Top 10 Things People Listen for When Rating Rock Songs
Definitely the first thing in rock music to notice. It's the base of a song. People tend to notice more of rhythm guitar part than lead guitar part.
Yes, like Metal_Treasure said, bass riffs are rare. But there are some songs which have prominent bass riffs. Green Grass and High Tides for example. It has a noticeable bass riff, almost covers the whole song. I know a user who liked the bass riffs.
If I rate about basslines, then I notice more bass solos than bass riffs. But yeah, I have seen people liking bass riffs more than bass solos. Mike Dirnt for example.
Especially for prog rock/metal etc genres.
It usually means lead guitar. Both rhythmic riffs and solos. Including some few licks and different techniques.
I know there are songs without choruses but chorus is a common thing people notice.