I suspect that we're reacting to two very different kinds of hooks.

As paddymac and others said above, a hook can be a literal implement to symbolize displeasure. (Anybody remember the Gong Show?)

It is also a barb to catch others' interest, as Amos said, first in newspaper jargon then by extension to any kind of writing, including song. Used in this sense, it is in no way denigrating, but a recognition of the fact that if you don't catch someone's eye, you're not going to get read.