I find too many people write the same generic tracks. Working in templates for a specific genre limits your chances to create something entirely new. How are you ever going to make something to call your own if your trying to be like everyone else? Let other artists inspire you but write what you feel. So what if it gets a little crazy, at least its original. And always review your older works, with time your personal style will emerge.
I listen to all types of music. And I mean that when I say it. My ipod’s shuffle will go from metal to classical to pop and that’s just how I like it. I don’t like to get stuck on one artist or whatever artists are popular. If you believe in collective consciousness then you know that all music has already been written and what you make is only a variation.