This was the debut album from a band who by all accounts deserved far more than what they ended up achieving this decade given how the music scene shifted away from Australian artists this decade. Led by the powerful presence of frontwoman Suze Demarch, this album was initially a moderate success due to her strong vocals and the bands catchy instrumentation only for it to explode in popularity once "One word" was released as a single.
Peak position #1x6
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Early warning #21 (AMR #16)
Rush you #30
Painless #49
One word #15 (AMR #17)
It's a bit of a shock to see how long it took for Prince to recapture the success he had with the soundtrack to his first theatrical film Purple rain in Australia, in fact this comeback of his remains his most successful album down under which should tell you how done dirty he was in our mainstream back in the day. This is the last album he released until he changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol as well as the first with his new band the New power generation.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Gett off #8 (AMR #5)
Cream #2 (AMR #2)
Diamonds and pearls #13 (AMR #12)
Money don't matter 2 night #18 (AMR #12)
While it was among the most successful albums of its day internationally, MJ's previous album Bad didn't quite live up to its hype in Australia despite it arguably being better than Thriller on an artistic level. I guess the takeaway he got from it was that the videos weren't as flashy, because the videos to this album are some of the highest budgets to ever come out of a music artist.
Peak position #1x6
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Black or white #1 (AMR #1)
Remember the time #6 (AMR #3)
In the closet #5 (AMR #6)
Jam #11 (AMR #9)
Who is it #34
Heal the world #20 (AMR #19)
Give in to me #4 (AMR #4)
The 80's might have ended at the start of the year, however that didn't mean the trends did as evidence by this third solo album from Jimmy Barnes being a huge success for him despite sounding much like his previous efforts from the previous decade. Jimmy did change with the times as the decade went on, although not before he tried his hand at being a Motown artist with his first Soul deep project.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Lay down your guns #4 (AMR #4)
Let's make it last all night #12 (AMR #7)
Little darling #39
When your love is gone #7 (AMR #7)
Love is enough #48
This was where it all began for by far the most successful artist of the decade, although its success here in Australia was a bit lacking compared to what it achieved internationally likely due to Mariah not doing much to distinguish herself on this album like she does on her later material. It reminds me of Whitney's debut album from five years prior where it was more of a showcase for her voice than anything else.
Peak position #6
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Vision of love #9 (AMR #8)
Love takes time #14 (AMR #12)
Someday #44
I don't wanna cry #49
The legends are true people, this was the first of many Soul deep project from Jimmy Barnes, Soul deep being what he refers to his style of music where he attempts to recreate the success of many Motown records from the height of the label's popularity. This side project has achieved massive success over the years which means there's people out there who appreciate this side of his catalogue.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I gotcha #6 (AMR #5)
When something is wrong with my baby #3 (AMR #2)
Ain't no mountain high enough #28
From what I can gather, the this is a soundtrack to a film that's based on a book which depicts the struggles of Irish immigrants looking to make it big into the music industry in America. The film must have been a massive success here in Australia (it flopped in America) given how its first soundtrack (yes there was more than one) managed to become one of the biggest of the decade here and spawn a single that permeates on oldies stations to this day.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Mustang sally #43
This was originally released at the start of the decade to minimal success, I'm guessing because we Aussies need a better incentive to make an album successful than having a greatest hits package from a long dormant band that claims to remaster their greatest hits. That incentive came three years later when it was released on CD at a time where everything was getting transferred from vinyl to CD.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Due to the success of a mashup which combines three of the best tracks from the film, the soundtrack to this cult classic managed to become a success all over again at the start of the decade several years prior to it becoming a hit once more to commemorate the films 20th anniversary.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Grease megamix #1 (AMR #1)
So, the Use your illusions era, it's referred to the time where Guns n Roses put out two long albums simultaneously and saw massive success with both of them both as albums and with the singles they released. The second volume proved to be more popular than the first likely due to having the bigger singles on the charts, although volume one did contain the Illusions trilogy which made them iconic.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You could be mine #3 (AMR #2)
Knocking on heaven's door #12 (AMR #14)
Yesterdays #14 (AMR #18)
Estranged #40
It looked like that Bryan Adams was going to become a one album wonder given the commercial failure of his 1987 effort Heat of the night, however following his contributions to the Robin hood soundtrack, he was able to bounce back more successful than ever with this album which led to him having a highly productive decade despite only putting out two more albums in the 90's.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I do it for you #1 (AMR #1)
Can't stop this thing we started #9 (AMR #13)
There will never be another tonight #30
Thought I'd died and gone to heaven #13 (AMR #13)
All I want is you #31
The last time Rod Stewart had an album this successful was when he dabbled with disco with his 1978 effort Blondes have more fun, so to see him return to this level of success with his first album of the decade can only mean that fans decided to boycott him throughout the 80's and lifted the boycott once the 90's began. That's the best explanation I have for why there was such a long absence of his popularity.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
It takes two #16 (AMR #14)
Rhythm of my heart #2 (AMR #1)
The Motown song #26 (AMR #20)
Have I told you lately #12 (AMR #11)
Surprised to see this album so low on the list? I should point out that I'm only ranking these albums based on their original chart runs and while this was a huge success upon its initial release, it wasn't as inescapable as its reputation would have you believe. That said, this album is responsible for why many artists from the 70's and 80's struggled to retain their popularity as the decade went on due to how it revolutionised the rock scene.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Smells like teen spirit #5 (AMR #5)
Come as you are #25
So, if you're a casual fan of Madonna looking to explore her earlier work in more depth, then I can't give a bigger endorsement for this greatest hits package of hers as it collects most (but not all) of her biggest hits during the first eight years of her career to help you decide if you want to become a bigger fan of hers or not. This was attached to her Blonde ambition tour which was also a huge success around this time.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Justify my love #4 (AMR #4)
Rescue me #15 (AMR #13)
Another album released at the start of the 90's from one of the biggest names of the 80's to find massive success, and who says that the 80's ended once 1990 rolled around? In any case we have this third album from John Farnham's revival period which continued the success of his previous two efforts and suffice to say that his dominance in the Australian adult contemporary scene persisted throughout the decade.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Chain reaction #6 (AMR #6)
That's freedom #6 (AMR #3)
Burn for you #5 (AMR #5)
In days to come #49
Another artist to achieve massive success both in the 70's as a teen idol and around this time as a more mature pop star, we have the second album in a row from Daryl Braithwaite to find massive success thanks to him being appreciated presumably by the same audience who fell in love with his more simplistic music over a decade prior. Sadly, for him, this was the final success he had in the mainstream.
Peak position #3
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Rise #23
The horses #1 (AMR #1)
Higher than hope #28
This was the third album to be released from Roxette and the second album to find massive worldwide success for them. Like many artists who made it big as the 80's was coming to an end, these guys were able to adapt with the changing times which allowed them to thrive when some of their contemporaries struggled to do so, although their popularity came to a halt when they appeared on the Super Mario brother's soundtrack.
Peak position #2
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Joyride #1 (AMR #1)
Fading like a flower #7 (AMR #4)
The big l #20
Spending my time #16 (AMR #12)
This was the breakthrough album of one of the heaviest bands in the metal scene Metallica, although given how this wasn't as heavy as their earlier work, one would be excused for thinking that this was a sellout album even though it's still much heavier than most of what was coming out at the time. Their true sellout period came later in the decade when they released Load and its sequel Reload, both of which were meant to cash in on the adult contemporary of the 90's.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Enter sandman #10 (AMR #12)
The unforgiven #10 (AMR #9)
Nothing else matter #8 (AMR #8)
Sad but true #48
Wherever I may roam #14 (AMR #14)
This was the first volume of the Guns n Roses Use your illusions era, it wasn't as successful as their earlier entry despite it having the songs that would make up the Illusions trilogy which showcased a storyline that was paired with high budget music videos for the singles on the album. Even though it wasn't quite as successful as their earlier entry, it was still one of the biggest albums of the decade.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Don't cry #5 (AMR #7)
Live and let die #10 (AMR #13)
November rain #5 (AMR #4)
A trend I don't think many people realised was inescapable this decade was that of opera music finding massive success in the mainstream, that should give some context as to how this live album from Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti became a huge success upon its initial release.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
This was the second greatest hits album that Cold chisel released following their breakup from seven years prior to its release, I never understood why labels would release greatest hits albums from bands and artist who haven't released any new material since their previous greatest hits album. I guess this was a success so here we are talking about it.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
This was only a modest success for Margaret in her native NZ, I'm guessing in favour of allowing the lead single to be one of the biggest hits of its era but also likely due to her being overexposed by the time she went solo. As we Aussies hadn't heard of her band Peking man, we were unfamiliar with how stunning of a vocalist she was, which likely explains how this was so much bigger over here as this was our introduction to her music.
Peak position #5
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Escaping #17 (AMR #13)
Only my heart calling #46
Number one #24
This was released just before Freddie Mercury's death, while it was always going to be a huge success since it came out exactly a decade after their first greatest hits package, the fact this is forever tied into the death of the legendary frontman likely factored into its huge success back in the day.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Although these guys have been on the cusp of mainstream success since the late 80's, it wasn't until this album that they finally achieved that success worldwide thanks to how well this both fit in with the trends of this year and also how it contrasted with some of the more popular hits making it big. This would lead the band to having huge success this decade all around the world.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Losing my religion #11 (AMR #8)
Shiny happy people #19 (AMR #19)
It looked like this album was going to flop in Australia just like her debut album, however it received a massive push in popularity thanks to the third single from the album being a huge success for her and helping people realise what an amazing vocalist she is on her songs. Taylor's popularity would stretch out to her third album later in the decade where she almost topped our charts with a Barry White cover.
Peak position #7
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Love will lead you back #11 (AMR #10)
I'll be your shelter #4 (AMR #4)
Heart of stone #42
Following the success of his (then) latest album Sleeping with the past, Elton John decided to do a recap of his career just like he did a decade prior. By that I mean the exact same way as this album shares its title with his previous greatest hits package, although thankfully both albums have very different artwork to ensure that casual fans looking to get into his music won't confuse the two with each other.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You gotta love somebody #32
This album set records for Simply red over in their native UK, namely it became the first album to top the year end album charts there for two years in a row which should give you an idea of how inescapable they were back in the day. It wasn't quite that big here in Australia, although it was riding off the success of their first three albums, so its success was notable regardless.
Peak position #7
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Something got me started #29
Stars #29
Her debut album Union was one of the most successful of the decade in Australia and NZ, so it only makes sense that Toni Child's second album would also be a success given how female singer/songwriters were among the more popular artists during the transition from the 80's to the 90's. Her popularity would come to an end with her third album, although it would explode later in the decade with her greatest hits package.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I've got to go now #5 (AMR #5)
House of hope #39
While this wasn't the debut album from MC Hammer, it was the album that put him on the map thanks to him having access to a bunch of catchy samples that he uses to provide beats for his rhymes on the album. It was a big enough success upon its initial release here, however it became a best seller due to the third single becoming his second hit which had it rebound on the charts.
Peak position #5
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
U can't touch this #1 (AMR #1)
Have you ever seen her #42
Pray #7 (AMR #6)
Here comes the hammer #37
This would be an album that would see massive success this decade in multiple droves, the first was from this year when it along with many other albums was released on CD for the first time. The more prominent way this got popular was when its sequel was finally released later in the decade.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
This was originally released in 1985 to deafening silence, likely because we didn't need another greatest hits package from the Doors since they were well and truly broken up since 1971. It regained some popularity in 1991 following the release of the biopic named after them, although it was only two years later that it became a huge success here likely because it was released on CD for the first time.
Peak position #3
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
While I can't quite call this a comeback album as AC/DC did see plenty of success throughout the 80's here in Australia, it is the first album they released that I would say was among the most successful of its time thanks to have a very distinct lead single compared to the rest of their catalogue. The album was the first to become a success over in NZ which led to the band having a great decade over there as well.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Thunderstruck #4 (AMR #8)
Moneytalks #21
Are you ready #18
There was little doubt that U2 would find success with this album regardless of what direction they took their sound in, however the fact that they went with ironic rockstars certainly helped it find an audience who were likely becoming fed up with how sincere their 80's work had become as well as it spawning multiple hit singles which lasted over a year after its initial release.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The fly #1 (AMR #1)
Mysterious ways #3 (AMR #4)
One #4 (AMR #3)
Even better than the real thing #11 (AMR #9)
Who's gonna ride your wild horses #9 (AMR #9)
This is an album that was a success upon its initial release due to it being the follow-up to the band's breakthrough album Hold on to me, however it became a success again due to a successful tour that the band went on to promote their album. Unfortunately, this would be the last we'd hear from them as their next album would flop.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Harley + rose #24
Never let me go #30
This was the last album that Bette Midler had any success with throughout her career, although she would release a greatest hits package later in the decade to bookmark her music career so that she could focus on her acting career again. The album is infamous for its lead single which while a pretty ballad on the surface, has some rather disturbing undertones when it comes to religion in response to Madonna's Like a prayer album.
Peak position #7
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
From a distance #8 (AMR #8)
Well, this was a huge success on the AMR album charts, so of course it would feature again on this site. I'm mainly doing this to highlight just how different AMR was to the ARIA charts as one thing fascinating about the Australian music scene in the 90's is that we had two official charts tracking our popular music. With that said, this E.P's placing on both lists should give you an idea of how similar singles sales were to album sales.
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
This was originally released to only minor success here in Australia, likely because no matter how big the singles get, EDM albums usually don't do well on our charts. I guess we eventually made an exception here following the news that Martha Walsh from the Weather girls was the lead singer of the band and not the conventionally attractive woman that appeared on the cover art and in the music videos.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Ride on time #2 (AMR #2)
I don't know anybody else #6 (AMR #4)
Everybody everybody #35
Fantasy #3 (AMR #2)
Strike it up #20 (AMR #18)
Even though his debut album won album of the year at the Grammys, George Michael felt that he was little more than a shallow pop star which can only truthfully be said about his time with Wham as Faith did have some introspective tracks that resonated with more mature audiences. In any case, that was the premise for his first volume of Listen without prejudice which true to its title, is a song by a pop star looking to be taken more seriously in the music scene.
Peak position #2
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Praying for time #16 (AMR #15)
Freedom #18 (AMR #17)
Waiting for that day #50
The duo may have called it quits following the mediocre reception of their album We too are one, however that didn't that fans were ready to say goodbye to them as this greatest hits package they released was a huge success for them. They would eventually reform by the end of the decade when their fans had long moved on from their music.
Peak position #1x7
Peak position #1x6 (AMR charts)
INXS were another band who were able to find success transitioning from the 80's to the 90's here in Australia, although I guess they dialed back their bombast from their earlier material to make this transition which is why this was a success when others such as Icehouse and 1927 struggled around this time. They would continue to have moderate success as the decade went on, but nothing on this level.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Suicide blonde #2 (AMR #3)
Disappear #23 (AMR #19)
Bitter tears #36
By my side #23
Following the success of his album But seriously, Phil Collins decided to embark on a world tour which was such a success that he compiled all of the greatest moments onto this album which he released to massive success. It's the only live album from his career both solo and with Genesis to see massive success over the years, it makes you wonder why none of his band's live albums was a hit though.
Peak position #5
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
This was an album released exclusively in Australia likely due to how much love and support we Aussies gave Billy Joel; OK it was because of how big his previous two albums were here compared to the rest of the world that he released this exclusively for us. It's a reissue of his greatest hits package from five years earlier plus a live album as well as having a bonus disco containing interviews he gave here.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
It may be hard to believe in this day and age, but Vanilla Ice was one of the most popular rappers of his day and it's all due to the success he achieved with this album and its lead single. Naturally this led to a ton of backlash from the hip hop community as while Google didn't exist back then, it was obvious that everything he said about himself was about as believable as Milli Vanilli's American accents.
Peak position #9
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Ice ice baby #1 (AMR #1)
Play that funky music #13 (AMR #12)
It was only inevitable that John Farnham would release a live album that would see massive success for him, it comes around the time he had his collaboration with Jimmy Barnes on his Soul deep project from earlier on this list to remind audiences of what a phenomenal talent he was this far into his career.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Although these guys didn't achieve much success here in Australia with their albums or indeed their singles save for the three big hits I've already featured on this site so far, that didn't prevent them from finding success with this greatest hits package which no doubt led to them having a resurgence in popularity later in the decade with their next album.
Peak position #6
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
It had been seven years since the tragic passing for Karen Carpenter, although I guess the last greatest hits package from the duo was released exclusively here in Australia and NZ whereas this was released internationally to deafening silence outside of both countries. I guess we were the only ones who realised the genius of their music back in the day, although time has since reevaluated their legacy.
Peak position #9
Peak position #15 (AMR charts)
This is an album that saw a ton of backlash upon its initial release, mostly for its lead single which was a virtual duet with Natalie's father Nat King Cole from beyond the grave which many felt she was being disrespectful towards. I feel that she had nothing but love and affection for her father's work and that this was the best compromise she had of fulfilling her dream of making a song with him. The Grammys agreed and awarded this album of the year.
Peak position #1x6
Peak position #1x6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Unforgettable #2 (AMR #2)
This was the final album to be released from Dire straits before they broke up for good later in the decade, heck this was only made due to them needing to fulfill their contractual obligation as they needed to release one more album in their career. Even with this in mind, the album was still a massive critical and commercial success proving that they were still professionals when making their music.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Calling Elvis #8 (AMR #7)
Heavy fuel #26
They managed to score a massive hit with their most recent album Ghost nation, so it only seems appropriate that these guys would release a greatest hits package to detail a new chapter in their discography given how it was also the start of a new decade in their career. Indeed, they would see success this decade as their next album Cut would spawn their biggest hit with "Holy grail."
Peak position #6
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Throw your arms around me #34
Their debut album wasn't much of a success here in Australia, I'm guessing because we Aussies weren't that into sophistopop in the late 80's like the rest of the world was. Fortunately, the band saw massive success with their second album due to their cover of a Johnny Nash classic, even then the cover wasn't the first single from the album which is why it took a little while to find an audience here.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I can see clearly now #22 (AMR #18)
Well, her second album might have costed her a career over in America, however at least the rest of the world was able to enjoy Kylie's catalogue throughout the 90's which was kicked off with her third album which did away with those standards tracks which likely alienated her earlier fans. This was the last album to be produced by Stock Aiken and Waterman as they would go their separate ways after this was released.
Peak position #10
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Better the devil you know #4 (AMR #5)
Step back in time #5 (AMR #5)
What do I have to do #11 (AMR #8)
Shocked #7 (AMR #6)
This was an album that really took its sweet time in becoming a success here in Australia, mainly because Janet wasn't among the most popular artists here prior to the release of her next album Janet. I guess we were eventually won over with "Black cat" as that was her rare rock song, however even then it wasn't until "Love will never do without you" that the album finally took off here.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Miss you much #12 (AMR #10)
Escapade #25
Black cat #6 (AMR #9)
Love will never do #14 (AMR #11)
They've been described as John Farnham fanboys over the years, and listening to their debut album it's easy to see why as this does sound like something Farnham would make if he were fronting a band around this time period. That obviously didn't prevent this album from being a huge success for Southern sons, however it did leave them as a one trick pony as their next album failed to replicate its success.
Peak position #5
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Heart in danger #5 (AMR #4)
Always and ever #16 (AMR #16)
Hold me in your arms #9 (AMR #7)
This was the debut album from German duo Enigma, an album they named after the year they released it in albeit in roman numerals in order to make it come off as an intellectual album. This was the first of many successful new age albums to be released this decade, and it was the second to be released period following Enya's landmark album Watermark from two years prior.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Sadeness #2 (AMR #2)
This was a highly successful decade for Lenny Kravitz who saw massive success with his second and third albums throughout the world, although it's worth noting that only this album was a success for him in his native America as his next album bombed there for some reason. This initially struggled to become a success here in Australia, however once his second single made him a household name on Billboard the album flew up the charts here.
Peak position #10
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Always on the run #43
It ain't over till it's over #10 (AMR #10)
Stand by my woman #46
Harry Connick Jr was always a crooner in the music industry; however, his career received a massive boost when he appeared in the film Little man Tate which compelled audiences to check out his music catalogue with this greatest hits package he had conveniently released around the time the movie came out. It was a slow rise to success here in Australia, however we were eventually won over.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
I'm not sure how this album managed to become a success here in Australia, mainly because Edith Piaf had been dead for close to thirty years by the time it was released here this year. I'm guessing there was a rise in demand for Chanson music from the first half of the century, maybe to commemorate the end of the cold war or something.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Given that their E.P from earlier on this list was a huge success (regardless of if it was charting as a single or album) it's fitting that the band's debut album would be a huge success for them as they were given a lot of hype in the leadup to its release. The hype was of course effortlessly met; however, it didn't translate to their second album where it became a massive flop for the alternative rock band.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
That ain't bad #1
Don't go now #1 (AMR #1)
Baby baby #21 (AMR #19)
One of the most prominent shows of the early 90's was Twin peaks, even with the cliffhanger ending it was well beloved by critics and audiences alike to the point where the soundtrack became a massive success around the world. The true surprise is that the theme song was a number one hit here in Australia (at least on the ARIA charts) which further secured the shows legacy down under.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Falling #1 (AMR #3)
Following her recovery from her potentially life-threatening injury, Gloria Estefan wanted to make it clear that she didn't want to dwell over that part of her life by releasing this album whose title seems to drive that message home. She was coming out of a very dark place in her life and as such wanted to live the rest of her life without thinking about it.
Peak position #9
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
This was originally released in 1987 to deafening silence here, in fact I'm not even sure why this greatest hits package managed to become a hit in Australia four years later as it's not like there was any special occasion for his legacy in this particular year.
Peak position #7
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Following the surprise success of their signature track from the film Ghost, the Righteous brothers decided to release a greatest hits package to help their new fans discover their back catalogue which proved to be a wise move as it not only worked for them but created a trend of older artists following suit throughout the 90's.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Unchained melody #1 (AMR #1)
This feels like a greatest hits collection from the KLF given how it collected all of their big hits during the early 90's, indeed it likely launched the EDM craze here in Australia given how huge each of these songs were in Australia in comparison to the album itself. Despite how much success they had with this album, the duo decided to go their separate ways after the album cycle was done the following year.
Peak position #5
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
3AM eternal #3 (AMR #1)
Last train to trancentral #5 (AMR #5)
Justified and ancient #3 (AMR #3)
It looked like these guys wouldn't be able to have a career going into the 90's given how their previous album Temperamental suggested they would be an 80's band and no more, however thanks to the success of its lead single worldwide, they were able to extend their popularity past the 80's and even acquire a worldwide audience. This was a brief comeback as the band would struggle for relevancy later in the decade.
Peak position #5
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I touch myself #1 (AMR #1)
Love school #43
It was a new decade, so Crowded house decided to dial back the bombast of their previous material to help them fit in with the calmer music scene which provided them their third big hit in a row with their albums. This managed to break them through into the UK where they scored massive success with this album, I'm guessing the Brits were looking to make them a success but couldn't get into their 80's material.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Chocolate cake #20 (AMR #20)
Fall at your feet #31
It's only natural #15 (AMR #15)
Weather with you #27
Four seasons in one day #47
As if her involvement with Black box wasn't enough of a controversy, we have another group where Martha Walsh had provided vocals for and yet she was nowhere to be found on the promotion of the album and its singles. I'm not sure what everyone's fascination was for hiding her behind attractive models who lip synched to her music, however she grew tired of this and sued these bands for damages.
Peak position #7
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Gonna make you sweat #3 (AMR #3)
Here we go #20 (AMR #17)
Things that make you go hmm #6 (AMR #5)
Just a touch of love #26
By this point Tina Turner had become royalty in the Australian music scene, so naturally this greatest hits album would be a massive success for her when she released it. Interestingly it was even more successful over in NZ meaning that the kiwis were likely bigger fans of her at this point than us Aussies.
Peak position #12
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Nutbush city limits remix #16 (AMR #14)
For whatever reason, the title track to this greatest hits album became a huge success worldwide despite it coming from an album from 1989 for Chris Isaak. I want to say it was due to his resemblance of Roy Orbison, except that Roy had died only a few months prior to when the song was released. In any case, this helped audiences discover his back catalogue so that he could be a household name in the 90's.
Peak position #8
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Wicked game #15 (AMR #12)
Blue hotel #23
These guys were also able to successfully make the transition from the 80's to the 90's as their third album proved to be more successful than their second from three years prior. Admittedly they didn't dial back their bombast on here so perhaps that had little to do with who was making it big during the first stretch of the decade and who wasn't. They called it quits the following year so that Jon Stevens can become a theatre actor.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Freedom #30
Miles and miles #26
Hot chilli woman #7 (AMR #7)
RIP #26
I guess Hoodoo gurus were in danger of not being able to transition from the 80's to the 90's given how their last album Magnum cum louder was a huge flop at the end of the previous decade. Fortunately, they were able to bounce back this year with this album lead by a song that was built on 60's nostalgia which was still a popular trend of the early 90's. This second wind didn't last long for the band I'm afraid.
Peak position #4
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Miss freelove 69 #19 (AMR #17)
1000 miles away #37
Tommy Emmanuel was a session guitarist for Dragon during their last few albums in the 80's, even with that in mind, it was a bit of a surprise that he managed to see massive solo success throughout the 90's beginning with this solo album following the final successful album from his meal ticket band from the previous year.
Peak position #13
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
This was the debut album for Screaming jets, an Australian band who made it big with a song that wouldn't feel out of place with the rising grunge movement that would take over the world by the end of the year. While this album was an immediate success for the band, their second album would have to wait a year and a half to become a success likely suggesting Nirvana stole their success from them.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Better #4 (AMR #3)
Stop the world #33
Shine on #36
Following the eventual success of her debut album, Paula Abdul was able to find instant success with her second album here in Australia which was off to a good start thanks to it spawning her biggest hit in her native America that was also a very big hit here in Australia. Unfortunately, it didn't become a best seller due to the presence of Mariah Carey's album from earlier on this list that made Mariah a household name worldwide.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Rush rush #2 (AMR #2)
The promise of a new day #31
This was released at the end of the previous year to minimal success, I'm guessing fans weren't keen on a solo album from Wendy Matthews given how she already had success with the Rockmelons and Absent friends in such a short amount of time. They were won over when the third single became a huge success for her, this boosted the album's popularity over the course of the year.
Peak position #11
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Token angels #18 (AMR #19)
Woman's gotta have it #34
Let's kiss #14 (AMR #12)
Although it's not on the level of Public enemy or later hip hop, this breakthrough from De la soul is proof that we Aussies were able to appreciate hip hop from reputable artists back in the day even if it failed to reach the dizzying heights of success from the two entries form Vanilla ice and MC Hammer on this list. It was mainly for its goofy lead single, but that's as good of a gateway towards this album as any.
Peak position #12
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Ring ring ring #4 (AMR #4)
This was the only noticeable success that Debbie Byrne was able to achieve throughout her career, for the uninitiated, she was a former member of Young talent time from its initial inception, meaning she got her first break as a child star along the likes of Tina Arena and Karen Knowles.
Peak position #2
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Given how their previous album managed to spawn a huge hit for Skid row the previous year, it seems fitting that this album would be more of a mainstream success even if it was among many albums during the decade that quickly fell from our charts despite entering them at a high position.
Peak position #3
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Monkey business #31
This was a modest success for James Reyne, meaning he too was able to successfully make the transition from the 80's to the 90's with this entry which eventually led to him being the lead vocalist for the supergroup Company of strangers later in the decade. Of course, he would be seen as yesterday's news once that group went their separate ways which coincided with the decline of popular Australian music in the 90's.
Peak position #3
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Slave #10 (AMR #10)
This is the soundtrack to the biopic of the Doors, the film was a massive critical and commercial success due to it coming out on the twentieth anniversary of the death of Jim Morrison as well as treating the trials and tribulations that he and the band experienced with the upmost care, making it far ahead of its time.
Peak position #11
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
While this wasn't as inescapable for Mariah Carey as her earlier entry on this list was even in her native America, it was a nice tie over for her fans while she gained the confidence to develop her own personality on her albums which she would use to great effect on her later material. This was also the album where she was accused of lip synching in her music, accusations that went away once she appeared on MTV unplugged.
Peak position #8
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Emotions #11 (AMR #12)
Make it happen #35
This is the last taste of success that former Eurogliders vocalist Grace Knight managed to achieve in her career, even then it was more due to the success of her collaboration album with Vince Jones from the previous year which even briefly recharted this year when this first hit stores. It feels a little out of place on this list as it's a jazz standards album, although it did have company with Natalie Cole's entry on here.
Peak position #16
Peak position #16 (AMR charts)
Given how his daughter managed to have one of the biggest albums of the year with her earlier entry, Nat King Cole was able to find posthumous success with this greatest hits package of his to allow fans to rediscover his back catalogue without the presence of Natalie.
Peak position #11
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
I'm guessing this recharted this year due to it being released on CD for the first time, this was the case for many older albums throughout the decade finding success this decade especially if they were from the 70's as they benefitted from nostalgia that the 90's had for it.
Peak position #4
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
The Highwaymen was a supergroup consisting of Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson who released three albums together with this second entry being the only one to be a success for them. For what it's worth, their first entry from six years prior did rechart here in Australia due to the success of this album, so it's not like they went completely ignored outside of this album.
Peak position #9
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Much like their debut album from two years prior, this was also set to flop here in Australia for Living colour upon its initial release the previous year likely due to us Aussies not being into their brand of funk rock (this was prior to RHCP's big breakthrough after all.) It was given a second chance when one of the songs became a surprise hit from the album, although it had to be the one that grossly misrepresented their sound.
Peak position #15
Peak position #16 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Love rears its ugly head #10 (AMR #12)
It was inevitable that this would be a moderate success here in Australia given how it managed to spawn one of the biggest hits of the year with its lead single, indeed Londonbeat had better success here in Australia than you might think given how they achieved a surprise hit later in the decade with "Come back" likely out of nostalgia from their success on this album.
Peak position #12
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I've been thinking about you #1 (AMR #1)
A better love #25
This was only barely a success for Sting here in Australia, I'm guessing it was as such due to his name recognition as many fans tend to forget that this album even exists these days. He was able to score more success with his next album, proving that he too was able to make the transition from the 80's to the 90's despite this initially suggesting otherwise.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
All this time #26
Well, I guess having an explicit pun in your album title is one way to transition from the 80's to the 90's successfully, I'm willing to bet that the title being an acronym for a profanity was the only reason this album from Van Halen managed to be a success this year given how this feels more like something that should've been released in the 80's.
Peak position #5
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
While this album failed to live up to the hype set up by Jenny Morris's previous album from the end of the previous decade, it was nonetheless a huge hit for her likely due to the lead single being one of her two biggest hits in her career as well as this being a bit of a change in music direction compared to her earlier work.
Peak position #5
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Break in the weather #2 (AMR #3)
I've had you #39
This was a greatest hits package that was meant to overlook Deborah Harry's entire discography both solo and with Blondie, it's a bit of a surprise it wasn't more of a success here in Australia given how inescapable Blondie was during the late 70's and early 80's was well as her solo career recently peaking with her third album the previous year.
Peak position #6
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
This is a remix album from the Cure that you would think would be a massive flop for the band given how they're best known for their darker more brooding work; you'd be wrong as this sound like something the Pet shop boys would've made around this time which likely prevented it from alienating their fanbase who were also huge fans of the English duo.
Peak position #12
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Never enough #22
Even though this was a little late to the hair metal party given how hair metal was already in steep decline by this point in time, the success of the title track ensured that Warrant were able to finally have their big break here in Australia even if we Aussies were the only people in the world who appreciated the (admittedly goofy) track from the band given how it bombed internationally.
Peak position #13
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Cherry pie #6 (AMR #6)
I saw red #36
This is the final album that John Mellencamp found any success with here in Australia, mainly due to it being a bit of a sleeper hit as it lasted for quite some time in the lower half of our charts despite peaking fairly high upon its initial release. I guess we Aussies weren't interested in keeping him around throughout the 90's like his fellow Americans were as he kept finding success on the Billboard charts after this.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Get a leg up #21 (AMR #20)
Again tonight #39
This was the first major success that Julio Iglesias had here in Australia since his English-speaking debut from 1984, it didn't have that runaway hit that album had, however it did benefit from being released around the same time as the three tenors’ earlier entry on this list.
Peak position #13
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Although he was quickly declining in popularity as far as the mainstream was concerned, Paul Kelly nonetheless managed to achieve minor success this year with this album likely due to him retaining his critical acclaim that he had achieved since the start of his career.
Peak position #12
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
This is the only album from Amy Grant to achieve any sort of success outside of her native America, mainly because (to my knowledge) it's her only album which isn't made specifically for her contemporary Christian audience given how rarely that type of music connects with a larger market throughout history. Even though this was a huge international smash for her, she quickly reverted back to her Christian audience afterwards.
Peak position #14
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Baby baby #5 (AMR #4)
Every heartbeat #17 (AMR #17)
I'm a bit surprised this wasn't a huge success here in Australia for Cher given how it continued in her hair metal direction of her previous two albums, I guess this was a sign of the sub-genre dying out if even she wasn't able to give it much appeal at this point despite how inescapable her previous album was. She would reinvent herself later in the decade after another stint in acting.
Peak position #15
Peak position #18 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The shoop shoop song #4 (AMR #4)
Love and understanding #23
One name you're going to have to get used to going forward in the decade is Anthony Warlow, he's a theatre performer who saw massive success throughout the 90's mainly for his good looks but also for his immense talent that grew with each new entry he released.
Peak position #4
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
While this wasn't the last time John Williamson troubled our charts, it was the album which ended his winning streak that began five years prior with Mallee boy given how his next few albums would tank on our charts due to him temporarily being purged from the mainstream like so many other Australian bands and artists.
Peak position #14
Peak position #20 (AMR charts)
I did mention earlier on this list that this album recharted when these four legends of music reunited to make their sequel album we looked at earlier, it was a huge flop when it first released in 1985 likely due to it feeling too much out of line with what was becoming popular during the height of Live aid.
Peak position #20
Peak position #23 (AMR charts)
By far the most successful show to be performed on theater, we have Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage adaptation of the Gaston Leroux which has been playing nonstop on stage since its premiere in 1986. I'm guessing the soundtrack became a success this year when news broke out that the show would be touring in Australia throughout the 90's, as the last time a soundtrack from Lloyd Webber was a success was with Jesus Christ superstar in 1970.
Peak position #19
Peak position #21 (AMR charts)
This was the debut album for Seal, an artist who would go on to have massive success in the realms of 90's RNB with his second album. While there are traces of RNB on this album, it was mostly an EDM project as he was little more than a voice for some of the catchiest beats to come out of the early 90's.
Peak position #22
Peak position #24 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Crazy #9 (AMR #6)
Future love paradise #46
This was initially released to minimal success worldwide, likely because audiences felt that Snap wasn't worth more than the two catchy lead singles similar to how Black box initially struggled to find success with their album around this time. It was eventually won over by us Aussies and kiwis a year after its release likely due to a successful tour the band had that was well received in both countries.
Peak position #25
Peak position #25 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The power #13 (AMR #13)
Ooops up #4 (AMR #3)
Cult of snap #27
Mary had a little boy #18 (AMR #14)
The spring of 1990 was a hectic time indeed for Australian music, as such, it's little surprise that this album looking over the big hits of that period and presenting them as summer jams would be a success when it was.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Suicide blonde #2
Groove is in the heart #1
Doing the do #3
Ooops up #4
Fix of love #28
The right combination #11
Megamix #13
Cherry pie #6
Chain reaction #6
I'll be your shelter #4
Thieves in the temple #16
Number one #24
Tonight #16
The summer of 90/91 was a hectic time in music, so much so that this was the biggest compilation album of this year which allows it to appear at the top of this bonus list of mine (or it would've had I ranked these by calendar releases and not how well they did overall.)
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I've been thinking about you #1
Wiggle it #3
Fantasy #3
Always and forever #16
I saw red #36
Sucker DJ #1
Because I love you #8
Step back in time #5
Gonna make you sweat #3
Where are you baby #19
Rise #23
Burn for you #5
Mary had a little boy #18
Throw your arms around me #34
Miss freelove 69 #19
Games #33
This was the first album to come from the very lucrative 100% hits catalogue, a series that lasted two decades and only came to an end due to compilation albums being made redundant in the age of streaming and digital downloads. It was off to a great start thanks to it collecting the biggest hits of our winter of this year which it had plenty of worthy songs to choose from
Peak position #2
Hit singles
People are still having sex #17
P.A.S.S.I.O.N #28
Baby baby #5
Shiny happy people #19
Chocolate cake #20
Love gets rough #22
Couple days off #40
Fading like a flower #7
Rush rush #2
Gypsy woman #11
Read my lips #1
It ain't over till it's over #10
Slave #10
Love junk #19
Walking in Memphis #11
More than words #2
Touch me #16
Grease megamix #1
The autumn of this year was very hectic as this became a massive success this year thanks to the fine selection of songs it had to offer us Aussies during the midpoint of the year.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
3AM eternal #3
B with u #16
Here we go #20
Strike it up #20
Deep deep trouble #35
Around the way girl #45
Never let me go #30
Early warning #21
When your love is gone #7
The horses #1
Hold me in your arms #9
Where are you now #13
Cry for help #13
One more try #36
Iesha #17
Devotion #37
Love the one you're with #21
What do I have to do #11
This had a weaker selection of summer jams to market for our autumn than the other album that did this from earlier on this list, however it was still a hit here in Australia due to it still having somewhat of a strong selection to choose from.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Sadeness #2
Pray #7
Play that funky music #13
Just another dream #14
Operaa house #18
16 #46
That ain't bad #1
More than words can say #30
Joyride #1
Better #4
I touch myself #1
Unbelievable #8
I'm free #9
On the way up #19
Crazy #9
Piece of my heart #24
Wicked game #15
This was heavily overshadowed by the first 100% hits entry from earlier on this list, I guess this is a reason why that became a franchise as this still managed to be a success even if it didn't have as strong a selection of hits as that did.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Hot chilli woman #7
Hot chilli woman #7
Hey stoopid #32
Shocked #7
Things that make you go hmm #6
Every little thing #34
Treaty #11
Last train to trancentral #5
Tripping #25
Bad boys #39
Love is enough #48
It's only the beginning #19
Higher than hope #28
99 reasons #31
Unity #40
What comes naturally #4
Now that we found love #6
Ring ring ring #5
All of the seasonal compilations managed to be a success this year as usual, this being the weakest entry of the year even if it still managed to become a success due to having a decent selection of songs on its track listing.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
How to dance #3
Ring my bell #35
Losing my religion #11
Always on the run #43
Right here right now #35
Don't go now #1
Let's kiss #14
Just the way it is baby #26
Love school #43
Blue hotel #23
Falling #1
Named after the Sinead O'Connor classic, this album successfully collects all of the biggest hits of 1990 which it turns out wasn't much of an incentive for us Aussies to make it a huge success, at least not enough to make a yearend list which I'm ignoring to allow it to appear on here anyway.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Opposites attract #1
U can't touch this #1
Lay down your guns #4
Epic #1
Joey #2
Leave a light on #5
Crying in the chapel #3
All I wanna do is make love to you #1
Better the devil you know #4
Nothing compares 2 u #1
I want that man #2
Hold on #2
Close to you #2
I need your body #3
I don't want to be with nobody but you #4
Spin that wheel #5
Bust a move #1
It must have been love #1
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