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.

What the Icelandic singer's fifth album lacks in instrumentation (although there is a bit, provided by members of Matmos, Mum, and other collaborators), it makes up for with voices--lots and lots of voices. Think everything from beatboxing (including contributions from The Roots' Rahzel), choirs and Inuit throat-singing to, well, Mike Patton.

A bit more "rock" than her older sister Jessica, the 19-year-old former ("7th Heaven") and current (her own MTV reality show) TV star makes her recording debut with these 11 tracks produced by John Shanks.

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

Bob Rock (Metallica) produced this sophomore album for the Montreal-based pop-punk band.

The twentysomething pop-punkers attempt to move past their past TRL success with a more mature follow-up to 2002's 'Young And The Hopeless.'

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.

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

'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."

It's been over 40 years since she released her first album (and four since her last, 2000's 'Still Country'), but the coal miner's daughter returns to the spotlight with this 13-track effort (all Lynn-penned originals), produced by The White Stripes' Jack White.

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.

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

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.

Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan tackles a variety of covers on this latest from his side project, A Perfect Circle, including versions of songs by Depeche Mode ("People Are People"), Devo ("Freedom Of Choice") and Marvin Gaye ("What's Going On"). Also included are two originals.

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."

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

The former member of *NSync makes his solo debut with 'Schizophrenic,' working with a range of producers including Basement Jaxx.

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

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.

'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.

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.

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

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

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 three Hanson brothers (now ranging in age from 19 to 24) return with their third album, a full seven years after first hitting the pop charts.

The (we hope) ironically-titled 'America's Sweetheart' marks the solo debut for the former Hole leader, who co-wrote this album with Linda Perry and Elton John lyricist Bernie Taupin.

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.

The Canadian singer-songwriter returns with ten new songs, co-produced by Morissette with John Shanks and Tim Thorney.

Working once again with producer Rob Schnapf (Beck, Guided By Voices, Elliot Smith), the Aussies return with a second LP.

MF Doom drops his first solo record (under the MF Doom name) since 1999's 'Operation Doomsday.'

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.

The sophomore effort from the Long Island emo band was produced by Lou Giordano (Ataris), and features new vocalist Fred Mascherino (joining band founder Adam Lazzara).

The follow-up to 2000's 'Bloodflowers' sees Robert Smith & co. working with metal producer Ross Robinson (Limp Bizkit, Korn) for the first time (and apparently, he ate up so much of the recording budget that they couldn't afford an album cover artist).

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

This is the first full-length release from the hard-to-pin down Canadian synth-pop trio led by Jeremy Greenspan.

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.

This is the third album for the Utah emo-rockers.

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 is the solo debut for Banks, a member of G Unit.

DJ Danger Mouse's bootleg hit, which mixes together vocals from Jay-Z's 'The Black Album' and music from The Beatles' 'The White Album,' has brought legal action from Beatles record label EMI, preventing record stores from selling the album.

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.'

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 Swedish garage-rockers return with their third full-length disc.

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 singer's second effort finds her teamed with Third Eye Blind leader (and current beau) Stephan Jenkins.

'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.

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

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

This is the second album for the nu-metal band out of Wales.

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

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

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.

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.'

The fourth album for the veteran Scottish band is their first album release in eight years and first U.S. release since 1993's 'I've Seen Everything.'

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

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

This is the third album for the indie rock outfit led by Armistead Burwell Smith IV (formerly of 3 Mile Pilot) and Rob Crow.

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.

'Cashville' is the solo debut for the G-Unit member (who in real life is Nashville, Tenn. native David Brown). Production on the disc is handled by Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Lil' Jon, with 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks also making appearances.

No, the Drive-By Truckers haven't gone all gangsta rap on us; the title is just one example of the southern rockers' playful side. Founders Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley remain, although their surrounding cast has changed a bit since the acclaimed 'Decoration Day.'

This self-titled effort marks the full-length debut for the Brooklyn-based shoegazers.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' 13th album actually spans two separate discs, each produced by Nick Launay. And speaking of the Bad Seeds, longtime member Blixa Bargeld has been replaced by James Johnston (Gallon Drunk).

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.

Kenny Chesney guests on '72 & Sunny,' the third solo disc for the Kid Rock protege.

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.'

A reunited Nivek Ogre and cEvin Key return with their first Skinny Puppy album in eight years, with Ken Marshall (Tool) producing. (Apparently, their brand of hardcore political industrial noise is only needed during Republican administrations.)

Although lumped in with the New York garage-rock scene, The Walkmen (which includes members of defunct bands Jonathan Fire Eater and The Recoys) stand out by incorporating a wider range of influences and instrumentation. (Plus, they own their own New York recording studio, which puts them about as far from an actual garage as you can get). This is the band's second LP, which follows their acclaimed 2002 debut 'Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me Is Gone.'

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.

Wales' Jem Griffiths makes her debut with this 11-track LP, which combines her vocals with downtempo electronica from Jem and collaborator Yoad Nevo, reminding critics of recent albums from Dido and Zero 7.

The Canadian folk-rock twins return with their third album.

The veteran singer's first completely self-produced album is his first studio recording since 2001's 'Songs From The West Coast.'

The psychedelic indie-rockers from Santa Cruz, Calif. make their Sub Pop debut with this third disc. Guitarist Ben Chasny has been added to the lineup, supplementing the original quartet led by vocalist/guitarist Ethan Miller.

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

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.

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.

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

?uestlove, Angie Stone and Nile Rogers guest on the 18-year-old soul singer's sophomore effort.

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 former Screaming Trees member and Queens Of The Stone Age collaborator returns with his sixth solo album, credited to the Mark Lanegan Band. Guests include Ween, PJ Harvey, Josh Homme, Nick Oliveri and Izzy Stradlin and Duff McKagan.

The veteran Southern California hardcore punk band returns with--as you may have guessed from the title--a political-themed disc, complete with carefully-footnoted lyrics.

The latest LP from Steven Tyler & co. includes just one original ("The Grind") with the remainder of the tracks occupied by covers of blues standards.

The singer-songwriter's latest is a solo release in every sense of the word, as DiFranco wrote, produced, played, and sang everything on the album (not to mention releasing it on her own record label).