00:22 Sounds good leading in

00:45 Good kicks bringing in melody and rhythm

01:10 Subtle switchup into a new bassline

But I really don't hear anything but pads, bass, and drum samples.

Where's the focus and energy? It all sounds ambient.

When I say focus - chord progression and some really "punchy" sounds help. There's a lot to be learned from aptly called "leads". xD
"

The piano scale in the middle seems a tad off, it seemed rather happy and adverse to the rest of the song ( don't mean the string in the beginning).

But I'm just nitpicking, I like it. :]

Better than I could ever do. This one really caught my eye. =]