What do you look for in artists?

One thing I like to ask alot of people. What makes you like the artists you like?

Is it their depth of lryic?
insane solos?
chart position?
looks?
etc...

Something quirky and emotional.

Or something with a great introduction and a powerful beat throughout.

I like music that isn't made for money. Then I like it for its lyrics and basically the talents of the musicians. I love the Red Hot Chili Peppers because they are each one of the best in the world at playing their respective instrument, write amazing lyrics and are fantastic performers. Then again, I also love Oasis but probably for other reasons. I'm kind of attracted to their attitude; which I know people don't like but I admire they're outspokenness and half the time it's just funny tbh.

I do love great intros though as said above; like Jimmy Eat World's Get It Faster (idk just an example that popped into my head :P).

But I do like some bands that aren't "amazing" but I dunno.. I just like, Snow Patrol, Linkin Park and Nickelback for instance. (I know some will argue they are amazing, fair enough ;)).

I just gotta like the music, im not too bothered about lyrics but it can get a bit annoying if they're too political or trying too hard to get a message across.

Good lyrics are kinda essential for me as I'm a lyricist myself, but lyrics alone don't make a song good and as John said, political lyrics are just plain annoying. Something fairly simple melody-wise works for me, triple guitar solos and 800bpm double bass pedalling isn't my thing.

Depends what kind of band i'm looking for. Eg.
Metal: Good riff, Good solo
Screamo/Hardcore: Not too immensely screamo that its impossible to understand, Good breakdowns
Electro, Pop Punk: Good beat, Catchy tune

I do like meaningfull lyrics but they're not exactly essential to me. The one important thins though is the singers voice.

Powerful, Deep vocals and sometimes a passionate meaning gets through.

But inside the vocals i love it when they use an unbelievable amount of expression in their voice. Its like the personally know how it feels and they reenacting that moment there and then.

lyrics lyrics lyrics lyrics.

i'm a great fan of clever lyrics.