Throwback Thursday ‘Hook’ by Blues Traveler (1995)

Awhile back, I asked for Throwback Thursday suggestions on my socials, and this was one of those suggestions!

"Hook" by Blues Traveler is from their album, Four.

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"Hook" is actually a song all about satire. It literally is about how as long as a song has a catchy 'hook' it will keep bringing you back. The band was trying to make a statement about how popular music is too much of a formula and record labels just want cookie-cutter songs. And how the general public falls for it every time.

The lyrics are a commentary on the predictable and ordinary structure of successful pop songs.

For example, the lyrics, "It doesn't matter what I say / So long as I sing with inflection / That makes you feel that I'll convey / Some inner truth or vast reflection."

And, "When I’m feeling stuck and need a buck/ I don’t rely on luck, because/ the hook brings you back..."

Not only are the lyrics calling out the music industry and casual listeners alike, but also the song composition was done with a satirical purpose.

According to Wikipedia, "The chord progression of 'Hook' is very similar to the basic structure of Pachelbel's Canon in D,^[2][3] (D-A-Bm-F#m-G-D-G-A, or I-V-vi-iii-IV-I-IV-V),^[4] but transposed to the key of A major. This chord progression is very widely used in popular music, often as the hook, leading to other satirical takes on the use of this chord structure."

So, let me get this straight. "Hook" became a hit song all while making fun of hit songs. How very meta of Blues Traveler. It's like we're in the Matrix or something.

The music video references back to Blues Traveler's mainstream breakout song, "Run-Around".

Paul Schaeffer makes a cameo in the music video and actually did some backup vocals on their album.

"Hook" peaked at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #8 on the Mainstream Top 40 chart.