The California nu-metal band offers a back-to-basics approach on this sixth LP.

Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan's side project returns with a second LP on which he's backed by Jeordie "Twiggy Ramirez" White (Marilyn Manson), Billy Howerdel (Tool's guitar tech) and Josh Freese (Guns N' Roses).

One of the highlights of Dntel's 2001 debut album was "This Is the Dream of Evan & Chan," where Dntel electronica mastermind Jimmy Tamborello was joined by Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard on vocals. Satisfied by those results, the two continued to collaborate (by mail), eventually resulting in enough material for this full album that ventures more into synth-pop/new wave territory than their previous single.

The hugely successful Brooklyn rapper worked with an A-list of producers (including Just Blaze, Kanye West, Aqua, Eminem, Rick Rubin and The Neptunes) on what he has stated will be the final release of his career. (Sure it will.)

This sophomore disc finds the young emo band expanding on its sound with the help of producer Steven Haigler (Pixies, Quicksand).

The indie rockers took four years to record this third album.

This is the fourth album for the Washington-based indie group led by Ben Gibbard (also of the Postal Service) and Chris Walla.

'Permission To Land' is the debut LP for the rock four-piece from Norfolk, England (and we're talking the big, loud, stadium-rock end of the rock continuum, not the indie-rock end).

The alternative L.A.-based hip-hop outfit, known for its positive message and break-dancing prowess, returns with a third LP. Guests Justin Timberlake and Papa Roach join new BEP backing vocalist Fergie (who replaces Kim Hill).

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

The hardcore rapper returns with his fifth studio album, hoping to duplicate the #1 success of each of his four previous LPs.

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????).

The Toronto, Canada indie-rock collective generated a great deal of praise for this 2002 sophomore effort, which was released in the U.S. in June, 2003 for the first time.

This full-length debut for the Irish singer/songwriter has moved beyond his home country (where it was a massive hit) to attract critical praise and strong sales worldwide. Mostly self-produced and recorded, the disc also comes in specially-designed packaging including text, artwork and photographs.

The Atlanta-based singer-songwriter (who is frequently compared to Dave Matthews) attempts to duplicate the unexpected success of 2001's 'Room for Squares' with this third album.

Manson's fifth album finds the shock-rocker turning to the glory days of vaudeville and burlesque for inspiration.

This five-song album is the second release from the Austin, Texas instrumental quartet known for their fierce live shows.

Originally intended as a loose, spontaneous recording called 'Get Back,' 'Let It Be' was eventually released (after the band's breakup) after being shelved and then reproduced/enhanced by Phil Spector, leaving many fans (and an angry Paul McCartney) wondering, "what if?" This new release answers that question to a certain extent, with an altered track listing (which adds "Don't Let Me Down") containing some de-Spectorized versions as well as some originals that have been remixed and remastered.

Rapper 50 Cent's backing posse attempts to capitalize on the runaway success of their leader's 'Get Rich or Die Tryin' with this, their own debut LP (which does indeed feature 50 Cent on each and every track).

This is the fourth album for the Florida-based emo band led by Christopher Carraba.

The neo-soul singer returns two years after the success of 'Songs In A Minor' with this sophomore disc.

The punk outfit led by Brody Armstrong (oops--make that Brody Dalle, now) makes its major-label debut with 'Coral Fang,' the band's third release overall.

This is the debut full-length for the Nashville-based rock band consisting of three brothers (the sons of a preacher) and their cousin.

Credited to Neil Young & Crazy Horse (expect electric rather than acoustic), this latest offering by the 57-year-old rocker is a 10-song concept album about the lives of the fictitious Green family.

The veteran Britpop outfit's first new album in four years is the result of tumultuous recording sessions in Morocco with producer Fatboy Slim, which saw a growing dispute between co-founders Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon culminate in Coxon's departure from the band. Fatboy Slim only wound up producing two tracks, with William Orbit handling some of the others.

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter's sophomore effort comes a full three years after her debut, 'Whoa, Nelly!'

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.

'Get Born' marks the debut of the Australian garage-rock quartet Jet.

The Boston-based punk-metal outfit returns with a third studio LP, produced by David Botrill (Tool).

Recorded in just two weeks after Adams (rather, his record company) scrapped plans to release 'Love Is Hell' as his official follow-up to 'Gold' (the former will instead appear as a 2-part EP), 'Rock'n'Roll' features guest appearances from Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day), Melissa Auf Der Mauer (Hole) and Parker Posey (every indie film in the last 15 years).

Perhaps the most successful Dirty South rapper, Ludacris returns with his third Def Jam release.

This debut disc from the hyped London garage band (deemed the UK's version of The Strokes by British music mags) was produced by The Clash's Mick Jones.

'Reality' finds a now 56-year-old David Bowie working once again with longtime producer Tony Visconti. Included among the 11 tracks is a cover of Jonathan Richman's "Pablo Picasso."

This self-titled release is the fourth studio album for the California alt-metal outfit.

Professional surfer-turned-rocker Jack Johnson returns with his second LP of mellow alt-rock.

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.'

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

The Nirvana-esque four-piece returns with a follow-up to their 2001 major-label debut 'Come Clean.'

This breaktrhough sixth album for the German band combines a variety of disparate elements, most notably moody indie rock and glitchy electronica (think Hood's Cold House), to great effect.

The alt-metal band returns with a follow-up to their 2001 megahit, 'Break The Cycle.'

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

The third solo album from the former Junior M.A.F.I.A. member utilizes production and vocal contributions from Swizz Beatz, Missy Elliott, Timbaland and Method Man.

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 Canadian singer-songwriter worked with producer Marius deVries (Björk, Massive Attack) for this third LP, which is actually the first half of what was originally planned as a double album ('Want Two' will instead arrive next year).

Ed Kowalczyk & co. return for their sixth album, produced by Jim Wirt (Incubus, Something Corporate).

This is the highly-anticipated debut LP for the New York art-punk trio, who have developed a fanbase and generated a great deal of publicity (not to mention a major-label deal) through a series of EPs and live performances.

The sixth album for the Detroit rocker is more party-rock than rap-metal, although some hip-hop elements are retained from previous outings. Included is a cover of "Feel Like Makin' Love."

This is the fourth LP (and first released by Epitaph) for the indie-minded Minneapolis-based duo of Slug and Ant.

The Chicago-based emo band returns with their fourth full-length.

One-hit wonders, you say? Well, the New York trio did score an MTV hit with "Popular," from their 1996 debut album, but it is a more mature and less commercial Nada Surf that returns now with a third LP, their first for indie label Barsuk.

The Canadian singer-songwriter emerges from a period of inactivity with her first album of new material since 1997's 'Surfacing.' Frequent collaborator Pierre Marchand returns as producer.

'Blood' represents the New York rapper's attempt to lash back at 50 Cent, who has spent the better part of the past year targeting Rule.

The third album for the radio-friendly San Francisco-based alt-rockers is almost a concept album about breaking up with Charlize Theron, which--lest you think the band was getting wacky all of a sudden--band leader Stephan Jenkins actually did do recently.

The first solo release for Dave Matthews (that's right, it's not the Dave Matthews Band this time out) finds him working with artists such as Tim Reynolds and Trey Anastasio (Phish).

This is the second LP for the Montreal-based indie-pop quartet featuring actor Torquil Campbell, Evan Cranley (also a member of Broken Social Scene), Amy Millan and Chris Seligman.

The born-again Christian rap-metal band returns with a follow-up to their 2001 hit 'Satellite.' Jason Truby replaces departed guitarist Marcos.

The first album in seven years for the UK punk outfit founded in 1978 features newly reunited members Jaz Coleman, Youth and Paul Raven, with Dave Grohl filling in on drums.

What sounds like a Steely Dan clearance sale is actually the veteran duo's first album of new material since their 2000 comeback effort 'Two Against Nature.'

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

This is the seventh album for these Orange County alt-rockers.

The roster of this Los Angeles outfit (who make their debut with this self-titled release) includes members of Beck's touring band (Medal-Johnsen and Joey Waronker).

Missy Elliott reunites with producer Timbaland for her fifth album, which features vocal contributions from Nelly, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Fabolous and R. Kelly.

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

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

The Southern rockers make their major-label debut with this 12-track effort.

America's favorite party animal attempts to move past the frat party/beer commercial sound of his hit debut album with this slightly more mature follow-up. Slightly.

The quirky, Portland, Ore.-based indie rock trio recorded this highly-regarded genre-twisting debut album with the aid of a homemade software program.

This sophomore LP from the UK duo of vocalist Allison Goldfrapp and multi-instrumentalist Will Gregory follows their acclaimed 2000 debut, 'Felt Mountain.'

If you prefer your Fleetwood Mac songs written by Lindsey Buckingham, your 16-year wait is over. Joining Buckingham on this brand-new, 18-track album are Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.

The UK glam-punk band returns with their fourth album.

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."

The Brooklyn band's dance/punk/80s hybrid debut follows months of hype and anticipation fed by several years of touring. Included here is the single "House Of Jealous Lovers."

The witty Canadian band with a devoted fanbase is back with their first album since the poorly-received 'Maroon.' Ron Aniello (Guster, Lifehouse) produces.

The fourth album from the Glaswegian rock band is their darkest to date.

This is the second album for the Portland, Ore.-based indie five-piece led by Colin Meloy.

This is the third album for the Winnipeg, Canada-based group led by former Propagandhi member John K. Samson.

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.

The sophomore release for the Brooklyn rapper features appearances by the ubiquitous Missy Elliott, Ashanti, M.O.P., Mary J. Blige and Snoop Dogg.

The new group led by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins features a lineup including fellow Pumpkin Jimmy Chamberlin on drums and guitarists Matt Sweeney (Chavez, Skunk) and David Pajo (Slint, Tortoise).

The Montreal, Canada-based quartet (basically, 2003's version of Interpol) follows its acclaimed, 80s-influenced EP "Rememberese" with this debut full-length. "Still In Love Song" is the only song from that EP to reappear here.

Never one for original album titles, Seal returns with just his fourth LP in his 12+ year recording career. Trevor Horn produces.

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.

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

The sample-based indietronica LP 'Rounds' is the third solo effort for Fridge's Kieran Hebden.

The Akron, Ohio guitar-drums blues duo (needless White Stripes comparison omitted) of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney recorded this sophomore effort in a single 14-hour session.