WASHINGTON — If our country can agree on anything right now, it’s that we’re having trouble agreeing on anything at all.

A seemingly endless and unprecedentedly negative presidential campaign has left many people angry, distrustful and fearful heading into holidays that are supposed to celebrate uniting in peace.

As a sports writer, I know very well the role sports play in helping communities come together in setting aside differences and finding common ground. But I also know sports can feel like an unwelcome and petty distraction in the face of real anxiety. One thing I’ve always found that helps, no matter how I’m feeling, is music.

We’re not quite ready for year-end lists and all that yet, but no matter your mood these days, we could all use some really good music to help us get through the days. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of music released since 2000, including both the album from each year that has resonated with me the most since its release as well as one that I didn’t discover until later on.

Hopefully this list will both remind you of some great music you’ve forgotten and introduce you to some fantastic stuff you have yet to hear. Share it with your family this week, or throw on some headphones and escape when you need to. If you’ve got some great tunes you’ve been rocking the last couple weeks, feel free to share them in the comments as well.

Note: A couple of the songs in the Spotify playlist below are different tracks from the ones listed in the gallery above.