I like for a song to paint a picture in it's wording or let the listener see the descriptive scenes the lyrics are telling. A good tune can grab me and sometimes what certain singers/performers do to a song can pull me into their favor. Example, I just borrowed a tape from Frank from Toledo called "Tulare Dust". It's all Merle Haggard songs covered by singer/songwriters. I just never thought I would ever be interested in doing ANY M.Haggard tunes. I've been waken up to some great songs. I strongly recomend everyone give it a listen.
What is popular at the top 40 stuff does'nt grab me until I hear it 2 years down the road and once in a while something will grab me. (Rarely)
Mudjack