leave a mark, she offers her top ten strategies for creating chart-topping hits.
Pin down a great title and concept
Cunningham suggests arriving at songwriting sessions armed with title ideas, as this can spark inspiration and facilitate creative discussions. She advises against using generic titles, pointing out that with over 100,000 songs released daily, originality is crucial. Successful songs like “Too Little Too Late” originated from relatable phrases, illustrating the impact of clever titling.
Hooks, hooks, and more hooks
The emphasis on hooks is pivotal in hit songwriting. The catchiest part of a song generally resides in the chorus, which should stand out as a defining moment. For example, in “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” lyric progression builds towards the key question, showcasing the effectiveness of a well-placed hook.
Each section of the song can include hooks, reinforcing the idea that variety in melody heightens engagement. In “Too Little Too Late,” the vocal arrangement strategically varies, offering listeners a dynamic experience.
Rhyming and phonetics are everything
Effective songwriting revolves around sound selection and the rhythmic placement of lyrics. Phonetic appeal can unify a song, making it easily memorable across different languages. Common vowel sounds enhance the catchiness of lyrics. Notable examples include Adele’s “we could’ve had it ALL” and Kelly Clarkson’s “since you been GONE,” both of which feature impactful vowel sounds that elevate the choruses.
Unique simplicity
A successful song is one that combines uniqueness with simplicity. Cunningham encourages writers to express profound ideas within a limited word count while utilizing captivating imagery and phrases to avoid clichés.
She also recommends generating more lyrics than necessary. This practice enables songwriters to refine and improve their work during the creative process, ultimately leading to more impactful songs.
Trim the fat
Cunningham advises performing a critical review of the song after its initial composition. Stripping a song to its simplest form helps identify areas for improvement, prompting considerations such as the length of the introduction and clarity of lyrics.
Craft ’n’ graft
Although some iconic tracks emerge in mere minutes, a considerable amount of effort is usually necessary for crafting hit songs. Cunningham recounts her experience co-writing “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” highlighting the time invested in creating and refining melodies.
Make me feel something…
A successful song should evoke a strong emotional response. Cunningham emphasizes the importance of lyrics that inspire feelings, whether they be joy, sadness, or nostalgia, connecting deeply with listeners.
In “Little Do You Know,” co-written with Toby Gad, the emotional depth resonated with audiences, achieving significant streaming success.
Repetition, repetition, repetition….
Key melodies and lyrics must be repeated to enhance memorability. Excessive new information risks overwhelming listeners, as the primary goal within three minutes is to create a lasting connection.
How to make your hit song take off
The industry’s landscape has shifted dramatically, with success once relying heavily on record label endorsement. Today, the sheer volume of new music complicates the path to recognition. Nevertheless, opportunities can arise unexpectedly, underscoring the importance of perseverance.
RuthAnne Cunningham’s book, It’s Not Just a Song, is out now. Her album The Moment releases on 10 October.
