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).

Following a series of three glitchy, minimalist electronica albums entitled "1," "2," and "3," respectively, producer Stefan Betke (aka Pole) changes course and heads into experimental hip-hop and dub on this latest LP, even enlisting Ohio-based rapper Fat Jon for vocals on several tracks.

This compilation consists chiefly of alternate versions of tracks from her recent LP 'Daybreaker,' including live recordings and remixes by Two Lone Swordsmen and Four Tet.

This compilation (whose name borrows from the similar 1978 Brian Eno-curated disc 'No New York') contains 16 tracks from artists at the forefront of the current New York indie scene, including The Strokes, Interpol, The Natural History, Radio 4, The Walkmen, The Rapture, Calla, Longwave, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Yeah Yeah Yeahs (credited to "Unitard") and The Rogers Sisters.

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).

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).

This is the fourth solo LP for the West Coast alternative rapper, who was a founding member of Freestyle Fellowship.

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).

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 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.

A veteran of such hip-hop acts as Stetsasonic and Handsome Boy Modeling School and producer of such legendary albums as De La Soul's '3 Feet High and Rising,' Prince Paul returns with his third solo release. Almost a meta-concept album, it is loosely based on Paul's dealings with his (former) record company regarding his previous release, the 1999 concept album 'A Prince Among Thieves.' Among the guests here are Chuck D, Erick Sermon and Ice-T.

As the title implies, the metal band is just as, well, angry as ever on their first new studio album since 'Load' and 'Reload' appeared in 1996 and 1997. Just don't try downloading it for free--then you'll see some real anger.

This is the sophomore release for San Francisco's atmospheric noise-pop band led by vocalist Chris Streng, whose previous band shared members with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

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

This is the full-length debut for the somewhat intimidating New York trio, who are frequently compared to Suicide.

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

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.

This sophomore disc for the Southern California alt-metal outfit was produced by Robert and Dean DeLeo of the Stone Temple Pilots.

This disc compiles tracks from three previously-released EPs by the indie rock trio, who originally got their start composing music for NPR's "This American Life." Also included are three brand-new tracks.

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

Former Sunny Day Real Estate members Jeremy Enigk, William Goldsmith and Nate Mendel make their debut as The Fire Theft with this 13-track disc, co-produced by Brad Wood.

Still going strong 15 years and 13 albums into her career (and that's not including live recordings or other compilations), Ani DiFranco returns with 12 new tracks backed by a five-piece band.

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'."

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

'Strangest Things' is the second album, and first for a major label, for Longwave, who got their big break opening for fellow New Yorkers the Strokes (although their sound veers much closer to that of 80s-influenced Interpol than the neo-garage of the Strokes). Dave Fridmann produces.

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 latest release from the prolific indie-rocker and artist was recorded with Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous.

This second album for the Manchester (by way of Germay) electronica/Krautrock duo features guest vocals from Brian Molko (Placebo).

The Wu-Tang producer returns to his RZA moniker with this latest solo release, after two previous albums under the "Bobby Digital" name.

This long-awaited follow-up to 2000's 'Hybrid Theory' contains 12 new tracks co-produced by Don Gilmore.

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.

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).

Championed (and signed) by the White Stripes' Jack White, this spare, Michigan-based keyboard-bass-drums trio has been labeled by Rolling Stone as this generation's Devo. White produced this debut LP, which was mixed by Mercury Rev's Dave Fridmann. And why the album title? According to the band's website, "We all love rabbits."

Giant Sand's Howe Gelb returns with his second solo album for Thrill Jockey. Recorded half in Denmark and half in his native Arizona, 'The Listener' features appearances by members of Calexico and Handsome Family.

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.

Wyclef's fourth solo disc finds Patti LaBelle, Missy Elliott, Buju Banton, Redman, Carlos Santana (among others) making contributions.

The fourth album for the Bay Area band finds them once again in light, summertime pop mode.

This is the second solo outing for the former Verve frontman.

This greatest hits/mix disc by the German DJ/producer includes two previously unreleased tracks. The accompanying DVD, culled from over 40 hours of footage, is part travelogue and part behind-the-scenes documentary of Van Dyk in action.

This is the fourth album for house music producer Brian Transeau, who has faded from the limelight a bit since his heyday in the mid-to-late 1990s, although has produced hits for the likes of Britney Spears and *NSync. Collaborators here include Rose McGowan, Scott McCloud (Girls Against Boys), and Guru (Gang Starr).

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).

If declining sales and waning critical support are any indication, then yes, Tricky is probably feeling quite vulnerable at this stage of his career. But that didn't stop him from releasing this seventh LP, which includes covers of The Cure's "Love Cats" and XTC's "Dear God."

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

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

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

The multimedia collective known as the Blue Man Group, who can be seen and heard in ongoing theatrical productions in several cities, in television commercials for Intel, and even on a previous instrumental album 'Audio,' have released here something akin to a real rock'n'roll album. Their assortment of invented instrumentation is now accompanied by more traditional instruments, and vocals are provided by an array of guests, including Dave Matthews, Spalding Gray and Tracy Bonham. Included also are covers of "White Rabbit" and "I Feel Love."

The Welsh band self-produced this fourth studio album.

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."

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 Depeche Mode songwriter's second solo album is just like his first (1989's 'Counterfeit'): all covers. Here, he tackles Brian Eno's "By This River," The Velvet Underground's "Candy Says" (oh my), Nick Cave's "In My Time of Dying," Iggy Pop's "Tiny Girls," and seven other works by your favorite artists.

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

They may not be easy to look up in search engines, but this very-much-rock quartet from Leeds, England could be found in all the UK music magazines, thanks to a much sought-after EP and this debut album.

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

The sophomore LP for the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter is similar in sound to his 2001 debut 'Musicforthemorningafter.'

This is the third album for the Los Angeles alt-rock trio led by singer Max Collins (who lately is best known for an indecent exposure incident in a Pittsburgh hotel lobby).

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

Art Alexakis & Co. finally return with a successor to 2000's 'Songs From An American Movie' pair of albums... but is anyone still listening?

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.

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."

Lou Barlow (Sebadoh) is still the heart of The Folk Implosion, but on the lo-fi band's fourth full-length release, his supporting cast has changed. Gone is co-founder and writing partner John Davis; in his place are Sebadoh drummer Russ Pollard and Alaska guitarist Imaad Wassif.

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

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 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.

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

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."

Available in two different versions, the latest from Lou Reed is based on the writings of Edgar Allen Poe. The 2-CD set includes tracks with readings of Poe by various actors (such as Willem Dafoe, Steve Buscemi and Amanda Plummer), backed by Reed, while the single-disc set pulls only the more song-oriented pieces from the longer version. Hal Willner produces.

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

The Smiths' guitarist takes a turn at the microphone for the first time, handling vocal duties for his new band, The Healers. The lineup also includes Zak Starkey (son of Ringo Starr) on drums and Kula Shaker bassist Alonza Bevan.

The female UK synth pop duo of Client A and Client B (we presume those are pseudonyms, but one never knows) make their debut with this self-titled effort, the first release for the new record label from Depeche Mode's Andy Fletcher.

Best known as the co-creator of MTV's cult hit sock puppet show "Sifl and Olly," Liam Lynch has also studied music at Paul McCartney's academy and is a published writer. 'Fake Songs,' his first album, includes "United States of Whatever" (the most popular song from S&O and now a minor alternative radio hit) and such tracks as "Fake David Bowie Song," "Fake Pixies Song," and "Fake Depeche Mode Song."

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

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

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

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

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."

'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.

This limited-edition release from the Blur frontman consists of 14 original solo demos (recorded in hotel rooms during a recent tour) spread over four sides, each one clearly a work in progress.

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

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

The critics were not kind to this follow-up to 'Chocolate Starfish...,' which sees the band with a new guitarist (who won the slot in a competition held at various Guitar Centers!) replacing the departed Wes Borland.