A catchy pop song often gives your ear something recognisable to return to: a melodic shape, a repeated phrase or a rhythm that feels satisfying. There is no formula that guarantees everyone will respond. The relationship between those elements matters more than any isolated rule.
Listen for the hook
The hook might arrive in a chorus, an instrumental phrase or a short line before the next section. Notice what you can remember after the song finishes. Then listen again to hear how the surrounding arrangement gives that moment its space.
Explore different kinds of pop writing
Some songs build towards a big repeated chorus; others make a quieter phrase memorable. Try listening across several original recordings instead of expecting the same structure every time. Mayia's catalogue gives you one small collection to explore, while her performance videos offer a different way to notice melody and phrasing without treating this article as an account of her writing process.
Explore Mayia’s performances and covers on YouTube or read My Story to get to know the artist behind the music.