The key thing is vocals. To me, anyway!

Of all the things on any rock/metal album, right at the top of the 'needs' list are the vocals. For instance, Guy Ritter's Holy Danger wasn't the best album in the world. The production was rather poor and the lyrics weren't spell binding (although some were very good). The artwork for the album was almost non existent and some of the vocals were wobbly. BUT, when he sung some of the lines it gave/gives me goose bumps. That to me is the key thing about any album. When you hit the mark putting vocals, lyrics and music together. Sometimes you can get away with awesome vocals, average lyrics and average music. But to make a top ten album the vocals are key.

Here's what I mean.....

Holy Danger - One Way
Vocals 9/10
Music 7/10
Lyrics 7/10
Production 3/10
Overall 9/10!!!

Barren Cross - State Of Control
Vocals 8/10
Music 9/10
Lyrics 8/10
Production 9/10
Overall 8/10!!!


On scores alone Barren Cross should win, but the vocals from HD just take the album above music, lyrics or production.


Does anyone else have a key thing they look for in an album?

Fundy

I put vocals on top of the list. Vocals right under that. Then music/production. You also have to figure in the "smile factor". You know what I'm talking about. You listen to just a couple of seconds of a new project, your head starts to bang, and you just smile knowing that this is a new favorite.

Vocals can be important, but I think my big deal is does the music click with me.
I love albums where the songs have hooks. Something memorable that drags you back to the song again and again.