26 albums we can not wait to pick up.

Having rung out the old, music fans are looking ahead to fresh music from their favorite artists. Given the predictably unpredictable release schedules of some A-listers, consider this a first look at the sounds of music in 2011, with surprises and disappointments yet to appear. Music journalist Jonathan Zwickel brings us this preview of the full-length sets slated to drop in the months ahead.