This was the bestselling album of the 90's worldwide, although it sort of cheated for this accomplishment by being released twice in the latter half of the decade. The first time it was a traditional pop country effort, while the second was slightly modified as a more pop oriented album to transition the Canadian starlet into a more mainstream audience.
Peak position #1x20
Peak position #12 (AMR charts) (possibly charted higher the following year)
Hit singles
You're still the one #1 (AMR #1)
From this moment on #2 (AMR #4)
That don't impress me much #2 (AMR #2)
Man I feel like a woman #4 (AMR #5)
You've got a way #28
Don't be stupid #32
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
There were many cast members on Neighbours who were able to successfully translate their success into a music career, however after Kylie Minogue I think Natalie Imbruglia was the most successful due to how popular she managed to be in America with this album. I feel this is due to her going down the Alanis Morissette route with this album by making an album about her raw emotions rather than the usual bubblegum pop that her costars settled with.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Torn #2 (AMR #2)
Big mistake #6 (AMR #6)
Wishing I was there #24
Smoke #42
Well, it seemed inevitable that these guys would return to their loser personas they had from their album Smash earlier in the decade, sure Ixnay on the hombre was a commercial success but it didn't reach the highs they achieved with the likes of "Come out and play" and "Self esteem." Indeed, not only was this album their most successful, but it also spawned their biggest hits that still resonate with audiences to this day.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #3 (AMR charts) (possibly charted higher the following year)
Hit singles
Pretty fly #1 (AMR #1)
Why don't you get a job #2 (AMR #1)
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)
This is another highly successful album from the decade that was declared as one of the most inessential albums to come out of the 90's by the A.V club, I'm guessing because they weren't fans of Ally McBeal back in the day and really didn't like the scenes where Vonda Shepard would perform these songs in the night club. Audiences obviously disagreed as this was by far the most successful album in that article.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
There was a lot of hype going into Living end's debut album given how their double A-side that served as the advanced single was one of the biggest hits of the decade. The hype was effortlessly met when they released their album despite punk rock in general not being among the more popular genres in Australia over the years, it looked like these guys would be household names going into the new millennium and they likely would've been were it not for digital piracy ruining the music industry.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Second solution #4 (AMR #3)
Prisoner of society #4 (AMR #3)
Save the day #22
All torn down #12 (AMR #14)
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)
Nu metal was quickly becoming one of the most popular genres in the mainstream thanks to its popularity on the American music program TRL (Total request live for non-Americans reading this.) As a result, we have the third album from Korn which proved to be a huge worldwide success due to the campy antics of the band, indeed the music videos were among the flashiest of their time.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Got the life #26
Freak on a leash #22
Even though this album was an initial success thanks to the wacky singles released to promote it, audiences found that there was a more mature side to this Danish band and that they were indeed a band who played their own instruments rather than dancing around to a backing beat like so many other kiddie bands of the day. This resulted in the album being the most successful from an EDM act this decade.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Barbie girl #1 (AMR #1)
Doctor Jones #1 (AMR #1)
Lollipop #3 (AMR #3)
Turn back time #10 (AMR #10)
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 the third time that this soundtrack became a success here in Australia, this time it was due to it being the twentieth anniversary of the film and it being rereleased to cinemas this year to massive success.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Although their previous album was a massive success for them, it was this album that made Powderfinger a household name thanks to how much love it received from Triple J upon its initial release. It received a massive boost in popularity this year when they went on a highly successful tour, thus setting them up as one of the most popular and endearing bands of the new millennium.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The day you come #25
Passenger #30
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
This was the first volume of U2's most comprehensive greatest hits package, it was so comprehensive that they didn't release the second volume for another four years as they wanted to include their next album in the retrospective. In the meantime, we have their album looking over the success they had in the 80's complete with a song that only briefly charted in 1989 becoming a hit upon its release.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The sweetest thing #6 (AMR #2)
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)
So, we all love this movie again, right? I'm just checking because for a little while, this film like so many others who achieved its level of success received a ton of backlash from hipsters who hate anything that achieves overwhelming mainstream success. The film is of course a classic as it tells a compelling romance that took placed on the doomed vessel whilst being (reasonably) respectful to those who unfortunately lost their lives in the journey.
Peak position #1x11
Peak position #1x11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
My heart will go on (remix) #3 (AMR #2)
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
Things were looking good for George Michael following the success of his album Older when news broke out that he was a queer man, I'm not sure why this was a big deal, but it was for some reason as his public image took a hit as a result of this revelation. In any case, he released this greatest hits package to test the waters to see if his fans cared about his sexual identity, it turns out they didn't because it was a huge success for him.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Outside #13 (AMR #10)
As #45
Following the success of their debut album from, Regurgitator released this album which was an instant success for them and became even more successful thanks to the success of the third single and its bizarre music video involving a poorly CGI girl dancing to the track. The success of this video led to them reissuing the album as a DVD (remember those kids?) which allowed you to play the album on a DVD player as well as a CD.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everyday formula #41
Black bugs #32
Polyester girl #14 (AMR #14)
! #28
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
Aren't we all glad we can enjoy music meant for teenage girls without the fear of getting harassed by some toxic music snob from the alternative scene? Here we have the second album from the Backstreet boys which hilariously declared them to be back, the reason this is hilarious is that their debut album wasn't a big success for them whilst this was one of the biggest of the decade thanks to their blend of teen pop and RNB on the album.
Peak position #2
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everybody #3 (AMR #4)
As long as you love me #2 (AMR #2)
All I have to give #4 (AMR #6)
Andrea Bocelli was a blind opera singer who was quite popular throughout Europe during the 90's prior to him releasing this greatest hits package in order to appeal to an English-speaking market, indeed it took a while for this album to make it big worldwide given how it was released in 1997 but only picked up speed a year after its initial release. When it did become a hit, he had no issues with his subsequent follow-ups.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Madonna has seen massive success throughout the decade with each of her albums, although I don't think she was expecting this album to be the biggest of the decade considering it was a return to form to her indie roots. She was clearly trying to appeal to the indie crowd which she succeeded with flying colours as this was not only a huge success for her but arguably her most critically acclaimed album in her catalogue.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Frozen #5 (AMR #3)
Ray of light #6 (AMR #3)
Drowned world #16 (AMR #16)
The power of goodbye #33
Nothing really matters #19 (AMR #15)
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)
It had been a long while since Phil Collins troubled the charts here in Australia and an even longer while since he did so as a solo artist, however like many successful greatest hits packages this decade, he was able to find success with this album which I'm sure gave him great solace in knowing that his fans enjoyed his back catalogue from when he was scoring hit singles worldwide.
Peak position #2
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hole is best known for their frontwoman Courtney Love and her relationship with her husband Kurt Cobain, I'm not going to repeat any of the conspiracies surrounding her on this site but suffice to say she's had a bad reputation in the music industry for several decades at this point. Here she scores her band's biggest album as they went in a more pop friendly direction compared to their earlier work.
Peak position #4
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Celebrity skin #24
Malibu #11 (AMR #12)
Awful #44
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)
This was released exclusively in Japan the previous year for reasons I can't seem to fathom, I know that Kylie going indie was a strange phenomenon, but she had already done that with her previous album, and it went over well with audiences. In any case she released it internationally this year where it was a huge success for her despite lacking that obvious hit single, although considering how well it did with Triple J listeners, I don't think she minded too much.
Peak position #4
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Some kind of bliss #27 (AMR #18)
Did it again #15 (AMR #13)
Breathe #23 (AMR #18)
Cowboy style #39
These guys had been active throughout the entire decade and yet it was only their third album which made them a household name in Australia, I'm guessing it was due to the lead single which featured a very creepy video depicting what I assume is a CGI baby experiencing its first thoughts in what I'm guessing is the mother's fetus. Whatever the case, this album was a massive success for the duo and one that put them on the map of both the alternative and EDM scenes.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Tear drop #16 (AMR #15)
This was all set the become a flop for Green day given how it didn't create much buzz for the trio despite coming off of two successful albums from earlier in the decade, however one of the songs on here was chosen to play over the series finale of Seinfeld which boosted the albums popularity almost a year after its initial release. It did them no favours in retaining a fanbase which resulted in their popularity dwindling in the 00's.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Hitching a ride #26
Time of your life #2 (AMR #1)
Redundant #2 (AMR #1)
This was the debut album from the British boy band Five, I would've said these guys were a little late to the boy band wars that began in the first half of the decade with Take that and East 17 except that they were more firmly in the second round of those wars with Backstreet boys and N sync. They came in second place in Australia due to how many hit singles they managed to achieve here back in the day.
Also, for whatever reason, this was a massive hit according to ARIA but only a minor hit according to AMR, to give you an idea of how different the charts had become by this point in time.
Peak position #8
Peak position #18 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
When the lights go out #2 (AMR #3)
Everybody get up #5 (AMR #5)
Got the feeling #6 (AMR #8)
Until the time is through #8 (AMR #8)
They may have only ever had one hit on the Australian charts, however Lighthouse family were able to at least score a massive hit with their second album here thanks to how inescapable that one hit was for them down under. The duo did try to recapture their international success going into the new millennium; however, their third album was a massive flop which led to their breakup in 2003.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
High #1 (AMR #2)
Raincloud #29
From what I can gather, the Main event was a charity concert which had John Farnham, Olivia Newton John and opera singer Anthony Warlow putting on a show that was a massive success during the final months of 1998. As such the showrunners issued this live album which captures the best moments of the concert which became a huge success for the program.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
City of angels is an American remake of a film known as Wings of desire, a French film from the 70's about a fallen angel falling in love with a mortal woman and the conundrum that ensues from there. It's an admirable remake of a foreign film, although like most Hollywood remakes it removes the cultural identity of the original to appeal to a more mainstream audience. At least the soundtrack was a huge success.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Iris #1 (AMR #2)
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)
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)
One of the very select few Adam Sandler flicks to be a critical darling, the Wedding singer tells the story of how the titular wedding singer becomes disillusioned with love following him being stood up at the alter at his own wedding only to rediscover love when he receives positive attention from a cocktail waitress who is engaged to a man who isn't treating her right. As the film is set in the mid 80's, the soundtrack is filled with 80's classics which resonated with audiences of the late 90's.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
This was an album that likely would've not even been released here in Australia were it not for Ricky's involvement with the FIFA world cup this year, after all this was released entirely in Spanish save for the big hit he performed at the games which was included as a bonus track when it was released here. No doubt this led to him recording his next album mostly in English which took the world by storm the following year.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Maria #1 (AMR #1)
The cup of life #1 (AMR #1)
La bomba #27
This was only a modest success upon its initial release here in Australia, I guess this was because it felt too out of place with all of the teen pop that was making it big this year (this was certainly the case according to ARIA.) It was given a second chance here when one of the tracks became the theme to the Adam Sandler flick Big daddy which helped it become a worthy follow up to their self-titled debut.
Peak position #5
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Push it #31
When I grow up #22
There was an episode of South Park which was a parody of Live aid that aired in the shows second season, the episode was such an instant success that the showrunners convinced Chef's voice actor Isaac Hayes to have his label release a soundtrack to the episode which contained his covers as well as a bunch of songs that appeared in the episode. The soundtrack was a success and likely inspired the theatrical film.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Horny #13 (AMR #11)
Chocolate salty balls #14 (AMR #12)
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
INXS were on a roll when they released this greatest hits package towards the end of the previous year, it had its success roll over to this year due to how inescapable the band still were during the mid 90's. Unfortunately, this would be the final bit of success they would achieve during Michael Hutchence's lifetime.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The strangest party #34
Evidently the success of that EDM cover of the signature track from the Beastie boys was all that was necessary for their latest album to find success here back in the day, although I guess the lead single would've also made a strong case for them to make it big due to how shamelessly goofy it was. This was their only success here in Australia as the rest of their catalogue was a huge flop down under.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Intergalactic #21 (AMR #16)
Body moving #28
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)
There were plenty of British RNB girl groups of the decade, however with the possible exception of the Spice girls (depending on how you define their music) this was the most successful group in this category thanks to how inescapable their debut album was. They were previously known as All Saints 1.9.7.5. due to two of the members being born that year, however they dropped the date when they released this album.
Peak position #4
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Never ever #1 (AMR #1)
I know where it's at #12 (AMR #18)
Under the bridge #5 (AMR #8)
Lady marmalade #5 (AMR #8)
This was the debut single from B*witched, an Irish family group who briefly took the world by storm by combining teen pop with traditional Celtic music that won over a bunch of audiences back in the day. This formula only worked out for their debut album as their second album was such a failure that it flopped hard for them.
Also, for whatever reason, this was a massive hit according to ARIA but only a minor hit according to AMR, to give you an idea of how different the charts had become by this point in time.
Peak position #5
Peak position #24 (AMR charts) (possibly charted higher the following year)
Hit singles
C'est la vie #6 (AMR #6)
Rollercoaster #1 (AMR #5)
To you I belong #25
Blame it on the weatherman #48
Well, they were a trio and yet insisted they were a quintet, OK jokes aside this was a huge breakthrough for Ben Folds five who managed to take the Australian music scene by storm due to the lead single becoming heavily promoted on Triple J this year. They remain a one album wonder here likely due to the station not promoting any of their other material, however this was a quirky album for them to get their hands on.
Peak position #8
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Bricks #13 (AMR #17)
This was the final album from Pearl jam that fans would consider to be part of their classic period, mainly because this was the last album of theirs to have any trace of grunge as they would move on to adult contemporary with their subsequent albums. Admittedly I feel that they wanted to make the move here but didn't fully commit to it so that they could ease their fans through the transition.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Given to fly #13 (AMR #9)
Wishlist #48
This was the penultimate album that Smashing pumpkins released in their career before they called it quits the first time, it was another successful album from the alternative scene which proved why they wanted to keep making music even though they couldn't handle the fame very well.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Ava adore #19 (AMR #18)
While this didn't live up to the standards set up by her previous album Jagged little pill, this album from Alanis Morissette was a huge success regardless thanks to it retaining the anger she displayed on that album as well as her exploring other facets of her life that connected with audiences. She did have one more somewhat successful album in the new millennium, but by then Avril Lavigne had taken over as the Canadian voice of a generation.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Thank u #15 (AMR #15)
I did mention that Regurgitator's second album was rereleased as a DVD, here's the DVD in question as it became a huge success for them this year due to the novelty of the technology taking over the world. It's hard to say how many other albums benefitted from this gimmick as ARIA inconveniently bundled these with the main albums as opposed to AMR which counted them separately from each other.
Peak position #7
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
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
It may have nearly been a decade since he last troubled the charts in Australia, but again we have a greatest hits package from an older artist to see massive success this decade due to their fans loving their older material but not having much love for their newer material. I do like the name he gave this album, implying that he felt like he deserved better and that he gave it his all.
Peak position #5
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Given the popularity of their previous album load, Metallica decided to double down on their more mainstream sound by releasing this sequel to that album which proved to be slightly more successful due to it having more hit singles spawned from it. Again, this was well received at the time by everyone except for their diehard fans who felt betrayed by their abandonment of their older sound.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The memory remains #6 (AMR #7)
The unforgiven II #9 (AMR #9)
Fuel #2 (AMR #3)
I guess you can say these guys are the slightly older versions of Killing Heidi, they broke through before the latter band were "unearthed" by Triple J and were likely going to become one of the biggest Australian bands of the new millennium until Ella Hooper and company stole their thunder with their album. For what it's worth, Killing Heidi are also a one album wonder as their follow ups also flopped here.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Down again #27 (AMR #17)
Saturation #42
Now and then #40
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)
One of the more successful films to be critically panned this decade was Godzilla, audiences were impressed with the CGI (which admittedly still holds up pretty well) but critics felt the storyline to be rather lacking and that it was little more than style over substance. The soundtrack was better received given how it was a collection of tracks from the alternative scene of the day.
Peak position #8
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Come with me #10 (AMR #10)
Deeper underground #46
I guess Neil Finn wanted to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Tim by releasing this solo album following the demise of his band Crowded house, he was off to a good start in his solo career as this was a huge success for him upon its immediate release both here and in his native NZ. He would struggle to retain his popularity going into the new millennium much like his contemporaries.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Sinner #40
It had been almost a decade since Dire straits released an album, however that didn't mean their legacy had died out as indeed this greatest hits album which came ten years after their previous album was a huge success for the band three years after they called it quits for good.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
There haven't been that many action films to have a successful soundtrack here in Australia, one of the lucky few comes from the film Armageddon mainly due to the theme song becoming one of the biggest hits of the decade as well as Aerosmith's biggest hit in their entire catalogue. The film itself is cheesy melodrama, but you can say that about most action films of the 90's which is why people still love it.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I don't want to miss a thing #1 (AMR #1)
This was always meant to be the second album to come from Jeff Buckley, in fact it was meant to be released the previous year but was delayed until this year due to his tragic death in 1997. When it was finally released, fans immediately fell in love with it, although naturally this would be the last they would get from him now that he was no longer with us.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everybody here wants you #35
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
Given how he was seeing massive success with his earlier entry on this list, it only makes sense that Andrea's (then) most recent album would suddenly find success here in Australia a year after its initial release. This confirmed the opera singer as the real deal as well as restoring the popularity of classical music given how the 3 tenors were seen as yesterday's news by this point.
Peak position #15
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
It took them fourteen years, but Cold chisel were back with a new album and fans were delighted to see them return as it was an instant success for them this year. While this would be the last big album from them and Jimmy Barnes, they would go on to retain their popularity throughout the 21st century.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The things I love in you #10 (AMR #11)
Water into wine #46
This will be the only appearance from Marilyn Manson on this side of my site, I guess we Aussies weren't that interested in the shock factor he offered up in his music as many will tell you (me included) that his music was rather standard when divorced from the context of his stage antics.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The dope show #20 (AMR #15)
I don't like the drugs #45
Given how Faith no more called it quits the previous year due to their failure in their native America, they decided to release a greatest hits package which naturally became a huge success here in Australia where they were inescapable. They did eventually reform in 2010 where they've been more of a touring band, however they did release a new album in 2015 that sadly bombed.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Does anyone remember the This is your life series? Basically, it was a show where a celebrity would appear and have their life read out to them with other famous people in their lives appearing as guests during the program. The 12th man decided to parody this phenomenon by having him read out the life of Australian cricketer Bill Lawry and hijinks ensuing from there.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Nick Cave had a surprisingly good year in the Australian music scene this decade, not only did he score a huge hit with Kylie Minogue three years prior, but he also managed to have his albums see mainstream success for the first time earlier in the decade. This greatest hits album was released to help fans discover his older work which he had over a decade of at this point.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Michael Crawford was on a roll when he released this album as he was able to still have success even after the hype from the Phantom of the opera died down throughout the decade. Indeed, he would continue to find success into the new millennium proving how devoted his fanbase was.
Peak position #5
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
One final entry from a band that made it big through Triple J, this time it's Jebediah who saw massive success with this album thanks to being promoted by the station and for placing several entries on the 1997 yearend list. They did see moderate success with their next album; however, their popularity didn't last long in the new millennium.
Peak position #7
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Leaving home #48
Telfon #41
Harpoon #46
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
This is the only album to come from the British duo Propellerheads, it was a decent success here in Australia given how the likes of the Chemical brothers and Portishead were seeing an increase in popularity around this time. These two never released another album together which resulted in them calling it quits in the early 00's.
Peak position #13
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
OK time for a conspiracy theory as this album didn't even chart on ARIA and yet was a massive success on the AMR charts, I'm not sure why other than this only being a success with older audiences upon its initial release and ARIA mainly focusing on music that resonated with younger audiences around this time.
Peak position #15 (AMR charts)
This was released in memory of the recently deceased Princess Diana; I'm guessing this was a collection of her favourite songs given how there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for what was put on the album. The album also omits the touching tribute that Elton John gave at her funeral, further adding confusion as to the criteria for what made it on here.
Peak position #3
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
We Aussies were big fans of the FIFA world cup this year, more specifically its official anthem given how it was one of the biggest hits of the year. As such, the soundtrack became a decent success in addition to allowing Ricky Martin to finally find his crossover success in the English-speaking market.
Peak position #10
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The cup of life #1 (AMR #1)
This was the year where teen pop had officially exploded in the mainstream, so it makes sense that this debut album from Steps would be a huge success even if it mostly comes from its lead single being used as a P.E routine in Australian school's back in the day. This was their only successful album here as none of their other videos had quite a ridiculous dance routine for us Aussies to promote to our kids.
Also, for whatever reason, this was a massive hit according to ARIA but only a minor hit according to AMR, to give you an idea of how different the charts had become by this point in time.
Peak position #5
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
5 6 7 8 #1 (AMR #2)
Last thing on my mind #5 (AMR #6)
One for sorrow #34
Heartbeat #10 (AMR #12)
The legends are true people, George Martin (the Beatles producer for the uninitiated) did put together a tribute album for the fab four which was somehow a minor success here in Australia despite it being critically panned for how fans felt it was a disrespect to their catalogue.
Peak position #7
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
There were a ton of songs performed in the Wedding singer throughout the film's runtime, this album covers all of the songs that weren't included on the first album from earlier on this list as well as songs that were played non dietetically throughout the film.
Peak position #8
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Titanic was so successful thanks to its soundtrack that of course the sequel to the earlier entry on this list managed to be a success here in Australia, although it was a flop on the AMR charts for some reason.
Peak position #7
Peak position #16 (AMR charts)
This was originally released two years prior to deafening silence for the Backstreet boys, in fact the only reason why it was a success this year was due to their earlier entry on this list being a massive hit worldwide and fans wanting to check out where the boys began their career.
Peak position #6
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Get down #44
Quit playing games with my heart #27
I'll never break your heart #10 (AMR #7)
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)
This is a Christmas album from Celine Dion, it only makes an appearance on this list due to it scoring enough points to do so even though from what I can gather, it wasn't that well received upon its initial release due to her duet with R Kelly being its lead single.
Peak position #6
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I'm your angel #31
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
Wow is that an uncreative name for an album. I guess audiences felt this was a copout as the album proved to be far less successful than their previous entries even though it still debuted at number one for You am I. I'm not sure if this was their last successful album or not as they do seem like the type of band to be a victim of digital piracy as well as them doing far better on AMR than on the much more biased ARIA charts.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
What I don't know about you #28
Heavy heart #49
Given how inescapable Hanson was thanks to their earlier entry on this list, their label decided to release this collection of demos they made in their quest to be discovered by said label. Naturally it was a success for the boys even if it's the closest they came to escaping the one album wonder bin.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Given that this album spawned a huge hit with its lead single this year, it makes sense that the Mavis's were able to find success with it even though it wasn't as big as I would've thought given how indie rock was at its peak here in Australia around this time (at least it was on the AMR charts.) They're unfortunately a one album wonder as they would go their separate ways in 2001.
Peak position #12
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Cry #13 (AMR #15)
This was the first of several live albums from vh1 which captures the highlights of a concert they put together, they brought together five of the biggest female pop stars of the twentieth century (well four from the 90's and one that was already a legend by this point) which explains its success around this time.
Peak position #12
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
This is the first album that Blink 182 released as Blink 182, prior to this they were simply known as Blink and had little success anywhere in the world. This album was set to flop here upon its initial release the previous year, however it was given a second wind when the singles became well loved by listeners of Triple J which allowed it to become a huge sleeper hit for the trio.
Peak position #25
Peak position #16 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Dammit #34
Josie #31
This is another country album that was a hit on the ARIA charts but was a flop on the AMR charts, it was the breakthrough album for Lee Kernaghan who would see a massive rise in popularity in the 2010's due to our country scene exploding in popularity that decade.
Peak position #7
Peak position #22 (AMR charts)
This is a bit of an odd entry, not so much because it's odd that Tonic would find success here with this album, but rather the fact said success came long after the lead single had fallen off our charts which in itself was more of a sleeper hit than a genuine success. Even so, the album was a huge albeit sleeper hit with us Aussies likely due to a successful tour as well as the favourable comparisons it had to the likes of Matchbox 20 and the Goo goo dolls.
Peak position #12
Peak position #21 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
If you could only see #20
These guys had been active for over a decade by the time they found their mainstream success with this album, although it was mainly due to the success of its lead single that it was a sleeper hit here in Australia as we Aussies slowly but surely decided to check out what other gems the band had to offer as the song tore up our charts.
Peak position #27
Peak position #22 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The impression that I get #11 (AMR #14)
This was far and away the most successful Triple J album during the 90's, it was twice as big as the rest of the albums so far and was a sign that the stations influence was only going to continue to grow I the new millennium. Unfortunately, I don't know if this is true for sure as this was the last year where the AMR charts existed as they ceased publication in 1999, as such I'll be using the ARIA album charts from here on out which unfortunately excludes all of these albums from their rankings.
Peak position #1x6
There were many music programs in Australia over the years, one of the more popular ones albeit only for a little while was Ground zero which I guess was meant to be the 90's equivalent of Bandstand and Countdown as it was a hybrid of having live performances and showing music videos. The show was such a success in season one that a CD was released containing tracks that were performed live on the show.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Tubthumping #1
Down again #27
Always on my mind #33
Da ya think I'm sexy #3
Coco jamboo #7
Bitch #2
All I wanna do #11
Free #31
You sexy thing #6
Lovefool #11
Say what you want #11
Say you'll be there #12
Queen of New Orleans #40
Nightmare #14
Your woman #2
This is the most successful entry in the Wild FM series (at least during AMR's run) given how it almost managed to top the charts like the seasonal compilations on this list. Although we'll never truly know, I'm curious to see how lucrative this series would be if they were incorporated on ARIA's main chart.
Peak position #2
We have another entry from the 100% series on this list, again it was covering the summer of 1997/1998 due to how hectic that time was in the music industry down under.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Together again #4
You sexy thing #6
Tubthumping #1
Da ya think I'm sexy #3
Too much #9
Sick with love #21
Sunchyme #22
Black eyed boy #50
4 seasons of loneliness #13
Phenomenon #29
Foolish games #12
Only when I sleep #34
No surprises #47
Saturation #42
Everyday formula #41
I wanna be the only one #10
I will come to you #2
The drugs don't work #22
It looks like Hit machine took a page out of the 100% series by combining the spring and summer seasons into one release, it somewhat paid off as this was a decent success but nothing that noteworthy compared to previous years.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
I'll be missing you #1
Burn #2
Even when I'm sleeping #4
D'you know what I mean #16
Please don't go #35
Sunday morning #21
You're not alone #40
Sunny came home #44
I go off #35
So help me girl #36
Hard to say I'm sorry #5
I say a little prayer #6
Whisper your name #18
C u when u get there #7
Running #13
Everybody #3
The freshmen #28
Wonderful tonight #39
Do you know #48
Forever lately #38
We Aussies have always loved a good pub anthem, the radio station Triple M decided to cash in on this love by releasing this compilation album collecting 30 of the best pub anthems to make it big down under which resulted in its massive success.
Peak position #1x1
Although this didn't last very long in the upper echelons of our charts, the fact this entry that combines the biggest hits of 1997 with the big hits of spring did allow it to be a massive success during our summer period which ensured it a place on this list.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Break me shake me #7
Semi charmed life #8
Song 2 #4
Mmmbop #1
I can make you feel good #32
Don't let go #3
I shot the sheriff #8
Bitch #2
I am I feel #18
Your woman #2
Queen of new Orleans #40
If you could only see #20
Down again #27
I'm outta here #5
You were meant for me #3
Coco jamboo #7
Lovefool #11
Don't you love me #25
All I wanna do #11
Twisted #9
Got till it's gone #10
2 become 1 #2
Love to love you #25
Something about the way you look tonight #1
Always on my mind #33
Nightmare #14
Professional widow #17
Block rocking beats #28
Autumn of this year was an interesting time for the Hit machine franchise, so much so that this entry managed to be a massive success despite its lower placement among these albums.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Torn #2
All I have to give #4
Getting jiggy with it #6
5 6 7 8 #1
Maria #1
Fight for your right #12
Breathe #23
All cried out #11
Too close #12
Now I can dance #13
Cry #13
Pash #10
Gotta be moving on up #13
All night all right #30
It's tricky #14
Dammit #34
Brimful of Asha #35
I don't ever want to see you again #36
Remember the good old days where there were rock festivals for us to check out? Homebake was one of those events as they put on quite the show this year which led to the event releasing this album to cash in on its success.
Peak position #11
Winter was a hectic time for this franchise, this album was only slightly less successful than the previous entry but was a massive hit regardless.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
The cup of life #1
When the lights go out #2
This is how we party #7
Last thing on my mind #5
All my life #1
Turn back time #10
Feel it #19
Lonely #40
Beloved #49
Sway #10
Twisted #19
La primavera #36
This album covers the summer period of 97/98 which allows it to be a decent success despite failing to live up to the standards of the Hit machine franchise.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
As long as you love me #2
It's like that #1
Barbie girl #1
Did it again #15
How do I live #3
People get ready #35
Meet her at the love parade #21
Mo money mo problems #10
Stay #24
Beachball #33
Ooh la la #33
Kiss you all over #47
If I didn't love you #41
Show me love #34
Buddha baby #40
Good times #28
The third entry from the Wild FM series was a bit of a bust, likely due to it being caught between two years and thus failed to appear on a yearend list. It picked up with the fourth entry where it finally broke the series into the top ten on the AMR charts.
Peak position #3
At least the Hit machine franchise had decent songs to include on their albums this year, this wasn't the case for the 100% series which really struggled to include worthy choices which costed them their success.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Stop #5
I get lonely #21
Bamboogie #29
Never ever #1
Fly #31
Sex and candy #8
Not if you were the last junkie on earth #47
You're still the one #1
Cleopatra's theme #25
The impression that I get #11
The ballad of tom jones #46
Weird #12
I never loved you anyway #31
Black bugs #32
This is the final compilation album I'll be featuring on this site, mainly because the AMR charts ceased by the end of this year and ARIA didn't bother releasing their compilation charts until the 21st century.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Kung fu fighting #15
Crush on you #9
Go deep #39
Casanova #18
Thinking of you #6
The grease megamix #27
Life ain't easy #37
All my life #1
Dreams #47
High #1
I know where it's at #12
Turn back time #10
Polyester girl #14
The rascal king #40
Road rage #40
The way #14
We have another RNB compilation finding success here in Australia throughout the decade, once again this increased our acceptance of the genre right as the twentieth century was coming to an end which ensured that musicians of colour would go on to dominate our charts in the 21st century in a way they were unable to prior to the 90's.
Peak position #7
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