Before there was Avril Lavigne, there was Alanis Morrissette and she made quite a name for herself initially in the teen pop market in her native Canada before she did a 180 on her career and released this deeply personal album about her heartbreak she had from a relationship. This in turn has led to many jokes (most notably on How I met your mother) to how a teen idol managed to evolve into a voice of a generation.
Peak position #1x10
Peak position #1x9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You oughta know #4 (AMR #5)
Hand in my pocket #13 (AMR #15)
Ironic #3 (AMR #3)
You learn #20 (AMR #14)
Head over feet #12 (AMR #12)
All I really want #40
Following the massive success of her previous album, Celine Dion decided to spice things up with this album by expanding on her subject material which resulted in easily her most successful album in her career. It did receive some backlash due to it winning album of the year at the Grammys over the likes of Smashing pumpkins and the Fugees, however people have since come around for her and realised how talented she is.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Falling into you #12 (AMR #18)
Because you loved me #1 (AMR #1)
It's all coming back to me now #8 (AMR #6)
All by myself #38
This was one of many albums that initially sat on shelves ignored due to a lack of promotion that the artist in question received from the mainstream this decade, however much like many others we've looked at on these lists, Matchbox 20 had their fortunes changed a year after this album first came out by having the singles receive heavy airplay around the world. This led to be band being one of the more successful throughout the following decade.
Peak position #1x6
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Push #8 (AMR #7)
3am #31
Real world #40
Well, they may have received a ton of backlash over the years (much like many artists whose success appeared to have happened overnight) however there's no denying just how inescapable this debut album from one of the last Australian artists to make it big internationally was. This was through a combination of Daniel Jones admittedly savage production as well as Darren Hayes captivating vocals throughout the album.
Peak position #1x19
Peak position #1x12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I want you #4 (AMR #3)
To the moon and back #1 (AMR #1)
Truly madly deeply #1 (AMR #1)
Break me shake me #7 (AMR #4)
Universe #26
With the rise in popularity of Celtic music in the mainstream, it was only a matter of time before artists began incorporating traditional Irish music into their sound. Enter one of the more respectful artists to do so, this family act who saw massive success with their debut album albeit only in Australia initially. I'm guessing because only we Aussies could appreciate their blend of adult contemporary with Celtic music.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Runaway #10 (AMR #11)
Forgiven not forgotten #15 (AMR #11)
Love to love you #25
The right time #44
This had a very slow rise to its success throughout the world, I'm guessing because these guys were on a tiny indie label and as such weren't able to find much success with their brand of alternative rock on most stations. Fortunately, in Australia, Triple J came to the rescue and heavily promoted this album on the station which resulted in it becoming a massive success for them here.
Peak position #1x7
Peak position #1x7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Lightning crashes #13 (AMR #15)
Selling the drama #49
One of the most well-respected albums of the decade, partially due to how many iconic tracks are on this double album but also due to how well loved the Smashing pumpkins remain to this day (side note, this is a silly name for a band to call themselves.) Sadly, this album took its toll on the band as one of their touring members died of a drug overdose during its production which messed them up.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Bullet with butterfly wings #33
1979 #16 (AMR #10)
Tonight tonight #21 (AMR #20)
So how long does an album have to sit on the shelves ignored before it finally makes an artist a household name? If you ask Jewel, that answer would be two years as that's how long it took for her debut album to find an audience worldwide as her label failed to promote it right until "Who will save your soul" became a huge hit on Billboard. It was so dire that she even found herself living in her car during that time.
Peak position #5
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Who will save your soul #27
You were meant for me #3 (AMR #3)
Foolish games #12 (AMR #11)
Although they had a very good run throughout the decade (certainly more so than many of their early peers) Crowded house decided to call it quits by releasing this greatest hits package as well as performing a farewell concert at the Sydney opera house to promote Neil's ill-fated solo career he would launch soon after. The band did eventually get back together a decade later and have retained a strong cult audience.
Peak position #1x10
Peak position #1x10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everything is good for you #10 (AMR #12)
Not the girl you think you are #37
This was the debut album to a girl group whose time in the spotlight was much briefer than you would've otherwise expected, I blame their theatrical film which tried to showcase the girls as credible actors and didn't achieve this goal throughout its runtime. At least the music is still well loved and remembered to this day even though it went through a rough patch of being declared some of the worst songs of all time (thanks alternative scene.)
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Wannabe #1 (AMR #1)
Say you'll be there #12 (AMR #7)
2 become 1 #2 (AMR #2)
Who do you think you are #13 (AMR #7)
Even though I'm a decently huge fan of Baz Lurhman's work, I have to say that I've never particularly cared for his adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Something about the way he modernises it whilst saying faithful to the old English dialogue of the play just rubs me the wrong way for some reason. That's not to say I disklike everything about the film, indeed the soundtrack is one of the best to come from the decade thanks to how much shameless fun the tracks are.
Peak position #1x9
Peak position #1x7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I'm kissing you #17 (AMR #17)
Lovefool #11 (AMR #7)
Young hearts run free #12 (AMR #9)
Well, this is a surprise, it was originally a hit in 1993 due to it being released on CD but was a hit again this year for reasons I can't even seem to fathom. I guess we Aussies really wanted to see these guys get back together.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
This was technically the soundtrack to the film of the same name which starred these five very powerful women in music, and while it has its fans, it's really hard to watch unless you're a superfan of this group as the story is a meandering mess and its metacommentary can make most modern media blush. At least the music is still fun and catchy, bolstered once again by the strong personalities of the girls themselves.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Spice up your life #8 (AMR #9)
Too much #9 (AMR #8)
Stop #5 (AMR #6)
Viva forever #2 (AMR #2)
This was a stellar year for music targeted towards a younger audience given how Hanson managed to become a huge overnight success worldwide with their debut album, although this is more along the lines of a pop rock album that just happens to be made by underage musicians rather than kiddie pop like other popular songs from the late 90's. It's a shame this album was released before the two younger brothers finished going through puberty as their pre-pubescent vocals do hold back the full potential of the album.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Mmmbop #1 (AMR #1)
Where's the love #2 (AMR #2)
I will come to you #2 (AMR #4)
Weird #12 (AMR #12)
Thinking of you #6 (AMR #9)
Britpop was at the height of its popularity by the late 90's, so much so that there was little chance that this third album from the Verve was going to fail here even though the mediocre reception to Oasis's third album was beginning to poison the wells of the genre. Even though this was a massive success for the band, it would prove to be their last album for a decade due to legal disputes involving the lead single and its sample of a Rolling stones track.
Peak position #9
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Bitter sweet symphony #11 (AMR #9)
The drugs don't work #22
Named after the controversial left-wing politician from the 70's Gough Whitlam, these guys made a huge splash with their third album due to it being heavily promoted on Triple J which was likely due to how unique they sounded compared to their contemporaries from the time. The album received a massive boost in popularity when the former prime minister himself announced them as having the best single of 1997 with "No aphrodisiac."
Peak position #14
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Following the success of her previous two albums, Celine decided to continue exploring different ways to bring to life genres that piqued her interest with this album which resulted in it being yet another success for her. While reviews have always been positive towards her music, this was when her haters really got out of control given how this album contains her Oscar winning ballad from Titanic which helped the film become the highest grossing of the twentieth century.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Tell him #9 (AMR #10)
My heart will go on #1 (AMR #1)
Immortality #38
So, this is a film that seems to divide modern audiences, mainly due to people feeling that it glorifies ableism due to the way the titular character is portrayed by Tom Hanks (it doesn't, although admittedly he could've been handled better in the writing department.) Those who don't hold that against the film agree that it's a sentimental classic about how anyone can make it big regardless of who they are in life.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
This is yet another album that took its sweet time in finding an audience back in the day, I'm guessing because the lead single was originally meant for the cult classic Clueless which must have initially alienated its eventual fans from thinking it was a mere pop album and not a ska revival record. They were eventually won over with the centerpiece of the album "Don't speak" which is a perfect showcase of Gwen's stellar vocals.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Just a girl #3 (AMR #3)
Spiderwebs #46
Don't speak #1 (AMR #1)
Sunday morning #21 (AMR #17)
This is an album that had a very extended shelf life here in Australia as it was a hit upon its initial release due to it being the Corrs second album following the success they had with Forgiven not forgotten. It was given a second wind in the mainstream when they started finding success in their native UK with "Runaway" and their cover of "Dreams" which helped them score a best seller in Australia.
Peak position #3
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Only when I sleep #34
I never loved you anyway #31
Dreams #47
This was the sophomore album for Powderfinger, a band who would go on to have massive success in the new millennium as they became one of the most successful Australian bands of their time. Before they conquered our music scene, they were an up-and-coming alternative band who got a massive push from Triple J this year when several of the singles were heavily promoted from the album.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Pick you up #23
DAF #39
Living type #42
Their previous two albums were massive flops here in Australia; however, it was this third album which finally won them an audience here thanks to Triple J heavily promoting it as well as the videos from the singles being among the more memorable of the late 90's despite the songs underperforming on our charts. Their next album wouldn't be as successful later in the decade, however the one after that would be one of the most successful of the 00's here.
Peak position #6
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Cosmic girl #33
Although they found moderate success with their previous two albums, it was this album from Radiohead that finally made them a household name due to how much critical acclaim the album has received since its initial release. The album continues to be considered as one of the greatest ever made to this day.
Peak position #7
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Paranoid android #29
No surprises #47
It had been five years since Toni had troubled the charts anywhere in the world with her second album House of hope, in fact I'm guessing she only released this greatest hits package to see if anyone truly cared about her music much like how other has been have done over the years. It turns out that we Aussies loved her music (well her first two albums at least) as this was one of the biggest hits of the decade down under.
Peak position #1x6
Peak position #1x7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Many rivers to cross #12 (AMR #13)
Well, you don't have one of the biggest albums of the decade an immediately fall into obscurity (unless of course you have bad management and/or had that success through novelty) so here we have this follow-up to Live's previous album Throwing copper, which was a massive success for them, just not as much as their previous effort. The band would continue to find success well into the new millennium, proving that rock music was far from dead in the 2000's.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Lakini's juice #21 (AMR #20)
Freaks #36
Turn my head #47
Spiderbait were rising stars in the Australian alternative scene when they released their third album, said album was what brought them into the big leagues thanks to their more pop friendly sound as well as heavy endorsement from Triple J upon its initial release. It was the success of "Calypso" which helped keep this album around, well more specifically, the music video which features some truly outdated CGI even for the time.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Buy me a pony #45
Calypso #13 (AMR #19)
Tool are one of the most critically acclaimed bands to emerge from this decade, so to see their second album achieve this much success worldwide must have been a welcome surprise for the band and their fanbase given what they were competing with in the mainstream. Their popularity would continue well into the new millennium, although they never again reached the dizzying heights of this album.
Peak position #6
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
This was originally just meant to be a greatest hits package for MJ; however, it was delayed by several months when he realised he wrote and entire albums worth of new songs which resulted in this being a hybrid of a studio album and a greatest hits album. I should also point out that it had an aggressive marketing campaign involving the erection of several statues that the cover art depicts.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Scream #2 (AMR #2)
You are not alone #7 (AMR #5)
Earth song #15 (AMR #11)
They don't care about us #16 (AMR #18)
Stranger in Moscow #14 (AMR #17)
It looked like these guys were ready to grow up from their previous album Smash as this album has a much more mature tone to it than the rest of their catalogue, however though it was a huge success for them, it appears that fans really appreciated them for their loser persona as evidence by their next album being their most successful despite them returning to that persona.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
All I want #15 (AMR #20)
Gone away #16
Often considered to be one of the quintessential industrial bands of the decade, we have Garbage led by the seductive Shirley Manson who made a huge splash with their debut album which connected with many people back in the day. It was a slow rise to success as they were an alternative band competing with EDM, however they made it big down under thanks to heavy promotion from Triple J.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Vow #32
Stupid girl #47
Milk #44
I wonder how many people were able to predict that this album would be a huge success for Human nature in the lead up to its release, I say this because none of the advanced singles managed to find much of an audience for them and yet it was when they released the album that "Wishes" became a genuine hit for them. I'm guessing this albums success was what led to the Backstreet boys being inescapable here a year after its release.
Peak position #7
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Got it going #19
Telling everybody #30
Wishes #6 (AMR #4)
Don't say goodbye #8 (AMR #9)
Whisper your name #18
People get ready #35
This was released ten years after the band's magnum opus Diesel and dust, presumably to remind audiences of their back catalogue as the band's popularity had been in sharp decline since their 1993 effort Earth sun and moon. The album proved to be a massive success for them, proving that their fans had simple grown tired of their newer music and still had plenty of love for their older music.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Given how inescapable the second advanced single was from their earlier entry was, this second album from the Prodigy managed to finally become a success here in Australia three years after its initial release in order to help hype up their third album. I'm not sure why their first two albums initially flopped here as industrial rock while not the most successful genre of the decade did have its fanbase here.
Peak position #9
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
No good #45
Voodoo people #24
This is one of those bands I could've sworn were so much more successful than they actually were, admittedly I'm more familiar with their 00's material which seems to be when digital piracy was at the peak of its popularity which likely affected their overall success. In any case, we have this debut album from the band which you guessed it, received heavy promotion from Triple J to boost its popularity.
Peak position #11
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Dc x 3 #50
Just ace #25
While he was never exactly the most successful artists in Australia, Paul Kelly did have enough of a legacy for this greatest hits package to become a huge success for him about a decade after his last big hit "To her door." Indeed, several of his songs have endured on oldies stations more so than some of the biggest hits of all time down under.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
You have no idea how inescapable the Riverdance phenomenon was throughout the decade, I'm sure the Corrs owe all of their success here in Australia and eventually around the world to how popular this show was given how Celtic music had always struggled for mainstream popularity over the years. Leave it to Bill Whelan to create a show that was so adorned by audiences that it became synonymous with the decade.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
With all of the love their back catalogue has received thanks to the disco backlash finally being seen as the bigoted mistake that it always was, it seems that the Brothers Gibb were prime for a comeback which is exactly what they achieved with this album which saw them continue the adult contemporary approach they had with their previous comeback ESP to massive success. This would lead to a highly successful live album the following year.
Peak position #4
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Alone #7 (AMR #14)
OK so this album was a bit slow to find success here in Australia, I'm guessing it was due to us Aussies finding the lead single to be more of a novelty as it was her rare sex jam in a catalogue otherwise filled with ballads. It was when the second single was released that this became a huge success here, sort of how "Breathe again" from her previous album made it a household name for her.
Peak position #11
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You're making me high #2 (AMR #2)
Unbreak my heart #6 (AMR #4)
Given that this was the soundtrack to the theatrical adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Weber's Evita and that it starred Madonna in the title role, it was going to be a success regardless of if the film was a critical and commercial success or not. Fortunately, the film was both which got the soundtrack to rebound on the charts when the lead single took home the academy award for best song and its second single became a hit.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You must love me #11 (AMR #14)
Don't cry for me Argentina #9 (AMR #11)
Simply red had a very good run during the first ten years of their time in the spotlight, so naturally they released a greatest hits package that was a huge success for them and promised them at least another decade of worldwide success. Unfortunately, this was the last many would hear from the band despite them releasing new material well into the 21st century.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
While he was struggling for mainstream relevancy with his albums by this point, at least the success of his greatest hits package was able to reassure him that his fans will always be there for him when it comes to his back catalogue. It had been twelve years since he broke away from Cold chisel, and he was in the process of reuniting with them following the success of a previously unreleased album two years prior.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Lover lover #6 (AMR #6)
This was the first greatest hits package that John Farnham released around this period; it was meant to cover his comeback period whilst the second he released would look over his pre comeback period from a decade prior. Naturally this was the more successful of the two albums as it contained some of his most iconic work.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everytime you cry #3 (AMR #3)
There was so much hype going into this album given how the second advanced single wound up being the most successful song of the decade in Australia, heck even their previous album managed to find success during the height of that song's popularity here. Fortunately for these guys, the hype was met as they were able to achieve massive success from this album both from the mainstream and the alternative scene.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Firestarter #22
Breathe #2 (AMR #3)
Smack my bitch up #41
One of the better rom coms of the decade was My best friend's wedding, a film about how Julia Roberts realises that she's in love with her best friend and tries to win him over his fiancé who's played by Cameron Diaz (I swear it's better than I'm making it out to be.) The film spawned a successful soundtrack due to its lead single being a cover of one of the most romantic songs of the 60's.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I say a little prayer #6 (AMR #4)
This proved to be even more of a success for Silverchair than their debut album, I'm guessing because they were able to expand their sound and not come off as much a rip-off of Pearl jam as they did on their previous album. Their popularity continued well into the new millennium, proving that they have a dedicated fanbase that were willing to follow their antics.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Freak #1 (AMR #1)
Abuse me #9 (AMR #6)
Cemetery #5 (AMR #4)
The door #25
Enya had a surprisingly good decade as she managed to rack up three successful albums in the 90's, so much so that this greatest hits package she released became a massive success for her proving how popular she was in the new age genre. Unfortunately, the new age genre was beginning to lose its popularity as less people wanted to meditate to music from the likes of her and Enigma.
Peak position #10
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Even though this was meant to be Janet's spiritual album, it was apparently a very difficult production due to a lot of personal drama she was going through at the time. It appears that it was worth persevering through those inner demons as she released what's often considered to be her finest work thanks to the direction the album takes, it's also one of her most successful largely thanks to the second single dominating the charts worldwide.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Got till it's gone #10 (AMR #6)
Together again #4 (AMR #4)
I get lonely #21 (AMR #20)
Go deep #39
Cake was never a band you were meant to take seriously, just listen to their Gloria Gaynor cover on this album and you'll understand that they're in the same leagues as POT USA and other comedy bands from the 90's. That said, people did take these guys seriously which led to a bit of a backlash to their music, specifically from Ms. Gaynor who didn't appreciate their take on her signature track which likely fueled the success of their second album.
Peak position #9
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The distance #21
I will survive #27
Well, I did mention this was a success following the tragic death of Jeff Buckley this year, this was meant to be the year he released his second album which was a success when it finally came out the following year.
Peak position #8
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Eternal life #44
One of the more popular films of the 90's was the Full Monty, a film where a bunch of unemployed British men put on a striptease show with hijinks ensuing from there (forgive me but I haven't seen it yet.) As the plot revolves around a musical theatre of sorts, the soundtrack was a huge success due to it having a bunch of popular songs that the cast use during their shows.
Peak position #3
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Leann Rimes was only fourteen years old when she recorded this album, not only that but it wasn't even her first album as she had been active since the start of the decade meaning she was only nine years old when she released her first album. That's impressive considering this would be a highly critically acclaimed album as well as a huge commercial success despite it being a country album.
Peak position #5
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Blue #10 (AMR #12)
I'm guessing this greatest hits package became a success here in Australia due to Stevie Wonder being featured on Babyface's hit single "How come how long" as a way to remind us Aussies of the back catalogue for one of the greatest musicians to ever make it big in the music industry.
Peak position #4
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
I know that following up one of the biggest albums of the decade would've been a tall order for these guys, however surely, they could've done better than what they've achieved on here. That said I guess this was a case of the novelty wearing off for the group but not fast enough for this to be a total failure for them, this was a very common trend throughout the 90's for alternative bands.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Mach 5 #29
Well, this was back in the day where sequels to soundtracks were a thing, and to be fair the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack from earlier didn't have every song that was included in the film so it makes sense this edition would also be a success here in Australia.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
When dove's cry #3 (AMR #1)
It appears that KD Lang found her niche as the perfect gift for Mother's Day as this album was all set to flop here in Australia only for it to rebound on the charts when the special occasion rolled around. As such, KD Lang decided to market her music from here on out as the perfect gift for our mothers and releasing her albums during the early to mid-months of the year.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
This was the final album that Faith no more released during their time together, although they have since reformed so perhaps there's a comeback waiting to happen given how older artists seem to have little trouble with making it big over the newer talent these days. In any case, this album once again was a much bigger deal here in Australia than their native America which no doubt led to them throwing in the towel initially.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Ashes to ashes #8 (AMR #7)
Given how these three men were proven to be the real deal when it came to singing on their songs, there wasn't any issues with the Frank Farian made band to find success with their debut album which admittedly was a lengthy process given how his previous band Milli Vanilli caused quite the scandal at the start of the decade. This no doubt led to the Latin craze which the boys sadly weren't a part of.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Where do you go #2 (AMR #2)
When I die #2 (AMR #2)
Please don't go #35
Kiss you all over #47
While this wasn't the inescapable success that her second album was a few years prior, this did allow Tina Arena to continue her international appeal which led to her releasing several albums in the new millennium in different languages that naturally didn't chart here in Australia. She would occasionally release albums in English that did find success here, although those tended to be few and far between.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Burn #2 (AMR #4)
If I didn't have you #41
Now I can dance #13 (AMR #17)
I want to know what love is #36
One of my personal favourite films of the decade was Men in black, mainly for the chemistry between Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones but also for the sci fi humour that is right up my alley for comedy. The film had a soundtrack which was a massive success likely due to one of its stars contributing the theme song to the film which remains one of the most well-loved movie themes of all time.
Peak position #4
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Men in black #1 (AMR #1)
We just wanna party with you #28
This was U2's venture towards pop music, or more specifically pop music as dictated by the 90's alternative scene as there was a lot of distortion on this album that is atypical of U2 albums. It wasn't well received at the time and to this day remains one of their worst albums according to their fans, although its success means that at least there was some love for this album back then.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Discotheque #3 (AMR #3)
Staring at the sun #23
Last night on earth #32
Please #21
Mofo #35
Bet you didn't know that Baz Lurhman had a music career, didn't you? Granted this is more of a compilation album of songs from his first two films Strictly ballroom and Romeo + Juliet which he released following the success of the latter this year which did quite well here in Australia as well as in the UK where his song "Everybody's free" became a chart topper there.
Peak position #14
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
It took him a while to follow up his comeback album Waking up the neighbours from earlier in the decade, however once he did, Bryan Adams found little issues with retaining his popularity with this album which proves just how well loved he was back in the day. That said, his popularity would quickly dwindle later in the decade and by the 00's, he would be yesterday's news.
Peak position #2
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Have you ever really loved a woman #1 (AMR #1)
The only thing that looks good on me is you #19 (AMR #17)
Let's make a night to remember #7 (AMR #8)
I guess all you need to make it big here in Australia is to have a huge hit on Billboard (even if it's on the airplay charts) take this album from the Wallflowers who likely wouldn't have had any success here if the lead single didn't tear up the radio in America upon its initial release. Like many alternative bands of the late 90's, these guys as a one album wonder due to them failing to have any other radio fodder in America.
Peak position #9
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
One headlight #14 (AMR #10)
I did mention when I featured their debut album that the Foo Fighters saw more success with each subsequent album they released, although this appears lower on this list compared to what their debut would appear, that's mainly because rock music took a back seat to all of the pop featured on this list so far according to the ARIA charts which wasn't the case on the AMR charts where it reigned supreme.
Peak position #5
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Monkey wrench #17 (AMR #13)
Everlong #28
This was a big hit on the AMR charts but not so much on the ARIA charts, I guess it was the nostalgia baiting that the singles had that allowed this to perform better on the former charts as I can't imagine too many of us Aussies genuinely being a hip hop track where Puff Daddy (more commonly known as Diddy) is spitting rhymes as opposed to his east coast cliental.
Peak position #17
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Can't nobody hold me down #27
I'll be missing you #1 (AMR #1)
Been around the world #48
The last contemporary Christian artist to find success here in Australia was Amy Grant from the start of the decade, enter Bob Carlisle who managed to connect with audiences here with this album which may have failed to spawn a hit, but regardless comforted us in a way that it was a success.
Peak position #10
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
Given the overwhelming success they achieved with their previous album, Oasis decided to go big with their third album which resulted in it dividing fans and critics alike due to them not holding back with their ambitions. It was a success worldwide due to how big they were; however, many believe that this was the beginning of their decline due to how hard it was to get on board with their antics.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
D'you know what I mean #16 (AMR #16)
Stand by me #48
Hanson were so inescapable this year that they managed to release a Christmas album which became a huge success for them, although it isn't one of those seasonal albums that reappears at the end of every year like the ones that Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé released.
Peak position #3
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Well, the band were certainly a shadow of their former selves when it came to their studio output, however at least they still managed to put on a live show whenever they could stand each other long enough to do so as this live album was a massive success for them a decade after their last successful album.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Her popularity had begun to dwindle by this point in her career, although she was still several years off from hitting a low point both in her career and personal life, so she was able to keep the momentum going with this album. The theme here is about a self-discovery, with the tracks about becoming a butterfly being an obvious metaphor for transforming into your true self.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Honey #8 (AMR #5)
Butterfly #27
Breakdown #38
My all #39
Well, I did mention these guys earlier on this list, so it seems fitting that I talk about another British EDM act that saw massive critical acclaim back in the day that didn't have much of that success translated to our mainstream for whatever reason. I guess I should bring up that many of these alternative bands and artists did see more success on the AMR charts which seemed to be less biased towards pop music.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Setting sun #27
Block rocking beats #28
Following the success of his duet with Kylie Minogue on his previous album, Nick Cave no longer had any issues with finding success in our mainstream which came with his album he released this year which was able to compete with all of the pop music (albeit only on the AMR charts)
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Into my arms #26
One of the more beloved alternative bands of the 90's was Tea party, a Canadian band who saw little success in the mainstream worldwide but did see enough of it with this entry to make an appearance on this site. Curiously, it was more of a success on the AMR charts, likely due to that acknowledging our indie scene far better than ARIA did at this point.
Peak position #5
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
It had been a while since Kiss last troubled the charts anywhere in the world, so to see them score a hit with this greatest hits package here in Australia was a bit of a surprise that can best be explained as us Aussies having fond nostalgia for their earlier material.
Peak position #11
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Although they had issues with finding success with their debut album from earlier in the decade here in Australia, this wasn't the case for Portishead for their second album (at least on the AMR charts) likely due to them having the full endorsement of Triple J when it was released. Even though they were becoming critical and commercial darlings, they would sadly call it quits by the end of the decade.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
All mine #36
Spawn was a popular comic in the 90's that was well known for having its titular superhero be a person of colour, this was the soundtrack to the film adaptation which was panned by critics but was appreciated by audiences likely due to it being considered a compilation album for many alternative acts of the moment.
Peak position #15
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
It's hard to say if this was a rush release for Bush given how their previous album took its sweet time in finding its success worldwide, even so it didn't pull in the big number that Sixteen stone did even though it was still a decently successful follow up that the band released not long after that album took the world by storm.
Peak position #12
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Swallowed #25
Following the success of her debut album from earlier on this list, Leann Rimes's label decided to issue this album which collects all of her earliest performances which proved to be a success on the ARIA charts but not so much on the AMR charts. This is further proof that the latter had an issue towards country music during its run.
Peak position #4
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
This was a remix album from the King of pop which came with five additional tracks which would've been enough to make an E.P with back in the day, it seems like MJ took a rather unusual approach to releasing his music during the 90's given how this was the second time he recorded enough new material to release a studio album but instead attached it to a side project he was working on.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Blood on the dance floor #5 (AMR #4)
History #43
Van Morrison managed to score another success with this album here in Australia this decade, although it's worth noting that it was much more of a success on the AMR charts likely due to David Kent not being as biased towards music aimed at younger audiences than what ARIA was around this time.
Peak position #17
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
This was another successful album that John Fogerty had in his career, in fact this is the third decade in a row where one of his solo albums was a huge hit for him proving that there's no rhyme or reason as to how his popularity works following the demise of CCR.
Peak position #8
Peak position #15 (AMR charts)
This was a big success for the Seekers this year, much like the Bee gees from earlier, they were able to prove to audiences that 60's acts can still find success with new material even if they don't reach the dizzying heights of success they found during their heyday.
Peak position #4
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
This is the final successful album Boyz II Men had anywhere in the world, although it was only barely a hit here in Australia and only makes the list due to it debuting high on our charts during the Christmas season.
Peak position #6
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
4 seasons of loneliness #13 (AMR #14)
Ben Harper was one of the biggest names in music throughout the 00's here in Australia, this wasn't the case in the 90's likely due to alternative music struggling around this time in favour of the kiddie pop we've looked at earlier on this list. Naturally this was more so the case on the ARIA charts which I believe were far more biased than the AMR charts.
Peak position #17
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Faded #43
I'm not sure why, but John Williamson seemed to be far more popular on ARIA than he was on the AMR charts, I'm guessing country music wasn't as well received throughout the 90's here in Australia as what ARIA would otherwise have you believe.
Peak position #6
Peak position #15 (AMR charts)
This was all set to flop here in Australia due to Elton John being way past his prime when he released it, however the lead single was bundled with the biggest song of all time which allowed audiences to check out what else he had to offer on here.
Peak position #5
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Something about the way you look tonight #1 (AMR #1)
This is an updated release of CCR's greatest hits album from the start of the decade, suffice to say that it took over from that album when it came to tracking the popularity of the band's legacy here in Australia since its release.
Peak position #10
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
It looks like Julio Iglesias could still find some level of success this far into his career given how this lingered for quite a bit on the lower half of our charts this year, it would be the last album of his that was a success given how his son would release his first English speaking album by the end of the decade.
Peak position #16
Peak position #20 (AMR charts)
Given how he finally managed to score a hit this year in Australia, it seems logical that Babyface would find success with the album that spawned his big hit down under. Indeed, he was fortunate enough to have his collaboration with Stevie Wonder breakthrough when RNB was becoming more accepted in the Australian mainstream, although he wouldn't find any success here after this.
Peak position #14
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
This is for the lover in you #50
Every time I close my eyes #40
How come how long #5 (AMR #4)
These guys got a bit lost in the shuffle when it came to the early post grunge boom that Matchbox 20 would popularise around this time, however they did have an endorsement from Triple J which is perhaps why they were able to linger around our charts with this album and its lead single for quite some time back in the day.
Peak position #18
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Place your hands #28
This was the second volume from John Farnham's anthology series, this one covers his pre-Whispering jack albeit live renditions as a way to showcase his talents as a vocalist given how many people felt his pre-Whispering jack era doesn't hold up to his (then) most recent work.
Peak position #12
Peak position #18 (AMR charts)
This is the only other solo album that Jon Bon Jovi released in his career, mainly because his namesake band had briefly broken up following the mixed critical reception of their previous album from two years prior. I guess this haven't a turbulent commercial reception is what prompted him to not only reform the band by the end of the decade but to also revert to their hair metal sound that made them big to begin with.
Peak position #4
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Midnight in Chelsea #17 (AMR #18)
Queen of new Orleans #40
Blur weren't among the most successful artists of the decade in Australia; however, they did see a massive splash this year with their fifth album largely thanks to the second single becoming a surprise hit for them this year. They were able to triumph over their rivals Oasis this year as this was both more successful than Be here now as well as it being a critical success over that album's mediocre reception.
Peak position #22
Peak position #16 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Beetlebum #35
Song 2 #4 (AMR #6)
It makes sense that the Simpsons would release a soundtrack given that there's a surprising number of episodes that were indeed musicals (not sure about naming it after a Stevie Wonder album though.) The success of this album encouraged showrunner Matt Groening to release the previously cancelled Yellow album the following year where it was predictably panned by critics for how much poor taste it had.
Peak position #26
Peak position #20 (AMR charts)
This is another album from Leann Rimes to be more popular on the ARIA charts than it was on AMR (it didn't even crack the top twenty on the latter) this time it's a covers album from her which was only a success due to it spawning one of the biggest hits of the decade in her native America.
Peak position #12
Peak position #21 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
How do I live #17 (AMR #20)
This was released two years prior to deafening silence here in Australia, I guess we Aussies initially felt that Shania Twain sounded too much like Sheryl Crow at the time to be invested in what she had to offer. We quickly changed our tune when "If you're not in it for love" became a surprise hit due to how seductive she is on the track, leading to this eventually outselling Sheryl's own album from this time down under.
Peak position #17
Peak position #25 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I'm outta here #5 (AMR #5)
This was the only notable success that Canadian pop rocker Amanda Marshall had anywhere in the world, even then she was fairly late to the party when it came to what's known as the Lilith Fair crowd which consists of women in rock from the 90's finding massive success such as Sheryl crow and Jewel, hence why she did fare as well as those women did.
Also, for whatever reason, this was a moderate hit according to ARIA but a huge flop according to AMR, to give you an idea of how different the charts had become by this point in time.
Peak position #15
Peak position #43 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Let it rain #30
I'm somewhat surprised this didn't do better here in Australia, mainly because it spawned two of the biggest hits of the decade here which was impressive given how this was an RNB album even if it was released after the heyday of Boyz II men. Still those ballads did keep this album afloat on our charts even if we Aussies weren't that interested in what else they had to offer outside of this project.
Peak position #24
Peak position #21 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Last night #2 (AMR #1)
Hard to say I'm sorry #5 (AMR #3)
This is the only notable success that Leonardo's bride had here in Australia, even then it mainly comes from the lead single becoming a surprise hit as it feels out of place with everything else on this list. I guess if this had of been released five years earlier it would've been much bigger as this feels like something that Frente would've made if they dialled back their personality.
Peak position #25
Peak position #22 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Even when I'm sleeping #4 (AMR #5)
Buddha baby #40
This is one of those albums that refused to leave the lower half of our charts back in the day, although it wouldn't be until their next album that Korn would finally take over our mainstream as they were a little bit early to the nu metal party that would explode by the end of the decade.
Peak position #26
Peak position #29 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
A.D.I.D.A.S. #45
You'd think this would've been an inescapable hit here in Australia given how Marilyn Manson was the perfect fit for the industrial rock that had taken over the alternative scene around this time, alas it was only a sleeper hit at best due to how the lead single refused to leave the charts throughout the year.
Peak position #41
Peak position #30 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The beautiful people #42
This was the fourth year in a row where a Triple J compilation album was among the most successful albums in Australia, although I'm basing this list on the AMR charts as these albums naturally didn't chart on the ARIA charts due to ARIA considering them compilation albums and thus excluding them from their rankings.
Peak position #1x4
This was the biggest seasonal compilation for this year; it covered the big hits in Australia from our summer of 1996/1997 due to it having a strong selection of songs to choose from that period.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Breathe #2
Last night #2
Pony #3
Sexy eyes #6
Wishes #6
It's all coming back to me now #8
This is your night #11
Fire water burn #13
Over and over #29
Lemon tree #31
I need you #17
Barrel of a gun #33
Cosmic girl #33
Jellyhead #32
Quit playing games #27
In the evening #17
Encore une fois #35
For whatever reason, the 100% hits series skipped over the spring of 1996 and would continue to do so for ever spring for the rest of its existence. As such their yearly recaps they released became more successful from here on out likely due to it serving as a recap as well as the big hits of spring of each given year.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Wannabe #1
How bizarre #1
Return of the Mack #2
Freedom #6
Se a vida é #11
Ooh aah just a little bit #5
Fastlove #1
That girl #6
Something 4 da honeyz #19
Boombastic #1
Hey lover #11
Fee fi fo fum #22
Break the chain #43
Seven days and one week #19
Pepper #15
Mother mother #5
One of us #1
Salvation #8
I'll be there for you #3
Forgiven not forgotten #15
Everything is good for you #10
Fairground #7
Father and son #2
In too deep #11
I am blessed #14
Naked and sacred #15
Beautiful life #11
Til you do me right #16
I love you always forever #2
Woman #16
The winter of this year was a hectic time for the music industry, as such we have another appearance from the 100% series to help people get into the big hits of this time in Australia.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Mmmbop #1
Bitch #2
Semi charmed life #8
Song 2 #4
I go off #35
Calypso #13
You were meant for me #3
Truly madly deeply #1
Always on my mind #33
Picture of you #39
Mama #13
Nightmare #14
Coco jamboo #7
Always be #25
Say what you want #11
Don't you love me #25
Alisha rules the world #26
Nobody #21
We have a new entry when it comes to a long line of compilation albums, here we have the first Wild FM album which is a series of albums that took popular tracks of the moment and remixed each of them for the releases. The series had a bit of a slow start to it as it wouldn't really take off down under until the following year.
Peak position #18
This album covers all of the biggest hits of autumn this year which explains its success here, although it could've made some better choices which explains why it wasn't as big as the earlier entry on this list.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Unbreak my heart #6
When I die #2
Don't say goodbye #8
One more time #3
Gimme gimme #14
Remember me #17
I'm kissing you #17
Underwater love #41
Insomnia #16
Can't nobody hold me down #27
Let me clear my throat #50
This was actually the 22nd volume of the 100% series, I'm guessing it was due to the confusing naming convention that this album wasn't as popular as it could've been, but it could also be a lack of good selections to choose from on this album.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Lovefool #11
I am I feel #18
If it makes you happy #20
To the moon and back #1
Twisted #9
Say you'll be there #12
Professional widow #17
Don't fear the reaper #48
I belong to you #34
Discotheque #3
Don't let go #3
C'mon n ride it #13
A different beat #42
Your woman #2
Beetlebum #35
Always breaking my heart #50
This was another remix album that did big numbers on the AMR charts as well as ARIA's compilation charts this year, this time it's the fourth entry of the short-lived Central energy series which became a huge hit right before the Wild series launched with its earlier entry on this list.
Peak position #16
This was the second entry in the Wild FM series, it's the final entry on this list that made a yearend list even though it like the previous entry had a rather low peak position on the AMR charts. This is further proof that chart positions didn't mean much during the late 90's given how much competition there was to choose from.
Peak position #17
This was kind of a weak entry into the Hit machine series, once again it was due to it overlooking the spring of its year which has gone down as a weak point in these seasonal albums in their respective franchises.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Where do you go #2
Born Slippy #20
Inspiration #46
You spin me round #28
Lover lover #6
Forever more #29
You're gorgeous #28
Fallin in love #39
Heat's on fire #50
Roll with it #48
Get down #44
Standing outside a broke phone booth with money in my hand #31
Break my stride #2
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