Just goes to show how different we all are. For me, the melody attracts me to a song, but, if I'm going to sing it, the words carry it. I am somewhat rhythm-impaired musically, but am attuned to the rhythms of speech and poetry. I never thought of choosing songs by "the rhythm method" or the groove.

Dylan has impeccable phrasing and command of language, even though some people don't like his singing. He writes the most natural dialog I have ever heard in songs. You might want to study his phrasing, or others mentioned above.