If you're anything like me, you'll see the title of this post and approach it as just another listicle telling you what to think or do or say. The "list" that has recently taken social media by storm can be frustrating and problematic, but that's another issue. What you'll find below is a compilation of suggestions for the sake of depth and joy found within amazing music.

I'm convinced at the downfall in the quality of popular music that my generation enjoys. Of course, everyone is entitled to listen to whatever they like and I realize that "good" music can be subjective to an extent. To be clear, I'm completely down for the occasional Eminem or Justin Timberlake jam. I'm not trying to be a music snob and am in no way trying to tell people what to listen to.

I suppose my main goal here isn't to bash the generation I belong to, but to share the wonderful news that there is so much more to music. There's music in all sorts of genres and time periods that can make you think and feel and cry. Explore music. It's worth it.

1. Bob Dylan

This guy is a legendary poet in my book. More than just an anti-war protestor, his non-traditional voice breaks the boundaries of what counts as traditionally "good". "Desolation Row", "Shelter From the Storm" and "Boots of Spanish Leather" are just a few of my favorites.

2. Dave Matthews Band

I'll never understand why a lot of people love to hate DMB. They're so much more than 90's frat guy jam music. They've been one of the most influential bands in my music taste by being thoughtful, feel-good, rootsy and almost impossible to describe. Dave is funny and weird. His voice is also weirdly awesome and his band members are just as talented. The layered details that DMB implements into every one of their songs are scarily good. Yes, "Crash Into Me" may be about a creepy stalker, but it's one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. You have permission to hate me for this.

3. Led Zeppelin

I can't begin to describe how incredible this band is. If I'm listening to classic rock, Zeppelin makes up the majority of the playlist. As an English major, nerding out over their mythological references is a riot. Robert Plant's soulful wails are nothing short of awesome. As a side note, he made an album with Alison Krauss which surprisingly really works. Listen to "Ramble On" with your windows rolled down and you'll feel like a total rebel.

4. Alt-J

Every "hipster" loves to love Alt-J. Though they are labeled an indie rock band, their quest for genre transcendence is evident. Alt-J's music is incredibly unique, kind of weird, and super enjoyable. All good things.

5. Zach Winters

Extremely off the beaten path, Winters is still a pretty small singer-songwriter name and I'm not sure if he will ever get big within his genre. But his music, people, his music. Just like his name, he makes perfect winter music. Seasons have a big influence on what I listen to and my winter this year was filled with Winters. His music explores Christian longings while remaining poetic. His sound is peaceful yet fervent. "Small Boat" and "Chemicals" are especially perfect.

6. Jose Gonzalez

Gonzalez is a staple in my singer-songwriter collection. Warning: He can get pretty depressing. Super brooding and existential, the most positive he gets is his few songs in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." His music is chock-full of life's deepest questions sung softly. Sometimes a girl's just gotta get deep.

7. Pixies

I first got into the Pixies for the first time after watching "Fight Club" by myself my freshman year of college. Sounds pathetic, I know, but watching a good philosophical movie alone is sometimes the perfect remedy. Razor-sharp guitar and vocals that say "I'm just singing 'cause I want to" make this alt-rock band great to me. "Where Is My Mind" playing while Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter watch buildings blow up? Sure.

8. Penny and Sparrow

A Texas native singer-songwriter duo with gorgeous harmonies, P&S explores Christian themes without being exclusively Christian. Songs like "Duet", "Rattle" and "Just and Just As" make my heart cry for the sake of sheer beauty. That's all.

9. Iron and Wine

Iron and Wine's hushed Americana sound is the ultimate chill. Haunting and beautiful and a little depressing. A recipe for perfection.