Most people know a smash hit when they hear it, and it's usually instinctual – so much so that you don't question it. It's the song that gets the most fervent reaction and has the instant, can't-miss-it hook. You know, the hook that embeds itself in your skull for days, weeks, or months at a time – the one you sing in the shower, while driving, or doing other mundane tasks.
But what if you feel you've got several strong songs with both the hooks and the heart in your arsenal? While it's great to think about follow-ups, you have to pick the one to go out with first, so you have to make sure it's really the strongest contender. Here are four smart ways to help you make the decision.
Take heed of advice and suggestions from your handlers, whoever they may be. This could mean your manager, radio person, label staff, or bookers. They know what to look for in a hook and a single, since it's their job to know. If you don't quite have a team yet, you can even turn to your friends and parents. You can bet if one of your songs has a strong hook, they'll be humming it! So trust and make use of your resources. That's why they're there.
Try testing out a few new songs in the live realm to get a read from your fans. Which one has them rocking out, singing along, and vibing the most? You'll know – you'll feel it. It can sometimes be dangerous to let fans play A&R, but they also have well-tuned ears, and their reaction often means that you've reeled them in with those essential hooks.
If you don't have a huge team of trusted advisors and want a from-the-hip reaction, then take it to the people. Play it for everyone. Play it twice. Play it five times. Hell, play it 10 times. Ask a random person on the street. Play it for the gas station attendant, for your neighbor, and for people with no investment in you or your career. You'll get the most honest read out of them. Ask them what they think and listen to their answers.
If you have a few candidates for potential singles, you not only have an embarrassment of riches but you also have a hard choice to make, and it's like asking to pick which kid is your favorite. But you've gotta do it. You have to strip away all nonsense and follow your instincts. Listen to your gut, and go with what you feel is the strongest and most unforgettable representation of your music and your band. The single is often the way in which you make your first impression, so make it strong. Remember that i starts and ends with the hook, baby!
Amy Sciarretto has 20 years of print and online bylines, from Kerrang to Spin.com to Revolver to Bustle, covering music, beauty, and fashion. After 12 years doing radio and publicity at Roadrunner Records, she now fronts Atom Splitter PR, her own boutique PR firm, which has over 30 clients. She also is active in animal charity and rescue.