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Monica's Top Ten Essential Albums!

After a life-changing -- and life-affirming -- two-year break, Atlanta's Grammy Award-winning, 10 million-selling homegirl Monica has completed her eagerly anticipated fourth album, The Makings of Me. The new album is the follow-up to 2003's platinum-plus After the Storm and heralds the return of one of pop and R&B music's most consistent chart-topping songstress. "I've watched Monica, now 24, develop and grow since she was 14," states Clive Davis, Chairman and CEO, BMG U.S. "She's now at the absolute peak of her career. Her new album has at least four or five hot singles and she's setting new styles as a cutting edge trendmaker for the industry."

The lead single from The Makings of Me is the hot club banger, "Everytime Tha Beat Drop," but Monica's heart is closer than ever to her gospel roots, as this list of her top ten essential albums makes clear. But she was also unselfish enough to include a shout-out to her fellow Atlanta singer, Ciara, as well two other first ladies of R&B by names of Faith and Mary J. Here's what Monica had to say about her picks:

	Kirk Franklin Hero
"It's a great motivational CD."
	Mary J Blige My Life
"It's a great reminder that people should take you as you are."
	Faith Evans Faith
"It has incredible melodies and lyrics."
	J. Moss The J. Moss Project
"His voice and message are truly amazing."
	Ciara Goodies
"I am extremely proud of all of her accomplishments."
	Sisqo Sisqo Incomplete
"Some of my favorite love songs."
	Karen Clark-Sheard Live
"I grew up on Gospel music and her and her family are one of the founders."
	BeBe & CeCe Winans Greatest Hits
"I loved listening to the brother and sister whose voices blended so well."
	Whitney Houston The Preacher's Wife
"Whitney's voice is amazing and I love to hear her sing gospel."
	Mary Mary Mary Mary
"Those sisters can saaaannnnggg!"
Monica's latest album, The Makings of Me, is available now in the ARTISTdirect Store, as are most of her picks. Click the album covers for more information.