Although her earlier albums were plenty successful throughout the world, this was the album which made Mariah Carey into a superstar given its blend of diva pop from her earlier work and RNB which had taken over the mainstream by the time this was released. She's had plenty of success since this album's release, although nowhere near the level of success she accomplished here.
Peak position #1x18
Peak position #1x16 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Dreamlover #7 (AMR #7)
Hero #7 (AMR #5)
Without you #3 (AMR #3)
Anytime you need a friend #12 (AMR #10)
Although Mariah Carey was the first performer to benefit from the MTV unplugged series, it was this compelling performance that Eric Clapton gave later in the year which made the segment a huge sensation. Part of that was due to this being the first performance he gave following the death of his son, thus showing the raw emotion of a man who was going through a lot in his personal life at the time.
Peak position #1x8
Peak position #1x5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Layla #7 (AMR #6)
Sorry Whitney fans, but the Bodyguard is not a good film. Granted it's hardly her fault as while she doesn't give the best performance in the film, the writing doesn't give her much to work with and it's not like Kevin Costner does much better with his performance either. At least the soundtrack was a huge success, in fact it single handedly saved her music career following the huge disappointment of her last album.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I will always love you #1 (AMR #1)
I'm every woman #11 (AMR #10)
I have nothing #28
While it was among the most successful albums of its day internationally, MJ's previous album Bad didn't quite live up to its hype in Australia despite it arguably being better than Thriller on an artistic level. I guess the takeaway he got from it was that the videos weren't as flashy, because the videos to this album are some of the highest budgets to ever come out of a music artist.
Peak position #1x6
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Black or white #1 (AMR #1)
Remember the time #6 (AMR #3)
In the closet #5 (AMR #6)
Jam #11 (AMR #9)
Who is it #34
Heal the world #20 (AMR #19)
Give in to me #4 (AMR #4)
Although their debut album Ten is what many consider to be the peak of Pearl jam's artistic merit, it was actually their sophomore album where they began to become the megastars, we all know them for today. Sure, this didn't have the big hit on here that "Alive" was for their debut (at least in Australia it didn't) however the tradeoff was that the album was a huge success here and even encouraged Ten to linger on the charts throughout the decade.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Go #22 (AMR #20)
Daughter #18 (AMR #18)
Animal #30
This was U2 adapting with the times in order to retain their relevancy in a decade that seemed to want to purge all of the biggest names of yesteryear from the mainstream, this paid off for them as they went the industrial rock route with this album which did alienate a bunch of their older fans but then brought in a bunch of new fans as a payoff. I'm guessing people were initially intrigued with the lead single due to the Edge's presence on it.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Numb #9 (AMR #12)
Lemon #6 (AMR #6)
Stay #5 (AMR #6)
This was originally released at the start of the decade to minimal success, I'm guessing because we Aussies need a better incentive to make an album successful than having a greatest hits package from a long dormant band that claims to remaster their greatest hits. That incentive came three years later when it was released on CD at a time where everything was getting transferred from vinyl to CD.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
So, the Use your illusions era, it's referred to the time where Guns n Roses put out two long albums simultaneously and saw massive success with both of them both as albums and with the singles they released. The second volume proved to be more popular than the first likely due to having the bigger singles on the charts, although volume one did contain the Illusions trilogy which made them iconic.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You could be mine #3 (AMR #2)
Knocking on heaven's door #12 (AMR #14)
Yesterdays #14 (AMR #18)
Estranged #40
One of the more dynamic vocalists to come from Australia in the last quarter of the twentieth century was Wendy Matthews, and while she had modest success with her previous album Emigre, this was the album that made her a household name in the mainstream (albeit briefly.) It's a shame her subsequent follow-ups didn't achieve this level of success, or any success for that matter due to the shifting audience's music tastes.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The day you went away #2 (AMR #2)
Friday's child #15 (AMR #11)
If only I could #41
So, you know how there's the stereotype of certain types of music being described as elevator music? Well, no artist has that stereotype apply to them more applicably than Kenny G who makes the type of easy listening instrumentals that seem to be tailor made to be played whenever riding an elevator in a fancy building. I guess that would explain the overwhelming success of this album from him.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Forever in love #49
This was the first signs of the Abba reevaluation that people gave them throughout the decade, indeed the band would become a well-respected legacy act following the initial success of this greatest hits package back in the day. This was one of many albums to find success multiple times this decade as it recharted two years later due to the success of Muriel's wedding and again when the Mamma Mia musical launched.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Dancing queen (re release) #37
So, if you're a casual fan of Madonna looking to explore her earlier work in more depth, then I can't give a bigger endorsement for this greatest hits package of hers as it collects most (but not all) of her biggest hits during the first eight years of her career to help you decide if you want to become a bigger fan of hers or not. This was attached to her Blonde ambition tour which was also a huge success around this time.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Justify my love #4 (AMR #4)
Rescue me #15 (AMR #13)
Following the success of her album Rhythm nation, Janet no longer had any issues with finding an audience in Australia which means that this album (which reportedly was made after a record-breaking contract she made with her label) was a huge success for her. Interestingly, the album popped up several times throughout the decade whenever one of the singles became popular worldwide.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
That's the way love goes #1 (AMR #1)
If #18 (AMR #20)
Again #19 (AMR #19)
Because of love #25 (AMR #20)
Any time any place #37
You want this #16
What'll I do #14 (AMR #13)
Whoops now #49
This was the breakthrough album of one of the heaviest bands in the metal scene Metallica, although given how this wasn't as heavy as their earlier work, one would be excused for thinking that this was a sellout album even though it's still much heavier than most of what was coming out at the time. Their true sellout period came later in the decade when they released Load and its sequel Reload, both of which were meant to cash in on the adult contemporary of the 90's.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Enter sandman #10 (AMR #12)
The unforgiven #10 (AMR #9)
Nothing else matter #8 (AMR #8)
Sad but true #48
Wherever I may roam #14 (AMR #14)
This was the first volume of the Guns n Roses Use your illusions era, it wasn't as successful as their earlier entry despite it having the songs that would make up the Illusions trilogy which showcased a storyline that was paired with high budget music videos for the singles on the album. Even though it wasn't quite as successful as their earlier entry, it was still one of the biggest albums of the decade.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Don't cry #5 (AMR #7)
Live and let die #10 (AMR #13)
November rain #5 (AMR #4)
Following the so so commercial success of their previous album New Jersey, Bon Jovi decided to adapt with the times with this album which admittedly got the album off to a slow start given how they led the album cycle off with the title track, however it did eventually rebound soon after when the other songs were released as singles. This led to the band going in an adult contemporary direction with their later material in the decade.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Keep the faith #10 (AMR #11)
Bed of roses #10 (AMR #11)
In these arms #10 (AMR #10)
I'll sleep when I'm dead #24 (AMR #20)
I believe #40
Dry country #31
I think this is the earliest hip hop album to achieve massive success in Australia, oh sure you had your MC Hammer's and Vanilla ice's which did see moderate success here earlier in the decade, however this album from Arrested development was arguably the first to break down our bias against the genre here. It's a shame their next album was such a critical and commercial disaster for them but what are you going to do?
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Tennessee #12 (AMR #16)
People everyday #6 (AMR #6)
Mr wendal #7 (AMR #6)
Revolution #7 (AMR #6)
This is to date the final album from Billy Joel's career, although given how it was a massive success for him at a time where it was becoming increasingly difficult for older artists to make it big in the music industry, you have to wonder why he hasn't released a new album after all of these years. That's not to say he's gone MIA in the music industry as he's been touring nonstop ever since this came out.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The river of dreams #1 (AMR #1)
All about soul #34
To add further insult to injury of how much of a failure the title track to this album was in Lenny's native America, this album proved to be a massive success for the self-proclaimed (then) modern Jimi Hendrix outside of his homeland proving how open the rest of the world was for allowing this musician of colour to rule over the rock scene. I guess the world changed its mind with his next album.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Are you gonna go my way #1 (AMR #1)
Believe #8 (AMR #10)
Is there any love in your heart #32
This was initially a flop for Boyz II men here in Australia, likely due to us Aussies not being that interested in RNB and New jack swing like the kiwis and their fellow Americans were. It was given a second chance when their theme to Eddie Murphy's Boomerang became one of the biggest hits of the decade and thus allowed us to appreciate this album and lessen our stigma against music of colour.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Motownphilly #32
End of the road #1 (AMR #1)
In the still of the nite #11 (AMR #8)
Well things did seem to be very good for Bryan Adams this far into his career, admittedly they could've been better given how even in his native Canada he had some ups and downs in terms of his mainstream success, but it's still an awesome title for a greatest hits package that no doubt contributed to its overwhelming success.
Peak position #1x14
Peak position #1x14 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Please forgive me #1 (AMR #1)
They had released two albums to deafening silence earlier in the decade, so to see this album become a huge success for the Australian alternative rock band must have been a massive surprise for them even with all the promotion it received on Triple J. The band would find further success with their second album without promotion from the station, proving that they did indeed strike a chord with audiences with this release.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Black stick #25
The honeymoon is over #41
It's as if no time had passed between this album and its predecessor despite the fact that it had been over fifteen years since the first installment of this franchise from both men involved. Here we have an album that technically came out twelve years prior when Jim Steinman released his one and only album Bad for good which contains a few tracks on here as well as several tracks that were meant for this album, needless to say Meat loaf does these tracks better than he ever could.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I'd do anything for love #1 (AMR #1)
Rock and roll dreams come through #18 (AMR #20)
Whereas most of his contemporaries from the 80's had struggled for mainstream relevancy by this point in the decade, John Farnham continued to thrive thanks to him adapting with the change in sound that adult contemporary was shifting towards at the time. This led to him having success well into the new millennium which is something even some of the biggest artists of the 90's was unable to do.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Seemed like a good idea at the time #16 (AMR #17)
Angels #36
Following the success of his tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber, Michael Crawford decided to release another album which was meant to showcase him as a more contemporary crooner in the music scene. It was a success here in Australia due to Phantom of the opera being on tour here, however it flopped everywhere else due to crooners being pushed aside for the likes of more modern music trends.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Given how the sequel to this album was released this year to critical and commercial success, it only makes sense that fans would check out the original album which in turn was already seeing a massive resurgence in popularity thanks to it being released on CD earlier in the decade.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Following the success of their previous album, R.E.M went back to the studio to release what's often considered their magnum opus as it contains many of their most iconic songs. It's by far their most successful album even if it had a bit of a slow start to its success here in Australia, in fact this only became a best seller when the third single became a huge success half a year after its release.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Drive #34
Man on the moon #39
Everybody hurts #6 (AMR #5)
This was originally released in 1985 to deafening silence, likely because we didn't need another greatest hits package from the Doors since they were well and truly broken up since 1971. It regained some popularity in 1991 following the release of the biopic named after them, although it was only two years later that it became a huge success here likely because it was released on CD for the first time.
Peak position #3
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
This was the album Madonna released to coincide with her book Sex, a book that was little more than a bunch of photos of her in sexually provocative positions that was meant to titillate the general audiences of the early 90's. While the album isn't as tasteless as the book, it does have a highly sexual nature which perhaps explains its bad reputation over the years as being an album for horny listeners.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Erotica #4 (AMR #3)
Deeper and deeper #11 (AMR #10)
Bad girl #32
Rain #5 (AMR #6)
Bye bye baby #15 (AMR #15)
This was the debut album for one Billy Ray Cyrus, a man who would go on to be known as the father for one Destiny Hope Cyrus AKA Miley. Before his daughter became a major Disney star, he was a decently successful country singer who initially struggled to find a record deal due to being seen as little more than a pretty face. Indeed, the success of this album was largely due to a lot of people finding him attractive as well as it popularising the line dance craze.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Achy breaky heart #1 (AMR #1)
Could've been me #43
This was initially only a minor success in Australia when it was released, likely because we Aussies were beginning to fall out of love with their marriage of hip hop and rock in their sound. We quickly fell in love with it again when they released their cover of a Lionel Richie classic, a cover that has almost nothing in common with the rest of the album it appears on which nonetheless boosted its sales.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Midlife crisis #31
I'm easy #1 (AMR #1)
The last time Joe Cocker troubled the charts was five years prior with his album Unchain my heart and its title track, so I'm guessing this greatest hits album (which would have its name taken from Sony's lucrative Essential collections in the 00's) was meant to help audiences rediscover his catalogue which they of course did around this time.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
This was a bit of a return to form for Jimmy Barnes following his Soul deep project which remains his most successful album in his and his bands career. Jimmy's popularity would begin to dwindle as the decade went on as did most of his contemporaries from the 80's, however he never went away as he continues to see moderate success with his new albums even to this day.
Peak position #2
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Sweat it out #11 (AMR #13)
Stand up #41
Stone cold #4 (AMR #2)
Right by your side #43
This was the only notable album that Sonia Dada released throughout their career, even then it was only a success here in Australia due to how inescapable the lead single was as well as it spawning a second single following the success of the lead single. I'm not even sure what happened to these guys as from what I can gather, they continued to release new music throughout the rest of the decade to deafening silence.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You don't treat me no good #1 (AMR #1)
You ain't thinking #3 (AMR #3)
We already saw massive success with Enigma earlier in the decade, so why not have their French counterpart see massive success here as well? Deep forest was another new age band who connected with audiences looking to meditate with music like this, although unlike Enya and Enigma, they didn't have too much success outside of this album here.
Peak position #4
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Sweet lullaby #7 (AMR #7)
Deep forest #32
Well, he did score a massive hit on Billboard with his cover of "When a man loves a woman," so it makes sense that Michael would make a covers album based on some of the biggest hits of the twentieth century. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn't just Motown songs that he covered on this album (although a majority of the tracks are from Motown) meaning that he was diverse in what songs he chose to make his own.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
To love somebody #39
This looked like it was going to be a mere moderate success upon its initial release, likely due to the lead single already being part of a successful E.P thus negating any incentive for audiences to check out the band's debut album. Fortunately, they were given an incentive to do so when their cover of a Harry Chapin track became a huge hit for them, although it's worth noting how out of place this cover is on this album.
Peak position #7
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everything about you #4 (AMR #4)
Neighbour #28
Cats in the cradle #1 (AMR #1)
Busy bee #39
Here we have another greatest hits package to become a success this decade, this time it comes courtesy of Simple minds who were looking back over eleven years of uninterrupted success in their career (in their native UK it was uninterrupted.) It's one of many greatest hits packages to become a success that reassured the artist in question that their legacy was secured regardless of what happened to them next.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
This was an album that sat on shelves for nearly two years before it finally saw mainstream success with its singles, this is going to be a recurring trend this decade as we look at albums record labels failed to promote initially only for them to randomly find success sometimes years after their initial release. This led the Spin doctors to being a one album wonder, mainly due to their second album being widely panned by critics.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Little miss can't be wrong #16 (AMR #11)
Two princes #3 (AMR #3)
It looks like Billy Birmingham was still able to find massive success with his albums throughout the 90's, in fact he kept finding success down under with his comedy routines well into the new millennium which should give you an idea as to how well loved his impersonations of sports stars were over the years.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x5 (AMR charts)
This was a decently successful album upon its initial release, likely due to it spawning two hits for Rick Price which was impressive for a debut album even for someone his age. It saw a massive rebound a year later when "Walk away Renee" became a surprise hit for him, thus making it a huge success for an Australian artist when that was becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.
Peak position #3
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Not a day goes by #5 (AMR #6)
Heaven knows #6 (AMR #9)
What's wrong with the girl #45
Walk away Renee #21 (AMR #18)
This was a greatest hits packaged named after one of their singles from their breakthrough album Hold on to me, indeed this was another example of a band whose popularity died out by this point but was able to find success with an album looking over their biggest success which secured their legacy in the music industry. This decade had a ton of these albums find success over original material.
Peak position #4
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
This was originally released twenty years prior, as such it was given a CD release this year which allowed it to be a massive success worldwide for the fab four. They also rereleased the sister album this year which we'll look at in a bit.
Peak position #9
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Well Faith no more might have been this biggest band this decade in Australia to combine hip hop elements with rock, however the most critically acclaimed by far was Rage against the machine who made a massive splash worldwide with their debut album thanks to the lead single being a heavy hitter on the radio even to this day. It was their biggest album here, although they've retained a fanbase thanks to their sound and politically charged lyrics.
Peak position #12
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Killing in the name #7 (AMR #5)
Given how Mariah Carey and Eric Clapton had two of the biggest albums of the decade with their respective live albums from MTV unplugged, it makes sense that Rod Stewart would join in on the fun by releasing his album recorded at his unplugged concert which was also a massive success for him and the show.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Have I told you lately #12 (AMR #11)
There was a ton of hype going into this debut album from Frente given how immensely popular the band was with the two lead singles from the album, indeed the expectations were effortlessly met when the album finally dropped due to the quirky way the band marketed it (you should say hi to it by the way, it has feelings you know.) It was given a slightly different track listing when it was released internationally two years later.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Ordinary angels #3 (AMR #3)
Accidentally Kelly street #4 (AMR #3)
No time #50
Lonely #7 (AMR #7)
It pains me to say that this guy never had much success here in Australia save for this highly successful greatest hits package he released at the start of the decade. I guess the success of this album allowed us Aussies to rediscover his back catalogue and thus allow his songs to become staples on oldies stations.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
So Frank Sinatra was able to score a successful album this year, this would've been four years prior to his death meaning that even in his twilight years he was still managing to connect with audiences with new material. Here he collaborates with the likes of Aretha Franklin and Barbra Streisand which managed to appease audiences of the day.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
This was originally a flop for KD Lang, presumably due to the album being affiliated with her coming out as a lesbian which was seen as a risky move back in the day when LGBT representation was still in its infancy. It was given a second chance when her soundtrack to the Uma Thurman flick Even cowgirls get the blues became a surprise hit for her this year, thus making her a household name worldwide.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Constant craving #38
This was the other album that the Beatles released twenty years prior that became a success this year due to it finally being available on CD's, naturally it was a success even if audiences were more interested in their earlier work as evidence by this predecessor success on this list.
Peak position #8
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
These guys were always described as a killer live band, so it only makes sense that this live album would be a huge success for them when they released it. They wouldn't have any more hits after this save for a song that they gave to be used as the theme to Last action hero.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Highway to hell #29
Bette had seen many highs and lows in her music career, as such she decided to release this greatest hits album which was a huge success for her likely due to a combination of fans loving her work as well as audiences being fans of her films. It would be the last time she troubled the charts anywhere in the world as she stuck to acting after releasing this.
Peak position #3
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
One of the best rom coms of the 90's was Sleepless in Seattle, a film that deconstructs rom com cliches to tell a story that both subverts the classic rom coms of the golden age of cinema and also pays homage to them in a loving way. It was a huge critical and commercial success back in the day and spawned a soundtrack that was also a massive success.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
This was the final successful album to come out of Midnight oil's discography, it appears to be a return to them giving a voice to the aboriginal community which makes sense given how their magnum opus Diesel and dust had this theme as well. They did quite well adjust to the 90's to make it this far into the decade with their popularity intact, although this would be the last time they troubled the charts.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Truganini #10 (AMR #10)
This was the only album that 4 non blondes released in their career, though it was a success, it was torn apart by critics for how they felt it was an overbearing record from the four women. This led to them breaking up later in the decade and Linda Perry becoming a successful songwriter for some of the biggest names in music in the new millennium, so I guess things worked out for them (or her at least.)
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
What's up #2 (AMR #1)
This was the last album to be released from Crowded house during their initial run together, it was a massive hit here in Australia and an even bigger hit in Neil's native NZ proving they too were able to survive the transition from the 80's to the 90's and even the purge of Australian music from this year in particular thanks to how much more timeless their music was compared to their contemporaries.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Distant sun #23
Nails in my feet #34
Private universe #46
This was the only other success that Margaret Urlich was able to achieve here in Australia given how successful her solo debut was from the start of the decade, although it's worth noting that this too underperformed in her homeland, suggesting that the kiwis had grown tired of her music by this point.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Boy in the moon #21
Burnt Sienna #33
While their debut album was a modest success here in Australia the previous year, it was this second album which made 2 Unlimited a household name due to how irresistible the songs were that became hits from the album. While the Dutch duo would go on to have massive success throughout Europe as the decade went on, this was the last we Aussies heard from them as we moved on to other EDM acts.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
No limit #7 (AMR #8)
Tribal dance #5 (AMR #5)
Maximum overdrive #32
Let your beat control the body #39
Well Lenny Kravitz was saying around this time that he would be the modern-day equivalent of Jimi Hendrix, that would explain the success of this greatest hits album from the genuine article given how Lenny's popularity was exploding this year.
Peak position #7
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
I think I can safely declare these guys to be the winners of the first round of the 90's boy band wars, just a heads up that there'll only be one entry from their rivals Take that on this site which was the album with their one American crossover "Back for good" from later in the decade. This did have a lengthy climb to its success here even with how big the singles were during their initial release, however it eventually peaked once the deluxe edition was released.
Peak position #5
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
House of love #5 (AMR #5)
Deep #7 (AMR #6)
West end girls #4 (AMR #4)
It's alright #1 (AMR #1)
One of the best comedies of the decade was Sister act, mainly for the ridiculous plot involving Whoopi Goldberg being put in witness protection in a nunnery and having her teaching the church choir how to be "hip" with the youth of the day through song. The film was a critical and commercial success as well as spawning a soundtrack which did include renditions of the songs used in the film as advertised in its credits.
Peak position #8
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
They did manage to have one of the biggest albums of the decade with their debut, so it's only natural that Baby animals would follow up that success with this album even if it was a mere fraction of what their earlier work achieved. I'm guessing this would've been even bigger had there not been a suddenly resistance to supporting local artists this year as is the case with many Australian entries on this list.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Impossible to fly #48
Don't tell me what to do #24
This was the final successful album that Taylor Dayne had anywhere in the world, in fact it was only a success here in Australia due to how big the lead single was which in of itself was a surprise hit for her given how it's a cover of a Barry White track and how Barry was never a household name here.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Can't get enough of your love #2 (AMR #2)
Send me a lover #42
Given how Van Morrison began the decade with a greatest hits package that would prove to be among the most successful of the 90's, it only makes sense that he would finally see success with one of his albums here in Australia for the first time since his 1979 effort Wavelength.
Peak position #4
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Gloria #22
This was arguably the biggest album to come from Hunters and collectors, mainly because it was already a success upon its initial as it as it rebounding on the charts due to the success of the second and third singles on the album. It allowed them to find success during a time where it was becoming increasingly difficult for Australian artists to do so, particularly those coming from the 80's.
Peak position #6
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Where do you go #33
True tears of joy #14 (AMR #13)
Holy grail #20 (AMR #16)
This was a modest success for Cypress hill here in Australia upon its initial release, although its true success wouldn't come until a year later likely due to how well it was received by the kiwis throughout its run over in NZ. It was an early success story for the "true" hip hop here in Australia given how until this point it was mainly the likes of MC Hammer and Vanilla ice finding success with the genre here.
Peak position #13
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Insane in the brain #40
I ain't going out like that #43
When the shit goes down #47
It looks like Sting was able to also survive the transition from the 80's to the 90's as this album managed to be a modest success here in Australia and throughout the world despite sounding like it would fit in with his previous two albums in his catalogue. I guess this was more of a hit thanks to there being a ton of nostalgia for his band the Police given how this was a good year for reggae and that was the band's influence in their sound.
Peak position #9
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
It's probably me #23
If I ever lose my faith in you #41
Now that Judith Durham had officially rejoined the band, the Seekers released this greatest hits album to remind fans of their back catalogue which helped them become a successful touring act which they still are to this day.
Peak position #3
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
While this wasn't able to live up to the success of his previous two albums, Diesel was nonetheless able to retain his popularity with this release here in Australia which is impressive given how much harder it was for local artists to retain their popularity moving forward in the decade for some inexplicable reason.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Never miss your water #12 (AMR #13)
Masterplan #42
I've been loving you too long #41
This is the final successful album that UB40 had anywhere in the world, mainly for the lead single which actually served as the theme song to a long-forgotten film that nobody seemed to like at the time. I guess this was the band's last hurrah here in Australia due to the surprise success that their previous album had earlier in the decade given how long it took for it to be a success here.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Falling in love with you #1 (AMR #1)
Higher ground #40
It's a bit sad that this album was only a modest success upon its initial release here in Australia, heck even after the tragic passing of Kurt Cobain less than a year after its release, it only occasionally pops back onto our charts proving that we Aussies were more interested in the works of Pearl jam back in the day. Still, this was a decent success here, and hey, it also remains one of the best albums of the decade much like its predecessor.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Heart shaped box #21 (AMR #17)
Kim Wilde was always described as a singles artist; this is why she could have hit after hit here and in her native UK and not have any of that success translate to her albums. Here she acknowledges that by releasing this greatest hits album which ironically proved to be the biggest success she had with one of her albums in Australia.
Peak position #6
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
If I can't have you #3 (AMR #2)
This is a bit of a surprise, mainly because I wasn't expecting to feature anything from Paul McCartney after the failure of his film Give my regards to Broad Street from 1984. I guess it had almost been a decade since that disaster which meant fans had long since forgotten about it and was willing to welcome him back with open arms in the mainstream.
Peak position #9
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Hope and deliverance #29
Given that they entered the 90's with by far their most successful album in their catalogue, it makes sense that Aerosmith would retain some of their newfound popularity with this follow up album even if its success was a mere fraction of what its predecessor achieved at the start of the decade. Still at least fans weren't crying sellout yet, that would happen with their next album later in the decade.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Living on the edge #21
This was released on the twentieth anniversary of the album, meaning this was a hit all over again due to people rediscovering it on its birthday this year. Admittedly it could also be due to it being available on CD for the first time which was a reason why a lot of albums from the 70's were making it big again in the 90's.
Peak position #11
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Well East 17 were able to score a hit this year with their cover of this duo's signature track, so it was only inevitable that they would find success with their own material this year with this album. Admittedly this was a success likely due to EDM starting to take over the Australian music scene this year and that these guys being the perfect fit for the dance floors throughout the decade.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Can you forgive her #17 (AMR #16)
Go west #10 (AMR #8)
I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing #34
This was the third album that Anthony Warlow released in his career as well as the second to find moderate success in our music scene, although like most other Aussies, he would struggle to retain his popularity as our local music scene was pushed aside in favour of the international market.
Peak position #3
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Following the success of his earlier entry on this list, Kenny G managed to see success with this album he released two years prior to deafening silence due to his popularity being nonexistent outside of his native America. OK so this did chart over in NZ upon its initial release, suggesting the kiwis had something to do with his rise in popularity this year.
Peak position #8
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
This was originally released in 1971 for the Rolling stones, I'm guessing this became a success this year due to it being released on CD for the first time much like many of the other older albums on this list.
Peak position #10
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
One of the most critically acclaimed films of the 90's was the Piano, a film where a mute Holly Hunter communicates with a piano and has the melodies translated by her daughter played by Anna Paquin of X-men fame. It's a film I can't take seriously due to its setup, however audiences found it an endearing tale and made it and the soundtrack composed by Michael Nyman a success back in the day.
Peak position #11
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Of the big four from the grunge scene, Alice in chains achieved the least amount of success even though they weren't the last of them to achieve success here in Australia (that would be Soundgarden.) Here they are with their big breakthrough which was enough of a sleeper hit here in Australia to qualify for this list despite it failing to produce a hit single like all the other breakthrough grunge albums.
Peak position #13
Peak position #15 (AMR charts)
Although it came close, the Beauty and the beast soundtrack sadly failed to make an appearance on this site due to it being pushed aside the previous year in favour of all the entries on my previous list. Fortunately, Aladdin's soundtrack fared slightly better back in the day due to spawning a Billboard chart topper which set up the success for Disney's next soundtrack the Lion king.
Peak position #15
Peak position #18 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
A whole new world #10 (AMR #11)
Well, this was a surprise success for Sade, the last time they had troubled the charts was with their 1988 effort Stronger than pride which makes it five years since they were in the forefront of the mainstream worldwide. I feel this was a warmup for M People who would explode in popularity the following year with their debut album, if nothing else the original band who combined rock with RNB with a female lead singer did get some love in the 90's.
Peak position #13
Peak position #18 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
No ordinary love #21 (AMR #18)
Following the sleeper success of his second album, Tommy Emmanuel released his third album which proved to be more of an immediate success for the Australian country singer. This was repackaged a year later with a direct sequel to the album which helped it become his biggest album of the decade and arguably as big as his work with Dragon.
Peak position #5
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The journey #29
Although Australian music began to suffer this year when it comes to commercial success for some reason, these guys weren't among the victims (or maybe they were but weren't as negatively impacted as other artists) given how this managed to be a modest success for them likely due to their exposure from Triple J.
Peak position #8
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Share this wine #46
Happy birthday Helen #9 (AMR #8)
Single perfect raindrop #50
It's interesting that this was a success here in Australia (albeit merely a minor one) given how little success the Cult had over the years on our charts, I guess they were starting to gain traction on Triple J which had really taken off this year and this was our convenient way of checking out what we had been missing out on from their back catalogue.
Peak position #7
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Given how both James Reyne and Daryl Braithwaite had just come off highly successful albums respectively, it only seems fitting that a supergroup where they both serve as a vocalist would find success this year. That supergroup is Company of strangers which combined the strengths of both men to create an album that was indeed a success, although it was a short-lived success as the band broke up soon after it came out.
Peak position #9
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Motor city #26
Sweet love #21
Daddy's gonna make you a star #35
This is the sequel to Barbra Streisand's Broadway album she released eight years prior; it wasn't as successful as that album likely due to the novelty not being as strong this time around as it was then, however it was still a modest success here in Australia regardless.
Peak position #3
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
This was initially a flop for Jenny Morris upon its initial release, however it saw a massive surge in popularity this year likely due to a successful tour that she had here in Australia given the success of her previous two albums. Sadly, this would be a death touch for her career as she would never have another successful single or album after this.
Peak position #12
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
It's crazy that this album managed to see a resurgence this year as it would've made more sense if this happened the previous year when both entries from Guns n roses were at their worldwide peak. I guess it received a release on CD this year which would explain why it rebounded on the charts when it did.
Peak position #12
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
I'm not sure why this managed to become a hit this year for the Police other than maybe for the success of Sting's solo entry from earlier on this list, it wasn't even released on the tenth anniversary of their breakup, and they already had a highly successful greatest hits package seven years prior.
Peak position #16
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
This is the last successful alum that the Black sorrows had in their catalogue, even then it was more due to it sticking around for quite some time as it peaked right before the Aussie purge that took place in the music industry where several of their contemporaries struggled to find any success with albums that would've thrived at the start of the decade.
Peak position #13
Peak position #17 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Ain't love the strangest thing #46
By all accounts, this should've appeared on either my 1987 or 1988 list as it was a success here in Australia upon its initial release, however it was caught between two years which is why it failed to appear on those lists. Fast forward five years and it became a success again due to the success of Paul's earlier entry on this list.
Peak position #10
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Although he was in a media frenzy that would last throughout the rest of the decade, at least fans were willing to look back on Prince's back catalogue with this greatest hits package which came with the B-sides to those classics to further entice them to making this a success.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
This was a mini comeback for Terence Trent D'arby, mainly because the lead single became a surprise hit this year for him as it saw him transition from RNB to rock and roll. Indeed, this wasn't a one off as there are several tracks on here that shift towards rock whilst still retaining the RNB that made him a household name six years prior.
Peak position #8
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
She kissed me #9 (AMR #10)
Their previous album was a bit of a commercial disappointment, so INXS decided to quickly rush out this album which proved to only be as successful as that entry which nonetheless kept the band's popularity going for a little while longer this decade.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The gift #16 (AMR #12)
Please #37
Time #36
Although they released their final album two years prior, that didn't mean that Dire straits had thrown in the towel by this point as they were touring extensively which resulted in them releasing this live album of theirs. It was a huge commercial disappointment for them which is perhaps why they did call it quits two years after its release.
Peak position #5
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Encores #47
Given how he was seeing massive success with his entry from the start of the list, it makes sense that this greatest hits package from five years prior would be a moderate success for Eric Clapton here in Australia as his new fans discover his back catalogue.
Peak position #14
Peak position #17 (AMR charts)
There was a tour where George Michael took over from Freddie Mercury as the lead singer of Queen that was quite popular around this time, although you wouldn't know that from this live E.P as it didn't do very well here in Australia given its low placement on this list.
Peak position #17
Peak position #16 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Somebody to love #19 (AMR #18)
With all of the new age music becoming popular this decade, I guess audiences wanted a reminder of the album which started it all in the late 80's as this for some reason became a success all over again this year for Enya.
Peak position #21
Peak position #20 (AMR charts)
Given how Eric Clapton had one of the biggest albums of the decade with his appearance on MTV unplugged and how Rod Stewart had a decent success with his appearance on the show, it makes sense that Neil Young would follow suit in releasing his live recording of his appearance on the show. Alas he didn't bring in the numbers that his fellow 70's rockers did with his entry.
Peak position #19
Peak position #22 (AMR charts)
Well, he did have one of the biggest hits of the decade with the lead single, so it only makes sense that Darrin O'Brien would see some level of success with his debut album even though he was in prison when it took the world by storm. Still the fact that he found success with this album (particularly with its title that's a sexually explicit pun) was a bit of a slap in the face for hip hop fans who thought it was commercial junk.
Peak position #27
Peak position #27 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Informer #1 (AMR #1)
Girl I've been hurt #26
Well, you knew this was coming, we have the first 100% hits album of the year which overlooks the success artists had during the summer of 1992/1993 in Australia.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Would I lie to you #3
People everyday #6
Friday's child #15
Steam #29
Shivers #19
Tequila #8
House of love #5
Who's gonna ride your wild horses #9
Free your mind #39
In the morning #36
Are you gonna go my way #1
Sleeping satellite #14
The last song #32
Could've been me #43
Ordinary world #18
Here's the autumn collection that this lucrative series offered us, it was a good selection which is why it was a huge success.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Black stick #25
Mrs. Robinson #16
Detachable penis #17
Cats in the cradle #1
If only I could #41
Constant craving #38
The crying game #39
In the still of the nite #13
More than a woman #39
Mr. Wendal #7
Deep #7
The hitman #6
Informer #1
Oh Carolina #5
Looking through patient eyes #20
The winter of this year was a very popular time for music in Australia, as such this compilation made it big as well.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Never miss your water #12
The floor #6
Tease me #5
Come undone #19
The honeymoon is over #41
Shock to the system #28
Scratch my back #40
Believe #8
West end girls #4
Freak me #3
What's up #2
Sweat #2
Girl I've been hurt #26
You're so vain #11
Get a haircut #28
Everybody hurts #6
Linger #33
I don't wanna fight #39
Given how artists on labels owned by EMI and Warner music made up the track listings for the 100% series, it only seems natural that their main rivals were albums that had artists from labels owned by Universal and Sony. This album was a success in that category but should also give you an idea the type of music we Aussies liked based on who was on what label. This was the big hits from the summer of 92/93 for the record.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
You don't treat me no good #1
Happy birthday Helen #9
Sweat it out #11
Jump #7
Love u more #30
Ebeneezer Goode #14
Little miss can't be wrong #16
Gangsta #17
Accidently Kelly Street #4
Sweet Lullaby #7
In your room #10
Jump around #15
Exterminate #50
Celebration #21
Gimme little sign #3
Sweet love #21
Bad attitude #28
If I ever fall in love #4
True tears of joy #14
This was another successful entry from the 100% series, this time it overlooked the biggest hits of spring of 1992 which allowed it to be a huge hit for 1992 and 1993 due to how long it lasted on our charts.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Something good #10
Ain't no doubt #5
Tennessee #12
Breaking the girl #30
Baby got back #8
Take this heart #11
No regrets #26
Neighbour #28
Do for you #7
Too much love will kill you #18
White men can't jump #6
Just another day #12
The day you went away #2
Love how you love me #14
How do you do #13
Achy breaky heart #1
This was the second entry from the lucrative Hit machine series, from here on out, this and the 100% series will serve as the seasonal compilations for artists on Sony/Universal labels and Warner/EMI labels respectively. The series would eventually overtake its rival franchise; however, it was at a disadvantage this year due to it lacking strong choices for its franchise.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Ain't no love #11
Tribal dance #5
She kissed me #9
Three little pigs #6
Killing in the name #7
Can't get enough of your love #2
Bad boys #25
Voice of freedom #41
Funky junky #13
Push the little daisies #18
Don't tell me what to do #24
Mr. vain #1
This is it #13
More and more #43
Right by your side #43
Wannagirl #22
All that she wants #1
I'm so into you #40
Walk away Renee #21
This is the first entry in the Hit machine franchise, it covers the big hits of autumn this year just as the previous entry covers the big hits of winter.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Two princes #3
Right kind of love #5
Easy #1
No limit #7
I want you #10
Metal mickey #39
Open your mind #29
Could it be magic #30
I feel you #37
You ain't thinking #3
No ordinary love #21
Hip hop hooray #33
Stand up #41
Wild thing #39
Holy grail #20
Sun dial #35
Well, you better believe that the 100% hits series would also have a highly successful annual album to compete with the Smash hit's franchise, I guess the takeaway here is that 1992 was seen as an excellent year for music according to the Australian public of the time.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Love you right #1
Cream #2
Let's talk about sex #1
Dizzy #3
Be my baby #5
Achy breaky heart #1
Stay #3
Saltwater #1
Hazard #1
To be with you #1
Save the best for last #1
Tip of my tongue #4
Mysterious ways #3
Under the bridge #1
Life is a highway #2
Everything about you #4
Way out west #2
Marvellous #1
This is another album I'll be featuring on this site that by all accounts shouldn't qualify for this list as it failed to appear on the AMR year end charts, however I'm allowing it because I want to include every seasonal compilation on this site since the early 80's to compare and contrast how well they all did with each other.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Humping around #1
Too funky #3
The magic friend #16
Don't you want me #17
Rock your baby #38
Sesame's treet #4
Without you #18
It's not over #15
Impossible to fly #48
I ain't gonna eat out my heart anymore #19
What kind of fool #17
Motor city #26
Sometimes love just ain't enough #5
What's wrong with the girl #45
Ain't love the strangest thing #46
Faith #29
Boy in the moon #21
No comments:
Post a Comment