The New York rapper's fifth album attempts to return to the sound of his similar-titled 1994 hit debut, 'Illmatic.' Here, DJ Premier, Large Professor, and Swizz Beatz provide the beats.

This sample-driven Austrialian dance outfit scored a hit in its homeland with this, its debut full-length release (following three EP releases since 1997). The UK music press created a publicity avalanche for the band in the Spring of 2001, as the album picked up strong reviews (quotes from some appear below) and was featured in numerous articles. Packed with over 600 samples of recordings dating from the 1950's to the present (each one credited in the liner notes!) as well as original instrumentation, 'Since I Left You' is a varied and unique record.

The Detroit-based "brother-sister" (or, if you don't believe everything you read, ex husband and wife) indie duo of Jack (guitars) and Meg (drums) White continue their stripped-down sound on this, their third full-length.

This sophomore effort from Icelandic quartet Sigur Ros (which translates to "Victory Rose") appeared on numerous year-end Best Of lists in 2000, despite not receiving an official release in the United States until the following year. Imagine one of Radiohead's recent albums -- or better yet, Spiritualized or My Bloody Valentine -- but with everything sung in Icelandic. This album garnered the band the 2001 Shortlist Prize for Artistic Achievement In Music.

Originally due in August 2001, Mariah Carey's debut for Virgin Records was delayed due to the singer's recent hospitalization, stemming from a nervous breakdown. It is her first album since 1999's 'Rainbow,' and it serves as the soundtrack to the movie of the same name (a 1980s period-piece also starring Carey). The disc includes two covers: "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On" and "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life."

This is the follow-up to 1999's 'Enema Of The State.' If you like them, then don't worry--they haven't grown up. If you don't like them, well... they haven't grown up.

Matthews' first collaboration with producer Glen Ballard (who has produced albums by Alanis Morissette, No Doubt, and Wilson Phillips) results in a collection of shorter, more focused tracks than DMB fans may be accustomed to.

Produced by Matt Hyde, 'God Hates Us All' is the eighth studio album (and first in three years) for the Southern California thrash-metal band. Originally set for a July 2001 release, the album was delayed so that American Recordings head Rick Rubin and producer Sean Beavan could remix each of the tracks.

The Los Angeles-based funk-metal band returns with a follow-up to 1999's 'Make Yourself.' Scott Litt (R.E.M.) returns as producer.

This is the third album for Detroit-born Aaliyah, who debuted in 1994 (at the age of 15) with 'Age Ain't Nothing But a Number.' Timbaland produces three tracks. The singer died in a plane crash in August 2001, shortly after the release of the album.

This is the third album for Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, and it again features the acclaimed production work of Timbaland. Guests include Busta Rhymes, Redman, Method Man, Ludacris, Eve, Jay-Z, and Ginuwine.

This 30-track, 2-disc set from Richard D. James is his first Aphex Twin album in five years.

A double album of previously unreleased tracks from the late rapper Tupac Shakur, bringing his total of posthumous releases to four (with a fifth planned for Fall 2001). The songs were recorded during the sessions for 1996's 'Makaveli.'

This religion-themed concept album is the artist's first official release in 10 years under the Prince name.

The band's first album together since 1993's 'Republic' finds the group moving away from electronica and back to guitar rock. The Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan duets with Bernard Sumner on "Turn My Way" (and has been touring with the band as an additional guitarist), and Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie and Innes contribute vocals and guitar to "Rock The Shack." Steve Osborne produced the 10-track album.

Yes, it is a covers album, but with a bit of a twist: all the songs were originally written and performed by men, and Amos has reinterpreted them from a woman's standpoint. This eclectic collection (12 tracks in all) includes versions of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy The Silence," Eminem's "97' Bonnie and Clyde," 10cc's "I'm Not In Love," Neil Young's "Heart Of Gold," Slayer's "Raining Blood," and the Boomtown Rats' "I Don't Like Mondays."

Singer-songwriter Ben Folds has ditched the other two members of his band (Ben Folds Five) for this 12-track solo album, on which he plays every instrument himself.

'Lions' continues to build on the sound established in 1999's 'By Your Side,' with this outing produced by Don Was.

This is the fourth album for the Sacramento-based alternative rockers best known for their hits "Never There" and "The Distance."

The follow-up to 2000's hit 'The Man Who,' 'Invisible Band' contains similar-sounding guitar pop from the Scottish rockers. The album was produced by Nigel Godrich, who worked with Radiohead on 'Kid A' and 'OK Computer.'

This is the third album from London glam-rockers Placebo. The U.S. release adds two bonus tracks: a new version of "Without You I'm Nothing" with David Bowie guesting on vocals, and a cover of Depeche Mode's "I Feel You."

Fresh off her hit "Lady Marmalade" remake from the "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack, the pop diva returns with her second album. Former 4 Non Blonde member Linda Perry produced and wrote most of the tracks.

Another eclectic offering from Shirley Manson and Garbage, their third album and first since 1998.

'Reveal,' the Athens, GA band's 12th full-length album, marks the 20-year anniversary of the group. Operating as a trio for the second consecutive outing, R.E.M. offer up 12 new tracks, mainly of the mid-tempo acoustic guitar and keyboard variety. Guests include Joey Waronker, Ken Stringfellow (The Posies), and Scott McCaughey (The Young Fresh Fellows).

This is the sophomore major-label release for the New England alt-metal band.

Though Washington D.C. hard rockers Fugazi have been together for almost 15 years, this is just their eighth full-length release.

The follow-up to his 1998 self-titled debut (which gained the Canadian singer-songwriter "Best New Artist" honors from Rolling Stone), 'Poses' contains 12 new tracks from sessions with five different producers. He also has songs on the soundtracks for "Shrek" and "Moulin Rouge."

The follow-up to 'Return of Saturn' finds Gwen Stefani & co. working with a variety of producers (Sly and Robbie, Ric Ocasek, William Orbit) in a variety of styles.

This is the former Beatle's first album of original recordings since 1997's 'Flaming Pie.'

This is the first album of new material since 1997's 'Ultra' for Depeche Mode, which again sees the band as a trio (consisting of David Gahan, Martin L. Gore, and Andy Fletcher) but also sees them experimenting more with a wider variety of sounds, including acoustic guitar. It is DM's first time in the studio with producer Mark Bell, who has previously worked with Bjork and was a member of the early-90s techno outfit LFO. The lead single from the 13-track album is "Dream On."

The Austin band's follow-up to 'Series of Sneaks' was a critical favorite in 2001, appearing on seemingly every year-end Top 10 list (and with good reason).

Also known as the Dirty Dozen, D-12 consists of six (yes--we know that's not a dozen) Detroit-based rappers, including Eminem. 'Devil's Night' is their debut full-length, produced in part by Dr. Dre.

This is the fourth album for the New Orleans-based trio. It is their first release on indie Beyond Music, after being dropped by Elektra for disappointing sales.

This is the fourth long-player for Gavin Rossdale and Bush, and was produced by Dave Sardie (Slayer, Marilyn Manson).

Soul singer-songwriter Maxwell returns with his third studio album, following 1998's 'Embrya' and his well-received 1996 debut 'Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite.' The disc includes a cover of longtime live staple "This Woman's Work" (a Kate Bush cover).

This long-awaited follow-up to the Los Angeles alternative-electronica band's 1997 debut, 'Vegas,' features guest appearances from members of Rage Against The Machine and Stone Temple Pilots as well as Jon Brion.

The first new album from Cave and his band since 1997's well-received 'The Boatman's Call.'

Leonard Cohen's first album of new material since 1992's 'The Future' contains, oddly enough, ten new songs. Sharon Robinson co-wrote each of the tracks, as well as providing instrumentation and backing vocals.

This is the third album for the Washington-based indie rockers.

Released after a string of successful singles and albums (including 2000's 'Rule 3:36' LP), 'Pain Is Love' features contributions from Jennifer Lopez, Missy Elliott, and 2Pac.

'Gold' is the second solo release for former Whiskeytown frontman Ryan Adams, and garnered a good deal of attention for the singer-songwriter in 2001.

The band's first major release since 1996's 'Factory Showroom' features 17 new recordings (including some songs that originally appeared on 1999's self-released 'Long Tall Weekend.').

Alison Krauss and her band have gained popularity in recent months, thanks to the success of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack (which featured the band's version of "I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow" among other contributions). This is their first album since 1999's 'Forget About It.'

This is the third album for Justin Timberlake & co. But will it be the last?

One of the preeminent practitioners of the style of electronica labeled "Intelligent Dance Music," Autechre (consisting of Sean Booth and Rob Brown) returns with its first album in three years.

The first new album in four years from the former Diff'rent Strokes star. (OK, so we've been watching too much Nick at Nite lately.)

Recorded during a 2000-2001 European tour, Radiohead's first live album contains just eight tracks: seven songs culled from 'Kid A' and 'Amnesiac,' plus long-time live staple "True Love Waits."

Over two years in the making, 'Let It Come Down' is the UK band's first album of new material in four years. It utilizes over 100 musicians (including an orchestra and choral singers), although the music was entirely written and arranged by guitarist Jason Pierce.

Atlanta's Usher Raymond returns with his third studio release. The Neptunes, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are among the producers.

The first solo album in seven years for the Fleetwood Mac vocalist was partially produced by Sheryl Crow. Sarah McLachlan lends her voice to one track. Other guests include Macy Gray and Natalie Maines from the Dixie Chicks.

The first album from the Manics in three years features the singles "Found That Soul" and "So Why So Sad."

The second full-length from the Atlanta rapper features contributions from Timbaland, Swizz Beats, Nate Dogg, Mystikal, Jagged Edge and Twista.

The French indie-electronica band made waves with their 1998 debut 'Moon Safari,' but since then their only release has been the motion picture score to Sofia Coppola's "The Virgin Suicides." The wait for their true sophomore album is over with the release of '10,000 Hz Legend,' which includes guest vocal contributions from Beck and Buffalo Daughter.

The Detroit rap-rocker may be feeling a bit like his album title after his previous effort, 1998's 'Devil Without a Cause,' went platinum. (Actually, he was feeling like that even before that happened.) Snoop Dogg and Sheryl Crow guest on a track apiece on this, his fifth album of new material.

The eclectic Washington, D.C.-based indie band follow their best-received album, 1999's 'Emergency & I,' with this, their fourth LP. The Plan announced their breakup subsequent to its release.

The sixth album from Mary J. Blige features guest appearances from Lenny Kravitz, Eve, and Missy Elliott and production work from The Neptunes and Dr. Dre.

The first album in three years from the always bizarre Texans includes about two-thirds of the tracks from their unreleased 1998 effort "After The Astronaut."

This is the third album for the California native. David Rawlings has replaced T-Bone Burnett as producer.

Believe it or not, this is indeed a brand-new album from L.A.'s Go-Go's -- their first in 17 years, to be exact. The original lineup (including Belinda Carlisle and Jane Wiedlin) is intact for this 13-track outing, produced by Paul Kolderie and Sean Slade (Hole, Radiohead). Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong is featured on the first single, "Unforgiven."

Stuck in label limbo since 1997, 'Old Ramon' finally sees the light of day, thanks to Sub Pop records. It is the first official RHP release since 1996's 'Songs For A Blue Guitar,' although frontman Mark Kozelek released the solo album 'What's Next to the Moon' and appeared in the film "Almost Famous" in the interim.

This is the Leeds, England indie-rock band's first American LP release in four years. Akin to recent Radiohead, this disc incorporates experimental electronica elements, and also adds guest vocals from members of hip-hop outfit cLOUDDEAD.

"Nathaniel Merriweather" is merely the latest incarnation of producer Dan "The Automator" Nakamura, best known for his work with Dr. Octagon and the Gorillaz. Merriweather was last seen on 1999's Handsome Boy Modeling School debut, and here he is joined in his new band, Lovage, by Kid Koala, Damon Albarn, Prince Paul, Faith No More's Mike Patton, and the Elysian Fields' Jennifer Charles, among others.

Yes, apparently they ARE still around. This is the Irish group's sixth album since 1993, and their first with original producer Stephen Street in some time.

San Francisco's Beulah, part of the Elephant 6 collective of indie-pop bands, returns with a follow-up to their well-received 1999 effort 'When Your Heartstrings Break.'

Although Lucinda Williams' recording career began in 1979, this is just her sixth full-length release, following 1998's well-received 'Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.' 'Essence' features 11 new trackes penned by Williams and co-produced by Charlie Sexton and Bo Ramsey.

This is the smash-hit debut album from 20-year-old singer-songwriter (and classically-trained pianist) Alicia Keys.

The major-label debut from the British-influenced rockers from Los Angeles.

Neil Hannon returns with a follow-up to 2000's 'Gin Soaked Boy.' A bit of a departure, this album utilizes Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich and a larger group of musicians to highlight a more serious side to Hannon's music.

Former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown returns with his third solo album, following 2000's 'Golden Greats.' The first single is "F.E.A.R."

The fifth album for Pennsylvania alt-rockers features a guest appearance from Tricky. "Forever May Not Be Long Enough," the theme song from this summer's "The Mummy Returns," also appears on the album.

This is the third album for Mark Linkous and Sparklehorse.

This is the eighth full-length release for British art-pop ensemble. Not surprisingly, John McEntire and Jim O'Rourke co-produced the album, with additional contributions from Sean O'Hagan (The High Llamas).

The second full-length (not including a collection of EPs) from Britain's heralded Beta Band is just as eclectic as the band's first outing, combining pop and indie rock with touches of hip hop and electronica. The ten new tracks are highlighted by the singles "Squares" and "Broke." (And if the immodest album title reminds you of the Stone Roses' 'Second Coming,' don't worry--the comparisons end there.)

This is the fifth full-length release from Tom Jenkinson (aka Squarepusher). "My Red Hot Car" is the lead single.

RZA and company return to their hardcore roots for this, Wu-Tang's fourth album together.

Busta's fourth solo album includes 20 new tracks produced by the likes of Dr. Dre, the Neptunes, and Pete Rock. Guest vocalists include P. Diddy, Mary J. Blige, and the Flipmode Squad.

Perhaps best known for being the album that depicted the World Trade Center towers in flames on its cover (before the events of September 11 necessitated a last-minute change of artwork), 'Party Music' is the fourth full-length for the ultra-political rappers.

The second Four Tet album from producer Kieran Hebden (who is also in the band Fridge), 'Pause' is a dense, eclectic collection of a variety of electronic and live instrumentation and found sounds.

This is the fifth album for the UK outfit, led by Stevie Wonder soundalike Jason Kay.

The final installment in the 52-year-old Lowe's comback trilogy follows 1994's 'The Impossible Bird' and 1998's 'Dig My Mood.'