According to Don McLean, February 3, 1959 was the day the music died. For many Gen-Xers such as myself, 2016 is the year the music died. We lost some truly transcendent musicians, singers, and songwriters this year. Their music stands the test of time, and many of the songs you’ll hear below sound like they could have been recorded yesterday.

1. Freedom! ’90 – George Michael

“Freedom! ’90” is catchy as hell, but beneath the uptempo refrain, it’s about shedding people’s expectations and staying true to yourself. That’s a powerful message from someone who’s been there.

2. Everybody Knows – Leonard Cohen

“Everybody Knows” was released in 1988, but I’ll be damned if I don’t listen and feel like those lyrics were written on Wednesday, November 9, 2016. It’s not an uplifting song, but if nothing else it reminds me that, while 2016 might have felt like a non-stop shit-storm of epic proportions, it really wasn’t anything new. This too shall pass.

3. Sign O’ The Times – Prince

If I could only listen to one snippet of music for the rest of my life, it would be the bassline of “Sign O’ The Times.” Like “Everybody Knows,” it’s not the most optimistic song at first glance. However, I interpret Prince’s last lines to be a push to live your life without letting the bad shit get in the way. “Sign o’ the times, mess with your mind, hurry before it’s 2 late. Let’s fall in love, get married, have a baby…”

4. Changes – David Bowie

The first time I ever fell in love, it was with someone who gave me a David Bowie cassette. Bowie was an icon because he wasn’t afraid to be himself, whoever that was at the time. “Changes” reminds us that if there is one thing constant in the chaos, it’s change. “Turn and face the strange.” Indeed.

5. I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink – Merle Haggard

I might not be a big country music fan, but Merle Haggard was a country icon with a career spanning fifty years. He may be best known for “Okie from Muskogee” but “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” covers a classic country theme. Sometimes you just have to put your troubling shit on hold and grab a drink.

6. Nasty Girl – Vanity

Vanity may not have been as prolific as her mentor, Prince, but “Nasty Girl” merits mention here. In a year where many of us were christened “Nasty Women” by our President-Elect, here’s an anthem we may have danced to when we were still kids. (That is, until it was yanked from radio airplay for having scandalous lyrics.)

7. Take It Easy – Glenn Frey

Glenn Frey was a founding member of the legendary group, The Eagles, and later went on to have a successful solo career. He’s credited with co-writing many of The Eagles’ iconic hits, but “Take It Easy” was their first single and Frey sings the lead vocals. This song contains a line that resonates with my anxious psyche during difficult times: “Take it easy – Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.”

8. Let’s Groove – Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Wire)

Even if you don’t know Maurice White’s name, I’m betting you know this song. “Let’s Groove” is pure, delicious, disco escapism at its best. Next time you’re feeling stressed, play this jam and get your groove on; you’ll be feeling alright in no time.

9. Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen

“Hallelujah” might just be the greatest song of all time. It was originally recorded by Leonard Cohen in 1984 and has been performed by hundreds of singers since then. Jeff Buckley’s hauntingly beautiful version is probably the best known, but if you search for “Hallelujah” covers online, you’ll find that this song lends itself to endless amazing interpretations.

10. Purple Rain – Prince

“Purple Rain” makes me sob my fucking eyes out. It’s a beautiful song by an awe-inspiring artist who was taken from us much too soon. But to be fair, “Purple Rain” is the song that has consistently brought me to tears for the last twenty years. It’s a song of loss, but it’s also a song of beauty and hope:

Honey, I know, I know
I know times are changing
It’s time we all reach out
For something new, that means you too

You say you want a leader
But you can’t seem to make up your mind
I think you better close it
And let me guide you to the purple rain