While we did start to see some international reality stars make it big in the southern hemisphere this year, there was still plenty of artists from the music industry that didn't feel the need to go through that process to make it big this year.
This had a bit of a slow start to its success here in Australia given how it was lacking that obvious radio hit that "Yellow" proved to be from their previous album, of course that radio hit came when "Clocks" was overplayed to death upon its initial release which helped the album become the band's second-best seller worldwide. This is the album fans consider to be their best work given how the songs linger to this day.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
In my place #23
Clocks #28
God put a smile on your face #43
The scientist #40
This is often considered to be the magnum opus for Eminem, likely because it continues his shock rap that his earlier catalogue was known for whilst addressing the fact that none of it was meant to be taken seriously and that he wasn't actually bigoted towards women or the queer community like he was accused of being. It was a massive success and briefly reassured the public that he was harmless to the youth of society, although that changed with his next album.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Without me #1
Cleaning out my closet #3
Sing for the moment #5
Business #4
This was the biggest album of the decade to not conform to the mainstream given how it was a jazz pop number from Norah Jones, the daughter of popular jazz artist Ravi Shanker who is considered to be one of India's best musicians of all time. She made a massive splash with this debut of hers that led to her next album also being a massive success, however her popularity quickly dwindled after that.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Don't know why #5
Although her previous album was a massive hit here in Australia, many consider this to be the comeback that Kylie needed given how it was the album that finally got her out of the one hit wonder bin over in America that she had been trapped in since her debut single from the late 80's. Like many successful albums this decade, the singles largely took a back seat down under in favour of how big the album was.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Can't get you out of my head #1
In your eyes #1
Love at first sight #3
Come into my world #4
This album was originally released in 1999 for Dido, it was a massive flop that went unnoticed worldwide until it was discovered by Eminem of all people who decided to sample the lead single for his song "Stan" which propelled its success for the English singer/songwriter. Although none of the singles were successful here in Australia, that didn't prevent the album from being a massive success here.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
Hunter #50
It took a while for this second album from Kasey Chambers to take off here in Australia, however the surprise success of "Not pretty enough" allowed it to become a runaway success for the Australian country singer and even opened her up to an international market given how the song also did quite well in NZ. Sadly, her international success would be limited to what she achieved in NZ with that song.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Not pretty enough #1
Million tears #32
If I were you #32
Shakira had been active for a decade in her native Columbia at this point, however it was when she learned English and decided to appeal to an English-speaking market that she finally achieved mainstream success worldwide with this album. It was one of the last Latin albums to make it big as the Latin craze was quickly dying out as the decade went on, however it spawned multiple huge hits to ensure its success.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Whenever wherever #1
Underneath your clothes #1
Objection #2
The one #16
This was the debut album from Avril Lavigne, an album that remains her most successful to this day thanks to how inescapable the singles were on the radio worldwide. While it wasn't the first album from a female musician to become a success due to having more personal lyrics and a rock sound to it this decade, it was the album that shifted the trends away from the likes of teen pop and girl groups worldwide.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Complicated #1
Sk8er boi #3
Losing grip #20
It looked like Jamiroquai would be a one album wonder when Synkronized failed to become a massive hit for them by the end of the 90's, however the band had other ideas when they released their first album from the 21st century which became a massive hit for them here in Australia and their native UK. Again, this is an album whose success clearly came at the expense of its singles which I remember being everywhere at the time.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Little l #14
You give me something #34
Love foolosophy #19
This is the only album from Enrique Iglesias that was a best seller in Australia, mainly because the Latin crooner was more of a singles artist here and that his second English album was the only one to achieve massive success here thanks to its singles. Indeed, it only became a best seller down under once it spawned its second and third hits given how the lead single was a hit through its affiliation with 9/11.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Hero #1
Escape #7
Don't turn off the lights #8
Maybe #41
This is Powderfinger's most successful album in their catalogue, mostly through the strength of the lead single which was a massive success on the radio (although not so much with sales) which translated to the album being immensely popular back in the day. It allowed the band to finally crossover to NZ where "My happiness" became a genuine hit over there in favour of the album underperforming.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
My happiness #4
Like a dog #40
The metre #31
There were no signs of RHCP slowing down in the mainstream this decade, not even the fact that they also seemed to be victims of digital piracy during the first half of the decade was able to deter fans away from legally purchasing their albums given how this was a massive success for them upon its initial release. Of course, their next album would see them spawn a massive hit which is how I know fans didn't buy their singles legally (for the most part.)
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
By the way #6
The zephyr song #21
Can't stop #38
Given how nu metal had taken over the mainstream by this point in time, it only makes sense that Linkin Park would see massive success with their debut album worldwide even if it was only here in Australia where the album spawned more than one hit. I'm not sure why the lead single was only a hit down under, however the fourth single managed to become a worldwide smash almost a year after the album's release.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
One step closer #4
Crawling #33
In the end #4
Points of authority #44
Well, I didn't think I'd be including one of Shaggy's albums on this site, however there's little denying that this fifth album form the Jamaican rapper was a massive success here in Australia even if its success was slightly delayed due to his music generally being released much later here than the rest of the world. As with much music delayed this year, it proved to be more successful down under than it was internationally.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
It wasn't me #1
Angel #1
Luv me luv me #10
Hope #42
This is the best charting album to come from Silverchair, it wasn't necessarily their biggest album as the album charts were admittedly very shaky during the 00's, however it did stick around for quite a while to earn its high spot on this list. This was the band's final album before they went on a hiatus so that lead singer Daniel Johns could pursue his side project as the Dissosiactives with Australian DJ Paul Mac.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
The greatest view #3
Without you #8
Luv your life #20
Across the night #24
This feels like a return to form for U2 given how they spent all of the 90's experimenting with their sound to varying degrees of success, indeed this feels like something they would've released ten years prior given how well it fits as a follow up to Rattle and hum. This would lead to them having a highly success decade throughout the 00's with their subsequent material, although their popularity wouldn't extend to the 2010's.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Beautiful day #1
Stuck in a moment you can't get out of #3
Elevation #6
Walk on #9
It looked like this third album from Matchbox 20 was going to underperform for them worldwide due to the failure of its lead single, fortunately the second single proved to be a massive hit for them which allowed the album to rebound on the charts and become a massive hit for the band. They would go on hiatus once they were finished promoting it in order to allow Rob Thomas to embark on a solo career.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Disease #31
Unwell #12
Bright lights #26
All I need #32
This was the second album to come from Alex Lloyd following the success of his debut album from the start of the decade, it was far more successful than his earlier entry thanks to spawning a huge hit in the form of its lead single that became an even bigger hit in NZ at the expense of the album's success over there. Sadly, this was his final successful album in his catalogue as his subsequent follow ups would flop later in the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Amazing #14
Green #25
Everybody's laughing #33
Even though this album's title is a mere letter off from the name of his previous album, its contents couldn't be any more different as we have a covers album where the former Take that member tries his hand at some of the biggest songs from the swing era of music. Fans naturally found much to love about this album as it was a massive success for the English crooner throughout the world.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Something stupid #8
Shrek is a film that changed the landscape of animation and comedy throughout the decade given how it deconstructed fairytale troupes that Disney had been relying on since its inception (to the point where the company now feels the need to copy this formula to predictably irritating results.) It was a massive success partially due to its soundtrack which of course was a massive hit here in Australia.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Best years of our lives #49
I'm a believer #9
This was a bit more of a sleeper hit here in Australia which is why it's slightly lower on here than it should be, however make no mistake, this album from Robbie Williams was inescapable thanks to it rebounding on the charts whenever one of the singles was released even if said singles were more successful on the radio than with sales. It continued his popularity well into the decade for good reason.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Feel #10
Come undone #27
Something beautiful #24
Sexed up #17
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
Hit singles
The sweetest thing #6
For the first ten years of its existence, Moulin Rouge was a critically acclaimed jukebox musical that heralded the return of musicals in the mainstream outside of animated features, although thanks to the internet of the 2010's (specifically a certain review site that infamously trashed the film) it now has a more polarising reception as people feel the story to be too melodramatic to be taken seriously.
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
Lady marmalade #1
Come what may #10
8 mile is a film that was well received by critics and audiences alike as it was an autobiographical account at how Eminem came to be who he was as a person as well as his rise to stardom, basically it was a film that was the Purple rain of the 00's which led to many copycats throughout the decade (most notably from his protegee 50 cent.) The soundtrack was released during the album cycle of his earlier entry on this list.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Lose yourself #1
It took a while for this debut album from Alicia Keys to make it big here in Australia, likely due to the lead single not being among the biggest of the decade like it was internationally as well as RNB albums in general not doing so well down under over the years. It was eventually a smash hit this year thanks to the radio overplaying her other singles from the album, making audiences want to check out what the fuss was about.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Falling #7
A woman's worth #16
How come you don't call me #29
Girlfriend #13
Given that Nelly already saw massive success (if not a bit delayed here in Australia) with his debut album, it only makes sense that his second album would be even more successful especially in his native America where it spawned not one but two Billboard chart toppers for him. It led to many copycats in the hip hop game (most notably Chingy) which led to his eventual backlash.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
#1 #20
Hot in herre #3
Dilemma #1
Work it #14
One of the biggest albums of the decade to make it big thanks to heavy endorsement on Triple J, this was the debut album from the Australian alternative band George who made a huge splash in our mainstream thanks to the dulcet vocals of lead singer Katie Noonan which have been ranked up with the likes of Kate Ceberano and Wendy Matthews as among the finest voices to come from Australia.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Special ones #29
Run #27
Breathe in now #29
Breaking it slowly #43
This had a bit of a slow rise to its success here in Australia, mainly because it only became a success when the lead single was voted high on Triple J's year end list for 2001 which in turn made it a success for System of a down. The band is considered one of the better nu metal acts of the decade along the likes of Linkin Park and Korn, mainly due to their later material seeing them get political.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Chop suey #14
Toxicity #39
Aerials #36
We have another greatest hits package from the fab four to make it big in history, this did come on the twentieth anniversary of John Lennon's death so perhaps this was more a celebration of his legacy than anything else.
Peak position #1x9
This was the final album to be released during the lifetime of Maurice Gibb given how he would tragically pass away in 2003 which left the brothers Gibb as a duet until the death of Robin a decade later. It was a greatest hits package which overlooked their entire discography, meaning fans could see how they evolved over the years and not just a specific point in their catalogue.
Peak position #2
This seems like a self-fulfilling prophecy as this will be the last time I feature a studio album from John Farnham on this site, in fact aside from a concert with Tom Jones and a greatest hits album, he didn't have much more success in his career after this which admittedly is impressive given how long he's been active in the music industry.
Peak position #1x1
This was an instant success for Nickelback here in Australia, likely because we Aussies wasted no time in making the lead single a huge success compared to the rest of the world where it needed to climb up the charts before it became a best seller worldwide. Their next three albums would be an even bigger success for them, likely because they all managed to spawn more than one hit for them down under.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
How you remind me #2
They certainly had an amazing run with their first three albums, so a greatest hits package was inevitable from the Corrs which became a massive success for the family band upon its initial release even if it led to them struggling to retain their popularity moving forward in the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Would you be happier #47
While they were plenty successful throughout the 90's, the Foo Fighters were inescapable throughout the 00's starting with this album which was (at the time) their most successful thanks to rock music being at the forefront of the music scene along with RNB and hip hop this decade. They would have more success as the decade went on and even survive well into the 2010's when the genre became out of vogue.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
The one #21
Times like these #22
Low #40
All my life #20
This had a bit of a slow start to its success, likely because everyone felt that Nelly Furtado was going to be a one hit wonder with the lead single due to the album being more spiritually inclined than most of the competition this year. It finally became a massive success once the second single was released which set Nelly up for massive success that she only got from her third album later in the decade.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I'm like a bird #2
Turn off the lights #7
Although this was an instant success for Garbage upon its initial release, it didn't become a best seller until the second single became a surprise hit here in Australia due to it being their most pop friendly track in their catalogue. It unfortunately didn't do the band any favours with their next album which was a complete flop for them despite coming out at the height of alternative rock.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Androgyny #21
Cherry lips #7
Breaking up the girls #19
Given the sudden rise in popularity that Elvis Presley was having between his songs being played in Ocean's eleven and Disney's Lilo and Stich, it only seems fitting that we have this greatest hits package which collects thirty of his biggest hits throughout his entire career and ends off with the remix that put his name back on the map.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
A little less conversation #1
Burning love (re release) #37
This was the second solo album to come from Ronan Keating, it was a massive success like his first album, although not nearly as much due to it not having a deluxe edition spawning a surprise hit for him. It would be his final successful album as a pop star as he would reinvent himself as a crooner later in the decade which vastly limited his fanbase without necessarily earning a new fanbase from the likes of Michael Bublé.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
If tomorrow never comes #3
I love it when we do #32
We've got tonight #12
The long goodbye #49
Ben Harper didn't have much success here in Australia prior to this life album, even with heavy endorsement from Triple J and how inescapable he was in NZ, he didn't bring in the big numbers like his main rival Lenny Kravitz did. The success of this album led to his next studio album being a massive success here two years later.
Peak position #2
It took over a year for this album to take off here in Australia, this is despite the fact that the lead single was a massive hit upon its initial release which suggested that we Aussies had finally welcomed Robbie's solo career with open arms. Alas it was only when the second single finally became a success that this album managed to find an audience with us Aussies.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Rock DJ #4
Kids #14
Supreme #14
Better man #6
The panel was a talk show that was quite popular during the late 90's and early 00's, mainly for its musical segment where a popular artist of the moment (usually a guest) would perform on the show (basically it was like the Ellen DeGeneres show only with multiple guests and less behind the scenes drama.) This third instalment from the soundtrack series proved to be quite a success back in the day.
Peak position #5
This is the only successful album to come from Ja Rule here in Australia, although it's worth noting that his follow up album the Last temptation did spawn multiple hit singles even if the album itself was a flop here. I'm guessing this made it big due to the rapper having a lot of buzz with his choruses which many have coined as the "thugs need love too" approach of having a female vocalist connect his verses about how much of a hard ass he is.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Living it up #6
Always on time #3
Down a chick #37
This is the final successful album that Celine Dion had in her career, mainly because it came out right before her infamous performance in Vegas with Anastacia where the two women butchered "You shook me all night long" by AC/DC which earned them both the rath of their rapid fanbase. That would explain why despite the album being a success, it failed to spawn her a hit single.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
A new day has come #19
I'm alive #30
This was an excellent year for Faith Hill given how we're still yet to get to her breakthrough album she had here in Australia, following its success, she released a greatest hits package which helped fans discover her 90's material (given how Breathe was released in 1999) which also became a massive hit for her before she unfortunately faded into obscurity down under.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
There you'll be #24
Much like her debut album from two years prior, this also had to work its way up the charts here in Australia as fans obviously weren't expecting P!nk to go in a completely different direction from what she released at the start of the decade with this follow up. Sony did attempt to encourage fans to buy the album by not releasing "Just like a pill" as a single here, however that backfired as it was less successful here than it was internationally.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Get the party started #1
Don't let me get me #8
Family portrait #11
Following the success of their second album, Creed released their third album which continued their momentum thanks to the singles gaining a lot of airplay on the radio despite them underperforming on the singles charts (at least here in Australia they did.) For whatever reason, the band would go their separate ways later in the decade, likely for Scott Stapp to embark on a solo career.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
My sacrifice #11
One last breath #43
Don't stop dancing #48
You'd think that J-Lo would've had more success throughout the 00's with her albums given how inescapably popular she was with her singles, indeed her second album was only a success upon its initial release given how it's true popularity would come with the remix it received the following year thanks to two of those "remixes" (a term I use loosely in this case) being Billboard chart toppers for her.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Love don't cost a thing #4
Play #14
Ain't it funny #25 (remix #9)
I'm real #5 (remix #3)
I'm gonna be alright #16
This was released the previous year to mostly deafening silence here in Australia, likely because we Aussies weren't quite ready to allow Usher to make it big here given that Craig David was already the prince of RNB as far as we were concerned. Of course, Usher eventually made his case that he should be the prince of RNB with the singles from this album which of course allowed it to become a success this year.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Pop ya collar #25
U remind me #4
U got it bad #3
U turn #7
While this wasn't as inescapable as his big comeback album from the start of the decade, Santana was nonetheless able to retain their popularity this far into the new millennium thanks to repeating the formula that worked for them with their previous album. I guess the lineup of guest vocalists weren't as impressive this time around as before which would explain why this album didn't do as well.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
The game of love #21
Hey ma #29
This took its sweet time in finding success here in Australia, in fact it only became a hit for Jack Johnson due to it spawning a massive hit over in NZ with "Flake" that I'm sure encouraged us Aussies to check out the album to see what all the fuss was about over there. This naturally led to the success of his next album which would lead him to becoming one of the biggest names in music worldwide.
Peak position #13
This was the second edition of U2's greatest hits anthology which they delayed by five years in order for it to collect their work from the start of the decade in addition to their outlook from the 90's. It was a massive hit for the band as was their previous output, although not to the same level suggesting fans prefer their 80's output.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Electrical storm #5
This is the sequel to the Immaculate collection that was released eleven years prior, naturally it collects all of Madonna's biggest hits from 1990-2000 much like her first albums collecting her hits from 1983-1990. It appears that fans weren't as impressed with her run throughout the 90's as her run throughout the 80's given how much less successful this was.
Peak position #3
It looked like these guys would be a one album wonder with their debut from 1997 given how their second album was a massive disappointment for them as the 90's came to an end, however they managed to bounce back with their third album largely thanks to its lead single receiving heavy airplay back in the day, although it wasn't a huge hit here likely due to it being the victim of digital piracy.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Chemical heart #25
Lost control #29
One of the most critically acclaimed bands of the decade was Queen's of the stone age, a band that's best described as stoner rock as much like Bob Marley, their music is best appreciated by those who like to chill out with the same type of substance as the reggae legend liked to enjoy during his lifetime. The band received a boost in popularity with this album due to the presence of Dave Grohl during its production.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Go with the flow #39
Well, he did manage to score two gigantic hits in Australia around this time, so why not have his feature length album be a massive success here as well? I'm sure the many fans of Bob the Builder were ecstatic to receive this for Christmas (it peaked during that season) however this didn't lead to any future musical prospects for the animated construction worker.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Can we fix it #1
Mambo no 5 #2
This was the final album that Shania Twain released for fifteen years, I'm guessing because though this was a hit for her, it failed to reach the dizzying heights of Come on over likely due to country pop not doing as well throughout the new millennium as it did in the twentieth century. Still, it was a massive success as anything that follows up one of the most successful albums of all time would be.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
I'm gonna getcha good #14
Up #29
Forever and always #45
When you kiss me #47
This is the final appearance from Andrea Bocelli on this site, mainly because the opera singer got outclassed by many other classical artists throughout the decade such as Michael Bublé and Il Divo despite him still putting out new music to this day to a minimal fanbase.
Peak position #6
This is the second album to come from Taxiride, it's also their final album to find any success in their career as their third album was such a failure later in the decade that they would eventually call it quits. This is a shame because this gained some minor traction over in NZ, particularly with the lead single which became their one and only hit over there years after the boy band wars came to an end.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Creeping up slowly #6
How I got this way #28
Afterglow #49
One of the more popular TV soaps of the decade from Australia was the Secret life of us, granted it never reached the dizzying heights of success that Neighbours of Home and away did, however it had quite a lengthy run on TV partially due to the success of its soundtracks which the first soundtrack of course being the most successful of the lot.
Peak position #7
It may have been a while since Tracy Chapman had troubled the charts anywhere in the world, however it appears that audiences had fond memories of her work as this greatest hits album managed to become a huge success for her worldwide despite only two (maybe three depending on where you're from) of her albums having any impact on the mainstream back in her day.
Peak position #10
We have another Australia band to gain exposure thanks to heavy promotion on Triple J this year, this time it's the garage band the Vines who released their debut album to critical and commercial success making this an excellent time for alternative music, that is if all of it wasn't getting pirated from its "fans" which explains why A: these albums don't appear higher on these lists and B: why they often failed to produce hit singles.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Get free #44
Outtathaway #38
Homesick #50
This is where it all began for Kasey Chambers, a country artist from Australia who would go on to have massive success throughout the decade with her subsequent follow ups due to how unique her vocals are compared to the other Aussie pop divas of the moment. As with most debut albums, this had a bit of a climb to its success here due to her being a relative unknown when it was first released.
Peak position #11
This third album from Britney Spears also serves as the soundtrack to her first feature length film which was a film that was panned by critics and audiences alike for her poor acting as well as it being a cliched ridden road trip flick. At least the album was well received by fans given how few if any of the songs have anything to do with the film, after all the overall theme is about her wanting more independence in life which isn't a theme present in the film.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I'm a slave 4 u #7
Overprotected #16
I'm not a girl not yet a woman #7
I love rock n roll #13
Machine gun fellatio (MGF for short) must have been one of the more provocative bands to make it big in Australia this decade, this was their second album which saw a massive push from Triple J thanks to their campy stage antics as well as their overall imagery (just look at this album cover and that should give you an idea of where I'm getting at.) Unfortunately, this only worked for this one album for them.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Roller coaster #38
Following the demise of both Rage against the machine and Soundgarden, members of both bands decided to combine forces and form a new band called Audioslave who found instant success with their first album due to their respective fanbases following them towards their new venture. It would be their biggest success together even though they released several other albums throughout the decade.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Like a stone #35
This is the only other album from Moby that found success here in Australia, I'm guessing because he felt the need to allow all of the songs on here to be placed in every ad imaginable much like his previous album from the start of the decade. This led to him receiving backlash in the music community for essentially buying his way to success which is perhaps why his subsequent follow ups have failed since.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
We are all made of stars #23
There were no signs of 12th man slowing down in his catalogue as this was merely the latest album of his to find massive success upon its initial release, there's not much more I can add to it as it continues the tradition of him impersonating cricket commentators which amused audiences during his time in the spotlight.
Peak position #1x5
Even though this wasn't a huge success for Darren Hayes anywhere in the world, the fact that this was following up one of the biggest albums of the turn of the century meant that it was guaranteed some success this year even if fans felt that this was a disappointment compared to his work as Savage Garden. At least it kept his head above water long enough for his fans to accept his sexual identity which he revealed at the time.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Insatiable #3
Strange relationship #16
Crush #19
I miss you #25
This is the final album that Alanis Morissette had any success with throughout her career, this is mainly due to Avril Lavigne's earlier entry on this list stealing the thunder that the older Canadian singer/songwriter had coming from the 90's which sadly left her in the dust after this year.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Hands clean #9
Precious illusions #41
This is the debut album from Sophie Ellis Bextor, an album that was a flop upon its initial release due to the lead single failing to connect with audiences here in Australia. It was given a second chance when the deluxe edition was released following the success of her second single which spawned a second hit for her worldwide as a result, although all of this led to her being a one album wonder.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Murder on the dancefloor #3
Get over you #4
Music gets the best of me #28
This is another greatest hits package that Pink Floyd's label released that became a worldwide success, proving that fans were still hungry for new material that they would have to wait for another decade before it finally came to them in 2014.
Peak position #4
This was released on the fortieth anniversary of the band first getting together, this explains A: the title of the album given how random it would otherwise be and B: why it was released to begin with given how the band hadn't released anything worthwhile in over a decade by this point. These two selling points explain why it was a success worldwide, that and the decade quickly becoming known for its nostalgia bug.
Peak position #3
This was a bit more successful than their previous album, I guess because this was their attempt at becoming the likes of Rage against the machine or other heavier rock bands with a political edge to their lyricism. Indeed, this saw the band take a stance against politics which was a common troupe that the decade would become known for, although they weren't the biggest success stories in this regard.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
I am mine #12
Love boat captain #29
It appears that Lee Kernaghan was one of those artists who saw more success with each album he released similar to that of the Foo fighters and Keith Urban here in Australia, indeed his popularity would increase when Keith finally saw his mainstream breakthrough later in the decade.
Peak position #5
This will be the only album from Ashanti that appears on this site of mine, it was her debut album which means that the lead single going to number one in her native America meant that it was her debut single (at least as a lead artist) to achieve this feat. I guess her consistently working with Ja Rule put off her fans from her future endeavours who felt she was little more than a chorus lady on his albums.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Foolish #6
Happy #29
The film I am Sam was panned by critics upon its initial release, mainly for simplifying issues involving mental health which ironically is what better movies that handle this topic such as Rain man and Forest Gump get criticised for nowadays (perhaps those critics are thinking of this film when criticising those films.) Also, for some reason, the soundtrack is built around covers of the Beatles catalogue, which I suppose explains why it was a commercial success.
Peak position #8
Given how inescapable "I see you baby" was at the start of the decade (trust me it was EVERYWHERE on the radio) it only makes sense that the band behind that earworm would eventually have a successful album to their name which came with this album which all but confirmed that country music was out and EDM was in. It had a bit of a slow start to its success but eventually found its audience this year.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Superstyling #49
This was a surprise hit for Livie given how she hadn't found any success since the Main event concert from 1998, here she cashes in on the duets trend that had taken off at the start of the new millennium which allowed her to have a hit album for the first time since her 1981 magnum opus Physical.
Peak position #5
Although their (then) most recent album was a bit of a commercial disappointment, that didn't prevent Green day from releasing a greatest hits album which somewhat picked up the slack that Warning gave them. Even so, they really needed to rethink their strategy moving forward especially after they lost the master tapes of their new album they were working on, the result was their biggest album of their career.
Peak position #11
This will be the final album I feature from J-Lo on this site, mainly because none of her other albums managed to become a success for her over the years in Australia. Heck this album was only a success due to it having a lead single that rubbed people the wrong way upon its initial release which resulted in them checking it out to see if it would be as pretentious throughout its runtime which it turns out it wasn't.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Jenny from the block #5
All I have #2
I'm glad #10
This is a bit of a misleading title as it suggests that it's a new album from Nirvana when in fact it's a greatest hits package that the band's label released in order to capitalise off their legacy, I'm not sure how I feel about this as it's not like there's anything on here that hasn't already been available on their previous releases, suggesting that it's little more than a reminder of one of the greatest bands of the 90's.
Peak position #1x1
This seemed like a good opportunity for Human Nature to release a greatest hits package given that their previous album had given them their biggest hit in the form of its lead single, although like most greatest hits albums, it proved to be a bit of a jinx for their later output which they overcame by reinventing themselves as a throwback group to the likes of Motown and swing later in the decade.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Always be with you #29
Here's the other artist to benefit from Sony's Essential series this year, it turns out to be someone that Neil Diamond collaborated with as Barbra Streisand had a massive hit with the pop crooner with "You don't bring me flowers" from 1978 (which came from her own greatest hits package funnily enough.)
Peak position #5
This is the debut album from Vanessa Carlton and the only one that found any kind of success for her throughout her career, mainly due to how inescapably popular the lead single was worldwide which put her on the map of female singer/songwriters that included Michelle Branch, Avril Lavigne and P!nk from this year alone.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
A thousand miles #1
Ordinary day #48
This is yet another greatest hits package from Abba that was released around this time, I guess this was to retire their previous album from ten years prior given how that refused to die on our charts even back in the day. Alas it didn't work as this has long since faded into obscurity in favour of that other album coming back every time something Abba related happens.
Peak position #10
I think we can all agree that one of the best things about the Lord of the rings trilogy is the music, specifically the score composed by Howard Shore which helped elevate the scenes they were used in. It appears we Aussies had enough love for the score to make the soundtrack to the first film a moderate success upon its initial release, although that love didn't extent to the other two soundtracks.
Peak position #8
This was the last successful album that the Chemical brothers had here in Australia, this is despite the fact that A: they were an EDM group and B: saw plenty of promotion from Triple J whenever they released a new album which are normally two cheat codes that artists like them have for breaking through to the mainstream here.
Peak position #1x1
Although their previous album Love this city was a bit of a dud for them, the Whitlams were able to bounce back with their fifth album which was a bit more commercially viable compared to their previous work which was more politically charged. It would be their final successful album as their subsequent follow ups failed to bring in the big numbers that even Love this city had.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Fall for you #21
Best work #35
It may surprise you to learn that not only was Bruce Springsteen able to achieve moderate success going into the new millennium, but that he would also retain his popularity into the 2010's with it even growing as that decade went along. Indeed, this is one of his less popular albums since the turn of the century due to how much nostalgia would play a factor in the success of his future projects.
Peak position #4
Another one of the more popular TV series from Australia to come out of the decade was Mcleod's daughters, a soap opera consisting of a pair of friends inheriting a farm in South Australia with hijinks ensuing from there. Although this is credited as a soundtrack, it's actually an album by country singer Rebecca Lavelle that she was commissioned to make for the first season which aired this year.
Peak position #8
Motor ace is another Australian band to heavily benefit from Triple J this decade, as such their material back in the day could've been much more popular were it not obvious victims of digital piracy like other rock bands of the day. Their second album was popular enough to qualify for this list, which I'm sure will come as a relief to fans of theirs who felt they were unfairly ignored in our mainstream at the time.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Carry on #13
Keeping secrets #30
This was initially a huge flop for Anastacia when it was released the previous year, in fact it was only a hit here in Australia when the second single received a remix which made it sound like her debut single from the start of the decade. This was enough to push the album to the upper echelons of our charts, however she clearly felt this was a close call which compelled her to rethink her strategy for her third album.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Paid my dues #39
One day in your life #6
Boom #23
Given how they managed to score one of the biggest hits of the year with the lead single on this album, it makes sense that Jack Black and Kyle Gass managed to achieve sound success with said album even if they largely remain a one hit wonder here in Australia with said single. Naturally, the project would take a back seat to the former's acting career which had taken off by this point in time.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Tribute #4
Wonderboy #48
We have one final album from Korn to feature on my site as they managed to hang in there long enough with this album to qualify for this list, I will say that I'm very shocked these guys didn't last that long into the decade given how they ended the 90's as one of the biggest rock bands worldwide.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Here to stay #12
This was released on the fifth anniversary of Michael Hutchence's death to remind audiences of the back catalogue of his band's work, it's a fairly comprehensive album as it collects every song they released on two discs which explains its success back in the day.
Peak position #8
This is one of many critically acclaimed albums that became a success this decade thanks to promotion on Triple J, although I get the feeling I would've gotten a lot of questions as to where this album was if I didn't include it on this list even if it was a flop given that it came from the Strokes. These guys were the kings of the alternative rock scene this decade with this album being what broke them onto the map.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Last nite #47
This is the only notable success that opera singer Russell Watson had here in Australia, I'm guessing we Aussies weren't interested in his music given how we were more interested in what Andrea Bocelli and Michael Crawford had to offer around this time. He found way more success over in NZ with the rest of his catalogue.
Peak position #10
Diana Krall is a Canadian pianist who had been active for nearly a decade by the time she released her biggest album in her catalogue, even then this album had quite a climb to its success here in Australia likely due to it coming out before Norah Jones made jazz pop easily accessible with her debut album.
Peak position #7
Although she never found much success here in Australia, it appears that we Aussies had enough nostalgia for the back catalogue of Sarah Brightman this year to make this greatest hits album of hers a success this year.
Peak position #13
We have another entry from Andre Bocelli to appear on this site, this time it's with an album that was more of a sleeper hit which suggests that his time in the spotlight was coming to an end when that wouldn't end up being the case.
Peak position #17
I guess we Aussies weren't that invested with the Smashing pumpkins when they decided to go their separate ways at the start of the decade given how this greatest hits package they released signalling the end of their time together was only a modest success here at best.
Peak position #4
This was the last taste of success that Michael Crawford had here in Australia for about a decade until another greatest hits package from him was released, that album proved to be more lucrative here in 2012, suggesting that this album only underperformed due to a lack of nostalgia for his back catalogue.
Peak position #10
I did mention when we looked at Craig's debut album that he was a bit of a one album wonder, for the most part he was as this only makes the cut due to it rebounding on our charts due to the surprise success he had with his collaboration with Sting which was the album's third single. Aside from that, this is basically more of the same from the British RNB singer which naturally turned audiences away.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
What's your flava #10
Hidden agenda #24
Rise and fall #6
World filled with love #32
No doubt's previous album Return of Saturn was a huge commercial failure for the band, mainly because it only spawned one hit for them which meant they were in danger of becoming a one album wonder coming into the 21st century. Indeed, this album was only a success here in Australia due to it spawning three hits for the band as it recharted whenever one of them was released as a single.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Hey baby #7
Hella good #8
Underneath it all #28
It's weird that Nikki not only is referred to a one hit wonder with "Strawberry kisses," but is also considered a "15 minutes of fame" celebrity due to that hit as well as performing at the 2000 Olympics. I bring this up because she actually had three albums back in the day with this being her second that actually did fairly well upon its initial release. Granted the songs weren't as inescapable as her big hit, however they did chart decently well all things considered.
Peak position #16
Hit singles
Something more beautiful #13
24/7 #19
You may have noticed that Barbra Streisand released quite a number of duets over the years, her label certainly did as they decided to release this greatest hits package collecting all of these huge hits she had with other artists that proved to be quite lucrative upon its initial release.
Peak position #13
For whatever reason, this album was a huge flop upon its initial release the previous year only to rebound this year here in Australia, I guess this was due to the album spawning a massive hit for Incubus over in NZ in the form of its second single which was a massive flop down under for the band. This would be the last time they would have any success in either country.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Wish you were here #39
Are you in #38
This was only a success here in Australia due to the lead single becoming one of the biggest hits of the decade here upon its initial release, although it does fit in with some of the nu metal that appears on this list so perhaps there was more of an audience outside of their MJ cover than I initially thought.
Peak position #18
Hit singles
Smooth criminal #1
Movies #29
Well, this is a name I wasn't expecting to see again on this site, Rodney Rude's last successful album was his second album from 1985 which was seventeen years ago at this point, so to see him back with this album was clearly a sign that his comedy has been fondly remembered over the years.
Peak position #17
This is the only notable success that P.O.D (acronym for Playable on death) were able to achieve here in Australia, mainly because this was during the height of nu metal even though this was more of a sleeper hit here thanks to the popularity of its singles unlike their contemporaries such as Linkin park and Limp bizkit. I'm sure if the genre had more of a shelf life, they would've had further success with their later material.
Peak position #19
Hit singles
Alive #18
Youth of the nation #17
Boom #43
This is a bit of a misleading album title as it suggests it's the trio's third album when really it's only their second, although it could be a reference to them indeed being a trio even though that's patently obvious with their band name. Naturally this found an audience thanks to heavy exposure on Triple J, although even then it wouldn't be until their next album that they finally achieved massive success here.
Peak position #24
It turns out Lady Gaga wasn't the first artist to collaborate with Tony Bennet for an entire album as KD Lang takes that honour with this album she released twelve years prior to his work with the younger artist (also this is the best proof I have he was OK with the LGBT community given who he's worked with on both occasions.) This was more of a sleeper hit back in the day, hence its low placement on this list.
Peak position #23
This album only makes the cut due to appearing on ARIA's revised year end list which suggests this could've been a massive hit were it not released so late in the year, it's Leann Rimes pop sellout which spawned her second biggest hit in the form of the lead single but otherwise fizzled out due to it bombing in her native America.
Peak position #21
Hit singles
Life goes on #7
This was the only album from Atomic kitten to find any success here in Australia, mainly because it spawned their biggest hit in the form of its second single which became as such due to interpolating Blondie's signature track from their catalogue. It stuck around for quite some time on the lower half of our charts, hence its qualification for this list.
Peak position #21
Hit singles
It's OK #24
The tide is high #4
This list has entries from both of ARIA's year end list, as such it's the longest list of albums on my site as I feel I'll get comments about the absence of albums if I didn't combine the two lists.
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