Genres: Singer-Songwriter

Everyone with a soft spot for singer/songwriters knows their Troubadour History 101, filled with songsmiths from previous generations, but here's where you'll find the best of the current crop of artists committed to the crafting of thoughtful tunes.

Many of the solo artists that emerged in the 1970s became widely referred to as "singer-songwriters." These artists wrote and performed songs that were personal, sincere, introspective, and, most importantly, timeless.

John Mayer has been one of the most enduring and versatile singer-songwriters of his generation. Celebrate the release of his new album "Born and Raised" (http://bit.ly/JPZNbX) with this playlist, featuring John and his closest contemporaries.

Acoustic folk-pop by male singer-songwriters with breathy vocals.

Take a trip from Haight on down to Sunset with these acoustic-centric songs by California artists from the late '60s and early '70s. Singer-songwriter, folk rock, country rock, soft rock. Lots of harmony, and plenty of mellow.

Introspective folk-based songs to help you reflect during the fleeting moments of magic hour when the sun has dipped below the horizon but hasn't yet set.

Some of the most influential, memorable and legendary folk songs of all time.

Listen to the breeziest lite rock songs of the '70s.

Listen to feel-good, classic pop songs that Mom will love.

Billy Joel is one of the most popular singer/songwriters to emerge in the 1970s. Listen to essential songs by the Piano Man himself as well as his greatest influences and contemporaries.

Modern female songwriters inspired by the off-kilter vocal and sonic sensibilities of music maverick Kate Bush.

Elliott Smith is one of indie rock's most celebrated singer-songwriters. Listen to songs by Smith as well as his greatest influences, closest contemporaries, and indebted followers.

Kick back on a weekend morning to let the cares of the week -- or the dust you kicked up last night -- blow easily by in the breeze. Here's some easy-rolling tracks to set the mellow mood for a "no sudden moves" sort of day.

Ever find yourself gently swaying in your booth at your favorite neighborhood coffee shop? One of these easygoing, acoustic-centered tunes may have been why.

The 1970s saw the once-homogenous rock audience split into factions like soft singer-songwriters, bluesy hard rock, and artsy progressives. Yet a fondness for complex arrangements and thoughtful lyrics united listeners like never before.

As rock & roll entered its second decade, these artists brought new vocal, lyrical and musical complexity while retaining a youthful spark. The result was rock even the Mad Men generation enjoyed.

Jimmy Buffet is more than a singer/songwriter, he's a state of mind. Put on your flip-flops and embrace your inner Parrothead with this beach-ready mix of Jimmy's hits, friends, influences and tributes.