I'm very picky about the music I listen to. Most assume that means I only listen to very underground, rare, or indie music. I actually listen to pop and commercial all the time. If you're curious about the discerning factors, I'll let you in on my science.
Key. I'm a big fan of B minor. About half of my playlist are in this key, or have a core instrumentation in this key.
Low End Frequency. Very low bass seems to resonate with at least half of my moods through the day. I have wide spectrum ears, so bass (and high frequencies as well) that are usually ignored or inaudible to adults my age are audible to me. (My kids using silent ringtones doesn't work) And I can feel sub bass a way others describe as crunchy, I hear tone; strange huh? I just never really damaged my ears. I've always been an ear plugs person; from concerts to beaches. This now effects my musical tastes. Problematic to this is, my ears- while sensitive, aren't as 'trained' as they used to be. So I can't play music like I used to - rusty.
It has to suck me in. Something about the song has to trap me. It had to draw something about my personality out or drag me into it. If I can't close my eyes to it and see a movie in my head, it's not on regular play.
That's nice I am also very picky on music, and don't like commercial music at all so I always go with 50-60's-70's and techno or indie :) I'm not a musician like @jeffandhisguitar who posted here but I do love music! Thanks for joining!