The indie singer-songwriter's fourth solo album, produced by Danielson Famile's Daniel Smith, follows on the heels of his critically-lauded 2003 effort 'Greetings From Michigan.'

Nigel Godrich (Radiohead) produced this third studio LP for the French duo, who handle all the vocal duties themselves for the first time.

The Arizona emo band returns with a follow-up to their successful 2001 self-titled effort. Gil Norton produced.

The B-Boys, who have moved back to New York from their temporary home of Los Angeles, return with their first album in six years and their second to utilize the beats of Mixmaster Mike. These 15 tracks are all self-produced by the band (a first) and recall the style of their earliest work.

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

The New York-based foursome of Paul Banks, Carlos D., Sam Fogarino and Daniel Kessler took indie rockers worldwide by storm (and made Matador a lot of money) with 2002's 'Turn On The Bright Lights,' which introduced their neck-stabbing guitar-rock mix of Joy Division, The Cure, The Smiths, and all of your other favorite 80s bands. That captivating sound returns on this sophomore release, which features many of the new tracks ("Narc," "Length Of Love," etc.) which first debuted live during their relentless touring over the past two years.

9th Wonder is among the producers on the veteran Brooklyn MC's fifth full-length (rumored to be his last), a prequel to previous disc ?Disposable Arts.' Guests include Rahzel, Jean Grae and The Beatnuts.

Although a New York band, Scissor Sisters (as evidenced by this debut disc) are definitely not part of the typical New York scene, eschewing garage and no wave to embrace campier, glammier 70s and 80s rock and dance music sounds. Included here is the band's cover of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb."

This is the debut disc for the 18-year-old London-based rapper (born Dylan Mills), who has been heralded by (among others) Uncut magazine as "good as any MC currently active on Earth."

The band's first new album since 2000, a more stripped-down, "classic U2" disc than previous efforts, was recorded chiefly with producer Steve Lillywhite, with Chris Thomas and Nellee Hooper also helming some tracks.

The second release from French electronica duo M83 takes shoegaze classics such as 'Loveless' as an inspiration, with synths taking the place of guitars.

The late singer-songwriter was nearly done with this highly anticipated album at the time of his death in 2003.

While some eponymous albums suggest a lack of creativity, the heralded UK rock outfit's sophomore disc is titled 'The Libertines' because it is indeed about The Libertines--or, more specifically, about the ongoing conflict between the band's two songwriters, Carlos Barat and Pete Doherty (the latter of whom was subsequently kicked out of the band after three failed rehab attempts). The Clash's Mick Jones returns as producer.

The veteran New York band, again operating as a five-piece (with Jim O'Rourke still in the group), return with a successor to one of their best albums in recent memory, 2002's 'Murray Street.'

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.

When you record one of the most acclaimed albums of the decade, what do you do for an encore? If you are Jeff Tweedy & co., you return with both old (Jim O'Rourke again producing) and new (yet another lineup change) for your fifth studio LP.

Rick Rubin produced this third LP for the popular mask-wearing Des Moines-based metal outfit, who are set to headline Ozzfest this summer.

Miami, Fla. singer-songwriter Sam Beam (who moonlights as a cinematography professor) returns with his second album, recorded with Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Red Red Meat) at the helm.

A reunited Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal return with their first Tears For Fears album together in 15 years.

The Brooklyn-based collective (on this release, reduced to the duo of Avey Tare and Panda Bear) combine vocal harmonies, a pair of acoustic guitars, and diverse influences into a unique sound on this latest release.

Mike Skinner returns with the inenviable job of following up his genre-smashing debut 'Original Pirate Material,' which was an enormous critical and commercial hit in the UK and paved the way for the success of later acts such as Dizzee Rascal.

'New Danger' is the second solo hip-hop album (and Geffen debut) for the rapper and actor.

The underground New York MC returns with her sophomore LP, with some production assistance from 9th Wonder.

'The Hard Way,' co-produced by Kanye West, is the first disc for the trio of Snoop Dogg, Warren G. and Nate Dogg.

Yes, you'll see the word "Coldplay" in nearly every review for this debut disc, but the UK trio stand out from the crowd with their unconventional lineup of vocals, drums, and piano.

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.

The third full-length for the Chicago-based art-rock four-piece was produced (like its predecessor) by John Congleton.

The solo debut for the No Doubt vocalist features an eclectic group of guests, including Martin Gore, Andre 3000, The Neptunes, New Order, Wendy & Lisa and Dr. Dre.

Despite her burgeoning solo career, Beyonce Knowles has rejoined bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams for the first Destiny's Child album in 3 years.

Produced by Dennis Herring (Camper Van Beethoven), the latest release from the Seattle-based indie rockers sees a return of guitarist Dann Gallucci (last with the band on Sad Sappy Sucker) and a new drummer (Benjamin Weikel) as well as a guest spot from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

This three-disc box set contains more than 50 previously unreleased recordings by the legendary Seattle band, including demos, live tracks, and alternate versions. Also included is an extensive bonus DVD filled with live performances.

This is the all-instrumental (think somewhere in between Out Hud and Daft Punk) debut album for the New York duo of Evan Mast and Mike Stroud (who formerly operated under the name Cherry).

Among the producers and guest vocalists appearing on Usher's fourth album are Ludacris, Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, The Neptunes, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

The English trip-hop outfit led by vocalist Louise Robinson (nee Rhodes) and producer Andy Barlow return for a fourth album.

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

This third album for the Murder Inc. singer includes an appearance from Ja Rule.

'Sun' is the 13th studio disc for R.E.M., who are joined here by frequent collaborators Ken Stringfellow and Scott McCaughey. Q-Tip also guest raps on "The Outsiders."

Yes, it 'has been' a long time since the last William Shatner album (and with good reason), but the veteran recording artist returns for this collaboration with Ben Folds. Other guests include Joe Jackson, Aimee Mann and Adrian Belew, but sadly, no Leonard Nimoy.

The brother-sister duo of Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger return with a second quirky, challenging and eclectic LP.

The oh-so-punny industrial rockers return with, believe it or not, their 10th LP (although that does include their early synth-pop releases when they were scary for very different reasons).

'Contraband' marks the debut LP for what basically amounts to Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots) fronting Guns N Roses (including Duff McKagan and Slash).

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

Like fellow Atlanta hip hoppers OutKast, Cee-Lo has trouble sticking to a single genre, as he mixes up styles throughout this sophomore release. Timbaland, The Neptunes and Ludacris guest.

The Americana collective founded and led by fronted by Robert Fisher returns with a fifth LP. Co-founder/guitarist Paul Austin is no longer a full-time band member, but he appears on some tracks, as do Kristin Hersh, Chris Eckmen (The Walkabouts) and a variety of other guests.

Kanye West and Twista guest on the rapper's fourth disc.

Nas co-produced this double album along with Salaam Remi, Q-Tip and L.E.S. Also stopping by to lend a hand (or a voice) are Busta Rhymes, Kelis, Ludacris and Maxwell.

The fourth album for the abrasive, Seattle-based punk-rockers was produced by John Goodmanson (Blonde Redhead).

The UK rapper follows his Mercury Music Prize-winning debut 'Boy In The Corner' with this sophomore release.

On of the many aliases of rapper Daniel Dumile (who is best known these days as the masked MF Doom), Viktor Vaughn is joined by a guests such as DJ Sure Shot and Kool Keith on this second release.

Whereas its predecessor (2002's acclaimed 'Phrenology') clocked in at 79 minutes, 'The Tipping Point' is a concise 45-minute listen, featuring guests Devin The Dude, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Jean Grae and Television's Dave Chappelle.

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.

This debut by Australian Dan Whitford mixes retro-synth pop with some guitars and live instrumentation.

Morrissey's first studio release since 1997 (and seventh overall) was recorded in Los Angeles with producer Jerry Finn (Blink-182, Green Day) and longtime collaborators Alain Whyte and Boz Boorer.

The Scottish band led by Gary Lightbody (also leader of the Reindeer Section) returns with a third LP.

The Welsh band's seventh studio disc was produced by Tony Visconti and Greg Haver.

This debut LP from the English band certainly recalls English bands from the early 80s, most notably XTC.

'You're A Woman' is the first album for the Canadian duo of vocalist/drummer Sebastien Grainger and bassist Jesse F. Keeler. It's a drum 'n' bass album in the literal sense of the term, as those are the only two instruments (aside from a very infrequent synthesizer) on the record.

The Canadian punk-pop outfit returns with a fourth LP, produced by Greig Nori. The disc is named after a UN worker (Chuck Pelletier) who helped the band escape violence in the Congo while they were there shooting a film.

The Northern California band's fifth album in ten years includes a cover of Bread's "Guitar Man."

Fans of his acclaimed 2002 pair of discs will have to settle for just one album this time out, co-produced by Waits with Kathleen Brennan. Marc Ribot and Les Claypool guest.

Once one of the top dance/electronica acts in the world, The Prodigy topped the UK charts in 1997 with 'The Fat of the Land' and then... nothing. Until now. After their 2002 comeback single "Baby's Got A Temper" flopped, Prodigy leader Liam Howlett scrapped the album in progress, jettisoned vocalists Keith Flint and Maxim Reality, and took a second stab at recording, enlisting Liam Gallagher, Twista and Juliette Lewis to sing, rap, and howl over what eventually became 'Always Outnumbered.'

The blues-rock duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney return with their third album, so-named because it was recorded in a deserted rubber (tire) factory.

The inventive but challenging hardcore outfit returns with their first full-length studio recording since 1999's 'Calculating Infinity.'

The Irish quartet returns with their first studio disc in four years, which sees them working with producer Olle Romo for the first time. Ladysmith Black Mambazo guest on the title track.

The Eminem-led collective (whose 2001 debut was a huge commercial success) returns with a second full-length, with production from the likes of Dr. Dre, Mr. Porter, Eminem and Kanye West.

N.E.R.D., the rock-oriented trio of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (who also make up the in-demand hip-hop production team The Neptunes) and Shay, return with a highly-anticipated second album. Unlike their previous effort, 'Fly' finds Chad & Pharrell handling the instrumentation themselves.

The mellow UK electronic outfit (who have been compared to artists such as Morcheeba and Air) follows up 2001 debut 'Simple Things' with this 11-track effort.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist returns with a follow-up to his 2001 solo release, 'To Record Only Water For Ten Days.'

Jason Schwartzman has departed, but the Los Angeles band continues on with a third album.

One of 2004's Next Big Things in the UK music press, Razorlight make their full-length debut with this 13-track disc. Compared to the likes of Oasis and The Libertines, the band is led by self-proclaimed songwriting genius Johnny Borrell.

Brendan O'Brien (Pearl Jam) produced this sophomore outing for the English quartet.

'Astronaut' marks first album by Duran Duran's original lineup since 1983's 'Seven And The Ragged Tiger.' Dallas Austin and Don Gilmore are among the producers.

The group's first release on its own AOI label features guests such as Ghostface, MF Doom, Sean Paul, Common and that noted MC Spike Lee. Production assistance comes from Madlib and 9th Wonder.

This is the second album for the French synth-rock outfit, who attracted some international acclaim with their 2000 debut 'United.'

The Canadian singer-songwriter's Nonesuch debut features covers of songs by other Canadian singer-songwriters, including Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Ron Sexsmith, Jane Siberry, and William Shatner. (OK, so maybe not the last one.) There's also one lang original for good measure.

The stripped-down 'The Will To Death' is not just the second solo disc in 2004 for the Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist, but marks the first of a whopping six planned albums for Record Collection this year.

This is the third album of psychedelic-rock tunes from Swedish multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Gustav Ejstes.

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

The second LP from the New York-based artist/musician/crazy hippie Devendra Banhart (who studied at the San Francisco Art Institute) includes 16 of the 32 lo-fi tracks recorded in the living room of veteran recording engineer Lynn Bridges. The remaining 16 will be released on a separate album later in 2004.

The former Wu-Tang member's fourth solo album (and first since ditching the "Killah" portion of his name) features contributions from Missy Elliott, Jadakiss and RZA.

Brooklyn art-rockers TV On The Radio make their full-length debut with this release. The trio consists of vocalist/animator Tunde Adebimpe, multi-instrumentalist/producer David Andrew Sitek (who produced the Yeah Yeah Yeahs debut) and guitarist Kyp Malone.

This is the second album for the Reading, England rock band.

This is the third full-length album for the challenging, intensely personal Bay Area post-punk outfit led by Jamie Stewart.

The alt-metal band's first album since their 2001 hit 'Morning View' features a slightly different lineup, with Ben Kenney replacing bassist Dirk Lance. Brendan O'Brien produced.

The Manchester band follow their Mercury Music Prize-nominated debut 'Asleep In The Back' with this ambitious 11-track sophomore disc.