As a writer, how do you personally measure the overall quality of a lyric? What would make one stand out, what would detract from it, and how would these internal qualities connect to form your overall reception of it?
I have always measured the quality of a written lyric using three dimensions: intricacy of multi-syllabic rhyme, use of creative writing techniques, and the existential value of the message being conveyed. Any combination of 2 or more of these in high complexity constitutes what I would consider to be an engaging lyric.
Of the above 3 axes, my primary focus and interest is on the first. What do I mean by 'intricacy of multi-syllabic rhyme'? I'm referring to rhymes being so precisely packed into each available syllable that they can be visualized spatially. The ability to master this technique of syllabic rhyme has been the defining element of many of the most successful lyrical artists of our time.
Yeah, rap does seem to be the densest concentration of the multi-syllabic rhyme technique. There are actually a surprising number of rock and roll songs that have used this methodology, although it isn't as noticeable because the music and tempo are generally slower and directs attention away from the lyrics themselves. This raises the question of lyrics serving a leading or supplementary role in a listener's eyes...
When thinking about lyrics, in terms of music specifically, I've always liked ones that paint a visual image in my head or convey the most emotion. I think growing up listening to rock over rap has definitely shaped my tastes. It's interesting how rap seems to be the only genre that constantly stresses multi-syllabic rhyme to a large extent, makes me wonder about what a non-rap song using that lyric style would sound like.