This was the biggest album of the decade in Australia, mainly due to how inescapable the singles were as well as the heartwarming tale about how it came to be. John's manager Glenn Wheatly had to mortgage his house in order to get this off the ground given how sceptical the mainstream was in hearing this former teen idol mature into adult contemporary. The name of the album itself is a reference to him being introduced as Jack instead of John.
Peak position #1x25
Hit singles
You're the voice #1
Pressure down #4
A touch of paradise #24
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
Many will agree this to be the band's magnum opus (I personally prefer their previous two albums) this is due to it being a huge success for them in America following the splashes their earlier efforts made for them internationally throughout the decade. This led to them having plenty of international success throughout the following decade, although they would never reach these dizzying heights again here.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Need you tonight #3
Devil inside #6
New sensation #8 (ARIA #9)
Never tear us apart #11 (ARIA #14)
There was a five-year gap between this album and the band's previous album Mirage, during that time Stevie Nicks released two solo albums to give you an idea of how long it was between both projects. Although this album remains a masterpiece to this day, it came at the expense of the band's tolerance of each other, specifically that of Lindsey and Stevie's relationship which all but imploded during its production.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Big love #16
Seven wonders #23
Little lies #16
Everywhere #45
Well, this is certainly a surprise given how the last time anyone cared about Paul Simon's solo career was back in the early 70's when he was making a name for himself without his former partner in crime Art Garfunkel. I guess the reunion tour they had earlier in the decade resparked interest in his solo work, that or people couldn't get enough of the African influences throughout the album which won it the grammy for album of the year.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
You can call me al #2
Boy in the bubble #46
I've never understood exactly what these two were seeking vengeance against when making this album, whatever it was they clearly got it as it remains their most successful album in their catalogue thanks to Annie arguably sounding her best throughout its runtime. It did somewhat come at the expense of a huge hit for them worldwide, however I don't think they mind considering how well remembered they are.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
When tomorrow comes #7
Missionary man #9
Thorn in my side #12
Miracle of love #14
I guess if you wanted to know why Bruce Springsteen didn't find that much success with his album Tunnel of love despite it being the follow-up to his magnum opus Born in the U.S.A, that might be because John Cougar took the mantle of the king of heartland rock from the boss as he saw massive success with this album and his previous effort The scarecrow between those two albums.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Paper in fire #13
Cherry bomb #20
Check it out #22
After two albums where the band experimented with their sound to mixed results, they returned to form with this album which proved to be their biggest in their career. I guess this was one of the last new wave albums to be a massive success worldwide given how it finally broke the band into the American market, however it did them no favours with their subsequent releases which sadly flopped for them.
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
Crazy #4
Electric blue #1
My obsession #12
Man of colours #28
Nothing too serious #29
This had a very slow rise to its success here in Australia, perhaps due to audiences feeling that this was too similar to Neil Finn's previous band Split enz upon its initial release. Fortunately, this was given new life a year after its initial release when "Don't dream it's over" became a surprise success over in America which in turn fueled the success of this album internationally as well as here and in NZ.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Mean to me #26
Don't dream it's over #8
World where you live #43
Something so strong #18
It took three albums for these guys to find a worldwide audience, however they did just that due to arena rock becoming the new genre of music everyone was getting into once this album of theirs dropped. As it turns out, it was due to this albums surprise success in the UK that it took off in the southern hemisphere as the lead single was only a sleeper hit in Australia despite it topping the Billboard charts.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
You give love a bad name #32
Living on a prayer #3
Wanted dead or alive #13
Never say goodbye #26
This was the magnum opus for U2, not only does it remain their most successful album in their catalogue, but it also took home the prize for album of the year at the Grammys despite facing some stiff competition with the other nominees. It's by far their most iconic work as many of their greatest songs appear on this album, although admittedly their other albums do stand the test of time as well.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
With or without you #9
I still haven't found what I'm looking for #17
Where the streets have no name #27
With her obligatory sellout record out of the way, Madonna set out to make this album which she dedicated to her (then) husband Sean Penn, makes you wonder how she feels about it nowadays given how that marriage turned out. The album continued her winning streak both critically and commercially thanks to it spawning multiple hit singles which have all stood the test of time save for perhaps the title track.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Live to tell #7
Papa don't preach #1
True blue #5
Open your heart #16
La isla bonita #6
I bet fans of Genesis were beginning to wonder if Phil's success from his solo career would translate to one of their albums when they released this album a year after No jacket required won album of the year at the Grammys, it turns out that's exactly what happened as while this is more pop friendly compared to their previous work, it's still recognisably a prog album and was a huge success for the trio.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Invisible touch #3
In too deep #17
Land of confusion #21
So, here's an album from Billy Joel that's often forgotten by anyone who isn't in his diehard fanbase, mainly because this was where he shifted towards adult contemporary rather than the rock sound of his work from earlier in the decade or the piano driven ballads of his 70's output. This didn't prevent the album from being a huge success in Australia, proving that we Aussies were indeed in love with this man's music.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Modern woman #21
A matter of trust #3
Although this album would be blasted by the internet if it were released nowadays, this was a huge success for Kevin "bloody" Wilson who made no attempt to hide how politically incorrect this album was (even back then) which nonetheless managed to find a massive audience who were laughing at his character rather than with him. It's certainly not for everyone, however it does tread the line of offensive humour while realising that this language isn't socially acceptable.
Peak position #8
This was the first album that Pink Floyd released without Roger Waters on lead vocals, let's just say that he was very wrong when he said that the band would crash and burn without him when he left the group earlier in the decade as his solo career tanked around the time this album came out. It turns out that David Gilmour was a great replacement for him once he called it quits.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Learning to fly #34
On the turning away #48
Although 10-1 remains their most successful album here in Australia, there's a good chance that my non-Australian readers will recognise this album as their signature work as it contains their biggest hit in their catalogue. Continuing with the theme of exploring political topics with their music, here the band stand up for aboriginal rights in Australia which is perhaps why it's often labelled as the greatest Australian album of all time.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
The dead heart #4
Beds are burning #6
Put down that weapon #32
Here's an album that was delayed so heavily that Lionel felt the need to change its name to what would end up being the second single from the album, yes it turns out that this was originally meant to be named after his Oscar winning ballad that served as its advanced lead single and released around the time that took home an academy award for him. As tardy as this albums release was, at least fans didn't have to wait for a decade for it to come out unlike his next album.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Say you say me #3
Dancing on the ceiling #2
Deep river woman #43
This had a bit of a slow rise to popularity in Australia, mainly because (as you've likely noticed on these lists) RNB isn't a popular genre here and also possibly due to Terence being a former soldier who was dishonourably discharged from the American army while he was stationed in Germany. He did eventually find his way back home once this album became a huge success for him for the record.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Wishing well #9
Dance little sister #41
Sign your name #3
If you let me stay #36
This was the first solo album to come from George Michael, it was a guaranteed success given how he was coming off the success of his time with Wham who themselves were one of the biggest bands of the decade worldwide. What I'm sure he wasn't expecting was for this to win album of the year at the Grammys, especially considering how he felt it was safe pop music only meant for the masses.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
I want your sex #2
Faith #1
Father figure #5
One more try #34
Monkey #12 (ARIA #12)
This was the second album from Simply red, and one that didn't spawn any major hits like the rest of their catalogue did which is perhaps why it remains their most successful album here in Australia. I always did find it interesting that as far as their singles were concerned, these guys were more successful in America than they were in their native UK.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
The right thing #17
This was the only successful album to come from Huey Lewis and the News in Australia, although they were a much bigger deal in their native America throughout the decade which perhaps suggests their lack of international success was more due to bad marketing than anything else. Indeed, they only scored one hit from this album despite having two Billboard chart toppers from it.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Stuck with you #2
Hip to be square #17
Jacob's ladder #48
It's been a while since we last looked at these guys on one of these lists, indeed their second and third albums didn't exactly bring in the numbers to be among the more successful albums of the decade like their debut and fourth album. Here Chrissie Hynde returns with a much more pop friendly album compared to her earlier work which while it alienated some of her older fans, brought in a bunch of new fans who were on board with a more mature side of her.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Don't get me wrong #8
Hymn to her #7
If this album seems a little low to anyone, bear in mind that it wasn't as much of a juggernaut here in Australia as it was throughout the rest of the world despite many people believing (me included) this to be MJ's best album. The album is also known for breaking several records on Billboard, including spawning the most chart toppers over there as well as how many consecutive number one hits an artist has had there.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I just can't stop loving you #10
Bad #4
The way you make me feel #5
Man in the mirror #39
Dirty Diana #27
Just another part of me #49
Smooth criminal #31
Leave me alone #42
Liberian girl #46
This was initially a flop for the Bangles, likely because the lead single was seen as a novelty despite it being written by Prince under a pseudonym. Fortunately, the album's actual novelty track helped it find an audience who realised that while the girls had their quirky side, they were for the most part a serious throwback band to the 60's jangle pop which allowed this album to be a huge success for them worldwide.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Manic Monday #3
If she knew what she wants #31
Walk like an Egyptian #1
I'm not a fan of Tom Cruise, I'm sure he's a decent person in real life (provided he's not talking about Scientology) but I've just never gotten into any of his performances. One of his better films is Top gun which at least has a lot of flash imagery to distract from the meandering romance he has with the Amish woman from Witness. The soundtrack helps make it a better film due to the song choices used in the scenes.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Danger zone #14
Take my breath away #2
This was the debut album from Noiseworks, a band that had NZ teen idol Jon Stevens as their lead singer several years after the hits dried up for him in his homeland. This was a huge hit for the band here in Australia as well as a minor hit in his native NZ, I'm guessing the kiwis weren't as impressed by his foray towards pub rock as us Aussies were which would explain his lack of success at home.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
No lies #31
Take me back #7
Love somebody #50
Welcome to the world #41
Although these guys had been releasing new albums throughout the entire decade, this was the first album of theirs since Dark room to spawn a hit single in the form of the albums second single. Indeed, this album was set to flop like the rest of their catalogue this decade until "We gotta get out of this place" became a surprise hit for them which in turn boosted the sales of the album it came from.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Nature of the beast #27
Don't waste my time #40
We gotta get out of this place #7
I haven't seen the biopic for Ritchie Valens (nor do I plan on doing so if I'm being honest) however it was a huge critical and commercial success largely thanks to the music which was largely performed by Los lobos who scored a big hit from this album with the title track.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
La bamba #1
Come on let's go #22
This was the most successful album to come from Billy Idol in Australia, I'm guessing due to it being more in line with sophistopop compared to his earlier work despite it not quite being sophistopop. It's definitely more subdue compared to his earlier work which is perhaps why it found more success here than his earlier work. He would have further success throughout the rest of the decade and even into the 90's.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
To be a lover #3
Don't need a gun #22
Sweet sixteen #9
This was the solo debut for James Reyne, I guess this should serve as proof that despite his inability to enunciate on many of his songs, audiences loved Australian crawl specifically for his presence as he brings a lot of charm and charisma to each of his songs. He would continue to have success into the 90's proving that he was a welcomed presence with his brand of rock music.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Fall of Rome #5
Hammerhead #8
Rip it up #34
Motor's too fast #4 (ARIA #6)
It took him four albums and naming one of them after something besides himself, however Peter Gabriel finally managed to find success on his own worldwide around the time his former band was scoring the biggest success in their own career. While this wasn't as successful as Invisible touch from Genesis, it was more critically acclaimed which is the perfect way to describe both acts respective careers.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Sledgehammer #3
Don't give up #5
Big time #37
It looked like that Madonna had officially won the battle over Cyndi as the pop princess of the 80's, although Cyndi did put up a valiant fight with her sophomore album as it was a huge success for her back in the day. Alas it didn't spawn multiple hit singles from it like her previous album did, and it also showed a more mature side of her which is perhaps why she lost her battle with Madonna this decade.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
True colors #3
Change of heart #15
As you've probably noticed on these lists, we haven't seen many musicians of colour to make it big with their albums in Australia. One of the rare exceptions was Robert Cray who managed to score a massive hit this year with his first solo album likely due to how smooth the album is compared to everything else coming out at the time. I should point out that we were promoting our local talent over these artists more than anything.
Peak position #6
Following the success of both their first film Stop making sense and their most recent album Little creatures, Talking heads decided to allow lead singer David Byrne to direct a proper film which wasn't well received at the time from what I can gather. It's gained a cult following over the years likely from audiences who bought the soundtrack from the band back in the day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Wild wild life #13
What was it with this year and handing success off to music from films from four years prior? The Big chill was a critical and commercial success upon its initial release in 1983, and yet in only took until this year for the soundtrack to be a huge success in Australia and NZ.
Peak position #5
Following the success of her debut album, Whitney felt she was confident enough to do away with all of the guest artists and such release an album where she was front and center all the way through. Though the album was a success, many audiences of colour complained she was selling out to a Caucasian crowd which affected her enough for her next album to be more urban oriented.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
I wanna dance with somebody #1
Didn't we almost have it all #27
So emotional #26
Where do broken hearts go #48
Named after a song Sting rerecorded for this greatest hits package, this album was a success following the confirmation that the trio had broken up for good to allow Sting to pursue his solo career that saw many highs and lows over the years. Indeed, the new version of the title track was a modest success for him proving that fans wanted to hear more from the trio but had to accept that wasn't going to happen.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Don't stand so close to me 86 #33
This was the only album that Mel and Kim ever released, mainly because during its production, Mel was diagnosed with cancer which would eventually claim her life less than three years after its release. The girls tried to record new material during the final years of her life, but aside from "That's the way it is" which would eventually be included on here as a bonus track, nothing ever came into fruition.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Showing out #12
Respectable #1
FLM #19
This was the debut album for one of the most prominent bands to emerge from the UK soul scene, although it's worth noting that this didn't produce a big hit for them here in Australia like it did in their native UK and on Billboard. Even though these guys were far from the most successful singles artists down under, they more than made up for that by having their albums be highly successful here.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Money's too tight #21
Holding back the years #16
We have another entry from an Australian artist for this list, this time it's the third album from Hoodoo gurus who were able to find massive success with this album due to it spawning their biggest hit in the form of its lead single. Even though they were quickly gaining an international audience with their albums, their popularity would dwindle after this as their next album would fail to see this level of success.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
What's my scene #3
Good times #36
Before Tracy Chapman and Melissa Etheridge, we had Suzanne Vega who began the trend of having female singer/songwriters make it big in the mainstream with their sharpy written ballads that connected with audiences. Of course, those women would overshadow Suzanne the following year, however this album has remained relevant over the years thanks to its lead single and its take on domestic violence.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Luka #21
This was the second solo album to come from Sting this decade, it wasn't quite as inescapable as his previous entry likely due to the success of the greatest hits album he released from his band the Police reminding audiences of their older material. Even so, this was a massive hit for the former frontman of one of the most popular bands of the decade, although his popularity would dwindle after this.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
We'll be together #13
This was the only successful album to come from glam rock band Europe in Australia, although their next album did alright throughout the continent of Europe meaning they did have their appeal outside of the title track from this album. I get the feeling that Bon Jovi and Whitesnake stole the success these guys had throughout the rest of the world which would explain their one album wonder status.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
The final countdown #2
Rock the night #22
This was a seasonal compilation that collected the biggest hits of spring in Australia for 1986 just in time for our summer season, it got caught between two years due to how late it was released in the year which allows it to appear on more than one list on this site.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Dancing on the ceiling #2
Don’t leave me this way #2
Heartache all over the world #7
Missionary man #9
What’s the colour of money #23
Stay #30
I could make you love me #5
Two of hearts #7
True colors #3
Walk this way #9
Danger zone #14
Dreams of ordinary men #17
You give love a bad name #32
You’re gonna get hurt #24
Mad about you #9
A matter of trust #3
Take my breath away #2
You’re the voice #1
I'm not sure how he did it, but Chris Rea scored an impressive comeback this year with this album given how his previous hit "Diamonds" was only a modest success for him nearly a decade prior. I think NZ had something to do with this as he suddenly saw a massive surge in popularity over there around this time, this leading to the lead single to nearly topping their charts and thus becoming a hit here.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Let's dance #9
It had been a while since Supertramp last troubled our charts, in fact their last successful album was with Famous last words from four years prior which gives you an idea of how they failed to adjust with the MTV era like many bands from the 70's. Still, they were able to find success with this greatest hits album proving their back catalogue had secured their legacy.
Peak position #9
Following the failure of two bands, one here in Australia and one in her native NZ, Jenny Morris decided to go solo on this album which had a bit of a slow start to it due to her not having that big crossover upon its initial release. That came when she released the second single which was a perfect display of her vocal talents and thus helped it and the album become a success here but not in her homeland.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
You're gonna get hurt #24
You I know #13
Named after the Breakfast club track, we have this compilation album which collects some of the biggest hits of winter for this year that became a success during our spring due to the good choices that were found on the album.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Love and devotion #9
Male stripper #3
Boom boom #1
One and one #19
Right on track #4
Lean on me #5
Showing out #12
Let’s go #14
We connect #7
Slice of heaven #1
What’s my scene #3
Midnight blue #8
Hymn to her #7
At this moment #11
Looking for a new love #13
Nothing’s gonna stop us now #3
Rock the night #22
Holiday rap #11
John Williamson has been active in the music industry since the early 70's, however aside from a massive hit with his debut single "Old man emu," he hadn't seen much success in his career until he released this magnum opus which contains his signature tune "True blue." Interestingly enough, this came out not long after Madonna's album of the same name, resulting in there being two tracks to chart with that name.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
True blue #43
This was the only big album that Elton John released during the second half of the 80's, it was a live album that he recorded with the Melbourne symphony orchestra during his umpteenth tour here in Australia.
Peak position #5
Named after the Madonna classic from two years prior, this album manages to collect the biggest hits in Australia for the summer of 86/87 which helped it become a massive success here due to the good choices made by those who assembled the album.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Funky town #1
Don’t need a gun #22
Real wild child #11
We gotta get out of this place #7
She’s the one #9
What you get is what you see #15
Walk like an Egyptian #1
Witch queen #4
French kissing in the USA #4
C’est la vie #4
Jacob’s ladder #48
Hold on #21
Don’t dream it’s over #8
This is a live album that Billy Joel released capturing his best moments during his Russian tour from around this time, it was a modest success here in Australia likely due to his artist momentum.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Back in the USSR #33
The spring of 1987 was a hectic time in our music scene as was any season throughout the decade here in Australia, as such this album which marketed those big hits as summer jams managed to be a massive success during our summer period around this time.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Need you tonight #3
Don’t tell me now #36
Her charity #32
Wishing well #9
Hold your head up #21
I’ll save you all my kisses #47
Never say goodbye #26
Bridge to your heart #17
La bamba #1
You win again #10
Let’s dance #9
Pretty flamingo #33
Physical favours #39
Little lies #16
Didn’t we almost have it all #27
Nothing’s gonna change my love for you #10
We have our second compilation album to be released during the summer of 86/87 that overlooks the biggest hits of the spring of 1986 on this list, it may not have been as big as the earlier entry on this list, however it still had a good selection of hits to make it a success.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Venus #1
Typical male #20
Higher love #8
In your arms #8
I didn’t mean to turn you on #27
Don’t forget me #9
Let’s kiss #27
You can leave your hat on #23
Stuck with you #2
Press #47
Calling #23
Darling it hurts #26
Live and die #19
Lady in red #2
Bad moon rising #11
These were the big hits of summer in Australia during the 86/87 period, as such this album was able to achieve massive success thanks to audiences feeling that there was a good selection of bangers to be found on the album.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Something in my house #19
You keep me hanging on #1
Pressure down #4
Like flames #18
It didn’t matter #48
Bizarre love triangle #5
Heartbreak beat #26
Primitive love rites #34
I wanna wake up with you #1
I knew you were waiting for me #1
The final countdown #2
Is this love #13
Living on a prayer #3
Sugar free #10
Rooms for the memory #11
Word up #6
Shake you down #12
It looked like Chris De Burgh would be a one album wonder with his album from earlier in the decade, however he was able to score the biggest hit of his career worldwide with this album which confirmed him to be one of the bigger crooners of the 80's despite crooners not being very popular throughout the decade. Indeed, if he had of had his breakthrough in any other decade, he would've been twice as big as he was.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Lady in red #2
Following the success of their previous album in their native America, Heart released this album which managed to become a big success here in Australia due to the success of its lead single. Naturally this didn't bring in the numbers here that it did in its homeland, however it did well enough that their next album was an even bigger hit at the start of the following decade.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Alone #6
Starting with this album, the creators of the Smash hits series compile a list of the biggest hits of any given year to one release which they release to varying degrees of success depending on which year we're referring to, the big hits of 1987 were something to behold which explains the success of this first entry in the series.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Respectable #1
Witch queen #4
He’s gonna step on you again #1
Nothing’s gonna stop me now #22
He’s just no good for you #15
Locomotion #1
The final countdown #2
We gotta get out of this place #7
I heard a rumour #32
Love and devotion #9
Walk like an Egyptian #1
Take me back #7
Funky town #1
Slice of heaven #1
Sugar free #10
Suddenly #2
Does this band sound familiar to you? If you were born past 1980 and are from Australia, then they should as they would go on to become the Wiggles in 1991 even though they kept at the regular music until 1994 when they realised they had more success as a children's band than a pop rock band. Naturally they played their own instruments in both bands, which is why they've endured as the Wiggles for so many years.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Wait up #28
She's the one #9
Some kind of girl #32
Double shot #32
From what I can gather, V spy V spy was a politically charged band from Australia who scored their one and only successful album this year with their combination of pub rock and new wave. They were kind of like Midnight oil if they weren't as successful and possibly less commercially viable, hence why this album was not only a success but retains a strong fanbase even to this day.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Don't tear it down #31
Richard Clayderman was one of the most popular classical artists to make it big this decade, this was one of only two albums to find success here in Australia but believe me, the French pianist was inescapable worldwide back in the 80's. I'm guessing this live performance really impressed us Aussies if it was the most successful album of his catalogue down under.
Peak position #8
These were the big hits of Australia from the winter of this year, there was an excellent assortment of choices to be found here which is how this compilation album managed to be a huge success upon its initial release.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Locomotion #1
Get ready #18
Friday on my mind #25
Fall of Rome #5
Crazy #4
Shattered dreams #22
Luka #21
Suddenly #2
Alone #6
When you walk in the room #7
Double shot #32
Where the streets have no name #27
Diamonds #47
Heart and soul #18
Well, you know that the winter of this year was chaotic when we have the third compilation in a row to have songs that peaked during this period, there was too many good choices to be had on these albums.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
He’s gonna step on you again #1
Respectable #1
Rhymes #26
Breakout #12
He’s just no good for you #15
Nothing’s gonna stop me now #22
When smokey sings #25
Star trekking #3
I wanna dance with somebody #1
Why can’t I be you #16
I heard a rumour #32
Take me back #7
You I know #13
Wild horses #9
First we take Manhattan #32
Good times #36
La isla bonita #6
Radio waves #43
This was originally released three years prior to deafening silence for Chris De Burgh, likely because he only had one hit to his name as the time which wasn't exactly a song that encourages listeners to check out what else he had to offer. It was given a second chance this year when he scored his biggest hit from his (then) most recent album which allowed audience to discover the rest of his catalogue.
Peak position #12
Although New order didn't have that much success with their albums over in Australia during their heyday, they did score a surprise hit this year with "Bizarre love triangle" which caught the attention of us Aussies despite that song bombing over in NZ where they were inescapable. As such, they released this greatest hits package which spawned their second biggest hit that was also a minor success over here.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
True faith #8
I'm a bit surprised at how little success Paul Kelly had in the mainstream back in the day, he was always a critical darling and even was a regular on Countdown when he released this album which up until very recently was his most successful (we're obviously not counting his 1997 greatest hits package.) I guess this got pushed aside back in the day in favour of all the earlier entries on this list.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Before too long #15
Darling it hurts #25
This almost flopped for Tina Turner in Australia, likely due to the lead single underperforming here despite it being a huge success for her throughout the rest of the world. Fortunately, the second single picked up the slack by becoming a bigger hit for her in Australia which allowed the album to rebound on the charts this year, it set her up for further success with her third album later in the decade.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Typical male #20
What you get is what you see #15
While I mentioned that our love for this album wasn't the same as that of her first album, we Aussies did find enough of it to make it a moderate success for Alison Moyet this year even if its success pales in comparison to what it achieved over in NZ this year. This would be the last time she troubled our charts as her third album would be a massive flop later in the decade.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Is this love #13
Weak in the presence of beauty #30
I never understood why these guys gave them a name like The the, I guess as a statement that all of the good band names had been taken when they formed at the start of the decade. In any case, we have this second album from the band that managed to become as such thanks to the rising popularity of sophistopop which was a genre of music that was taking the world by storm this year.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Infected #24
This was rereleased on the twentieth anniversary of its original release, as such it managed to become a hit all over again worldwide given how it was issued as a CD release for the first time in addition to the sales it accumulated as an L.P and cassette release.
Peak position #4
It's a bit of a shock how much less successful this album was for Bruce Springsteen compared to even his pre-Born in the U.S.A work, although the fact that this was what he followed up that magnum opus with should speak volumes to how fickle his time in the spotlight truly was even if that can partly be blamed on John Cougar Mellencamp from earlier on this list.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Brilliant disguise #17
Tunnel of love #41
This was a moderate success for the Cure this year, I guess it wasn't a bigger success due to the controversy of its lead single which depicted the members in blackface which even back then was frowned upon in the mainstream.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Why can't I be you #16
It seemed like Bryan Adams was going to be a one album wonder given how much of a failure this album was compared to his previous entry, although it's worth noting that it did decently well if you ignore how successful the rest of his catalogue was. As for what it has to offer, it's more of the same from Reckless which could also explain why it underperformed back in the day.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Heat of the night #25
So, this is an interesting album to talk about, mainly because it's a three-way collaboration between Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and fellow country singer Emmylou Harris which managed to become a huge success this year in certain parts of the world including here in Australia. I think this album is what revived the career of Linda as she would close out the decade with a comeback hit.
Peak position #12
This is the only notable success that World party had in their career, mainly because of the surprise success of the lead single here in Australia which allowed us Aussies to check out the album it came from. Even though this is considered a band, it's actually a solo project from vocalist Karl Wallinger who released several more albums under this name over the years to no success.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Ship of fools #4
This was an E.P that turned some of the most recognisable songs from ZZ Top into club bangers which meant that it was a modest success here in Australia at the expense of it being considered unnecessary by the band's diehard fanbase.
Peak position #11
Simple minds were always known for being an explosive live act, as such, it makes sense that this album recorded during their Paris tour would be a moderate success even though their popularity here in Australia was in sharp decline and never matched what they achieved in NZ, their native UK or even America.
Peak position #13
This was a moderate success here in Australia for Barbra Streisand, likely due to this being a rather slow year when it came to albums as I can't imagine how this live album of hers made the cut were it not for the slim pickings.
Peak position #15
Following the success of his earlier entry on this list, Kevin Wilson was an in-demand comedian which resulted in his third album being a massive success for the politically incorrect humour. Like I said earlier, this style of comedy was controversial even for its time, meaning that even back then you had "woke" audiences leveling criticisms towards this type of humour.
Peak position #16
This wasn't very popular due to the lack of noticeable hit singles it collected for the winter of this year; however, it did have a couple of decently big hits which is what helped it find an audience.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Glad I'm not a Kennedy #9
Big time #37
Dominoes #38
Something so strong #18
Sweet sixteen #9
Let's wait awhile #21
Ship of fools #4
Nude School #29
Heat of the night #25
Some kind of girl #32
Caravan of love #24
With or without you #9
If you were around back in the 80's, you may have noticed that Kenny Rogers made quite a few duets with several female vocalists over the years. As such, his label decided to collect these duets into one convenient release which was a moderate success for him here in Australia.
Peak position #11
I get the feeling this was a success mainly for how long it stuck around for on our charts, you probably noticed that there wasn't that many inescapable albums this year the further down this list we go, meaning that this was more a success due to a lack of competition rather than we Aussies being interested in Bowie's work by this point.
Peak position #19
Hit singles
Day in day out #33
This is the first album from New order to find any success here in Australia, mainly because it was the first album of theirs to have a song that became a hit single albeit only here in Australia as "Bizarre love triangle" curiously bombed in NZ and their native UK where they had ruled the charts up until this point. This led the group to finding success with their greatest hits package from earlier on this list later in the year.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Bizarre love triangle #5
This was a bit of a change in direction for Mental as anything as they appeared to change with the times which resulted in having glossy production to their otherwise raw pub sound they had throughout the decade. Naturally this alienated most of their fanbase, however enough of their fans stuck around for this to be a sleeper hit for the band given how it spawned a few hits from its track list.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Let's go to paradise #15
He's just no good for you #15
Don't tell me now #36
Love me tender #34
This had quite the lengthy chart run here in Australia, mainly because its album cycle was interrupted to allow the duo's cover of "Always on my mind" to be released as a single to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. At least it managed to be more of a success both as an album and with its singles given how we Aussies had the correct album cycle as opposed to their debut.
Peak position #16
Hit singles
It's a sin #10
What have I done to deserve this #22
Heart #18
Heartland rock was at its peak around this time thanks to the likes of Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, so naturally Bruce Hornsby would be able to find success with his debut album following his departure from the 60's band the Grateful dead around this time. The title track was a Billboard chart topper for him, and although it wasn't a huge success here, it did crack our top twenty thus encoring the albums success.
Peak position #20
Hit singles
The way it is #12
This is another album that had a lot of hype put into it due to how many advanced singles were released from it, alas it didn't quite pay off for Boom crash opera the way it did for Kids in the kitchen likely due to Countdown being discontinued by the time it came out and thus, didn't provide the promotion that other albums of this kind benefitted from throughout the decade.
Peak position #19
Hit singles
Great wall #5
Hands up in the air #16
City flat #42
Her charity #32
This only appears on this list due to it sticking around long enough to qualify for it, if it wasn't for that, then this double album from Prince would've been a complete flop for him down under due to it failing to find much of an audience amongst us Aussies.
Peak position #20
Hit singles
Sign of the times #29
I'll get into more details on this album when I talk about it when it peaked in popularity here in Australia, suffice to say that it was merely a decent success here upon its initial release thanks to the success of the show it was soundtracking even if it didn't reach its peak success until the show in question made its way down under later in the decade.
Peak position #26
This was the debut album of the Black sorrows, the second group that had Joe Camelleri as the lead vocalist following the demise of his previous band Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons from earlier in the decade. It did receive some buzz during the final episodes of Countdown this year, making it possible that it would've been even bigger had the show kept going for the remainder of the decade.
Peak position #22
Hit singles
Daughters of glory #48
This is the only success that Jennifer Warnes had that didn't involve a duet with a much more famous soul singer, this is a covers album that she released that did decently well as it showcased her vocal talents which led to her scoring a huge hit off the Dirty dancing soundtrack the following year.
Peak position #21
Hit singles
First we take Manhattan #32
This was only a success for Eric Clapton due to the lead single being affiliated with the Tom Cruise flick the Color of money which was a massive box office success around this time. This did lead to Eric's comeback throughout the 90's as well as a redemption ark following his problematic statements about soul music a decade prior to this album's release.
Peak position #34
Hit singles
It's in the way that you use it #24
This is the final album to come from the Smiths, a critically acclaimed new wave band best known in the general public for their problematic frontman Morrissey. This is another album that only makes the list due to a lack of competition rather than it being a genuine success here with us Aussies.
Peak position #25
Apparently, there was a film released around this time known as Crossroads (no relation to the Britney Spears trainwreck from 2002) the only thing that's preserved about this film is that its soundtrack was composed by Ry Cooder given how it was a moderate success here in Australia and nowhere else in the world.
Peak position #24
If you're wondering what took so long for the lead single of this album to be released internationally from its UK release, it's likely to coincide with the album's release as Swing out sister released this right when it was picking up steam here in Australia as well as its American release where it was also a major success for the trio. It remains their only successful album due to them being in the right place at the right time.
Peak position #23
Hit singles
Breakout #12
This took its sweet time in becoming a minor success here in Australia, likely because we Aussies weren't interested in rediscovering Kate Bush's back catalogue until funnily enough, she scored a huge hit this year with Peter Gabriel on his earlier entry which boosted the popularity of this greatest hits package from the art pop legend.
Peak position #28
While it wasn’t as well received as the first film, the second Beverly hills cop flick was a massive commercial success due to it retaining the charm that Eddie Murphy gave the first flick. The soundtrack is also polarising as it has both an Oscar nominated track and Razzie nominated track that became a hit throughout the world from two of the most recognisable artists of the moment.
Peak position #22
Hit singles
I want your sex #2
Shakedown #9
I hope you weren't expecting any other appearances from Iggy pop on this site as this is the only album of his to find any sort of success throughout the world, he's another punk legend who only found mainstream success by "selling out" as this is far more pop friendly than the tracks most of his fans will be familiar with in his catalogue.
Peak position #34
Hit singles
Cry for love #50
Real wild child #11
He may have failed to score a hit single with the infamous "Songbird" from this album here in Australia, however it appears we Aussies passed up that track (which has since become a meme) in favour of making the album it came from a minor sleeper hit back in the day for Kenny G.
Peak position #25
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