The women of music have been busy since last International Women’s Day. Here’s a look at the best female musical offerings of the past year.

Zemfira, "14 nedel tishini" (14 Weeks of Silence). Russia’s rock queen’s third release was greeted with universal adulation upon its release last March, and many Muscovites still can’t get "Beskonyechnost" (Infinity) out of their heads.

Missy Elliott, "Under Construction." Elliott silenced the haters with this stunning November hip-hop release, which packed dancefloors across the globe.

Bjork, "Bjork’s Greatest Hits." Icelandic fairy princess Bjork finally got around to releasing a greatest-hits collection in late 2002, composed of songs chosen by her fans. A must-have for any Bjork fan.

Nochnye Snaipery, "Tsunami." Recorded while violinist Svetlana Surganova was still in the band, this 2003 effort by St. Petersburg philosophers Nochnye Snaipery will lend a melancholy quality to any evening.

Christina Aguilera, "Stripped." Former Mouseketeer Aguilera veers off from her previous "Genie in a Bottle" course to something much more interesting on "Stripped." Ignore the first single, "Dirrty" – this album is all about female empowerment.

India Arie, "Voyage to India." This soulful singer didn’t go wrong on her sophomore release, and won two Grammys last month for her R&B tunes.

Tatu, "200 km/h in the Wrong Lane." Currently storming the United States, Russia’s favorite strumpets learned to sing in English for their mainstream makeover.

Norah Jones, "Come Away with Me." Although it initially seemed somewhat boring, Jones’ jazzy, laid-back debut grew on fans – leading to more than 6 million sales and eight Grammys.

Sugababes, "Angels with Dirty Faces." This British R&B trio got a new member on their follow-up to their self-titled debut. Surprisingly quality stuff from a pop band who actually writes their own stuff. Check out "Stronger" if you’re feeling down.

The Breeders, "Title TK." This ’90s all-girl rock group returned in 2003 with the quality sounds of sisters Kim and Kelley Deal on "Title TK," their first release since 1993’s "Last Splash." Rock on, girls!