Come every January, the tantalizing prospect of the year's new music releases appears upon the horizon. And, though dozens of fabulous albums will be released this year, I thought I'd compile a list of those forthcoming, bar-raising albums that get my heart pumping. Also, just so we're clear, the answer is yes: In my world, Kelly Clarkson incites that reaction.

Annie

As far as pop injustices go, it is well known within the industry that Nordic electro-chanteuse Annie took the cake in 2008 when her second major album, Don't Stop, stalled during production just weeks before its release. After a major corporate shake-up within her label, Island Records, led to the company dropping her, Annie cast aside her endeavors in favor of more lucrative projects.

Luckily, she hasn't given up on the album just yet. In fact, according to a new interview with Billboard, Annie still owns the original masters of the tracks and is more than willing to give them a proper home at another label. And with some time to kill and some new tracks slipped under her Casio keyboard, Annie is now aiming to make the album twice as nice as before. With a pending release under pop producer Richard X's record label, "Anthonio," and with Don't Stop favorite "My Love Is Better" lined up for release in the first quarter of '09, perhaps Don't Stop can finally start revving itself up again.

Pet Shop Boys

Let's hear it for the Boys: After a three-year waiting period since their last effort, Fundamental, the iconic electronic duo is gearing up for a new studio album due out March 23, titled Yes. Anticipation for the album's release surged when it was announced that Xenomania, the purveyors of glam-pop perfection, would be taking the helm of the production for this new album. With the album already deemed by music Web site PopJustice! as "quite good" and the lead single "Love Etc." described as "nothing we've ever heard before" (in a good way!), the new album may just be the Boys' punchiest yet.

Riyksopp

Torbjorn Brundtland and Svein Berge are only moving up: The two began with 2001's Melody A.M., an aural accomplishment of trip hop-infused ambient noise and slow sizzling beats. On their follow-up, The Understanding, which was released in 2004, the two headed into a more mainstream pop direction, enlisting the help of The Knife's Karin Dreijer as well as ethereal crooner Kate Havnevik. The pairing resulted in some of the best tracks on the album, "Only This Moment" and "What Else Is There?," instances of high-brow pop innovation and brooding electronica.

Following the celebration of the band's 10th anniversary came the announcement of Junior, its third major album, due March 23. The electro-duo seems to have benefited from a newfound spring in its step as demonstrated by its buoyant, bouncy new single, "Happy Up Here." Most exciting of all, Riyksopp are not only once again working with Karin Dreijer, but have also enlisted the help of indie darlings Lykke Li and Robyn for their newest release. The latest promotional shots have all featured the boys grinning from ear to ear, so who knows? Perhaps there's a reason they're smiling so much.

Imogen Heap

You've no doubt heard this sweet songstress somewhere before: teaming up with Guy Sigsworth for side-project Frou Frou, lining the soundtracks of your favorite FOX drama or perhaps even performing live on Indie 103. Well, Imogen's stepping back into the spotlight after busying herself with the creation of Speak For Yourself, the follow-up to her spectacular 2005 solo album.

Following a move back into her British childhood home, the singer-songwriter decided to build an in-house studio. During the noisy process, the singer had an idea: to implement the clicks, clacks, and squeaky sounds of her home directly into her songs, adding what should prove to be an intriguing, organic element to her new music. Recent teasers played in Immi's weekly video blogs seem to suggest brilliance as usual. Look for this one to hit stores around late April or May.

Kelly Clarkson

Remember that widely reported and entirely overblown altercation between Kelly Clarkson and Clive Davis? Well, say what you will about the matter, but Davis had it right-Clarkson simply wasn't ready to write her own rock.

To be fair, My December hardly profited from any more gritty 'tude than her previous album, Breakaway. Yet unlike the groundbreaking album that catapulted Clarkson from the likes of talent show hack to bona fide belter overnight, My December suffered from an aggravating amassing of angst-fueled lyricism that failed to translate into sales, stalling the album's performance on the charts and failing to propel the deeply unappreciated single "Sober" to its deserved potential.

Nevertheless, the true American Idol original has seemingly sucked it up and once again joined forces with mega-pop titans, including Ryan Tedder ("Apologize," "Bleeding Love") and Dr. Luke, who is responsible for her post-"Since U Been Gone" stormer, "My Life Would Suck Without You." Judging by the track, Clarkson's sound hasn't changed one bit-she's just added a few, catchy new hooks into the mix.

Utada

After over four years, the J-Pop megastar is finally planning to return to our side of the Pacific with the follow-up to her 2004 major label English debut, Exodus. Though the album never took off in sales, it remains one of the finest moments of synth eccentricity and smart-pop ingenuity within Utada's entire back catalog.

After the premiere of the album's R&B-tinged, hook-heavy lead single, "Come Back To Me," it seems that Utada's seeking a radio hit with this new album. As a result, be prepared for some star-studded production by blockbuster hip-hop hit-makers, including Timbaland and Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins-longtime collaborators and friends. Look for Utada's upcoming album to drop on March 24 in the States.

Frankmusik

For those still unaware, Frankmusik is the Most Exciting Man in Pop. It is no surprise, then, that his upcoming debut is set to be the Most Exciting Debut in Pop for '09. With a sound as frenetic and jittery as the nauseating background images on his MySpace, Mr. Vincent Frank is paving the way for the new generation of DIY-electro online artists. Leading off with a new single for the New Year ("Better Off As Two"), it's only a matter of time before the public catches the buzz. Look for Complete Me to hit stores around June.

Little Boots

Little Boots is going to be the next big thing in 2009. But don't take my word for it-ask the British! The BBC recently knighted the DIY-electro superstar as the official "Sound of 2009," meaning that she's probably about to have some nice things happen. Like fellow MySpacer Frankmusik, Little Boots has been teasing her fan base with an ever-cycling array of tracks on her MySpace, as well as an adorable selection of weekly pop covers on YouTube. The grainy videos feature the little star hammering away at her Casio, wailing away toward the sky. Each week, Ms. Boots attacks her track of choice with the same intensity and sincerity, whether she's covering Hot Chip or Miley Cyrus. Give it up, Lady Gaga; there's a true disco diva coming to save pop. Stay tuned for her electro-fied debut sometime in the second half of the year.

Lily Allen

British potty-mouth and original MySpace ce-webrity Lily Allen has managed to stay within the musical spotlight for over three years now despite having only one album under her brightly-colored summer dress (2006's genre-mashing Alright, Still). With some new friends behind the mixing table (Greg Kurstin) and some new funds to work with, Allen's sound has already transformed into a much more polished production for 2009's It's Not Me, It's You, due out February 9. Fear not, Allen admirers-she's still the same ol' brat. Just listen to the lead single, "The Fear," the tongue-in-cheek, world-weary woe song of a socialite. It's better than anything from Alright, Still-a probable sign of the new album's quality.

Judging from the list, it seems this may be the year of the MySpace star or that of the Norwegians. Anyway, this is merely an introduction! Look out for more amazing releases from the likes of dozens more, including Patrick Wolf, The Noisettes, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kate Havnevik, Depeche Mode, Janelle Monae and Sia.