Were it not for a live album from Neil Diamond from earlier in the decade, this would've been the most successful album of the 70's in Australia, I'm glad it is as even to this day the album continues to receive a ton of love from the music community thanks to how iconic the songs remain. To think that this was an album built around the behind-the-scenes drama that the band was going through at the time.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
Go your own way #20
Dreams #19
Don't stop #30
Although these guys already had moderate success earlier in the decade, this was the album which finally made them into a household name thanks to them living up to their band name with the sound of this album. Indeed, Jeff Lynne and company hired an actual orchestra to create the sound they were going for on this album, which resulted in audiences who were into the rock opera of the day flocking to their album.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Living thing #2
Rockaria #10
Telephone line #10
This is another album that took its sweet time in taking off upon its initial release, however once it managed to spawn a huge hit (or in Australia's case a double A-side with two of its singles on it) it became a huge success for Boz Scaggs worldwide. This led to him releasing a follow-up during its chart run which also became a huge success for him.
Peak position #1x18
Hit singles
Lido shuffle #2
What can I say #2
One artist I will say I have very little patience for going through their albums is Rod Stewart, oh sure he has his audience which still persists to this day, however I'm not among his target demographic which means me being positive towards his music will be a challenge for me. This was his biggest album in his career, likely due to it spawning his biggest hit over in America in the form of its lead single.
Peak position #1x10
Hit singles
Tonight's the night #3
Killing of Georgie #38
For someone who's constantly evolving her sound, you'd be surprised at how little success Linda Ronstadt has had with her music over the years. She struck gold with her attempts at country music on this album as it did spawn her biggest hit (outside of America that is) with a cover of an old Roy Orbison track. This led to her next album also being a huge success for her in Australia.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Poor poor pitiful me #29
Blue bayou #3
This was the first album from Fleetwood mac to include American musicians Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks in their lineup, coincidentally this was the album which took them from their early psychedelia roots that got them a hit with "Albatross" in 1969 to a more mainstream audience for the 70's which led to their magnum opus the year later with Rumours.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Rhiannon #13
Say that you love me #38
Although he already achieved massive success earlier in the decade with his second album Just a boy, this fourth album from Leo Sayer made him the superstar we all know him for thanks to containing some of his more iconic work in his catalogue. He would become more known as a singles artist after this album as his subsequent follow-ups spawned huge hits for him without being too successful themselves.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
You make me feel like dancing #2
When I need you #8
How much love #18
I should give out a fair warning to fans of these guys that while their albums were indeed among the more successful of the decade in Australia, that clearly came at the expense of their songs not being hits like they were internationally. Admittedly their brand of soft rock has always endured on our oldie's stations so it's not like their music has been forgotten by any means but that still doesn't make the lack of their singles success any easier to swallow.
Peak position #1x12
Hit singles
New in town #16
This seems to be more of a mainstream pivot for Alice Cooper given how there's less of an emphasis for appealing to the edge lords of the 70's and more of a contemporary audience which seemed to pay off for him as this remains his second most successful album in his career (behind School's out of course.) He would continue watering down his music for a more mainstream market as the decade went on.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Department of youth #7
Only women bleed #50
This is one of the most successful live albums of all time, that's impressive considering how Peter Frampton didn't have much success prior to this album both solo and with his band Humble pie. It's easy to see how this album won him such a dedicated fanbase given how iconic the live tracks remain to this day.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Show me the way #25
There were no signs of Rod Stewart slowing down in the mainstream this decade, even though the launch of Countdown would've swept his type of music away as it permeated the first half of the decade here in Australia, it didn't do any such thing as he continued to thrive along the likes of Queen and Alice Cooper down under.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Sailing #2
This old heart of mine #45
I don't want to talk about it #19
Sandwiched between two of their biggest albums is this double album from ELO which seems to be an expansion of their previous album A new world record when it comes to making a rock opera to cash in on both that craze as well as the science fiction craze taking over the world. It's not as commercially appealing as their other work; however, it makes up for that by being them at their best artistically.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Turn to stone #17
Sweet talking woman #38
Although the band had two albums that were decently successful prior to this album, this was the moment where Glenn Shorrock and company went from just another pub rock band from Australia to international superstars given how inescapable the lead single was here and that it even did decently well internationally for them. Their international success would continue to grow after this album.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Help is on its way #1
Witchery #33
I guess the danger with reinventing yourself as often as these guys did is that it's difficult to retain a fanbase to your work, indeed this was the most successful album from 10cc who traded in the glam rock from their earlier work for more contemporary pop rock for this album which made it a huge success for them. They would incorporate reggae on their next album which did lead to their biggest hit.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
The things we do for love #5
Good morning judge #47
Another year, another highly successful album from an artist that with a few notable exceptions, I never particularly cared for his music. There doesn't even seem to be any surprises on this track as this is what you would expect from a Rod Stewart album released this decade.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
You're in my heart #1
Hot legs #42
This was the album which took Chicago, a band previously known for their complex albums and instrumentation to a band who made music that would appeal to the same demographic that was into Rod Stewart. I guess it paid for them commercially as it spawned easily their biggest hit with the lead single, but fans have been disappointed ever since its initial release.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
If you leave me now #1
It seems weird that these guys weren't even bigger in Australia back in the day considering how well their music has persisted on oldies stations, I think this is because I was expecting their albums to be even bigger given how they didn't really have much success with their singles back in the day.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Give a little bit #43
It's odd to see how successful Bryan Ferry was with his second and third album in Australia, mainly because his band Roxy music didn't have much success here until their final album Avalon in the early 80's. In any case we have his second album named after easily his biggest hit down under which managed to take the Australian charts by storm likely due to how inescapable said single was.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Let's stick together #1
Price of love #9
Following the success of his second solo album, Bryan Ferry struck while the iron was hot and released his third solo album which proved to be slightly more successful in exchange for it lacking that inescapable hit that "Let's stick together" became prior to its release. This led to him releasing a third album not long after this which sadly for him crashed and burned and caused him to reform Roxy music.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
This is tomorrow #6
Tokyo Joe #30
There looked like there was no signs of Marcia's career slowing down as she released her sophomore album one year after her debut, the album was equally as successful as its predecessor thanks to Marcia's vocals standing out from her obvious influence Diana Ross who was still MIA on the charts in Australia. Her third album wasn't as successful overall, however it made up for that by spawning not one but two of her biggest hits.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
I just don't know what to do with myself #6
Your love broke through #38
Even though there were already two versions of this story made by the time Barbra Streisand took a crack at it, it is the first version to center around the Grammys which perhaps led to its box office success and how it swept the Golden globe awards despite a mixed critical reception towards the film. As the story is about an aging male rock star mentoring a younger female rock star, the soundtrack proved to be a huge success thanks to audiences connecting with the relationship.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Evergreen #5
Well, he may have failed to score a hit single this decade aside from "You are the sunshine of my life," but at least Stevie Wonder had a massive hit with this album during the height of the Countdown era. I guess if there was a negative affect the TV show had on our music scene, it was that many musicians of colour got sidelined in favour of our local talent, not entirely though due to the rise of disco.
Peak position #6
This was a huge success for Abba, although it was a given seeing as though they were on top of the world during the midpoint of the decade. Unfortunately for them, audience quickly grew tired of them as while their subsequent releases were successful, none of them reached the dizzying heights of this and their previous album.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
Dancing queen #1
Money money money #1
Knowing me knowing you #9
There were a lot of successful disco albums this decade, one of the more prominent ones comes from this trio of women (who weren't actually a family) based on the success of their one and only hit they scored throughout the world. While they never saw the success of the likes of Donna Summer or Gloria Gaynor, they did leave their impact on the disco scene as their big hit continues to light up dance floors to this day.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
The best disco in town #3
She may be a one hit wonder here in Australia with the lead single from this album, however that single was apparently all the incentive we Aussies needed in checking out the album it came from as it became one of the more successful to come out this decade. I'm guessing this was due to Carole performing the song on Countdown back in the day as from what I can gather, this wasn't a success anywhere else in the world.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
You're moving out today #1
Following the success of their previous album Wings at the speed of sound, the band decided to embark on an American tour which they named after said album which proved to be a massive success for them. This live album captures the highlights of the tour which the rest of the world was able to appreciate as it became a huge success for them in their catalogue.
Peak position #2
Before it ever premiered on London's west end, Evita was a concept album based on the real-life political figure from the first half of the twentieth century. Naturally the success of this album led to the show being written for the stage which eventually saw a theatrical released twenty years after this album came out starring Madonna in the title role, it's easily considered her best performance.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Don't cry for me Argentina #1
This was a flop for Peter Allen when it was released the previous year, I'm guessing the news of him coming out as gay following his divorce from Liza Minelli initially put us Aussies off from his brand of lounge music on this album. We were fortunately won over this year when he scored a huge hit with the album's second single, so much so the album and its lead single became a huge success this year for him.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
I go to Rio #1
The more I see you #10
Rita Coolidge is best known as the ex-wife of Kris Kristofferson, I thought I'd bring that up considering her success came during her marriage with the singer/songwriter/actor. Here she scored her biggest success thanks to her cover of the Jackie Wilson classic that still divides audiences to this day.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Higher and higher #6
We're all alone #32
This was the first album that Dr Hook released by reinventing themselves as a country band given how their earlier material as a comedy rock band wasn't finding much of an audience outside of their big hit "Sylvia's mother" (and also "Cover of a rolling stone" depending on where in the world you're from.) It was a big hit here in Australia that should be higher on this list but isn't due to being a bit of a sleeper hit with its success.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Only sixteen #8
A little bit more #10
While the album itself wasn't a big success for Marcia Hines, the fact that it spawned two of her biggest hits of the decade more than made up for its comparatively mediocre success from her previous two albums. That said it was still plenty successful hence why it's on this list, and hey it's still five times as more success than anything Diana Ross was putting out around this time.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
What I did for love #6
You #2
This was the last album that had Elton John working exclusively with Bernie Taupin until their reunion in 1983, it was a massive success for the pair, suggesting they wanted to end their relationship on a high note but changed their minds when they both saw diminishing returns throughout the rest of the decade.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Sorry seems to be the hardest word #19
Following the success of his live album, Peter Frampton had little issues with finding an audience with his next studio album which is why it was a huge success for him. Unfortunately, this success was short lived as none of his subsequent material managed to find much of an audience for him after these two albums.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I'm in you #9
Although this didn't produce any noteworthy hits for Steve Miller and company, it nonetheless remains their most successful album in their career likely due to how well they did on the radio back in the day. They would sit out the rest of the decade and return at the height of MTV with an album that certainly adapted with the times.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Jet airliner #23
Well, it looked like Elvis Presley was able to find success till the bitter end as he released this album a mere month prior to his untimely death. Much like John Lennon's album Double fantasy, it's hard to say if this album would've been as big as it was if he were to live to see the following year, it did spawn two hit singles before his passing, so I think this album did have a genuine fanbase to draw from.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Moody blue #17
Way down #6
Moody blue (post death) #29
Neil Diamond was on a roll this year as he managed to score success with his second live album he released this decade, although considering the first one is the BIGGEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME, I guess this album's success was a bit limited in comparison despite it being a well-remembered concert at the Greek theatre in Los Angeles.
Peak position #7
This was the second greatest hits album that Sherbet released in as many years, I know they released two albums since their previous effort, but this was still getting out of hand as fans likely would've bought these two albums given that they were huge successes for them back in the day.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Rock me gently #6
Although Dragon did achieve minor success earlier in the decade here in Australia, this was the album which finally made them a household name here to the point where they were able to take their success back home as the lead single managed to become a huge success over there. They were one of the earliest acts to achieve success in NZ thanks to appearing on Countdown for what it's worth.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
April sun in Cuba #2
If you thought that Genesis was the prog band that received the most flak from audiences, then you've obviously never seen the backlash towards this British trio who haven't received much respect over the years for their work. This was their only notable success throughout their career mainly due to it spawning a huge hit in the form of its lead single.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Fanfare for the common man #5
Although Donna Summer had already seen success with her previous album due to its lead single, it was this album which finally made her the queen of disco due to its lead single topping the charts in most parts of the world. Donna always had a unique voice which worked wonders with sexually charged tracks, which is perhaps how she managed to be crowned the queen of a genre she would come to despise.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I feel love #1
This was the album where Alice Cooper had sold out, at least he partially sold out as the lead single from this album was an adult contemporary ballad that became his biggest hit here in Australia. There are a few glam rock tracks on here to reassure his fans he wasn't a total sellout; however, they feel out of place with the more contemporary sounding songs on here which is why it wasn't as successful as his earlier work.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
You and me #2
The last time anyone seemed to care about James Taylor in the music industry was with his duet with his (then) wife Carly Simon on "Mockingbird," that was three years prior which should give you an idea of how jarring this albums success was this year for the singer/songwriter. Admittedly this came due to him scoring a hit this year with its lead single, and he has seen middling success over the years since.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Handy man #13
Following the success of their earlier entry on this list, it appears that Chicago decided to double down with their change in music direction as they released their eleventh album which was a huge success compared to many of their pre sellout entries from earlier in the decade.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Baby what a big surprise #14
I'm a bit surprised the Star Wars soundtracks didn't sell better here in Australia back in the day considering A: how much of a cultural phenomenon the films were and B: them being the orchestral themes composed by John Williams especially given how the original trilogy was released when orchestral music was in vogue in the music scene.
Peak position #12
There were no signs of these guys slowing down as they soldiered on throughout the decade with their prog rock, admittedly they weren't as inescapable as they were with their magnum opus Dark side of the moon, however that didn't mean that they were outselling the competition two to one.
Peak position #3
Sherbet was still able to find massive success this far into the decade due to how much love they were receiving on Countdown, although it was noticeably less success than they had earlier in the decade given how it wasn't as inescapable as their earlier work (the cover might have had something to do with it.)
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Magazine Madonna #2
High rolling #33
I'm guessing the novelty of there not being a year of the cat was what allowed this album to be a success worldwide, either that or there was a ton of love for adult contemporary artists such as Al Stewart back in the day that I didn't realise was a thing.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Year of the cat #13
This was the debut album for a band who would see many ups and downs in their career here in Australia, indeed they wouldn't trouble the charts again for eight years after this album and it would be another two years after that before they would find a second successful album in their career. I guess the girls needed to find the right sound to pair their vocals with in order to connect to us Aussies.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Magic man #6
Although the peak of their popularity wouldn't come until 1982's Eye in the sky, this British duo did receive a ton of success throughout the 70's thanks to being a worthy candidate of the best prog group to come out of the decade. Named after the sci fi book of the 50's, this album had a concept about a dystopian future that naturally connected with audiences around this time.
Peak position #10
This was one of two successful live albums that the Brothers Gibb had in their career over the years, although this was recorded in their prime, so it makes more sense that it was a success back in the day. This led to them contributing to the Grammy award winning Saturday night fever soundtrack which made them the kings of disco for the rest of the decade.
Peak position #8
It had been seven years since these three released an album together, even then they were one man short as Neil Young was nowhere to be found on this collaboration which is perhaps why this didn't reach the dizzying heights of Deja vu from the start of the decade. They would eventually make a second album with Neil young over a decade after this album, however many fans would wish they hadn't.
Peak position #7
This was the sequel to Queen's previous album A night at the opera, true the novelty of having a rock opera had become the norm which is perhaps why this wasn't as successful as that album, but it did draw in high sales making it a success for the band. That said, their popularity would dwindle during the second half of the decade and wouldn't bounce back until the start of the 80's.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Somebody to love #15
Tie your mother down #47
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Blinded by the light #11
Although he had a massive hit with "Girls on the avenue" two years prior, this was the first album from Richard Clapton to achieve any sort of success likely due to his continual presence on Countdown even if it failed to spawn a genuine hit for him. He would have one more successful album in the 80's before his time in the spotlight was up, this is despite the fact he continued to be a regular on the show.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Deep water #43
These guys were known for being a killer live act during their career, as such their live album was a surefire hit for them during the height of their popularity. This would be their last successful album in Australia, although they would continue seeing success in their native UK as far as the early 90's.
Peak position #6
This was the only album from Renee Geyer to see notable success in her career, although it didn't contain her biggest hit "Say I love you" as that wouldn't come for another four years for the experimental singer. Renee had been active since the start of the decade, meaning she needed some heavy promotion from Countdown before she could rise up to the ranks of Marcia Hines and others.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Stares and whispers #17
This was the breakthrough album that Jackson Browne had in Australia, although it was more of a sleeper hit as it didn't quite reach the upper echelons of the charts as his next two albums did. Still, this was as good an introduction to his music as anything as it does contain some of his more iconic work in his catalogue.
Peak position #18
Given how the lead single to this album was a massive success for Supercharge here in Australia, it only seems fitting that it would too be a success even if we Aussies didn't find much to love about it outside of said single. At least it did better over here than it did in their native UK where they never had any success.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
You've gotta get up and dance #3
Following the success of her earlier entry on this list, Barbra Streisand released this album which was a modest hit for her here in Australia likely due to the good will she had from her Hollywood flicks this decade.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
My heart belongs to me #46
This was the first successful album that Bob Seger managed to have here in Australia, I'm not sure why he struggled for mainstream relevancy here as you'd think he'd have little issue with finding an audience with his brand of heartland rock. I guess we Aussies realised our mistake for sleeping on his music as his greatest hits package from the end of the decade would be a massive success for him.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Night moves #25
This is another album that I'm sure would've been more of a mainstream success here had its big hit not taken so long to become as such on our charts, I'm kind of dumbstruck at how these guys were a one hit wonder given how their brand of funk rock fitted in perfectly with the rising disco trend of the day.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Play that funky music #5
This was released the previous year to deafening silence, I'm guessing because no one initially wanted to hear Hutch from Starsky and Hutch have a singing career as actors don't usually have good singing careers unless they were established as a musician prior to making it big in Hollywood. The world changed its mind when he scored a huge chart topper with a song that was later included on this album.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Don't give up on us #1
This was initially a flop for George Benson here in Australia as it was everywhere in the world, I'm guessing because the world wasn't ready for a jazz revival during the 70's given that it was all about rock operas and disco at the time. We Aussies changed our minds about this album several months after its release, although it's true success came when his next album was released where this rebounded on our charts due to its success.
Peak position #13
This was initially a huge failure here in Australia as we Aussies were a bit sceptical when it came to allowing the brothers Gibb to transition from a Beatles knockoff to the eventual kings of disco, it was given a second chance when their live album from earlier on this list became a huge success for them which finally allowed them to carve their own unique sound from their inspiration.
Peak position #16
Hit singles
You should be dancing #20
Love so right #28
This was the solo debut for Graham Bonnet he released exclusively in Australia and eventually NZ due to how popular the lead single was here, the success this and his second album from the following year eventually led to him relocating back to the UK and joining Rainbow where he finally managed to achieve success in his homeland.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
It's all over now baby blue #3
He may only be a one album wonder with his album Nilsson Schmilsson, however Harry Nilsson was able to gain enough nostalgia from Australians only five years after its initial release to have them check in with his catalogue with this greatest hits album. I don't even know why this was a success as he didn't score any hits with the album.
Peak position #11
I'm as shocked as you are that this wasn't more of a success for Boston back in the day given how the lead single remains one of the most iconic of the decade to this day on oldies stations, I guess this was another example of a classic rock album being pushed aside (at least here in Australia) in favour of our local music scene which admittedly is fair if that was the case.
Peak position #16
Hit singles
More than a feeling #11
This was the final album from Bad company to achieve any sort of success here in Australia as they were unable to compete with the likes of disco and soft rock that had permeated the music scene at this point in the decade, at least they were able to survive quite a bit into the Countdown era which is more than I can say for many bands that were big during the first half of the decade.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Everything I need #41
It's a bit surprising that Steely Dan didn't have much success here in Australia back in the day, even taking into account that Countdown usually swept aside American bands in favour of our local artists, the fact that their music is constantly played on oldies stations makes their lack of success throughout the decade completely jarring to me. At least this magnum opus from them was a decent success here.
Peak position #9
This is what I meant when I said earlier that Leo Sayer found more success with his singles than he did with his albums following the success of his earlier entry on this list, that said, this follow up was decently successful here in Australia even if the title track has gone on to overshadow its legacy over the years.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Thunder in my heart #11
This was the last successful album the Beatles had before the death of John Lennon, this is impressive given how the band had been broken up since the start of the decade and yet they could still have their label release albums that find massive success despite never reforming after 1970.
Peak position #12
We have another appearance from David Bowie on this site that's much lower than what fans would hope for, this didn't even spawn a hit here in Australia which it at least was able to in NZ in exchange for it being less successful over there.
Peak position #10
These guys were on a roll when they released their second album which pivoted away from their early comedic tracks, although the albums success was sacrificed here in Australia in favour of given the band their second chart topper here in the form of its lead single, hence why it's much lower on this list compared to their earlier entry.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Walk right in #1
What a way to go #41
Well, I'd advise not looking too closely at the album art for this entry from Yes unless you're feeling kinky, admittedly this is likely what caused the album to underperform given how I can easily see the band scoring a massive comeback with this album from their earlier material. As far as I can tell, there isn't a censored version of this album cover like so many other controversial albums cover.
Peak position #16
We have another successful live album from the Rolling stones to feature on this site, this time we have one that isn't as fondly remembered as the ones that were big throughout the 80's and especially the ones that were popular during the first half of the decade worldwide.
Peak position #10
Well, this is something else, apparently some mad man (or woman in this case) decided it was a good idea to make a documentary of WWII but have its soundtrack comprised of popular covers of the Beatles back catalogue. Apparently, we Aussies were intrigued with this documentary as this became a decent success here this year, that or we simply considered this an acceptable compilation of Beatles covers.
Peak position #14
This is the final successful album that Bay City Rollers managed to achieve here in Australia during their short but extravagant time in the spotlight, it was a bit of a success over in America as well so there's that at least.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
It's a game #9
You made me believe in magic #36
This has a bit of an interesting chart trajectory here in Australia, mainly due to how long it took for the album cycle to complete here as the singles were released six months apart from each other as opposed to the usual three months like most albums do. I guess this was proof that the band was a singles act even if the singles failed to be among the most successful of the decade here.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Shake your booty #16
I'm your boogie man #38
Keep it coming love #28
This sat on shelves ignored for almost a whole year here in Australia like it did everywhere else in the world, what finally got it off those shelves was when Countdown played "In the flesh" on the show (even though they were meant to play the lead single "X offender") which helped it nearly top our charts. This allowed the band to spark buzz in the UK of all places where their second album took off.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
In the flesh #2
It appears that Split enz were able to achieve some sound success with one of their albums prior to their magnum opus from 1980 True colours, although it's worth noting that they were among the more popular bands to appear on Countdown during its early years even if it took them a while for their popularity to explode like it did in the 80's.
Peak position #18
Hit singles
My mistake #15
I guess we Aussies weren't feeling it when it came to Michael McDonald being the lead singer of the Doobie brothers as opposed to Tom Johnson who was the band's original lead singer, we eventually came around to him on their next album later in the decade, however it was a rough journey to get there for him.
Peak position #16
There were no signs of Kiss slowing down as the decade went on, in fact even though this was somewhat of a misstep to their career commercially, they would rebound with their next album which was one of the biggest of the decade here in Australia despite seeing some of its success carryover to the 80's.
Peak position #13
This is the last taste of success that America had in their career anywhere in the world, they had a fairly decent run throughout the decade, however it appears the world was done with their brand of soft rock despite it fitting in perfectly with several other entries on this list.
Peak position #19
Well, these guys had to start somewhere in their career if they were going to dominate the international market by the start of the 80's, so here we are with their debut album whose success came more from the lead single being a huge hit for the band which encouraged us Aussies to check out what else they had to offer from said album.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Love and other bruises #6
Empty pages #43
This was the only successful album from soul singer Thelma Houston (no relation to Whitney) it was mainly for the lead single which become one of the biggest hits of the decade in her native America and even briefly took the queen of disco crown away from Donna Summer before she reclaimed it with her earlier entry on this list.
Peak position #18
Hit singles
Don't leave me this way #6
I guess you can consider this a sellout album from Carole King given how the lead single is quite literally an ad jingle for the Hard rock café which first opened its doors six years prior to when it became a worldwide hit for her. Even so, it was enough of an incentive for fans to rediscover her (then) latest work as this was a success for her.
Peak position #19
Hit singles
Hard rock café #10
It was inevitable that this album from Shaun Cassidy would make the cut given how it spawned two of the bigger hits of the year, however given this is a teen pop album and that there wasn't any bias towards music made for younger audiences, it didn't do too well despite how inescapable the singles were.
Peak position #16
Hit singles
That's rock and roll #2
Hey there lonely girl #5
Da doo ron ron #36
Given that his earlier entry on this list became a huge sleeper hit for him here in Australia, it only makes sense that George Benson was able to achieve minor success with its follow up even if it got overshadowed by what he released next in the decade.
Peak position #20
This is the most recent album that will come from JPY on this site, mainly because he was more of a singles artist and that his first three albums only became a success due to each of them spawning multiple singles from them.
Peak position #19
Hit singles
I wanna do it with you #7
Here we go #43
This was the debut album for by far the most successful German band of the 70's and possibly of all time in Australia, yes this was the album that made Frank Farian a household name worldwide as he was the lead singer of this disco band he formed years before he put together Milli Vanilli. Needless to say, Boney M are more fondly remembered nowadays than his other projects.
Peak position #26
Hit singles
Daddy cool #5
Sunny #36
This managed to be a success here in Australia thanks to Heart's earlier entry on this list, that and the lead single was enough of a success back in the day to help it stand out from its contemporaries and remains a favourite on oldies stations to this day. Like I said before, the band wouldn't trouble our charts again for eight years with their comeback album they had in their native America.
Peak position #22
Hit singles
Barracuda #15
This was the first taste of success that Dragon had here in Australia, even then it was more due to the second single becoming a big hit for the band likely due to a memorable performance they gave of it on Countdown. Naturally this would be overshadowed by their earlier entry on this list by the end of the year, however it remains a decent breakthrough album for the NZ band.
Peak position #24
Hit singles
This time #26
Get that jive #13
Sunshine #36
For whatever reason, the soundtrack to this cult classic was a modest success in Australia this year. Apparently, it took a while for it to become a box office success in America which likely means this was also the case here in Australia back in the day.
Peak position #22
OK I'm really not sure if this is the correct entry as the entry listed when going through the charts suggests that Smokie had a self-titled album, the problem of course is that they never had a self-titled album, meaning that from what I can gather, this position should go to an album that never existed or at the very least has been literally erased from history.
Peak position #26
For whatever reason, this flopped upon its initial release the previous year here in Australia despite it producing two of Steve Miller's most popular songs in his catalogue. It was given a second chance this year due to the success of his earlier entry where it became an eventual sleeper hit for him which is still far less deserving of what it got compared to its legacy nowadays.
Peak position #25
Hit singles
Take the money and run #48
Rock n me #30
This was initially a flop for Lou Rawls the previous year here in Australia, in fact this only became a success this year due to the lead single rebounding on our charts for whatever reason (I'm guessing he was a guest on Countdown.) This was the full extent of his success down under as his other albums failed to compete with the likes of George Benson and Donna Summer.
Peak position #22
Hit singles
You'll never find another love like mine #45
You'll never find another love like mine #22 (rerelease)
These guys really didn't have much success with their albums here in Australia, did they? Fortunately, the lead single to this album was a huge hit here which allowed it to find an audience with us Aussies. This is the only work of theirs that became a success without the assistance of Countdown (at least to my knowledge as there are admittedly a ton of missing episodes from this time period.)
Peak position #23
Hit singles
Rich girl #6
This feels like one of those gimmick albums that managed to find success due to the success of one of its songs, although to be fair "Chanson d'amour" was a huge international success for these guys so this album's success was somewhat inevitable even if it only barely makes it on this list.
Peak position #29
Hit singles
Chanson d'amour #9
It feels weird that Bread managed a minor comeback with this album around the world given how they were considered yesterday's news by the midpoint of the decade, I guess this being a surprise success in their native America allowed it to briefly find an audience internationally even if that audience wasn't as strong as it was in their homeland.
Peak position #22
Hit singles
Lost without your love #19
I think this was the first themed compilation to chart here in Australia given how compilations didn't become lucrative here until the 80's, naturally this would be a minor success due to how inescapable the disco scene was when it was released.
Peak position #21
That's the way #5
Fly robin fly #11
Lady marmalade #13
The hustle #9
Disco lady #42
Can't give you anything #36
Doctor's orders #31
Love hurts #6
Get down tonight #44
Lady bump #9
Rock the boat #18
Jive talking #14
Rock your baby #2
Can't get enough of your love babe #23
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