Would you please give 1 or 2 examples fitting your criteria? Thanks...appreciate it.
a. complex rhythm...
Anything by Alabina, Natasha Atlas, some of Shakira's stuff (when she stickks to her roots). Anything with Hossam Ramsey Drumming (like Peter Gabriels Passion CD or Lorenna McKinnet). Kodo drums of course. Most Greek, Turkish, true Flaminco, Egyptian, Arabic etc fall into that catogory.
They layer rhythms and drums like we do melodies and harmonies. I can't stand a flat drum line.
I don't care if I don't know what the words are, but if the rhythms are not only complex, but transitioning! I'm in heaven!
b. Ecellent voice-- Charlotte Church, Sarah Brightman, Michael Bouble' (sp), Roc Voisin (he or someone else that is Quebecer). Sometimes Alison Krauss. Ofra Haza when she was alive.
c. Exceptional lyrics: Lots of country music falls in that catagory. I listen to it driving a lot and tired of listening to my CDs....and I love story songs, etc....like Whiskey Lullaby, I Hope You Dance etc.