Jay-Z is back from "retirement," Britney is back from rehab, and Chris Brown never really went away. We've got the down low on whose albums are worth checking out (and whose you should avoid).

Britney Spears - Blackout

Britney's latest album is nowhere near the train wreck her personal life is for one obvious reason - she had very little to do with it. Blackout is a poppy, danceable album that proves that a decent producer can make anybody sound good. Blackout is a solid album, but is in no way genius. One can't help wonder what all these amazing producers could have done with an artist who was willing to put in a little effort of their own.

Britney Spears - Blackout Fun Facts

This was Britney's first album since she released In the Zone in 2003.

Britney's official website ran a competition for fans to vote on the album's title, but none of those names were used.

Britney Spears' label has said the album's title is about "blacking out negativity and embracing life."

Britney Spears - Blackout Hot Tracks

Gimme More; Why Should I be Sad; Break the Ice

Britney Spears - Blackout Rating:

Chris Brown - Exclusive

Exclusive is a fresh and fun album that seems somewhat overshadowed by its own production. There's no question that Chris is an amazing artist, so why doesn't this album take full advantage of his talents? Thankfully, the irrepressible Chris manages to shine through on enough tracks to make this album worth a listen.

Chris Brown - Exclusive Fun Facts

Chris is going to be supporting this album with "The Up Close and Personal Holiday Exclusive Tour" beginning November 23, 2007.

T-Pain, will.i.am, and Scott Storch all worked as producers on Exclusive.

Exclusive was originally supposed to be released in April 2007, but was pushed back until November.

Chris Brown - Exclusive Hot Tracks

Hold Up; Wall to Wall

Chris Brown - Exclusive Rating:

Jay-Z - American Gangster

Jay-Z could rap nursery rhymes and they would still sound cool, but on American Gangster he sticks to his favorite subject: the mean streets. On this album, Jay-Z draws inspiration from '70s mobster films like American Gangster (from which the album gets its name) and Scarface. Jay-Z gets creative with his new '70s mobster persona, but he still keeps his pop-culture references razor sharp. Jay-Z is back on his game.

Jay-Z - American Gangster Fun Facts

Jay-Z originally said the album would include nine tracks, but in the end it included 15.

Lil Wayne, Beanie Sigel and Pharrell make guest appearances on the album.

Jay-Z samples dialogue from the movie American Gangster in the intro to this album.

Jay-Z - American Gangster Hot Tracks

Roc Boys; American Dreamin'; Blue Magic

Jay-Z - American Gangster Rating:

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