Just curious about the music fans out there...

[James3shin]

Do you listen to the beat/instruments, or lyrics? Typically, I'm down for the words of the artist, but when it comes to classical I have to listen to the artists' instrument.

 

[Kirby]

Instruments 60%, lyrics 40%

 

[nakedfrog]

Lyrics are secondary. Maybe even tertiary. Unless they're really bad, I don't care much what they are.
The voice is an instrument like any other.
Good lyrics are a plus, though.

 

[daveshel]

It takes a synergy of words and music to move me.

 

[shocksyde]

I don't care at all about lyrics.

 

[Ika]

1. Musicality & melody
2. Guitar
3. Good vocals

As long as lyrics aren't horrifically bad, like Nickelback, I'll probably enjoy it.

 

[TestedAcorn]

I pretty much listen for everything the same. If the singer doesn't have a somewhat good voice or if the lyrics are really dumb then i won't listen to it. The music doesn't make too much of a difference unless it's like country music with moaning violins in the background or really gay tremolo'd pinch harmonics everywhere.

 

[ggnl]

Either one, done well, can keep me listening to an album. Good music and bad lyrics, or bad music and good lyrics, I don't care. I'll listen to it.

 

[SludgeFactory]

Melody
Harmony
Rhythm (more than "the beat")
Tone

Lyrics are lower on the list, but if they're bad they can turn me off of the song.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Vocals are an instrument. The whole song must work together.

 

[funkymatt]

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer
Vocals are an instrument. The whole song must work together.

this is why Donna was a terrible addition to the grateful dead. so overbearing and ugh.

 

[hiromizu]

I don't get how people can get so emotionally attached to a beat. It's just a steady pulse that defines a song's tempo. Boring.

 

[James3shin]

When it comes to hip-hop or rap, I'm pretty much focused on the lyrics but when it comes to other genres like Rock, Alternative, Punk, or Pop the importance of words fades away. For instance, Blur Song 2 had some terrible lyrics that made no sense to me, "...head checked by a jumbo jet...Wahoo!" but I liked the song for the opening drums. Then there is I'm yours by Jason Mraz where the lyrics and instruments are both great.