John Mellencamp's 18th album features guest appearances from India Arie and Chuck D.

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.

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.

Grunge is long-gone, but somehow STP have survived. This is the fifth album for these long-time favorites of alternative radio.

The third album from the London-based indie outfit.

Le Tigre features Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill. This seven-track EP follows the band's 1999 self-titled debut album.

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

This is the solo debut for founding Pavement guitarist Scott Kannberg (aka "Spiral Stairs"). As Preston School of Industry, Spiral is joined by Andrew Borger on drums and Jon Erickson on bass, with other musicians guesting.

This is the sophomore American release from the Norweigian group, following their eponymous debut on Kindercore (which shares about half of the same tracks with this album).

The second album from Los Angeles rap outfit Dilated Peoples features contributions from JuJu, DJ Premier, Tha Liks, Alchemist and Da Beatminerz.

This is the follow-up to the singer's acclaimed 1999 debut. Rick Rubin produces, with guest appearances from Slick Rick, Mos Def, and Erykah Badu.

This debut album from two-step pioneer MJ Cole was nominated for the Mercury Prize in the UK (but lost out to Badly Drawn Boy).

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 fourth album for the Orange County frat-rockers.

Forget concept albums; this is a concept band. Formed by Dan "The Automator" Nakamura, Del tha Funkee Homosapien, Blur's Damon Albarn, Cibo Matto's Miho Hatori, and the Tom Tom Club's Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz (with visuals by "Tank Girl" creator Jamie Hewlett), the Gorillaz are a "virtual" hip-hop outfit of cartoon characters based somewhere in the future. Hey, we don't make this stuff up; we just report it.

This double album from Jill Scott and her band, Fatback Taffy, includes a live disc of performances of material from her acclaimed debut album, 'Who is Jill Scott?', as well as a second disc of new studio recordings.

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.'

The inaugural major-label LP from the Bay Area indie rockers, whose 1998 debut album 'I Become Small And Go' garnered them Best New Artist honors from Spin.

The official follow-up to 1999's 'Vertigo' finds the London duo collaborating with Richie Havens, Nile Rogers, Tim Hutton and Jeru Tha Damaja. The lead single is "Superstylin."

The latest release from the band formerly known as "Panasonic."

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

The debut album from California electronic artist Timothy Wiles includes collaborations with Beenie Man and Davey Dave.

This is the fourth release for Quasi, which features Sam Coomes (formerly of The Donner Party, and sometimes bandmate of Elliott Smith and Built to Spill) and Sleater-Kinney's Janet Weiss.

This is the third album from the group since founding members Ian McCulloch and Will Sergeant reunited in 1997.

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

The first album from the Philly trio since 1999's Philadelphonic features guest appearances from Medeski Martin & Wood keyboardist John Medeski and Morphine drummer Billy Conway.

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.

Solex is Amsterdam-based songwriter Elisabeth Esselink, and this is her third album for Matador. Like her previous albums, 'Low Kick' is filled with dozens of eclectic samples pulled from albums found at Esselink's record shop.

KRS-One returns to the solo recording scene with his first new album since 1997's 'I Got Next.'

The third full-length from the Minneapolis band.

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 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.

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

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.

Lenny Kravitz's sixth album features a mix of retro rock and mid-tempo ballads.

The Los Angeles indie band returns with its second album for Vapor Records, following 1997's 'Acetone.'

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

This is the third album from the New York-based trio, led by French singer Dominique Durand and it finds the group adding a bit of trip-hop into the mix. The album includes a cover of the Blow Monekys' "Digging Your Scene."

The follow-up to 2000's 'Growing Up Clean in America' EP is a full-length album with 15 new tracks.

The New Orleans rapper returns with his first album since the success of his 2000 single "Shake Ya Ass." The Neptunes return to produce two tracks, with Timbaland, Rockwilder, and others filling out the production duties.

This is the first new album for the UK act since 1992's 'Connected.'

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."

Perhaps the former Talking Head's best solo work since 1994's 'David Byrne,' 'Look Into The Eyeball' features 12 tracks and, as expected, numerous musical styles. NRU from Cafe Tacuba guests on the Spanish-language track "Desconocido Soy."

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.

Produced by Ross Robinson, 'Iowa' is the metal band's third album.

This is the third full-length for the British threesome. It debuted at #1 on the UK music charts.

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.

This self-titled effort is the California band's third album.

This is Laurie Anderson's first music release since 1994's 'Big Red.' Originally conceived as a studio verision of her recent theatrical production "Songs and Stories from Moby Dick," the thirteen-song album contains only three tracks from that show, supplemented with newer material. Guest musicians include Lou Reed, Dr. John, Bill Frisell, Mocean Worker and Van Dyke Parks.

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

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

Robert Diggs, aka Bobby Digital, aka RZA, aka (well, we could go on... but we won't), best known for his production work with Wu-Tang Clan and the Gravediggaz, returns with his second solo album.

"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.

The sophomore effort from the Los Angeles rockers.

Juliana Hatfield and company reunite for their first album in 8 years.

The first album of new material in three years for the ever-consistent Cowboy Junkies.

This new 14-track set from Eric Clapton features a mix of originals and covers (including songs by Stevie Wonder and James Taylor).

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

This is the first album for Mike Scott and company (well, basically just Mike Scott) since 1993's 'Dream Harder,' although Scott did have two solo albums in the interim.

The follow-up to 1999's 'Middle of Nowhere' contains 11 tracks, including collaborations with vocalists David Gray and Naomi Bedford. Among those artists sampled on this disc are Tool, The Cramps, and the late Ian Dury. Longtime Orbital fans will be happy to learn that the theme from "Dr. Who", a staple of the Hartnoll brothers' live act, is included in the track listing.

This is the first album for the West Coast production team / hip-hop outfit formerly known as Tha Alkaholiks (and their fourth album to date, including that previous incarnation). Xzibit, Rockwilder, Kurupt and Busta Rhymes are among the guest contributors.

This is Marc Bianchi's second LP as Her Space Holiday, which also includes his girlfriend, Keely.

This is the sixth album (and third on Beggars Banquet) for San Francisco's Swell, which now is a one-man band consisting entirely of David Freel.

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."

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

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."

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."

Another eclectic effort from the former Massive Attack member features guest contributions from the likes of Alanis Morrisette, Cyndi Lauper, Ed Kowalcyzk (Live), and members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The English electronica duo return with an atmospheric collection of 12 lounge/trip-hop tracks, with vocals provided by Wendy Stubbs, Helen White, and Martin Barnard.

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).

The third U.S. release for the eclectic Amsterdam-based duo (following 2001's import-only release 'Sound Shopping') contains 14 equally eclectic tunes, including highlights "Dirty Robot" and "5th Dimension."

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."

Brooklyn underground rappers the Arsonists are back with their self-produced second album, following their 1999 debut "As The World Burns," which was also on indie-rock label Matador. The group is now a trio, following the departures of Freestyle and D-Story.

Guests on the Rolling Stones frontman's fourth solo album include Bono, Lenny Kravitz, Wyclef Jean, Pete Townshend, Rob Thomas, and Joe Perry.

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.