Which Albums Are You Looking Forward To In 2011?

There are lots of superstars and indie faves slated to release new albums this year!

The one I'm most excited for is Lady Gaga's Born This Way, due May 23. Elton John says the title track will be a gay anthem like no other, that single releases on the eve of Valentines Day and rumor has it Gaga will be performing it at the Grammy's that night. Her last two albums have been nothing short of perfect, and I expect good thing!

Another Pictures & Conversations fave, the legendary Ms. Britney Spears, has just released a lead single from her as-yet-untitled seventh studio album. "Hold It Against Me" leaves a good taste in my mouth for the rest of the album, especially if her producers continue in this dub-step vein. Rumored to release March 15.

No Doubt are set to release a new one this year as well. Details are skimpy, and I can't help but wonder if Gwen Stefani's solo work will be an influence on the bands sound.

Other pop stars rumored to be releasing new shizzle in 2011 are Beyonce and Kelly Clarkson. Let's hope there are no "Already Gone"/"Halo" issues this go round! Also, new discs from Avril Lavigne, Gorrillaz and comedy music troupe The Lonely Island. Amy Winehouse in performing again, which may lead to a new album.

From a less glossy pop world, I'm very excited for new music from Adele. Her sophomore disc 21 comes out in less than two weeks. "Rolling In The Deep" landed on my top songs of last year, it's a departure from "Hometown Glory" and "Chasing Pavements" but feels like it comes from the same headspace.

Santigold and Patrick Wolf have albums in the works, and REM is slated to release Collapse Into Now this spring.

From the rap scene, Jay-Z and Kanye West have teamed for a EP called Watch The Throne. I'm not sure I can handle any more Yeezy. But what about Wheezy? The prolific Lil Wayne is also working on a possible new album.

So, what albums have you marking your calendars?