I know exactly what you speak of when you say the "right" chord changes. One that got me the fist time I heard it was AIC's "Brother" on the unplugged album. Right when they drop in the chorus there, that first chord is so perfect, its beautiful.

I agree, good lyrics are a big plus. I don't always see them as necessary, but I've never found that they take away from the music. Only add to it.