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
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
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
It's rare to see a debut album receive this much critical acclaim for the artist in question, however that's exactly what happened to Tracy Chapman who won the hearts of many listeners worldwide who seemed to be sick of all the bombastic music permeating throughout the decade. This album opened up many doors for fellow female singer/songwriters who had personal stories to share to a massive audience.
Peak position #3
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Fast car #5 (ARIA #4)
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
This was the only album in Robert Palmer's career to achieve massive in Australia, although it's worth noting that Riptide did achieve minor success due to "Addicted to love" being a chart topper earlier in the decade. The success of this album can be attributed to how inescapable its lead single was on our charts as well as the rest of the tracks striking a chord with listeners of the late 80's.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Simply irresistible #1 (ARIA #1)
She makes my day #10 (ARIA #9)
Early in the morning #21
Change his ways #38
Yikes that is some horrifying album art, no wonder this sat on the shelves for over a year without anyone noticing it because who would want to buy an album with this cover art? Fortunately, the band issued a new cover for the album which allowed it to finally attract attention around the world, this allowed them to find huge success and join the ranks of Bon Jovi and Def Leppard as the kings of hair metal.
Peak position #7
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Sweet child o mine #10 (ARIA #11)
Welcome to the jungle #37
Paradise city #40
Following the demise of his previous band Moving pictures, Garry Frost formed a new band in the form of 1927 whose gimmick is that they were a band who time travelled from that year in order to fit in with the times. Admittedly this gimmick is a little far-fetched considering they were riding the success of fellow Australian bands Icehouse and Choirboys with this release, but that didn't stop this album from being a huge success for them.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
That's when I think of you #5 (ARIA #6)
If I could #2 (ARIA #4)
You'll never know #20 (ARIA #15)
Compulsory hero #14 (ARIA #14)
This was the debut album for Toni Childs, another female singer/songwriter who scored massive success around this time albeit only in the southern hemisphere as she bombed both throughout Europe and in her native America with this album. Even though she never found success in the northern hemisphere, she would find success with her next album in Australia and NZ in the 90's.
Peak position #7
Peak position #8 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Stop your fussing #16 (ARIA #17)
Don't walk away #15 (ARIA #17)
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
People like to dunk on these guys due to being seen as the sellout band for hair metal, that obviously didn't prevent this album from being a huge success for the band given how they managed to retain enough of the genres roots to seem like the genuine article along the likes of Guns n roses and Bon Jovi. Sadly, this success didn't carry them over to the 90's as while Flesh and blood was a hit for them, it wasn't to the scale this album was.
Peak position #11
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Nothing but a good time #15 (ARIA #10)
Fallen angel #25
Every rose has its thorn #12 (ARIA #16)
Your mama don't dance #22
Following the success of both Tracy Chapman and Toni Childs, Melissa Etheridge also found success here in Australia with her debut album proving that female singer/songwriters had a clear advantage as the decade was coming to an end. What's interesting is that Melissa's breakthrough in her native America wouldn't happen until years after her debut album was a huge international success, especially considering "Like the way I do" being a hit in 1995 despite it appearing on this album.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Similar features #34
Bring me some water #7 (ARIA #9)
Like the way I do #14 (ARIA #16)
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
Following the staggering success of their album the Joshua tree, U2 decided to make a documentary about their world tour to promote the album which I really don't recommend you watch unless you want further incentive to hate Bono as a human being (in which case knock yourself out.) The documentary came with a soundtrack which has easily overshadowed the film due to how iconic the songs are on here.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x5 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Desire #1 (ARIA #1)
Angel of Harlem #14 (ARIA #18)
When love comes to town #22
All I want is you #2 (ARIA #2)
Following the staggering success of his previous album, John Farnham continued with his adult contemporary sound with this follow up which while not as big of a success as Whispering Jack (nothing to be ashamed of given how inescapable that was) was nonetheless a huge hit for him proving that albums success wasn't a fluke. His success would continue for well over two decades after his comeback.
Peak position #1x9
Peak position #1x8 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Age of reason #1 (ARIA #1)
Two strong hearts #3 (ARIA #6)
Beyond the call #41
It seems like an anomaly to have this album be a huge success for Bros, partially due to how radio refused to play their songs but also because everything about this album suggests that it was only meant for immediate friends and relatives of the band in question. Of course, that wasn't the case as many people came to love this album upon its initial release, although they didn't stick around for their second album.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
When will I be famous #5
Drop the boy #9 (ARIA #9)
I owe you nothing #6 (ARIA #6)
I quit #13 (ARIA #14)
Cat among pigeons #11 (ARIA #15)
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)
Well this is an album that promised so much for the artist in question in terms of success, especially considering how Rick Astley was by far the most successful client of Stock Aiken and Waterman likely due to how impressive his vocals were throughout this album. Alas he remains a one album wonder as his second album failed to live up to the standards set up by this breakthrough of his.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Never gonna give you up #1
Whenever you need somebody #3
When I fall in love #5
Together forever #18 (ARIA #19)
With the overwhelming success he achieved with his last album, it makes sense that Jimmy Barnes would aim even higher with his second solo album by recruiting Diane Warren to co write many of the songs on the album. While this album was a huge success for him here in Australia and NZ, it wound up backfiring for him internationally as it failed to dent any charts in the northern hemisphere.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Too much ain't enough love #1
Driving wheels #12
I'm still on your side #29
Waiting for the heartache #32
So Dirty dancing is a film you either love or hate, you love it because it's a heartwarming tale about two very different people falling in love with each other by bringing out the best of each other and you hate it because it's false advertisement as it baits and switches you with a love story rather than a raunchy dance flick. The film was critically acclaimed and even a huge box office success hence the success of its soundtrack.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
I've had the time of my life #1
Hungry eyes #4
She's like the wind #6
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
Yeah, Cocktail isn't a very good movie, I know there's diehard fans of Tom Cruise out there who'll love anything he appears in but aside from those people, I can't imagine anyone liking this film about him being a cocktail waiter. At least it had an interesting soundtrack that revived the career of the Beach boys as well as some other interesting tracks on there.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x5 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Don't worry be happy #1 (ARIA #1)
Kokomo #1 (ARIA #1)
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
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
Following the staggering success of their debut album, Crowded house went back to the studio to capitalise off their newfound international success which resulted in this album that while a success in Australia and NZ, didn't find much of an audience internationally. They did find more luck with their next album Woodface as that managed to become a huge success in the UK in addition to the southern hemisphere.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x1 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Better be home soon #2 (ARIA #2)
When you come #28
One of the more compelling films to come out this decade was Good morning, Vietnam, it tells the story of a radio DJ played by Robin Williams and how he copes with providing entertainment to not only the troops occupying the district but also the locals who quickly grow to hate these troops. The film is fantastic mainly for Robin's performance but also for the way it incorporates its soundtrack throughout its runtime.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
What a wonderful world #1 (ARIA #1)
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)
There was a lot of hype going into the debut album for Kylie Minogue, that hype was effortlessly met when she released it as it became a huge success for her even with it already having three chart toppers here in Australia. It was an even bigger hit in NZ and the UK, likely due to the singles not being as big in the former and her popularity on Neighbours with the latter.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
The locomotion #1
I should be so lucky #1
Got to be certain #1 (ARIA #1)
I still love you #12 (ARIA #11)
There was apparently a highly popular TV series known as Tour of duty which aired for three seasons in the late 80's, I'm guessing this was meant to be a more serious version of M.A.S.H that was set in the Vietnam war instead of the Koreon war. The show produced three soundtracks with the first soundtrack being a huge success here in Australia likely due to how many beloved 60's tracks appeared on the album.
Peak position #3
Dire straits had briefly broken up this year so that Mark Knopfler would work on his side project the Notting Hillbillies who would release one album in 1990 before reuniting the band in 1991, to help keep fans satisfied while he was off with this project, he released this greatest hits package which was a huge success proving they likely would've preferred it if he didn't break up the band around this time.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (ARIA charts)
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
It had been six years since George Harrison troubled the charts with his tribute to John Lennon "All those years ago," so to see him back in the spotlight with this album was a bit of a surprise for audiences even if it led to him forming the supergroup the Traveling wilburys by the end of the year. This remains his final album as he did devote a lot of his time to the group even after the death of its key member Roy Orbison.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Got my mind set on you #1
When we was fab #35
Bananarama were never known to be an album's band, this is why they haven't had any appearances with their albums until now as they're more of a singles artist than anything. This was all set to repeat the formula until it was revealed that Sioban Fahey left the group due to issues she was with the albums production, this in turn led the album to be a huge success here as we Aussies finally appreciated the effort that went into their work.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
I heard a rumour #32
Love in the first degree #5
I want you back #3 (ARIA #3)
I can't help it #20
This was the only notable success from Big pig, a British based Australian band who initially gained buzz two years earlier with their self-titled E.P which led to this being a huge success for them. I'm guessing this was a success due to the music fitting in with the dance scene that was emerging this year, it would certainly explain why their second album flopped in the new decade and lead to them breaking up.
Peak position #5
Peak position #6 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Breakaway #8
Big hotel #37
This is a live album that Jimmy Barnes released that was a huge success for two reasons, the first was that it has a cover of a Motown classic and the second was that Jimmy Barnes was known for his live shows back in the day. These two factors led to him thriving throughout the 90's as he continued to put on killer live shows as well as release an album where he did covers of Motown classics.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
When a man loves a woman #4 (ARIA #3)
Last frontier #28
This was the only notable success that the Choirboys had in Australia, although at least it spawned one of the biggest hits of the decade with its lead single as well as it being a staple in pub rock down under. These guys worked very hard in order to build their audience following the commercial failure of their debut album from five years prior, and sadly that audience would abandon them on their next album.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Run to paradise #3
Boys will be boys #14
Struggle town #34
Even though he had a massive hit with his E.P It's just not cricket earlier in the decade, it took three years for Billy Birmingham AKA the 12th man to finally release an album which is essentially a longer version of his skit from 1984. This proved to be a massive success for him and set him up as the definitive Australian comedian of the 90's according to the music scene.
Peak position #1x3
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 first album to be released from the Rockmelons which has the gimmick of having multiple different lead vocalists throughout its runtime, the most prominent being Wendy Matthews who left the group after the albums success to pursue a solo career. The album had a bunch of hype going into it given how many advanced singles there were, and indeed the hype was effortlessly met given how much of a success it was.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Rhymes #26
New groove #21
What's it gonna be #41
The autumn of this year was a hectic time for the charts as this compilation album was a massive success here in Australia when it came out during our winter period. The choices on here were very good which explains why it was a huge success.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x4 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Get out of my dreams get into my car #1 (ARIA #1)
Groove #13 (ARIA #13)
Boys #15 (ARIA #11)
When will I be famous #5 (ARIA #5)
My arms keep missing you #5 (ARIA #5)
Sweet little mystery #33
Shake your love #27
Sign your name #3 (ARIA #3)
You're not alone #18
Heaven knows #32
Underneath the radar #9 (ARIA #5)
Tell it to my heart #10 (ARIA #10)
The flame #1 (ARIA #1)
I want you back #3 (ARIA #3)
Love is a bridge #6 (ARIA #6)
Could’ve been #8 (ARIA #8)
The dock of the bay #3 (ARIA #3)
Where do broken hearts go #48
These guys were known to be a killer live band, so it only makes sense that a live album from them would be a huge success during the height of their popularity. Of course, the real treat came when a live rendition of "Am I ever gonna see your face again" had the crowd shouting "no way get f**ked f**k off" in response which helped the song become a hit twelve years after its initial release.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Am I ever gonna see your face again #11
There was a lot of hype going into this album due to the lead single coming out over a year prior to its release, the hype was eventually met when it came out due to the song released at its launch becoming a huge success for the models' turned singers. They were a one album wonder as they weren't able to find success with their subsequent follow ups in the 90's, it's odd because they should've thrived by then.
Peak position #9
Peak position #8 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Witch queen #4
He's gonna step on you again #36
Wanna be up #8 (ARIA #6)
Kiss n tell #19
This was the only notable success that Tiffany Darwish had throughout the world, presumably due to her inability to compete with fellow teen idol Debbie Gibson who had a more success likely due to her writing and producing her songs as well as being the main vocalist on all of them. For what it's worth, this album was more successful here in Australia compared to Debbie's catalogue even though she was also successful here.
Peak position #4
Peak position #6 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
I think we're alone now #13
Could've been #8
I saw him standing there #9 (ARIA #10)
The summer of 87/88 in Australia was a stellar time given that it marked the 200th anniversary of the settlement of Australia (by British settlers that is) as such this compilation album became a massive hit due to having a great choice of songs to include on its track listing.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Heaven is a place on earth #2
I should be so lucky #1
Should’ve known better #9
Valerie #19
Bury me deep in love #48
Man of colours #28
Some people #7
Pump up the volume #6
Stutter rap #2
Heatseeker #5
Boys will be boys #14
Rip it up #34
Don’t tell me the time #8
Back to the wall #33
Driving wheels #12
Mony mony #8
Am I ever gonna see your face again #11
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
The spring of 1987 was a hectic time in Australian music given how this managed to be a massive success by collecting some of those hits into one convenient compilation album.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Electric blue #1
The right stuff #23
New groove #21
Do to you #15
Say it #31
We’ll be together #13
Hammerhead #8
Run to paradise #3
Do you see what I see #33
To her door #14
Too much ain’t enough love #1
Oh darling #48
Is this love #12
Adultery #27
Don’t shed a tear #33
This wasn't as inescapably popular as their previous effort, perhaps due to it being more of the same in terms of their sound as they once again combine glam rock with country in order to bring together a wider audience then their contemporaries. I guess if Def Leppard and Poison weren't doing so well this could've worked for a second time, and admittedly it was a decent hit for them worldwide back in the day.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x1 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Bad medicine #5 (ARIA #4)
Born to be my baby #34
I'll be there for you #23
Lay your hands on me #24
The winter of this year was a busy time for the Australian music scene, as such this album released during our spring season became a huge success here due to the good selection of hits that can be found on here.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x4 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
New sensation #8 (ARIA #9)
I owe you nothing #6 (ARIA #6)
The perfect day #14 (ARIA #12)
Don’t be cruel #5 (ARIA #4)
Nothing but a good time #15 (ARIA #10)
Theme from s’express #9 (ARIA #11)
Push it #6 (ARIA #3)
Doctoring the tardis #2 (ARIA #2)
Prove your love #27
Perfect #1 (ARIA #1)
I saw him standing there #9 (ARIA #10)
Make me lose control #14 (ARIA #8)
Don’t go #38
Man with a gun #16 (ARIA #17)
I don’t wanna go on with you like that #18
That’s when I think of you #5 (ARIA #6)
Age of reason #1 (ARIA #1)
Foolish beat #49
There were no signs of AC/DC slowing down in the music industry, in fact this album managed to give them their fourth hit of the decade proving that they were still able to score a hit this far into their career on the singles charts. Indeed, their next album would return them to the success they had at the start of the decade, proving they were able to find an audience all of this time after their breakthrough.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Heetseaker #5
I guess Tour of duty was such a cultural phenomenon in Australia that the second season also managed to spawn a successful soundtrack months after the success of the first season's soundtrack from earlier on this list. The third season also had a soundtrack to it which sadly wasn't a huge success here.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (ARIA charts)
This was a bit of a comeback for Elton John in America given the failure of his previous album over there, however this was only a modest success here in Australia at best which is why it appears so low on this list of mine.
Peak position #12
Peak position #13 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
I don't want to go on with you like that #16
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
This was all set to be a flop outside of Richard Marx's native America, I'm guessing because the world already felt it had Bryan Adams to carry the torch of heartland rock for artists who didn't get their start in the 70's. I guess we Aussies changed our minds when the third single from the album became a Billboard chart topper for him, bearing in mind he already had two hits from the album by this stage.
Peak position #7
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Should've known better #9
Endless summer nights #16
The summer period of 87/88 really was a hectic time in music as we have the second compilation album collecting the big hits of that season to make it big on this list. So long as you make good selections like the ones found here, these albums would be a massive success for those who compiled them.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Devil inside #6
Celebration #11
I think we’re alone now #13
Love in the first degree #5
Never gonna give you up #1
So emotional #26
Dance little sister #41
Never can say goodbye #13
Shame #13
Hazy shade of winter #7
Say you will #7
Unchain my heart #17
Just like paradise #14
I found someone #10
Hold me now #4
Everywhere #45
Rev it up #3
At this stage, these were two women from highly successful bands collaborating together to make a soundtrack for an Australian miniseries known as Stringer. This serves mainly as a platform for both women to launch their respective solo careers as indeed both Kate Ceberano and Wendy Matthews would go on to have massive success on their own after this collaboration.
Peak position #8
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
The last time Joe Jackson troubled the charts here was six years prior when he scored a massive breakthrough with his album Night and day (there were a few artists from 1982 having big hits this year for some reason.) Here Joe managed to return with a live album containing several key moments from his shows throughout the decade, hence the name of the album and why it was likely a success.
Peak position #13
Peak position #17 (ARIA charts)
This looked all set to be a flop here in Australia, although the success of the lead single did eventually come this year which translated to the album being a success for Cliff Richard. This was the last we Aussies had hear from the crooner until 1999 when he capped of the twentieth century with "The millennium prayer," however the Brits kept him around in the meantime in their mainstream.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Some people #7
It had been a while since Robert Plant had last troubled the charts anywhere in the world, however he was able to come back with this album likely due to this being a good time for lead singers of highly successful bands to find success on their own. Like many of these singers, he didn't find much success going into the 90's.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Heaven knows #32
Tall cool one #37
This was originally released earlier in the decade to deafening silence for Billy Idol, although I'm not sure why given how immensely popular he was here in Australia with his singles. It was given a second chance when "Mony mony" became a Billboard chart topper which compelled his label to reissue the album worldwide where it became a massive success for him.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Mony mony #8
This is the last album that Talking heads made before they went their separate ways, although it failed to spawn a hit single for them as opposed to Jerry Harrison's album which did, at least it managed to be more of a success overall which allowed them to have one last hurrah before they went their separate ways for good.
Peak position #8
This was a moderate success for Eric Clapton upon its initial release, I'm guessing because we Aussies were feeling nostalgic for his older work even though he only saw success with his time with Cream as well as his 1974 effort 461 ocean boulevard up until this point in his career down under.
Peak position #13
Peak position #12 (ARIA charts)
Winter was a very interesting time this year in Australia as this album suggests, after all it had some amazing choices with no doubt inspired people to make it a success like all the other albums on this list.
Peak position #5
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Simply irresistible #1 (ARIA #1)
Motor’s too fast #4 (ARIA #6)
Hey what now #34
Wild world #9 (ARIA #8)
All fired up #3 (ARIA #2)
Hey little boy #27
Roll with it #28
Tomorrow people #26
This is the chorus #27
Serpentine #47
Got to be certain #1 (ARIA #1)
Better be home soon #2 (ARIA #2)
Intimacy #44
Breakfast in bed #44
Waiting for the heartache #32
Big hotel #37
Back on the breadline #37
While I did say that Van Halen would never again reach the dizzying heights of their previous two albums, that didn't mean they didn't find moderate success with this album given how they weren't too far removed from hair metal and that their sound fitted in nicely with the likes of Bon Jovi and Whitesnake. That said, this was the last album that anyone would care about as they found little success in the 90's.
Peak position #10
Peak position #9 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
When it's love #26
This was a bit of a commercial disappointment for John Williamson compared to his previous album, although he would bounce back by the end of the decade with his next album, which suggests this was more of a dud than his popularity fading as quickly as it came around this time.
Peak position #10
Given how this album managed to spawn one of Pat Benatar's biggest hits here in Australia (arguably it was her biggest hit overall) it makes sense that it managed to become a modest success for her which makes it another album to be as such during the rise in female singer/songwriters this year.
Peak position #10
Peak position #13 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
All fired up #3 (ARIA #2)
This was a bit of a comeback for the Church given how they hadn't bothered the charts since the first half of the decade with their album Blurred crusade, indeed it seems odd that they would find success with this album given how it had little promotion now that Countdown was no more and that Triple J was several years off from becoming a cultural phenomenon here.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Under the milky way #22
This is the last album that Billy Ocean saw any sort of success within his career, mainly because it only had the one hit from it but also likely due to his time in the spotlight coming to an end as his previous album didn't bring in the big numbers that his comeback did during the midpoint of the decade. Still, it was a decent note to go out on and even allowed his greatest hits package to see success at the start of the 90's.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Get outta my dreams get into my car #1 (ARIA #1)
The last time these guys troubled the Australian charts was from earlier in the decade when they nearly scored a chart topper with "If you want my love," fast forward six years and they were back with this album that was reportedly made under the advice of their label for making an adult contemporary album to save their career. It was a huge success for them, but one they felt bad about due to them abandoning their sound.
Peak position #18
Peak position #14 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
The flame #1
Don't be cruel #5
This album was able to collect some of the biggest hits of autumn of this year, it wasn't as successful as the other entry on this list that does this, but the selection of music on here was decent enough for it to be a success regardless.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Breakaway #8
Dreaming #33
Wonderful life #7
Mandinka #39
Wanna be up #8 (ARIA #6)
What’s it gonna be #41
Always on my mind #10
Rok da house #40
Pink Cadillac #4 (ARIA #6)
Endless summer nights #16
One good reason #38
Nothing too serious #29
Bitter tears #24
Under the milky way #22
Struggle town #34
I’m still on your side #29
This was a bit of a commercial disappointment for Robert Cray and company compared to their previous album, although in fairness, the fact they saw this level of success here in Australia is a bit puzzling considering A: their brand of RNB wasn't that popular with us Aussies and B: they didn't find much success in their homeland.
Peak position #16
Peak position #19 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Don't be afraid of the dark #48
Following the surprise success of his earlier entry, Cliff Richard was able to score further success here in Australia with this greatest hits album which overlooks all of the biggest hits he's acquired throughout this entire career up until this point.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Mistletoe and wine #29
While this was a modest success here in Australia for Prince (likely due to that cover art which I'm sure titillated some of his fanbase) his redemption ark from the failure of his second film would come the following year when he was commissioned to make the soundtrack for Tim Burton's Batman flick.
Peak position #6
Peak position #8 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Alphabet st #17
Given that they achieved massive success with their previous album, it only makes sense that Bruce Hornsby and company would find success with its follow up this year even if it failed to bring in the numbers of The way it is from the previous year. I guess this did feel out of place even with the rise of all the easy listening that we've looked at so far on this list.
Peak position #15
Peak position #11 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
The valley road #38
One of the most popular shows of the late 80's here in Australia was the Comedy company, it was a sketch show consisting of some of Australia's funniest comedians of the day. As some of their sketches revolved around satirising pop stars, a soundtrack was released capturing their material which was a modest success for the series.
Peak position #10
Peak position #9 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
So excellent #10 (ARIA #8)
The last time these guys had any success in their career was when John Farnham first replaced Glenn Shorrock as their lead singer from six years prior, it appears that them switching lead vocalists was the key to their success in the 80's as this album managed to become a success upon knowing that Glenn had replaced John on lead vocals when the latter left to relaunch his solo career two years prior.
Peak position #9
Peak position #10 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Love is a bridge #6
We Aussies loved Dirty dancing so much this year that its sequel soundtrack managed to be a modest success over there, this would be a trend that would explode the following decade as popular movies would have more than one soundtrack to find success here throughout the 90's.
Peak position #9
This was a bit of a commercial disappointment for the Divinyls given the success of their previous two albums, although it was enough of a success to qualify for this site of mine even if it was obvious that they needed a change in musical direction for their next project. That of course would result in their international breakthrough which is impressive given the lack of international success that had in the 80's.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Back to the wall #33
Hey little boy #27
I'm willing to bet that this was only a moderate success here in Australia due to this being Steve Winwood's biggest album in America given how the title track became his biggest hit on Billboard upon its initial release. Indeed, he was having a bit of a resurgence around this time even though none of his singles did as well here in Australia as they did in America or what oldies stations would otherwise suggest.
Peak position #14
Peak position #16 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Roll with it #28
We're all familiar with greatest hits packages, however it appears that Cold Chisel's label decided to go for a different approach with this entry as it contains fan favourites from their catalogue that weren't released as singles back in the day. The gambit paid off as this was a decent success upon its release despite there being no news of them getting back together anytime soon.
Peak position #11
This is a bit of a surprise entry from John Denver given how he hadn't bothered the charts for five years at this point and not with an original album in well over a decade, this was a modest hit thanks to the lead single being a huge sleeper hit here for the country legend for some reason.
Peak position #9
Peak position #5 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
For you #22
Video Hits was a music program that launched during the dying days of Countdown which did little more than showcase music videos during its programing block, it was so popular that they released several compilation albums during its time on the air with this first entry by far being the most successful.
Peak position #7
Peak position #6 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Drop the boy #9 (ARIA #9)
Wanna be up #8 (ARIA #6)
I want you back #3 (ARIA #3)
I should be so lucky #1
Sign your name #3
Doctorin the house #50
That's the way it is #28
The flame #1 (ARIA #1)
The dock of the bay #3 (ARIA #3)
Get out of my dreams get into my car #1 (ARIA #1)
Breakaway #8
Boys will be boys #14
Nothing but a good time #15 (ARIA #10)
Anything for you #12 (ARIA #11)
It looks like Sade's good fortunes was starting to run out following the success they had with their previous two albums, although they would find a massive resurgence in popularity in the 90's when their 1992 effort Love deluxe became a surprise hit worldwide.
Peak position #11
Much like his previous album, this was also a critical darling for Paul Kelly and his backing band the Coloured girls (later changed to the Messengers to avoid potential accusations of racism as yes, his backing band was mostly women of colour.) It's hard to say if this would've been even bigger if Countdown had been around to promote it given how it worked wonders for his previous album, however it found an audience regardless.
Peak position #19
Hit singles
To her door #14
I'm really shocked that Pat Benatar didn't have more of a successful career here in Australia given how much oldies stations love her to this day, even so she did find success with this greatest hits package much sooner than her earlier entry on this list which goes to show that we Aussies did have affection for her back in the day.
Peak position #19
This was only barely a success for Belinda Carlisle here in Australia, likely due to the title track becoming one of the biggest hits of the year for the former Go-go's lead singer due to its international success. I'm a bit surprised with its failure considering A: how big this album was internationally and B: her next album being a massive success going into the following decade.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Heaven is a place on earth #2
I get weak #34
This is an album that feels completely out of leftfield compared to everything else on this list, in fact this was only a success due to it spawning one of the biggest this of the year with its lead single as this would've made more sense if it came out in the 90's or even the 70's with how laid back it is overall.
Peak position #11
Peak position #9 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Perfect #1 (ARIA #1)
This was the solo album from Talking heads guitarist Jerry Harrison who released this album around the same time that the band released their album Naked which was a massive flop for the band worldwide. It's success largely came from the lead single which was a huge hit here in Australia as well as on the international alternative scene which I'm sure made him proud of this venture.
Peak position #18
Peak position #18 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Rev it up #3
Man with a gun #16 (ARIA #17)
Well, this was a bit of a misstep for the Eurythmics, I think the problem was the image makeover that Annie had specifically as she looked bizarre with long hair both on the album cover and in the music videos with the singles. That said, the quality of the tracks was still intact, hence why it was able to retain some of its audience and make an appearance on this list.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Beethoven #13
Shame #39
Although he had success with his solo E.P from earlier in the decade, this was the first solo album from former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth which feels about three years late to the party and likely explains why it didn't exactly light up the music scene when it dropped this year. Still, it did spawn a lead single which remains a staple on oldies stations to this day, so it clearly has its fans both then and now.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Just like paradise #14
This is the last notable album that Joan Armatrading released in her career as it appears her luck finally ran out going into the 90's despite her seeming to be a perfect fit in the rising trend of female singer/songwriters from around this time. I guess it was the fact that barring the Key, each of these albums failed to produce a hit single for her which has resulted in people believing her to be a one hit wonder.
Peak position #15
Peak position #21 (ARIA charts)
This is a remix album consisting of soul numbers of the moment receiving the dance remix treatment, it was a moderate success here in Australia likely due to our apathy towards soul and sophistopop around this time as well as our love of dance music.
Peak position #12
This is the final album that Bryan Ferry achieved any sort of success with in his career, it's among many albums released in the late 80's from artists of the 60's and 70's to achieve success with the (then) older crowd likely due to how mature it was compared to the bombast that the other entries on this list had to offer.
Peak position #20
Hit singles
The right stuff #23
Kiss and tell #38
This was the last successful album that Joe Cocker had in Australia, although in NZ he would see a resurgence in popularity as he had several albums becoming a success throughout the 90's over there. In any case we have this album which was a success due to its title track, which is a cover of a Ray Charles classic, basically this was him returning to his roots of being a soul singer covering Motown classics.
Peak position #21
Hit singles
Unchain my heart #17
There was some buzz that George Thorogood and company had throughout the decade, nowhere near what you'd think given how much oldies stations love their catalogue, but enough for this album of theirs to be a moderate success here in Australia.
Peak position #21
Of all the sophistopop I was expecting to find success here in Australia back in the day, Black wasn't among them as I always felt the band was too morose for us Aussies compared to the likes of Johnny hates jazz and Swing out sister. Indeed, this was more of a sleeper hit due to the surprise success the lead single had this year on our charts, although it did last for quite some time hence its placement on this list.
Peak position #22
Hit singles
Wonderful life #7
This is the first album from Cher to find any sort of success in her career here in Australia, true she had successful singles prior to this both solo and with her ex-husband Sonny Bono, however it was her pivot towards hair metal as well as her acting career reaching its peak with her Oscar winning performance in Moonstruck that allowed us Aussies to check out one of her albums for the first time in his career.
Peak position #26
Hit singles
I found someone #8
This managed to make it on here purely based on how long it charted for, as you can tell, there wasn't as many compilation albums taking up our charts as there were throughout the decade by this point which means that outliers such as this managed to sneak their way onto our charts.
Peak position #29
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