A good-sounding pop recording might be described as follow:

 

Well-mixed:
The loudness of instruments and vocals must be in pleasing balance with each other. The mix must be appropriate for the style of music. The level changes during the mix should be subtle, and should make sense.

Wide range:
It means extended low and high frequency response. Wide range sound results from using high-quality mics and adequate EQ.

Tonally balance:
The overall balance of the recording should be neither bassy or trebley.

Clean:
It means free of noise and distorsion. Tape hiss, hum, and distortion are inaudible in good recording. Clean also means “not muddy”.

Clarity:
Instruments do not crowd or mask each other’s sound. They are separated and distinct. In addition, a clear recording has adequate reproduction of instrument’s harmonics.

Smoothness:
Is a lack of sharp peaks or dips in the frequency response, as well as a lack of excessive boost in the midrange.

Presence:
is the apparent sense of closeness of the instruments. Presence is achieved by close miking, overdubbing, and using microphones with a peak or emphasis around 5 kHz.

Spaciousness:
When the sound is spaciousor airy, there is a sense of air around the instruments. Without ambience, instruments sound as if they are isolated in stuffed closet.

Sharp transients:
The attack of drums and cymbals should be sharp and clear. Tight bass and drum: The kick drum and bass guitar should “lock” together so that they sound like a single instrument.

Wide and detailed stereo image:
Tracks should be panned to many points across the stereo stage between the speakers.

Wide and controlled dynamic range:
A recording with a wide dynamic range becomes noticeably louder and softer, adding excitement to the music. To achieve this don’t add to much compression.

Interesting sounds:
The recorded sound may be too flat or neutral, lacking character or color.

Suitable production:
The way a recording sounds should imply the same message as the musical style or lyrics.