For me, it's dynamics. When properly executed, it grabs people's attention even when they're not listening faster than any other aspect of music. I've noticed when we first start playing, not to many people are listening, but when we start executing dynamics, it turns heads; a definite way to get people listening to you longer. It's a large part of what keeps a song from being boring because your audience never knows what's going to happen next.

Second to that, or even coupled with it, is a good bass guitar/drum coordination.

something with passion that doesn't sound like its forced or someone sat in a room perfecting it for hours and hours until every note sounded perfect (most metal and indie sounds like this to me).

I agree with everything DogsRool said. Dynamics are very important to music.

Some sort of intense emotion, or a secondary emotion that's hidden away skillfully.

A strong rhythm section (bass/perc groove), and a memorable melody.

Serj Tankian.

If you appreciate dynamics, you'd love The Cure.

hahah, thats kind of funny.

One of my best friends, is related by marriage to serg, and he got a call from him during a few days ago while we were out biking.


I don't really like the music though.


I think that a unique voice makes the music.

A voice like Tim Armstrongs, Mike Virus's, or Greg Graffins.

0_o <3

Just the fact that I like it. Geez.