In no particular order, the following is a countdown of some of my favorite songs and performances from the past year. The list consists entirely of female artists because they were the ones who dominated the music world (and my playlists) over the course of these twelve grueling months. I could write volumes on each of these, but this time around, I’ll let the music speak for itself. Enjoy!

Top Songs of 2016

Head of the Table: Solange Knowles – “Cranes in the Sky” (Official Music Video)

Punk as Fuck: Against Me! – “333”

Her Woman: Angel Olsen – “Shut Up Kiss Me” (Official Video)

Ladies of the Canyon: Bleached – “Sour Candy”

Post-Death Fuzzed Out Psychotic Pop: Japanese Breakfast – “In Heaven” (Audiotree Live)

Virginia is for Lonely Lovers: Lucy Dacus – “Dream State/Familiar Place” (Live at WFUV)

Pet Shop Girls: Tegan and Sara – “Stop Desire” (Official Music Video)

Fighters of the Good Fight: Polica – “Wedding” (Live on The Current)

Johnny & June, Gram & Emmylou: Sam Beam & Jesca Hoop – “One Way to Pray” (Live on KCRW)

Dancing in the Ether: Maggie Rogers – “Dog Years” (Official Audio)

An Oregonian on the Eastbound Trail: Laura Gibson – “Empire Builder” (Live at WFUV)

Re-mastered Masterpiece: Tift Merritt – “Bramble Rose” (Live at Sawyer Sessions)

When Worlds Collide: Florence + The Machine – “Too Much Is Never Enough” (FFXV Soundtrack)

Aussie Deadhead: Courtney Barnett – “New Speedway Boogie”

Thee One to Watch in 2017: The Japanese House – “Face like Thunder” (Official Video)

Keep Her in Your Heart for Awhile: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – Full Performance (Live on KEXP)