My favourite master of melancholy music. Let the sensitive serenity of this acoustic gem dispel blackening clouds. Standouts: "I’ll follow you tonight", "I say no", "Shoreline"

The gorgeous, smoky voice of Chan Marshall (aka Cat Power) sings of hard-won emotional insights and experiences in drowsy, world-weary songs. Greatest: "Lived in bars", "Where is my love"

Okay, I admit that he did possibly take his own life at a frighteningly young age, but his delicate-as-cotton-wool voice still exudes a fragility and wisdom that is uplifting. Best: "Time has told me"

Although having recently disappeared into MOR territory, the raw, reedy singing on her earlier albums convey a diffuse sense of melancholy, without ever drifting into the depressing. Tip: "I wish..."

Glory in the deeply-felt wisdom of the title track of this country-folk album – “who could know if I'm a traitor? / Time’s a revelator --”

Mitchell charts the arc of a modern romantic relationship, accompanied by full orchestra. It’s her own two tracks that do the deepest and most exquisite soul-bearing: "A Case of You", "Both Sides Now"