Tie racks and sweaters are fine, but everyone knows that nothing says "cool" like the gift of music. Whether it's for the kids, or for the little kid inside every adult, nothing connects on an emotional level like that first listen to a soon-to-be favorite album.

But alas! You've not been in tune with what's rocking radio, or hanging out in hip, underground clubs each weekend of the year. You've not scoured the tech companies for next-level, cutting edge gadgets. Lucky for you, Billboard has done that for you. What follows is a guide to some of what's ho-ho-hottest in music this year, from blockbuster albums to indie upstarts, with some of the coolest tech gifts thrown in for good measure. You may not be able to get all of these gifts for a song, but your friends and loved ones will surely sing your praises.