It was especially difficult to choose 5 albums that I felt embodied 2016. It was a complicated year! So, instead I made you a mini mix tape of soothing soft rocking tunes to whisper good riddance to 2016. Better luck to us all in 2017!

Benji Hughes // Fall Me in Love from Songs in the Key of Animals (Merge)

Gibbz // Stay For a While from Above Water (self-released)

Soft Hair // Lying Has to Stop from Soft Hair (Weird World)

Jay Som // I Think You're Alright from Turn Into (Polyvinyl)

Mitski // Your Best American Girl from Puberty 2 (Dead Oceans)