Subjectivity is a really tricky bastard as we all know, whether it's your taste in music, art, or food ... there are other smart, cool people who you might like a lot in general, but you may find it repulsive that they like mayo or Monet or MJ while you absolutely love pickles, Picasso, and Prince. I tend to like a lot of stuff that even people really close to me would never guess I'd listen to. I hate the messages of a lot of rappers but I still want to listen to the songs with good beats. I guess I just pick the best aspect of a compilation and that's what I focus on. Also I rarely like something the first time I hear it, but I can grow to appreciate pretty much anything if I really give it a chance. As far as specific tracks are concerned, what do you think makes a song good? So far all I can think of is deep lyrical meaning and staying power as the only two arguable points when trying to validate one of your favorites, but what exactly makes a song catchy a.k.a. shallow? (besides Lady Gaga being a part of it in any way)
The only thing that can make a song good is originality (i.e. creativity). What makes a song catchy or shallow? A lack thereof.
I don't think catchy and shallow are the same thing, but I usually find that if a song is catchy right away, I won't like it as long. It's more of a disposable thing. But songs that take me awhile to get into stick in my mind and I like them for a long time.