A is for “Arrangement”

Arrangement: N. — a particular version of a tune and its harmony

As much as I like good strong songwriting, it’s often the arrangement that Does It for me. Yeah, I know that’s a little shallow, putting the glossy production cart before the horse, but I love ear candy a whole bunch, and I’m willing to forgive crappy lyrics or a banal chord progression if somebody has sweetened the song with horns, lush vocal harmonies, a modulation or two, or other sonic goodies.