This is the second album for the group led by Bill Doss (formerly of Olivia Tremor Control), which mixes psychedelia and pop.

The Norway-based indie-folk duo of Erlend Øye and Erik Glambek Bøe reunite for a third album, following some detours by Øye into more electronic-based music.

A bit more "rock" than her older sister Jessica, the 19-year-old former ("7th Heaven") and current (her own MTV reality show) TV star makes her recording debut with these 11 tracks produced by John Shanks.

The dancehall artist returns with a more genre-consistent (and yes, back to basics) album, with a lone Timbaland-produced crossover track, "All Girls Party."

A ten-year music-industry veteran at age 25, Brandy returns with 15 new tracks, ditching long-time collaborator Rodney Jerkins in favor of producers Timbaland, Organized Noize and Kanye West.

The Swedish group (originally formed 9 years ago as an all-girl trio, but now featuring 8 full-time members) make their international debut with an album that manages to combine elements of classic Motown, Mazzy Star and the Velvet Underground.

The 80s-influenced laptop-pop duo of Dan Geller and Amy Dykes return with their third LP.

These thirteen tracks mark just the third solo disc for the former Beach Boys songwriter, and include songs that Wilson has written over the past two decades. Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and Elton John guest. (Sorry, no Snoop Dogg or Missy Elliott.)

Ditching the production team (The Matrix) who made her first album a hit, Lavigne turned to fellow Canadians Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida to write and produce this sophomore disc.

This is the fourth release for the chamber-pop outfit led by--yes--Matthew Pond and based in--you guessed it--Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, to be exact).

Patience is indeed a requirement for fans of the former Wham! member, as this is just his fourth solo album of original material and first in eight years.

Kravitz handled virtually all of the instruments for this seventh album, which features a guest appearance from Jay-Z on the track "Storm."

New husband Elvis Costello co-wrote six of the tunes on this latest disc from platinum-selling jazz vocalist Diana Krall.

The 45-year-old former squiggle makes a return to form with his first release in three years.

The three Hanson brothers (now ranging in age from 19 to 24) return with their third album, a full seven years after first hitting the pop charts.

The nipple-baring superstar's first album in three years features production from Dallas Austin, Babyface, Kanye West, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

21-year-old Norwegian pop singer-songwriter Sondre Lerche returns with his second U.S. release.

The former member of *NSync makes his solo debut with 'Schizophrenic,' working with a range of producers including Basement Jaxx.

The dance-pop diva, still going strong at 35, returns with a new album.

Arif Mardin produced this follow-up to the singer's hugely successful 2002 effort 'Come Away With Me.' Dolly Parton guests.

London-born, 19-year-old jazz vocalist Nellie McKay makes her debut with this 2-disc set produced by Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick. Unlike contemporaries such as Norah Jones, McKay brings a darker edge and a sense of humor (and even a hint of hip hop) to her songs, all of which she wrote herself.

Kelis' third LP (second in the States) features production from the Neptunes, Dallas Austin and Andre 3000.

The Pepsi spokesperson's fourth LP includes guest vocals from Madonna (on lead single "Me Against The Music") and production work from Moby, R. Kelly, the Matrix, and Guy Sigsworth (but no Max Martin).

Following the unexpected critical and commercial success of M!ssundaztood, Pink returns with a third, even more rock-oriented album. Linda Perry returns to helm just a few tracks, with the bulk of the producing/writing chores falling to Rancid's Tim Armstrong.

Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, The Thrills incorporate the sounds of California rock from the 1960s and 70s (the Byrds, Beach Boys) as well as a bit of Beatles thrown in for good measure on this debut album, already a hit in the UK (and a nominee for the Mercury Music Prize).

Phil Ek produced this sophomore effort for the Albuquerque-based group led by James Mercer (also of Flake), who wowed critics in 2001 with their 1960s-flavored debut 'Oh, Inverted World.'

This is the second album for the lo-fi indie-pop trio based in Montreal, Canada.

On this LP of covers (her fourth disc overall), 19-year-old actress/singer Mandy Moore tackles such songs as The Waterboys' "Whole Of The Moon," XTC's "Senses Working Overtime," Joe Jackson's "Breaking Us In Two" and Cat Stevens' "Moonshadow." Be afraid.

This self-titled disc (the band's fifth studio recording) was recorded in Arizona with Calexico/Giant Sand producer Craig Schumacher.

The Welsh band returns with 12 new tracks of indie rock mixed with folk, pop, and psychedelia.

This is the debut solo release from the former Belle and Sebastian / Gentle Waves vocalist and cellist.

This five-song EP represents the first new studio material for the once prolific English band in two years (and first since the death of longtime member Mary Hansen). A new LP awaits in early 2004.

The veteran Scottish band's first album for Sanctuary (after a long run on Matador Records) is also their first without singer/cellist Isobel Campbell. The 12 tracks here were produced by Trevor Horn.

The seventh LP for the Sean O'Hagan-led indie-pop band features backing vocals from the late Mary Hansen (Stereolab) and does away with drums on all but a handful of tunes.

Did you know this guy used to be in the Police?

The British singer sticks to the successful formula established on her 1999 debut "No Angel" for this sophomore effort.

Marc Bianchi continues his indie pop/electronica solo project Her Space Holiday with this latest 10-song release.

Don't be fooled by the title: While 'Identity Crisis' would have perfectly suited her poorly-received predecessor, 2001's Glen Ballard-produced 'Love, Shelby,' that's not the case here, as these 12 self-produced tracks are more likely to connect with fans of her breakthrough disc 'I Am Shelby Lynne.'

This is the third LP for the English trio of vocalist Sarah Nixey, former Auteurs frontman Luke Haines and former Jesus & Mary Chain member John Moore. Together, they sound a bit like Saint Etienne, but with a much more political and satirical approach to their lyrics.

This is the third studio album for the Denver-based indie pop band led by Tammy Ealom.

Mary J. reunites with P. Diddy (who produced her debut 'What's the 411?') for this latest release, which features appearances from 50 Cent, Eve, Jay-Z and Method Man.

This party album from the Danish band Junior Senior has garnered attention throughout Europe with its mix of garage rock, pop and disco.

The third album for the dancer-turned-diva includes contributions from Sean Paul and Missy Elliott and contains a cover of Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'."

The distinctive-voiced singer hopes to rebound from the disappointing sales of her 2001 sophomore effort 'The Id' with this third LP, which includes Beck and Pharoah Monche among its guests.

This debut LP for the Brooklyn retro rap outfit (consisting of three female vocalists--including two high school students--backed by a pair of DJs) includes their surprise hit single, "Cameltoe."

The Irv Gotti-created superstar returns with a quick follow-up to her hit 2002 self-titled debut.

MTV darling Michelle Branch returns with an attempt to duplicate the success of her 2001 debut 'The Spirit Room' and that album's single "Everywhere," which was just that.

The far-from-prolific singer-songwriter's fourth album finds a 36-year-old Liz Phair trying to be... Avril Lavigne? Yes, her sound has changed quite a bit since her acclaimed 1993 debut 'Exile in Guyville,' taking on a glossy pop sheen on this release, thanks to production by the Matrix (as well as Michael Penn and Pete Yorn, we might add--but the Matrix????).

This is the solo debut for former Destiny's Child member Beyonce Knowles.

The former Eurythmics' singer's third solo album is her first collection of original songs since 1992's 'Diva.'

The New York-based indie-pop band, led by Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood, returns with a long-awaited third LP.

Album number five finds the singer-songwriter seemingly entering an early mid-life crisis, as she dives headfirst into commercial teen-dance-pop territory.

This is the debut LP for the Weezer-esque Los Angeles band led by Robert Carmine (otherwise known as the younger brother of actor/Phantom Planet bandmember Jason Schwartzman).

Another somewhat strange indie-pop band from Oklahoma (Flaming Lips, anyone?), the Starlight Mints return with 11 catchy new tunes on this sophomore release.

Joe Pernice and company return with ten new indie-pop gems.

The Vancouver, Canada indie supergroup attempts to duplicate the success of 2000's 'Mass Romantic' with this sophomore release. Neko Case returns to handle vocal duties.

If you can picture an explicitly gay version of the Polyphonic Spree recording church music, then you have a general idea of this unconventional debut album from Toronto, Canada's Hidden Cameras.

Madonna's second collaboration with French electronic producer Mirwais includes the lead single title track as well as her recent James Bond theme, "Die Another Day."

'2' is the aptly-named second album for the Portland-based indie-pop quartet.

Yes, well, she does have a lot to be thankful for, doesn't she. This hit debut album is a direct result of the singer's victory on the first installment of Fox TV's "American Idol" talent competition in 2002. Judging from the album's credits, just about every musician and producer in the industry seemingly worked on the disc, although Clarkson did manage to co-write four out of the dozen songs.

After a five-year break from the music business, Lisa Germano returns with a new record deal and a new album, hoping to regain the cult following she developed through a series of critically-lauded releases for 4AD in the 1990s.

Yet another experimental indie band to arise out of the Chicago scene, the Fruit Bats are the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Eric Johnson, who has played with Ugly Casanova, I Rowboat, and Califone. On this second Fruit Bats LP, he is joined by Gillian Lisee and producer Brian Deck.

The fourth LP from Ginuwine includes contributions from Method Man, R.Kelly, Sole, Snoop Dogg, and--uh--Mike Tyson.

The brother-sister duo of Kellin and Taryn Manning was signed to a major-label deal in part on the strength of Taryn's burgeoning acting career, which has seen her in roles on TV's "Boston Public" as well as "crazy/beautiful" and "8 Mile."

UK pop star Robbie Williams follows the success of Sing When You're Winning with this, his fifth and most adult-sounding LP.

The French R&B duo offer up a mix of French- and English-language tracks on this belated follow-up to their successful 1998 debut.

The newly-reformed Teddy Riley creation returns with its fourth album.

Scotland-born Nick Currie recorded this latest collection of strange pop tunes in his new home of Tokyo, then handed them off to John Talaga (Super Madrigal Brothers) for remixing.

Named after the setting of the 1985 film "The Goonies," 'So Long Astoria' is the major-label debut (and fourth studio LP) for the power-pop five-piece. Included here is a cover of Don Henley's "Boys of Summer."

Beseiged by legal problems (he was arrested in Chicago on child pornography-related charges) and rampant bootlegging of an earlier effort ('Loveland') that forced him to abandon that project, Kelly finally returns with a follow-up to 2000's 'TP-2.Com.'

The Bay Area indie-pop band returns with their third album (and first in three years).

What could possibly be more relevant in 2003 than an 80s band covering their favorite hits of the 60s, 70s, and 80s? Tracks here include Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill," Buddy Holly's "Everday," and The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star."

Stung by a drug arrest and nasty rumors over the last few years, the diva finally emerges with her first album of new material in four years.

After proving that all that Glitters is not gold, can the best-selling female artist of the 1990s manage a hit in the 21st century?

Actress/singer J.Lo returns with 12 new tracks, including "Jenny from the Block," featuring guest appearances from Jadakiss and Styles. Lopez is also planning her first-ever tour in support of the album in 2003.

The R&B singer returns with a follow-up to 2000's 'The Heat' which sees her moving in more of a hip-hop direction, with production help from hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Babyface, Irv Gotti and the Neptunes.

The 21-year old DJ turned-international R&B superstar from England returns with his second LP.

Not wanting to offend any potential listeners, the country superstar finally follows up the hit 'Come On Over' with two versions of her new album (both included in this two-CD set): a red disc of pop versions of her 19 new songs, and a green disc of those same 19 songs performed in a country music style. (A third, blue, disc of those songs performed in a world music style is targeted at international consumers.)

The two surviving members of the popular R&B trio completed this long-delayed fourth album after the early 2002 death of cofounder Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.

Phil Collins returns with his first album of new material in six years, but will anyone care other than the guys on South Park?

Aw... little Justin's all grows up. First Mickey Mouse Club, then 'NSync, and now this, his solo debut. Can he be a success on his own? Well, having Timbaland and The Neptunes along as his producers certainly won't hurt.

Second only to Bob Marley in number of total reggae albums sold, international superstar Shaggy returns with his second album for MCA.

The 22-year-old pop star's second English-language album includes 20 new tracks, most penned by Aguilera herself, although suddenly ubiquitous Linda Perry assists on four songs. Guests include Alicia Keys, Redman, and Dave Navarro.

With a title like that, you pretty much know what to expect from Mr. Stewart on this outing, which includes standards such as "They Can't Take That Away from Me" and "I'll Be Seeing You." To make matters worse, Dave Koz and Arturo Sandoval guest.

Ivy's Andy Chase produced this sophomore effort from the French band that gave us 2000's irresistibly poppy 'Puzzle.'