April 4, 1964

On that day in music history the Top 5 songs on the Billboard singles chart were occupied by the same group -- the Beatles! To the best of my knowledge, the Top 5 slots on the Billboard chart being held by the same group has never happened since, nor is it likely to happen again.

What was striking about those songs was the simplicity of the lyrical content and how the melody had you hooked after just one listen:

#1 "Can't Buy Me Love"
#2 "Twist and Shout"
#3 "She Loves You"
#4 "I Want to Hold Your Hand"
#5 "Please Please Me"

Fast forward to April 4, 2006 and, for me, the only song on the current chart that has a similar vibe is Daniel Powter's "Bad Day."

In my consulting sessions I often encounter talented singer/songwriters who try to cram their entire music education into one song. Sometimes less is more and a simple statement repeated over a strong melody is all the hook you need, especially when today's attention spans are so short. In radio, callout hooks are only between 10 and 15 seconds.

Some of the songs that followed "Can't Buy Me Love" to number one in 1964:

• "Hello Dolly!"
• "My Guy"
• "Love Me Do"
• "Chapel of Love"
• "I Get Around"
• "Rag Doll"
• "A Hard Day's Night"
• "Everybody Loves Somebody"
• "Where Did Our Love Go"
• "The House of the Rising Sun"
• "Oh, Pretty Woman"
• "Do Wah Diddy Diddy"
• "Baby Love"
• "Leader of the Pack"
• "Ringo"
• "Mr. Lonely"
• "Come See About Me"
• "I Feel Fine"

I truly enjoy discussing song titles and hooks during my consulting calls. Sign up for a 30 or 60 minute session and let's work on coming up with your number 1 hit!