Patty Griffin is a force of nature. A folk-music mainstay for more than 20 years, the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter defies her diminutive stature with strong, gutsy vocals that propel poignant songs. Known for an ability to capture the idiosyncrasies of love, sadness and everything in between, the Maine native weaves salt-of-the earth characters into the fabric of Americana. Such is the case with her 2013 release American Kid, a homage to her father. According to Paste magazine, the album sees Griffin "taking emotional truths and cutting to the quick, her razor-sharp sense of detail has never been sharper."

Price: $48-72.