Obviously not which is better, but what makes an album/song/artist one or the other (if either). I wasn't thinking of a base "all music is derivative" discussion, but at what point does a very familiar sound become derivative. Is it basically the quality of the actual songs? Does the quality of copied styles vary across genres. Or is the musicianship key. I do apologise for those who think I am vague, but if you have an opinion on the topic fire away...