Favourite Qualities of Music

[Syvelocin]

Well, here's a more critical thinking thread in the music section.

I'm personally curious, what, in your opinion, makes a song worth listening to? You can't say "the whole thing." What's your ordered list of priorities? This is meant to be more of a back and forth discussion as well, instead of everyone running in, posting, and leaving it at that. You can also post what you think to be a pretty much, if not exactly, perfect song to you, for example. Of course, the poll choices are assuming it's a song with instruments, vocals, lyrics, etc. as opposed to instrumental songs.

For me, it would go:

-Melody. Chord progression/vocal notes pleasing to the ear.
-Lyrics. This one is definitely a priority. I can't stand songs with mediocre lyrics. They need to be at least different from the typical pop mainstream garbage we've been fed, if not deep in meaning.
-Quality/intricateness of instrumentation. I like artists to be multi-faceted. Be able to do more than strum a few chords. I have a thing for improv pianists as well. It could be a full orchestra or just a pianist singing with the piano, but I can't be entertained just by a voice unless they are exceptionally creative/interesting, for example, Imogen Heap's Hide and Seek (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYIAfiVGluk) (yes, Jason Derulo fans, this is the original, he stole the exact recording from Imogen Heap and used it as his chorus. Can we get over that your music is disappointing, ever?) but even that has vocalizer in it.
-Beat
-Voice. As long as they don't fail as a singer, I prefer them having a raw voice to a processed, "American Idol" voice. I guess that shows in my music taste.

When I think of other qualities to add to my list, I will do so. I'm sure there's more.

[User Deleted]

Beat, melody, and instruments, I like music for the lyrics very rarely.

[embers]

Firstly, instruments. This is mainly because I absolutely despise the shit that's in the charts these days, and I much prefer actual bands that use actual instruments. (I'll make an exception for good electronic music - I just chose this because of what the majority of people listen to.) And they should be able to use them well, to suit the mood they're playing, all that sort of stuff. I suppose that ties in with Rith's 'quality/intricateness of instrumentation'.

Lyrics - I do like instrumental music as much as music with vocals, but if a song has vocals in them, I want them to be good. None of that trashy shit that's, once again, in the charts. But, you know, I'll get into some Sigur Ros and other music even if I don't understand the vocals.

Melody isn't too important, but I suppose if a song doesn't have much else to it, it has to be good. But I much prefer songs that build up into climaxes - I'm into a few post-rock/metal artists, and my current favourite song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szbB-vLVnoQ) is something along the 'build-up' lines.

Beat/rhythm aren't important to me, and I usually get into most voices bar the deeper growls in metal music.

[Syvelocin]

Yeah, I don't usually pay attention to beat, but I've realized how it does help a song, to have a catchy beat. Of course, slower songs don't need it, but it does have a bit to do with it. Not incredibly important though.

I have a lot of that "build-up" music as well. I just meant that if the chord progression is shit, there's not much you can do to save the song really.

[BOBBY HILL]

>Melody
>Vocals (as in distinctive voice)
>Lyrics
>Good instrumentation
>Song concept

[Magus]

Vocals, Instruments, Other. I was unsure of beaths/rythem, because there are styles that needs this.

There is no such thing as good or bad vocals for me, so as long it matches the pieces. How do I know it matches the pieces? That, I don't know.

Fuck, I forget to mark lyrics. Because some music, they need the good lyrics. Without them, they just die.

Instruments. I like good instruments, instrument is the most vital part of the music I hear, and I make sure that what I am hearing is good, and the one with the instrument is doing his or her job. I really don't care what they are doing, so as long it is in the guise of improvisation.

Some pieces the need the melody or it will fall apart, but then again, I prefer free independent improvisations.

And, shitload dedication and effort they put in to their work. Really. No pain no gain, even in music - countless nights - days, off and on with their work, till they get it right. The prevalent eastern belief that a small amount of spirit of the smith is parted to their sword; this, but the musician with their work.

[Contra]

First, melody. Then, beats. Afterwards, instruments.
This is the most important for me.
Lyrics come after I listened to the song a few times, because before that I'm too busy paying attention to all the details of the melody.

[Peace God]

Honestly, I can't decide because it depends on the artist. I could rank my favorite qualities but I wouldn't be the same for any two styles of music.

[AmericanIdle]

In rock and pop, melody is most important, followed by lyrics, and then instruments.

In rap & hip-hop, beats and lyrics are most important.

[Dimitri]

When I judge a peice I rate it. When I pick a peice to perform or direct I also pick it with two things in mind.
1. the message it will send the audience
2. the sound it will produce

I think that the more complex a peice is has little to do with the message or sound that will be produced by the peice. The only time I consider the complexity of the peice is when I am directing a competition peice or performing it myself. I think that as long as the peice is beautyful and sends the aimed message to the audience then it is alright in my book.