Typically, as humans we make up our minds extremely fast. When we meet someone for the first time, within the first minute we have already made up our minds on whether we like the person or not. It's the same way with music, we know if we'll like a song within the first 30 seconds. If we like it, we'll turn it up and bop our heads to it if not we're changing to something else.

So what makes you like a song? Is it 'meaningful or deep lyrics' or a jamin beat? Or is it a nice vocal performance. Does it matter if real insturments are played vs a drum machine?

It's hard for me, because I listen to so many types of music. I don't put any limits on what I listen to. I can't say meaningful or deep lyrics because I'll listen to "Head" and then a song about slappin' bitches, and after that jam some gospel . I don't look for a certain type of beat either, I like ballads and uptemop songs. I do enjoy a funky baseline, but I like plenty songs that aren't funky so that's out as well. And drum machines are a non-factor for me. And while I do enjoy a nice vocal, I like plenty of artists who have limited range plus I like rap and you don't need any vocal ability to rap..so yeah. My favorite genre is R&B, since most the songs I listen fall under that umbrella, so I guess I enjoy music that's rhythmy and bluesy.

How about you guys?

[Edited 5/4/12 8:19am]

I dont look for anything in a song. It usually captures me for whatever reasons or it doesn't. Regardless of its a beat, lyrics, melody or whatever. I may even end up disliking a song initally and then later it might hit me and I begin to get into it. Sometimes a situation Im in can create a liking to a song (at a gathering, driving alone at night etc), but there are no specific determinants for me.

rdhull said:

Enjoyment, simply. It doesn't have to be well crafted or groundbreaking or well sung or of any particular genre.

I just simply have to enjoy it.

.

[Edited 5/4/12 9:08am]

I look for everything. Of course, the medley is the first thing you hear so that has to be good. Then lyrics. Lyrics are very important to me. I love clever, deep, meaningful and even playful (seemingly simplistic) lyrics. Regardless of what the song is about, I like for the lyrics to at least appear like some thought was put into them.

Prince imo, has the greatest consistency when it comes to all of the above. Stevie Wonder and Teena Marie is (& was) a great singer/songwriter too.

I prefer live instuments but if the song is good, I'm not too picky about it. I also don't care about vocal ability that much. Not that I don't love vocal acrobats, when it's fitting, but as long as the artist can get their emotion across effectively, they don't have to be a great vocalist.

Madonna has great songs, imo. Oh Father, is one of my favorite songs. Her voice isn't great, but that song doesn't really call for it.

I tend to like voices in higher ranges. Examples of my favorite vocalists are Whitney Houston, Deniece Williams, Minnie Riperton, Michael Jackson, El Debarge, Eddie Kendricks and the one guy from After 7 (don't know his name, lol) he sings the high part on Ready Or Not.

I suppose I'm a bit picky about music, which would explain why I don't like anything I hear now days. As much as I loved music videos when they first came out, they eventually ruined good music. Way too much emphasis is placed on looks and image. No one cares about great music anymore just shock value, t & a. It's a shame.

The music has to penetrate my soul and the lyrics should follow.

Strong pounding drums, a heavy bassline, and ass shakability.

vainandy said:

Strong pounding drums, a heavy bassline, and ass shakability.

::Cues Hide The Bone::

I listen to many different types of music, but I usually prefer midtempo and slow songs (of course this changes with mood).. good lyrics engage me more than good music.. and rock is my favorite genre.

I listen to hear if the music is good first then I get into the lyrics. If the music is bad I can't even give it a chance