2003
in MusicAlbums
23
Artists
18
Milestones
22
Notable Releases
The Diary of Alicia Keys
Alicia KeysSecond studio album, sold 8 million copies worldwide, spawned multiple hit singles
The Hands That Built America
BonoAn original song for which Bono won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, showcasing his ability to create impactful cinematic music.
In the Zone
Britney SpearsFourth studio album showcasing increased creative control, earning Grammy recognition and establishing Spears as a songwriter.
Ti Adoro
Luciano PavarottiFinal compilation and only crossover album, described as wedding gift to second wife Nicoletta Mantovani
Thankful
Kelly ClarksonR&B and gospel-influenced debut album that debuted at number one on Billboard 200 and sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide.
Worldwide Underground
Erykah BaduThird studio album featuring experimental, jam-oriented production and debuting at number three on the Billboard 200, achieving gold certification.
Frank
Amy WinehouseDebut album showcasing her jazz influences, achieving platinum sales in the UK and earning her an Ivor Novello Award.
Stronger Than Me
Amy WinehouseFirst single from Frank that won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song.
Dance with My Father
Luther VandrossCareer No. 1 album on Billboard 200, sold 442,000 copies first week. Title track won 2004 Grammy for Song of the Year.
Dance with My Father
Luther VandrossGrammy-winning Song of the Year (2004), dedicated to his late father. Won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
Dangerously in Love
BeyoncéDebut solo album featuring "Crazy in Love" and "Baby Boy," selling 11 million copies worldwide and establishing her as a major solo force with five Grammy Awards.
Frontin'
Pharrell WilliamsDebut single featuring Jay-Z that peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100
Forever and for Always
Shania TwainRomantic ballad from Up! that peaked at No. 4 on country chart and No. 1 on Adult Contemporary chart
Significant Milestones
The Diary of Alicia Keys
DebutSecond studio album released in December 2003, debuted at number one, sold 8 million copies worldwide
Album "Throne Room" release
TourReleased "Throne Room" album followed by extensive 25-city tour with the group Anointed featuring free admission in 2004.
MTV Video Music Awards kiss with Madonna
AwardPerformed "Like a Virgin" with Christina Aguilera and Madonna at the MTV VMAs, with the kiss between the three performers becoming highly publicized and culturally significant.
Thankful Album Release
DebutDebut album Thankful debuted at number one on Billboard 200, sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide, and established her as a major recording artist.
Worldwide Underground Album
DebutThird studio album released on September 16, debuting at number three on Billboard 200 with experimental jam-oriented production and achieving gold certification.
First UK Number One Single
DebutAchieved first-ever UK number one single with duet 'Changes' featuring daughter Kelly, breaking record for longest gap between chart appearance and number one hit (33 years)
Debut Album Release
DebutReleased Frank in October 2003 to critical acclaim, achieving platinum sales in the UK and earning multiple award nominations.
