Most anticipated albums of 2011

Lady Gaga leads the class of hot new 2011 albums

So, music fans: Are you ready for still more headlines about Kanye West, Beyoncé, Drake and Lady Gaga in 2011? All four artists are looking to continue their hot streaks with new releases this year. But 2011 also promises to bring back some big names you may have almost forgotten about: the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Avril Lavigne, the Strokes, Fiona Apple, Jane's Addiction, Sara Evans, Limp Bizkit—even the Cars. (Yes, the actual Cars—not that terrible "New Cars" project from a few years back.)

What else does 2011 hold in store? Browse our gallery of the 50 biggest (mostly) confirmed releases of 2011 and find out.—Andy Hermann and Tamara Palmer, Metromix

(What albums are you most excited to hear in 2011? Join the conversation in the comments section below.)

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