Does the story make you want to find out what's going on next (ie makes you feel like you can't put it down till you know what's going to happen next)?

yes. I think the story's really good altho I've only played only like a quarter of the game. The characters are definitely more human, and I don't know why gijoe24jp said you couldn't relate to them cuz i definitely can relate with all of the characters. I think the story is better than most other FFs. I dunno how i'll feel after beating the game once, but for now, i can't even wait to see new cutscenes (not to mention superb and detailed graphics). Anyways, it's very story-driven in my opinion.

Finally, even if you think the music is sub par would you say that it's on par with FFT?

I haven't played FFT for a while (I actually don't own it but my friend let me borrow it for a week. needless to say, i couldn't beat it), but just looking at FF12, i think the music is really nice. it's not nobuo uematsu, but actually, they did a great job with music (esp. the opening movie...).