Rhythm. With rhythm/timing, even a novice can sound good with some bum notes and less musical lines. Without it, even "good" players will sound pretty bad.
My tip? Instead of just saying just metronome practice, buy an egg-shaker next time you're at a music shop. Put on some music and see how good you are at just getting the rhythm.
I could always sense the rhythm and feel it, but it wasn't until one of these puppies was put in my hand that I realised just how far out I could be.