This was the second biggest album of the decade in Australia, it's easy to see how this connected with so many people back in the day as it's the perfect blend of the bands core sound mixed in with more contemporary sounds of the day. The big hit single did cause some controversy due to perceived homophobia, although aside from that it remains a classic to this day.
Peak position #1x34
Hit singles
So far away #22
Money for nothing #4
Walk of life #11
Bruce had always had massive success with his album; however, it was this magnum opus that truly made him a household name given how many hits it spawned on Billboard back in the day. Unfortunately, none of his other albums achieved this level of success throughout his career, although given how iconic this remains in the realms of heartland rock, I doubt even he minds much.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
Dancing in the dark #5
Cover me #17
Born in the USA #2
I'm on fire #12
Glory days #29
I'm going down #41
My hometown #47
This was an album that took its sweet time in finding an international audience back in the day, I'm guessing this was due to having a rocky album cycle where the best songs on the album weren't released as singles until late into its existence. Whitney was an undeniable talent, although one criticism levied against her is that she often squandered her impressive vocals on mediocre ballads. I don't agree for the most part, but I can see why people felt that way.
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
Saving all my love for you #20
How will I know #2
Greatest love of all #1
Following the moderate success of his first solo album, Lionel Richie released this album which he admitted was what he really wanted to launch his solo career with but decided to release his first album with safer material to ensure his fans would be on board with his new direction in music. It paid off as regardless of your thoughts about his music, the tracks on here have been remembered since its initial release.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
All night long #1
Running with the night #24
Hello #1
Stuck on you #24
Like many popular artists of the day, Billy Joel was in danger of becoming typecast as the type of music our mothers would want to listen to (thankfully this is an opinion very few have nowadays) as such we have his foray towards 50's rockabilly on this album which proved to be a wise move for him as it remains his most successful throughout his entire career. We even get elements of doo wop done in a very respectful manner towards those who created the genre.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Tell her about it #9
Uptown girl #1
An innocent man #23
The longest time #15
Many Madonna fans will tell you that this is her sellout album, considering her debut had the budget of a ham sandwich and only became a hit in Australia due to heavy promotion on Countdown, I can understand why Madonna would appeal to the masses with this album if it meant an entire career of making the music she felt passionate about. Even so there's still plenty of merit to this album even if it isn't as ambitious as some of her other efforts.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Like a virgin #1
Material girl #4
Angel #1
Dress you up #5
Although these guys achieved some buzz earlier in the decade, this was the album which broke them into a wider audience which is funny because the name of the album is an obvious reference to Countdown which due to technical errors during a scheduled performance they had on the show, resulted in the band's infamous hatred of the program. It could also be they felt their appearance on the show would compromise their politically charged lyrics they often used in their music.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
US forces #20
Power and the passion #8
You'd think with how iconic their music has become over the years that these guys would've had more success with their earlier material in Australia, in fact their previous album Speaking in tongues was one of the biggest albums of the decade in NZ and yet it was a massive flop here for some reason. Fortunately, this album was a huge success for the new wave band largely thanks to the still iconic singles found on here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
The lady don't mind #24
Road to nowhere #16
And she was #10
This was the magnum opus for Phil Collins both solo and with Genesis in his career, perhaps because this had the perfect blend of his more experimental music from his band as well as the more mainstream ballads that audiences were accustomed to by this point of the decade. It's a perfect middle ground for his career, one that did receive backlash for many years that has since lost its meaning.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Sussudio #8
One more night #2
Billy don't lose my number #10
This was the album that made INXS a household name in Australia, although admittedly they wouldn't start seeing major international success until their next album but in the meantime, there was definitely a lot of international interest in the band as the band expanded their appeal outside of their fellow Aussies. It definitely helped them become the biggest Australian band of the decade worldwide.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Original sin #1
I send a message #3
Burn for you #3
Dancing on the jetty #39
Following the demise of the Police, Sting made good on his word by embarking on a solo career which regardless of how you feel about it (he's a good singer but terrible songwriter in my opinion) was off to a great start commercially with this album of his. While he would never again reach the dizzying heights he achieved here or on his earlier work with his band, he remained popular for many years later.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
If you love somebody set them free #18
Russians #11
There were plenty of British new wave making it big this decade, however I don't think many people were expecting this duo to be among the most successful of the bunch given how much of a commercial failure their debut album was. Of course, appealing to an American market with this album likely helped it become one of the most successful albums of its day, that and also not being as morose as their previous effort.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Shout #1
Everybody wants to rule the world #2
Head over heels #21
Well, this is an album whose story is so laboured with drama that Tina's official biopic starring Angela Bassett was named after the signature track from the album. There's nothing I can add to the conversation about how this album came to be except that "What's love got to do with it" wasn't the lead single from the album. Instead, it was a cover of an Al Green track that was produced by the members of Heaven 17.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Let's stay together #19
What's love got to do with it #1
Better be good to me #28
Private dancer #21
To think this had such a long rise to the peak of its success in most parts of the world, despite it spawning several hit singles, it wasn't until Cyndi embarked on her world tour that this became a best seller for her much like how Celine Dion's breakthrough album the Colour of my love did just that a decade later. As for the album itself, it's no wonder it's remained a classic given how iconic the songs remain to this day.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Girls just want to have fun #1
Time after time #6
She bop #6
All through the night #17
Money changes everything #19
Considering this wasn't among the more successful albums in Bryan's native Canada, it's impressive to see how well it did internationally given how its second single became a Billboard chart topper for him. I guess you can say this was a success due to him being a part of the heartland rock crowd which made the likes of Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp huge megastars around this time.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Run to you #24
Heaven #12
Summer of 69 #14
This was the album that finally broke INXS into an American market, mainly due to the lead single becoming a surprise hit over there months after its initial release here in Australia. While this wasn't as successful as the two albums its sandwiched between, I have to say that it remains my personal favourite from them as it's a middle ground between their new wave beginnings and superstar goals.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
What you need #2
This time #19
Kiss the dirt #15
Listen like thieves #28
Well, I don't think there's been a more successful greatest hits package that presents itself as a double album meant to collect the best moments of an artist's career more than this entry from Billy Joel. Indeed, the American piano man decided to bundle both phases of his career into one entry which resulted in it being a huge success for him at the time of its release. Volume 3 would eventually be released in 1997 with considerably less success.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
You're only human #6
Also known as the First album, this was indeed where it all began for Madonna given how she was at the time an indie artist who had a great voice and some meaningful things to say in her songwriting. This was a huge sleeper hit for her this year albeit only in Australia as the rest of the world ignored her in favour of Cyndi Lauper, although she would eventually win the battle of top female pop star with her next album.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Holiday #4
Burning up #13
Borderline #12
Lucky star #36
I guess Bruce Springsteen did have one of the biggest albums of the decade with Born in the U.S.A, so it only makes sense that John Mellencamp's popularity would skyrocket given that heartland rock was one of the biggest genres of music because of that album. In a way, John stole Bruce's momentum with this album as not only was it a massive success, but the singles have lingered on oldies stations arguably more so than the one's on Bruce's album.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Lonely ol night #32
Rock in the USA #18
Rain on the scarecrow #34
This was where the Eurythmics decided to appeal to a more mainstream market which proved to be a wise move for them commercially as while their previous two albums were a success for them, they weren't exactly among the most successful of the decade like this and their next album Revenge were. That said, I'm sure there's fans out there that prefer their more synth heavy new wave tracks.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Would I lie to you #1
There must be an angel #3
Sisters are doing it for themselves #15
It's alright #32
This was Julio's first album he recorded mostly in English, so of course it was going to find an audience with fans of his Latin lover shtick which would be otherwise turned off from his music due to their inability to understand Spanish. To further incentivise people into checking out this album, he included two very well-known American musicians on here and released both tracks as singles.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
To all the girls I've loved before #4
All of you #19
Moonlight lady #43
This is a bit of an outlier for Midnight oil's discography as they made the strange decision to not release any singles from this album, I'm guessing to ensure that it would be a success without any hindrance from audiences wanting to buy the singles instead. If you couldn't tell from the cover art, their topic of the day was environmentalism which even back then was of major concern in the mainstream media.
Peak position #1x4
Their debut album Stoneage Romeos may remain a cult classic to this day, however it was the band's second album where they started seeing mainstream success likely due to how catchy the singles were as well as the charisma of lead singer Dave Faulkner on the record. This led to them sparking international interest in them which resulted in them developing a cult following internationally.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Bittersweet #16
Like wow wipeout #15
Death defying #43
There weren't any signs of these guys slowing down as their fourth album managed to be a huge success for them worldwide, although I would've thought this would be even bigger here in Australia given how synonymous they've become with the second British invasion worldwide. I guess this albums success was more due to their artist momentum given how it didn't spawn a huge hit for them here.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Only when you leave #12
I'll fly for you #38
Round and round #16
This was the biggest album that the Divinyls released in their catalogue, although like before there were two versions of this album as the tracks that were cut from the original album on the international release were added onto this album in lieu of several tracks that were never released outside of Australia. Fortunately, it's the original version with these internationally omitted tracks that was the big success here.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Good die young #32
In my life #47
Pleasure and pain #11
Sleeping beauty #50
This was the biggest album to come from Mental as anything, mainly because of how inescapable the second single was to the point where it was chosen as the theme song to the Crocodile Dundee film the following year. This album's success led to Martin Plaza briefly embarking on a solo career which was also a moderate success the following year, he rejoined the band just in time for their next album.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
You're so strong #11
Live it up #2
Date with destiny #25
You'd think that this album from one of the most popular artists of the decade would've been even bigger here in Australia, granted this did spawn three of the biggest hits of the decade here but that doesn't mean it couldn't have been a huge juggernaut like other pop albums of its time. In any case, this was the album which made the duo a household name over in America due to how catchy the songs are on here.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Wake me up before you go go #1
Careless whisper #1
Freedom #3
Everything she wants #7
This was the debut album for one of the more prominent figures of sophistopop in the music industry Sade, a band led by their frontwoman Sade Adu who combined jazz with new wave for audiences of the day. This is another band I'm surprised didn't have a hit single in Australia considering how well loved their songs remain on oldies stations, although the albums were a success so maybe that's why their songs flopped here.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Smooth operator #20
This was the Cure's biggest album here in Australia, sure they always had some degree of popularity here thanks to their multiple appearances on Countdown, but they never took our mainstream by storm save for this album which spawned their biggest hit as well as their 1992 effort Wish. It wasn't even the lead single which is why the album was a hit twice as it rebounded once the big hit became as such.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
In between days #16
Close to me #7
There was plenty of hype going into this debut album from Kids in the kitchen, so much so that they released an E.P's worth of advanced singles before it finally dropped this year where it was of course a massive success for them. It appears this marketing strategy was what made this album a success as their next album had a more conventional release which resulted in it being a huge flop for the band.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Change in mood #10
Bitter desire #17
Something that you said #19
Shine #40
Current stand #12
Given how they had only broken up the year prior to releasing this greatest hits package, it only makes sense that we Aussies would make this a success for Cold chisel given how their lead singer Jimmy Barnes was taking over the mainstream with his album around this time. This wouldn't be the only greatest hits package they would release during their time apart as Chisel would also be a success in the early 90's.
Peak position #3
There were two versions of this E.P that were released in Australia, the first was from two years prior which contained a few tracks that the band couldn't fit onto their album Shabooh shoobah which resulted in it flopping. The second had the singles from the Swing remixed as dance tracks (hence the name of the E.P) which proved to be much more successful here likely due to us already being familiar with the original tracks.
Peak position #2
Another Australian entry for this list, this time it's for the Models who saw massive success this year with their two big hits from the album. They already had buzz from their previous album due to it spawning the hit "I hear motion," however it was this album which allowed that buzz to expand internationally which resulted in them having minor success throughout the world.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Big on love #24
Barbados #2
Out of mind out of sight #1
Cold fever #36
These guys were among the most popular bands in the alternative scene worldwide, so it makes sense that they would finally achieve massive success with their third album given how popular they had become. This album's success was likely boosted by their appearance on Countdown this year, indeed the lead single has become a popular staple on oldie's stations more so than their actual big hit "Shout to the top."
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Walls come tumbling down #19
Boy who cried wolf #38
She saw plenty of success earlier in the decade as one half of Yazoo, however this was the big solo break that Alison Moyet had in her career which succeeded thanks to her killer vocals and relatable lyrics. It was more of a hit in NZ and her native UK, however even us Aussies couldn't deny her amazing voice on this album even if that love didn't really extend to her second album.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Love resurrection #17
All cried out #21
Invisible #15
This was the most successful compilation album of the 80's in Australia, it was beaten out by those Triple J albums in the 90's (going by the AMR charts of course) but this was during the height of the popularity of seasonal compilations here in Australia. This overlooks the popular songs of spring of 1984 which allowed it to peak during the Christmas season of that year and well into this year.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Ghostbusters #2
Sunglasses at night #16
Pride #4
Missing you #5
No say in it #14
You think you’re a man #8
Dynamite #28
Searching #17
What’s love got to do with it #1
Out of touch #11
Soul kind of feeling #5
Jump #8
Flesh for fantasy #28
No second prize #12
Shake this city #44
I walk away #45
Everybody wants to work #32
This album proved to be a much bigger success than This island mainly for having multiple hit singles from it as opposed to just the one from before, although it's worth noting that the album only became a best seller here when the third single became a huge success as it looked like its popularity would fade upon its initial release. They would release one more album before calling it quits by the end of the decade.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
We will together #7
The city of soul #19
Can't wait to see you #8
Absolutely #29
This took its sweet time in finding success here in Australia, in fact it was only due to the success for their earlier entry on this list that this became huge here in Australia despite it coming from a film that's frequently described as one of the best live concerts to ever be theatrically released. The rest of the world didn't have to make this soundtrack take such a circuitous route to finding success in the mainstream.
Peak position #9
It took them three years to make this album following the success of their fourth album from earlier in the decade, it looks like it was worth the wait as not only was this another successful album for Foreigner, but it also spawned their biggest hit worldwide in the form of its lead single. Sadly, this was the last successful album from the band, although they did score one more hit in Australia later in the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I want to know what love is #1
This was the only notable success that the Hooters were able to achieve here in Australia, although considering this was a massive flop in their native America, the fact this was a success here should prove to you how we were still willing to look outside the mainstream to find talent during the 80's. They band soldiered on after this trying to replicate the success they had here with this album to no avail.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
All you zombies #8
And we danced #6
I guess these guys should've waited to release a greatest hits package after they released their final album, it's a trend I've noticed going through the charts that these types of albums usually spell the end for a band with this being no exception for Australian crawl. Indeed, they released their final album this year where it was a huge failure for them.
Peak position #2
Paul Young was on a roll when he released his second album internationally, although it wasn't quite as huge as his debut album from two years prior due to it not having a string of hits like that album did. It didn't really matter though as he scored a Billboard chart topper from this album with a cover of a Hall and Oates track, thus making him one of the biggest British artists of the second invasion this decade over there.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
I'm gonna tear your playhouse down #25
Everything must change #27
Everytime you go away #20
Tomb of memories #44
There was a bit of a battle between the two former frontmen of the Eagles this year, although while Glenn Frey had the bigger hit with "The heat is on" from the Beverly Hills cop soundtrack, Don Henley had the bigger album thanks to it being one of the more prominent adult contemporary releases from around this time. This was the last album that he found any success with worldwide as his subsequent follow ups flopped.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Boys of summer #3
All she wants to do is dance #22
While the mid to late 80's is considered a dark period in Elton John's life, it should be noted that he did achieve a moderate amount of success with his albums during this time period even if he doesn't look back upon them fondly. This album in particular managed to spawn one of his biggest hits in his catalogue which is just about the only thing most people like to remember from it nowadays.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Act of war #50
Nikita #3
Wrap her up #22
While this wasn't anywhere near as successful as their previous album due to lacking that runaway hit that "Legs" proved to be for the band, ZZ top was nonetheless able to retain their popularity with this album here thanks to their brand of hard rock fitting in rather well with all of the heartland rock and folk rock that was permeating the rock and roll scene during the midpoint of the decade.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Sleeping bag #32
Although this album is credited to the supergroup USA for Africa, really it was the one song they all did together plus a bunch of other songs that some of the participants donated to the album that make up its justification of being an album. For all of the bad criticisms that this album and supergroup has received over the years, there's no denying it was made for a good cause and its novelty was impressive at the time.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
We are the world #1
Much like Choose 1985 from earlier on this list, this was also a huge hit during the summer of 84/85 here in Australia due to it having a fine selection of the biggest hits of the spring of 1984 on its track listing.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
She bop #6
Lucky star #36
The war song #2
I won’t let the sun go down on me #17
Madam butterfly #16
Burn for you #3
The lucky one #48
Flame trees #26
Smalltown boy #8
Between the eyes #44
We’re not gonna take it #6
The warrior #6
Dancing in berlin #39
Love resurrection #17
You’re the best thing #17
Passengers #9
Careless whisper #1
Locomotion #30
Although it was never that much of a success, "Everybody wants to work" remains a staple on oldies stations to this day thanks to how relatable the song is. That song doesn't appear on this album as instead we have some more contemporary songs which nonetheless proved to be a huge success for the band likely thanks to the charisma of lead vocalist Brian Mannix as well as some catchy pop rock.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
The party #18
50 years #4
Still waiting #43
The Autumn of 1985 in Australia was a wild time if this compilation album is anything to go by, it was such a huge success likely due to the rich selection of hit singles it managed to collect on its track listing.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Wild boys #3
Sexcrime #5
Caribbean queen #2
One night in Bangkok #1
Cruel summer #32
If this is it #20
Never ending story #6
Strut #13
The power of love #4
It ain’t enough #37
We belong #7
Guardian angel #27
Private dancer #21
Big on love #24
Life’s a gamble #47
I’m tuff #10
It had been over ten years since John Fogerty last troubled the charts with his solo debut album where he credited himself as Blue Ridge Rangers, so here we are all these years later with his third album which came a decade after his second that became a success due to this being an excellent time for artists from highly established bands (regardless of how long ago they had a hit) finding success as a solo act.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
The old man down the road #10
Rock and roll girls #26
This year really was on fire during the winter if this album is anything to go by, we have big hits from some of the biggest names in music which allowed it to find an audience with the general public.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Would I lie to you #1
Walking on sunshine #4
We close our eyes #8
Baby come and get it #29
My heart’s on fire #27
Don’t you #6
50 years #4
Black man ray #30
19 #10
Man overboard #5
Two can play #44
Rhythm of the night #5
In my house #19
Something that you said #19
Suddenly #15
Nightshift #8
Solid #21
This was one of only two albums that Do re mi released in Australia, the other was such a flop later in the decade that it caused them to go their separate ways upon its release. Here they scored success with an album so unconventional you'd swear it was promoted by some underground station (it likely was) although one thing that can be appealing to mainstream audiences are the vocals of Deborah Conway.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Man overboard #5
Idiot grin #43
This was one of only two albums to be released from Frankie goes to Hollywood, the other was such a commercial flop for the band that they called it quits shortly after its release later in the decade. I'm guessing audiences were turned away from it due to how their label had arrogantly hyped up this album upon its initial release, true it was a success however they announced the fourth single as a chart topper in UK before it was even released.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Relax #5
Two tribes #4
The power of love #4
Welcome to the pleasuredome #46
Well, the packaging doesn't lie, you do have heaps of hits from the first quarter of 1985 which is how this double album managed to become such a huge hit this year. I'm surprise there weren't more of these albums back in the day given how many songs became popular back then.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
The boys of summer #3
Just another night #12
I feel for you #4
I am only shooting love #9
Dancing on the jetty #39
Skin deep #11
Gimme some loving #46
Like to get to know you well #16
Speak no evil #19
Money changes everything #19
The riddle #6
Respect yourself #19
Trust me #10
Invisible #14
Shout #1
Shout to the top #8
Sea of love #5
Hard habit to break #20
I want to know what love is #1
You spin me round #3
Everything must change #27
Apocalypse #37
Dr beat #11
Everything she wants #7
Do they know it’s Christmas #1
Ti amo #2
One of the most critically acclaimed films of the 80's was Amadeus, a biopic of the classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus which was a huge box office success due to the performances of both its star Tom Hulce (best known nowadays as Disney's Quasimodo) and F Murray Abraham as Salieri. The film was composed by Neville Marriner, although it does seem a little redundant in having a composer given the subject matter.
Peak position #10
It appears that Rodney Rude's popularity wasn't quite done yet as he had another successful comedy album this year, as his name implies, he told politically incorrect jokes (even for the time) that humoured audiences with how bad they were to good taste.
Peak position #7
I was a bit surprised to see Mick Jagger hold off for so long in making a solo album, after all this came out over twenty years after he first broke through with the Rolling stones and it was only this year he decided to release an album of his own. Admittedly he didn't find much success on his own save for this album, even then it feels like this was only as big as it was due to his bands good will.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Just another night #13
Well, here's an album that deserved so much better back in the day, apparently the lead single "Easy lover" wasn't promoted here to encourage album sales of the album which ultimately didn't work as it only did as well here as it did everywhere else in the world where the duet was a huge hit. That said, this is still the biggest album Philip Bailey had here both solo and with his band Earth wind and fire.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Walking on the Chinese wall #20
Winter of this year really was an explosive time for the Australian music scene as we have a second album released during our spring to look over the big hits from the midpoint of the year. Again, we have some really good choices on this album which no doubt led to its overwhelming success.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Live it up #2
The heat is on #2
Walls come tumbling down #19
All my love #28
Wide boy #7
Slave to love #29
Walk of life #22
Can’t fight this feeling #2
Everybody wants to rule the world #2
Lover come back to me #13
Obsession #12
Too young for promises #6
Look mama #20
Baby u left me #34
Everything I need #37
Every time you go away #20
One more night #2
The last time Billy Ocean had troubled our charts here in Australia was with his debut single "Love really hurts without you" back in 1976, fast forward eight years and he came back with the lead single to his first RNB album which helped him find an audience all around the world due to how he reinvented himself. The album was a massive success here mainly due to how big the singles were.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Caribbean queen #2
Loverboy #7
Suddenly #15
Autumn of this year was really explosive if this was able to compete with a double album that also covered this period of time in Australia, indeed the choices were really good on this album which no doubt led to its success here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Neutron dance #4
Barbados #2
Gotta be wrong #20
Body rock #26
Loverboy #7
Lay your hands on me #28
Colour my love #49
Daylight #12
I know him so well #21
This is not America #33
R-o-c-k rock #44
I should have known better #1
Boom box #31
The party #18
Run to you #24
I’m an individual #15
This was one of only three successful albums to come from the French pianist in Australia, the other was a live album from the following year which proved to be an even bigger hit for him here.
Peak position #5
This likely would've sunk on our charts here in Australia were it not for the surprise success of its lead single which helped Pat Benatar find a more mainstream audience following the success of her live album from the previous year, indeed her brand of pop rock seemed to better connect with audiences as the decade went on even if it wasn't on the level nostalgia stations would want you to believe.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
We belong #7
The spring of this year was an amazing time for the music industry if this album is anything to go by, we have a good selection of classic songs to become popular during that period which helped this album become a huge success upon its initial release.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Out of mind out of sight #1
Freeway of love #6
Crazy in the night #22
Dare me #10
Call me #12
There must be an angel #3
Still waiting #43
Bittersweet #16
Move closer #15
Power of love #1
We don’t need another hero #1
Goodbye bad times #26
Shame #18
Heaven #12
Idiot grin #43
Never surrender #20
Prince was coming off his magnum opus the Purple rain soundtrack when he released this follow up, it was a huge success for him worldwide even though it didn't have the huge hits that his previous album had. This would be the last album that would be a success for him here in Australia until the Batman soundtrack from the end of the decade, although he did score a few hits here and there before then.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Paisley park #38
Raspberry beret #13
For whatever reason, this greatest hits album from Barbra Streisand became a hit again this year in Australia, likely due to the song this album is named after finally becoming a minor hit for Elaine Paige due to her breakthrough.
Peak position #7
I guess the Beach boys saw a resurgence in popularity this year for some reason, as such this greatest hits package from two years prior managed to become a huge hit for the band here in Australia.
Peak position #8
I'm a bit shocked this wasn't more of a success for Bryan Ferry here in Australia given how popular he was during the first half of the decade with his band Roxy music, I guess we Aussies weren't interested in him giving into the trends of new romanticism as his solo work from the 70's saw him going in much less mainstream directions which resulted in their success back in the day.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Slave to love #29
This was a massive hit for French pianist Richard Clayderman here in Australia, although it pales in comparison to what he achieved over in NZ where he was completely inescapable throughout the 80's.
Peak position #12
OK I know I'm reusing the album art for the first volume of this series, but I looked very hard for the proper art and couldn't find it anywhere on the internet. What I do know is that the second volume of this series was an even bigger success here in Australis proving how lucrative classical music had become by the midpoint of the decade amongst us Aussies.
Peak position #15
This is the only notable release from the Honeydrippers, a supergroup consisting of members of Led zeppelin and the Yardbirds that had a massive hit this year with its single "Sea of love." I guess you can consider this a Led zeppelin release given how both Robert Plant and Jimmy Page were key members of the group.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Sea of love #5
This was the first of many releases that Cold Chisel's label would issue following the band's initial breakup the previous year, it was a live album which captured the best moments of a show they gave two years prior which was a modest success for the band this year.
Peak position #14
This was another successful album from the Angels, there's not much I can say about this that doesn't apply to their last few entries on this blog, so I'll just say that their next album was what made them find a wider audience here.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Between the eyes #44
We have another successful album to come from AC/DC this decade, these guys were completely unstoppable back in the day even if their album form the start of the decade is the only one most people remember nowadays.
Peak position #4
Given how the Power station was a supergroup comprised of Robert Palmer and several members of Duran Duran, it makes sense that their one and only album was a moderate success here in Australia. Even then, its success is more due to it spawning two big hits on our charts as it naturally didn't chart very high on our charts.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Some like it hot #4
Get it on #8
This was another mini comeback that Kate Bush had in her career as it once again managed to spawn one of her more popular hits in her catalogue this year, unfortunately this would be her final successful album here in Australia given how none of her subsequent albums managed to spawn a hit for her like her first, third and this fifth album did.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Running up that hill #5
This is one of two repeat entries from Bruce Springsteen's back catalogue on this list, that's right, this guy managed to find more success with his back catalogue here in Australia than many original artists this year to give you an idea of how inescapable he was.
Peak position #16
This is where it all began for Julian Lennon who had a lot to live up to given who his father was, this wasn't helped by the fact that this had come out less than a year after his late father's final album which no doubt set up further expectations for the son of the Beatle. Alas it was merely a decent hit for him here in Australia back in the day, however this wouldn't be the last we would hear from him here.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Too late for goodbyes #13
Say you're wrong #31
If you're a fan of the mid 80's like I am, then this is the album for you as it manages to collect a vast majority of songs that made it big during this time period which sadly didn't do it many favours back in the day given how low it appears on this list.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
One night in Bangkok #1
Together in electric dreams #5
Caribbean queen #2
Love of the common people #8
Cruel summer #32
Smalltown boy #8
Locomotion #30
Searching #17
Sexcrime #5
Missing you #5
The war song #2
Wake me up before you go go #1
Cry #17
Power #36
Dance hall days #7
Agadoo #16
Sunglasses at night #16
You’re the best thing #17
Heaven #2
Oh Sherrie #5
Footloose #1
Blue day #24
A beat for you #12
Thriller #4
Torture #32
99 luft balloons #1
Break my stride #6
You think you’re a man #8
Let’s hear it for the boy #3
This will be the only album from Aretha Franklin to appear on my site, although that shouldn't surprise anyone when you consider that I'm not going over the 60's and early 70's on this site which was the heyday for her popularity. This was an impressive comeback for the 60's soul legend even in her native America given how she hadn't touched a chart anywhere in the world for over a decade when it came out.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Freeway of love #6
Sisters are doing it for themselves #15
Even though these guys are a one hit wonder here in Australia, that didn't prevent this greatest hits package from them from becoming a success this year likely due to the notoriety lead singer Midge Ure had received from his involvement with Band aid. It's not an airtight theory though as his solo album from this year was a massive flop worldwide.
Peak position #14
From what I can gather, this is a compilation album built around collecting all of the best rock and roll hits from the mid 50's up until this point in time which of course was a modest success here in Australia upon its initial release.
Peak position #9
We have another greatest hits album that would go on to ruin the career of the artist in question, this time it's from Mondo rock who struggled to find any success after this became a minor hit for the band here in Australia. Admittedly this was also due to them trying to appeal to an American market on their next album which resulted in them changing up their sound in a way their fans didn't appreciate.
Peak position #8
This is often considered to be the low point of Bob Dylan's career artistically; it certainly didn't do his career any favours commercially save for it being a minor success here in Australia and a major success over in NZ due to the kiwis love for this particular sound he embraced for this album.
Peak position #7
This is the other album from Bruce Springsteen's back catalogue to see massive success this year here in Australia thanks to the success of his top entry on this list, again this managed to beat out several albums that were meant to be in vogue this year but weren't due to our love for his back catalogue.
Peak position #14
I guess if Nik Kershaw could score a bunch of hits on the singles chart in Australia, then it would only make sense for Howard Jones to find success with his second album here. This album's popularity came before the fourth single was given the remix treatment the following year, although the fact that became his only hit in Australia should tell you how unfairly ignored he was back in the day here.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Things can only get better #11
Look mama #20
Life in one day #33
No one is to blame #9
Given how Elaine Paige was suddenly seeing massive worldwide success with her duet with Barbra Dickson, her signature tune from the musical cats suddenly began to receive airplay this year which resulted in the soundtrack to the musical seeing moderate success here in Australia because of that ballad's success.
Peak position #19
Hit singles
Memory #19
From what I can gather, this is a pop opera album consisting of of vocalists Placido Domingo, Sarah Brightman and Lorn Maazel that Andrew Lloyd Webber got together to make. It was a surprise success likely due to how his previous show Cats had found success due to the popularity of its start Elaine Paige this year.
Peak position #13
This was a success twice here in Australia, or rather it had two peak points given how it was more of a sleeper hit than a genuine success. The first time was when the second single became a surprise hit in the UK which allowed it and the lead single to reach the upper echelons of our charts, the second was when "Neutron dance" was featured in Beverly hills cop which allowed it to become the third single due to how well received its inclusion in the film was.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Automatic #15
Jump #8
Neutron dance #4
Baby come and get it #29
This is the last album that Australian crawl released before they went their separate ways, it feels a little out of place here given how their brand of pub rock had fallen out of favour due to all the new wave that was coming out this year. Lead singer James Reyne took note of this and adjusted his solo career to allow it to fit into these trends later in the decade.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Two can play #44
This was only barely a success for Simple Minds here in Australia, in fact were it not for their Breakfast club theme that topped the Billboard charts this year, it likely would've sunk on our charts without a trace despite it being a massive success throughout the rest of the world for the new romantic band.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Alive and kicking #21
Sanctify yourself #46
All the things she said #46
This is a collection of Celtic music from the likes of Foster and Allen and the Fureys, it was released a few years prior in the UK to deafening silence due to Celtic music not doing very well over there. It saw a surprise release this year likely due to the success these artists had which led to its own moderate success with us Aussies.
Peak position #16
This is the last album that the Pointer sisters found any success with anywhere in the world, it was a decent success here in Australia given how the lead single managed to become a hit for the trio this year. I'm not sure why their popularity faded after this year other than Motown being out of favour in their native America as the decade went on.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Dare me #10
This was a bit of a change in direction for Joan Armatrading given how she tried to emulate the works of Kate Bush on this album which obviously alienated her fanbase following the success of her previous two albums. Still, it was enough of a sleeper hit to qualify for this list of mine even if it was a death nail in her popularity.
Peak position #18
One of my personal favourite films of all time is Beverly Hills cop, mainly for its star Eddie Murphy who gives a charismatic performance as Axel Foley which won him a ton of critical acclaim from audiences who previously dismissed him as a crass comedian with little wit. The soundtrack is a banger as well, to the point where I'm surprised it underperformed given how many hits it managed to spawn.
Peak position #20
Hit singles
Neutron dance #4
The heat is on #2
Axel f #6
If you're wondering why this album that managed to spawn two big hits for Go west underperformed back in the day here in Australia, that's simply because of the stiff competition it had compared to everything else on this list as this did last for quite some time on our charts due to the frenetic energy the duo brings to the project. Naturally it was far more lucrative in the UK and NZ of all places.
Peak position #19
Hit singles
We close our eyes #8
Call me #12
Don't look down #26
This was a compilation album which collects many country classics from the twentieth century, it was a decent success here in Australia likely due to nostalgia we Aussies had for the genre as it was getting pushed aside around this time in favour of every other entry on this list.
Peak position #19
It looks like Bruce Springsteen wasn't the only artist to see one of his older albums find success again this year as Phil Collins also saw massive success with his first solo album due to the success of his earlier entry on this list.
Peak position #15
Given how she had achieved massive success with her duet with Barbara Dickson this year, Elaine Paige managed to achieve success with her (then) most recent album which is more of a compilation of her showstopping numbers from theatre productions such as Cats and Evita.
Peak position #20
Hit singles
Memory #19
This album was all set to be a massive flop here in Australia despite it spawning multiple hit singles in the band's native America, however due to one of the tracks being plagiarised by Ray Parker, detractors of that song (yes there were people who dislike the Ghostbusters theme) decided to show their support towards Huey and company by making this a minor sleeper hit around this time.
Peak position #22
Hit singles
Heart of rock and roll #25
I want a new drug #27
If this is it #20
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