This week's list, marking one of the biggest release dates of the year, is led by one of the most talented of current artists who also happens to be arguably the most controversial artist in popular music.
1. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Courtesy Def Jam
Kanye West is arguably the most controversial of today's pop stars, but he is also one of the most accomplished. His last three studio albums all hit #1 on the album chart and were certified platinum for sales. He also has six top 10 pop singles as lead artist. Kanye West's 14 Grammy Awards tell the story of his peers' esteem for his work.
2. Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday
Courtesy Cash Money
Three songs from Pink Friday have already hit the pop top 40. In addition Nicki Minaj has hit the top 40 as featured artist on six other singles. This is one of the most highly anticipated debut albums of the year.
3. Ke$ha - Cannibal
Courtesy RCA
Ke$ha's Cannibal is a nine song EP intended as a companion to her debut album Animal. It includes the #1 pop hit single "We R Who We R."
4. My Chemical Romance - Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys
Courtesy Reprise
The Black Parade, the most recent album from My Chemical Romance, was a #2 hit on the album chart and certified platinum for sales over one million.
5. Justin Bieber - My Worlds Acoustic
Courtesy Island Records
My Worlds Acoustic is a collection of acoustic versions from Justin Bieber's first two albums as welll as a studio recording of the new song "Pray."
6. Ne-Yo - Libra Scale
Courtesy Def Jam
Ne-Yo's first three albums were all certified platinum and reached #1 or #2 on the charts.
7. Jay-Z - The Hits Collection Volume One
Courtesy Def Jam
Rapper Jay-Z has a legacy of 18 top 40 pop singles as a lead artist and nine #1 albums in the past 15 years. This is his first greatest hits collection.
8. Soundtrack - Burlesque
Courtesy RCA
This soundtrack to the film Burlesque includes new songs by both Christina Aguilera and Cher.
9. Robyn - Body Talk
Courtesy Cherry Tree
Body Talk is the completion of the Body Talk series of albums by Swedish pop singer Robyn. It includes five songs from each Body Talk Pt. 1 and Body Talk Pt. 2 as well as five new songs.
10. Jessica Simpson - Happy Christmas
Courtesy Primary Wave
This is Jessica Simpson's second holiday collection. His first Rejoyce has been certified gold.
