This is an album that charted all throughout the decade here in Australia, however it was only this year that it charted long enough to qualify for one of these lists given that this was a rather slow year in music here in Australia. I'm guessing these guys being available on digital media for the first time encouraged fans to buy a physical copy of this album to justify their illegal downloads from earlier in the decade.
Peak position #17
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
By far the most successful show to be performed on theater, we have Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage adaptation of the Gaston Leroux which has been playing nonstop on stage since its premiere in 1986. I'm guessing the soundtrack became a success this year when news broke out that the show would be touring in Australia throughout the 90's, as the last time a soundtrack from Lloyd Webber was a success was with Jesus Christ superstar in 1970.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1989, 1991)
This was the breakthrough album of one of the heaviest bands in the metal scene Metallica, although given how this wasn't as heavy as their earlier work, one would be excused for thinking that this was a sellout album even though it's still much heavier than most of what was coming out at the time. Their true sellout period came later in the decade when they released Load and its sequel Reload, both of which were meant to cash in on the adult contemporary of the 90's.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Enter sandman #10 (AMR #12)
The unforgiven #10 (AMR #9)
Nothing else matter #8 (AMR #8)
Sad but true #48
Wherever I may roam #14 (AMR #14)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992, 1993)
It pains me to say that this guy never had much success here in Australia save for this highly successful greatest hits package he released at the start of the decade. I guess the success of this album allowed us Aussies to rediscover his back catalogue and thus allow his songs to become staples on oldies stations.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1993, 1996)
It had been ten years since Guns n Roses last released new material, although we're using that definition loosely as their most recent material by this point had been their covers album the Spaghetti incident. The fact that this greatest hits package was such a huge success for them even at the time (let alone over the years) should tell you how eager fans were to listen to new material from the band.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
If we were going purely by chart runs, this was the biggest album of the decade in Australia due to how it seemed like this would never leave our charts from its initial release. It was a huge comeback for P!nk following the commercial disappointment of her third album Try this which suggested that her time in the spotlight would come to an end in 2004. That obviously wasn't the case as she's still going strong to this day.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Stupid girls #4
Who knew #2
U + ur hand #5
Nobody knows #27
Leave me alone #5
Dear Mr president #5
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
So, if you're a casual fan of Madonna looking to explore her earlier work in more depth, then I can't give a bigger endorsement for this greatest hits package of hers as it collects most (but not all) of her biggest hits during the first eight years of her career to help you decide if you want to become a bigger fan of hers or not. This was attached to her Blonde ambition tour which was also a huge success around this time.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Justify my love #4 (AMR #4)
Rescue me #15 (AMR #13)
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993)
Surprised to see this album so low on the list? I should point out that I'm only ranking these albums based on their original chart runs and while this was a huge success upon its initial release, it wasn't as inescapable as its reputation would have you believe. That said, this album is responsible for why many artists from the 70's and 80's struggled to retain their popularity as the decade went on due to how it revolutionised the rock scene.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Smells like teen spirit #5 (AMR #5)
Come as you are #25
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992, 1995)
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)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
This was the first signs of the Abba reevaluation that people gave them throughout the decade, indeed the band would become a well-respected legacy act following the initial success of this greatest hits package back in the day. This was one of many albums to find success multiple times this decade as it recharted two years later due to the success of Muriel's wedding and again when the Mamma Mia musical launched.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Dancing queen (re release) #37
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1999)
While this wasn't her debut album, this was the album which not only launched the career for Enya but also the popularity of new age music as the genre would go on to be a massive success throughout the 90's. This is the only album from her to spawn a huge worldwide hit in the form of its lead single, which no doubt helped other bands and artists like Enigma and Deep Forest find massive success.
Peak position #5
Peak position #8 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Orinoco flow #6 (ARIA #6)
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1993)
This had a bit of a climb to its popularity given how Michael Bublé was an unknown crooner prior to its success despite it being his third album in his catalogue, indeed it only became a success here in Australia thanks to the success of its single "Sway" which became popular on the radio when it was released as a single.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Sway #15
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004, 2005)
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
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003, 2004)
Although these guys achieved some buzz earlier in the decade, this was the album which broke them into a wider audience which is funny because the name of the album is an obvious reference to Countdown which due to technical errors during a scheduled performance they had on the show, resulted in the band's infamous hatred of the program. It could also be they felt their appearance on the show would compromise their politically charged lyrics they often used in their music.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
US forces #20
Power and the passion #8
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984, 1985)
This is the first of a small number of albums to come from the French pianist Richard Clayderman, he was quite popular here throughout the decade due to the rise in popularity of classical music, although he nowhere near as big as he was throughout the rest of the world.
Peak position #12
(POPULAR IN 1981)
Well Nirvana was able to find massive success with their earlier entry on this list, so why not allow Pearl jam to rise to the ranks of rock gods with their debut album? It may surprise you to learn that while this was a success upon its initial release, it took several attempts for it to reach the same level of success that Nevermind and even their later albums achieved, likely due to it being a bit ahead of its time.
Peak position #14
Peak position #15 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Alive #9 (AMR #8)
Even flow #22 (AMR #20)
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1995)
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)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999, 2000)
Even though this live album was released in 1972 and thus would've otherwise failed to appear on this site as I'm not going that far back in my retrospectives, it was nonetheless popular enough during the midpoint of the decade to qualify for these lists due to its refusal to die on our charts for many years. In fact, this album frequently recharts due to how ubiquitous it's become in Neil Diamond's catalogue throughout the years.
Peak position #1x29
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975, 1976)
This was originally released at the start of the decade to minimal success, I'm guessing because we Aussies need a better incentive to make an album successful than having a greatest hits package from a long dormant band that claims to remaster their greatest hits. That incentive came three years later when it was released on CD at a time where everything was getting transferred from vinyl to CD.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1993, 1997, 1998)
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
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
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999, 2000)
This had a very slow rise to its success throughout the world, I'm guessing because these guys were on a tiny indie label and as such weren't able to find much success with their brand of alternative rock on most stations. Fortunately, in Australia, Triple J came to the rescue and heavily promoted this album on the station which resulted in it becoming a massive success for them here.
Peak position #1x7
Peak position #1x7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Lightning crashes #13 (AMR #15)
Selling the drama #49
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996, 1997)
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
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003, 2004)
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
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
Yikes that is some horrifying album art, no wonder this sat on the shelves for over a year without anyone noticing it because who would want to buy an album with this cover art? Fortunately, the band issued a new cover for the album which allowed it to finally attract attention around the world, this allowed them to find huge success and join the ranks of Bon Jovi and Def Leppard as the kings of hair metal.
Peak position #7
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Sweet child o mine #10 (ARIA #11)
Welcome to the jungle #37
Paradise city #40
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989, 1993)
Nowadays Moby is best known for that infamous diss that Eminem made towards him on "Without me," however back in the day, he was by far the most successful DJ to make it big worldwide with his breakthrough album from the end of the 90's. It took a while for this to take off for him, however he eventually found his audience by having most of the singles find their way into commercials.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Why does my heart feel so bad #33
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
Well this saw the band go in a different direction to what they were used to, admittedly even the greatest bands have to change their sound or else risk alienating fans in favour of more experimental acts. This paid off in a big way for Mark and company as the album was their most successful at the time of release, in fact it's second only to Brothers in arms as their most successful in their career.
Peak position #1x15
Hit singles
Private investigations #21
(POPULAR IN 1982, 1983)
Following the success of his (then) latest album Sleeping with the past, Elton John decided to do a recap of his career just like he did a decade prior. By that I mean the exact same way as this album shares its title with his previous greatest hits package, although thankfully both albums have very different artwork to ensure that casual fans looking to get into his music won't confuse the two with each other.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You gotta love somebody #32
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
This was the only album that Jeff Buckley managed to release in his lifetime, it was an alternative rock album that was heavily promoted on Triple J as they were in love with the rock scene throughout the 90's and even to this day. Unfortunately, Jeff would drown two years after this album came out, although the silver lining is that this became a success for him again that year.
Peak position #8
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Eternal life #44
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1997, 1998)
This was the second greatest hits album that Cold chisel released following their breakup from seven years prior to its release, I never understood why labels would release greatest hits albums from bands and artist who haven't released any new material since their previous greatest hits album. I guess this was a success so here we are talking about it.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
This is the debut album from one of the most divisive artists to make it big so far in the 21st century, it's largely due to people finding it to be one of the wimpiest albums of all time due to its lead single despite coming from a man who has served his country in the army and achieved a high ranking in said army. For what it's worth, he does have a dedicated fanbase to this day, meaning people genuinely love his music.
Peak position #1x12
Hit singles
You're beautiful #2
Goodbye my lover #3
Wisemen #11
High #42
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006, 2007)
There were no signs of Michael Bublé slowing down in the music industry given how his earlier entry had made him a household name worldwide, indeed this follow up was an immediate success for the Canadian crooner and even allowed said entry to extend its time on the charts given how newer fans were encouraged to check it out when this was released.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Home #35
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2008)
There were no signs of Robbie Williams slowing down in the music scene, so it made sense that he would release a greatest hits package during the height of his popularity which became a massive success for him during the midpoint of the decade. His popularity did begin to dwindle following this album's release; however, it wouldn't fade away until the end of the decade.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Radio #12
Misunderstood #39
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005, 2006)
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
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998, 1999)
This is often considered to be the magnum opus from Enya's discography, although it wasn't her most successful album as that honour goes to her next album she released later in the decade. This confirmed the new age trend to be legitimate as there were a ton of albums in this vein to make it big throughout the 90's.
Peak position #8
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
How can I keep from singing #47
(POPULAR IN 1992)
Before there was Avril Lavigne, there was Alanis Morrissette and she made quite a name for herself initially in the teen pop market in her native Canada before she did a 180 on her career and released this deeply personal album about her heartbreak she had from a relationship. This in turn has led to many jokes (most notably on How I met your mother) to how a teen idol managed to evolve into a voice of a generation.
Peak position #1x10
Peak position #1x9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You oughta know #4 (AMR #5)
Hand in my pocket #13 (AMR #15)
Ironic #3 (AMR #3)
You learn #20 (AMR #14)
Head over feet #12 (AMR #12)
All I really want #40
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996, 1997)
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)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
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
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003, 2009)
It took a while for this debut album from the Killers to make it big here in Australia as was the case throughout the rest of the world, however once it did crossover, it proved to be inescapable thanks to how anthemic each of the tracks remain to this day as well as the band being critically acclaimed even compared to all of the other alternative rock that was coming out during the midpoint of the decade.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Somebody told me #17
Mr brightside #29
Smile like you mean it #47
All these things that I've done #42
(POPULAR IN 2005)
This was a huge success here in Australia upon its initial release, however its true success here wouldn't come until the end of the decade following the tragic death of MJ where people used it as a convenient way of rediscovering his back catalogue to honour his legacy.
Peak position #12
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2009)
I'm not sure if it was in good taste to release this live album mere months after the death of Kurt Cobain, then again, it's not like the other two members of the band ever objected to this albums existence so maybe it was a heartfelt tribute to his legacy. Like the other MTV unplugged albums, I've featured so far, its success comes from how honest and raw the performance was on the show from the band in question.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
About a girl #4 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
Well Lenny Kravitz was saying around this time that he would be the modern-day equivalent of Jimi Hendrix, that would explain the success of this greatest hits album from the genuine article given how Lenny's popularity was exploding this year.
Peak position #7
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
This was an album that took its sweet time in finding an international audience back in the day, I'm guessing this was due to having a rocky album cycle where the best songs on the album weren't released as singles until late into its existence. Whitney was an undeniable talent, although one criticism levied against her is that she often squandered her impressive vocals on mediocre ballads. I don't agree for the most part, but I can see why people felt that way.
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
Saving all my love for you #20
How will I know #2
Greatest love of all #1
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986, 1987)
This was the biggest album of the decade in Australia, mainly due to how inescapable the singles were as well as the heartwarming tale about how it came to be. John's manager Glenn Wheatly had to mortgage his house in order to get this off the ground given how sceptical the mainstream was in hearing this former teen idol mature into adult contemporary. The name of the album itself is a reference to him being introduced as Jack instead of John.
Peak position #1x25
Hit singles
You're the voice #1
Pressure down #4
A touch of paradise #24
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987, 1988)
This was originally just meant to be a greatest hits package for MJ; however, it was delayed by several months when he realised he wrote and entire albums worth of new songs which resulted in this being a hybrid of a studio album and a greatest hits album. I should also point out that it had an aggressive marketing campaign involving the erection of several statues that the cover art depicts.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Scream #2 (AMR #2)
You are not alone #7 (AMR #5)
Earth song #15 (AMR #11)
They don't care about us #16 (AMR #18)
Stranger in Moscow #14 (AMR #17)
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996, 1997)
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
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
One of the most quintessential films to come out of the decade was Pulp fiction, and while I can't say that the film is a masterpiece myself (I never cared for Bruce Willis's segment) I will say that it is a fantastic film thanks to the performances from John Travolta and Samuel L Jackson. The soundtrack was also a huge success likely due to all of the 60's classics that appear throughout the film.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Girl you'll be a woman soon #24 (AMR #15)
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
It took a while for this debut album from Pete Murray to become a success here, mainly because the lead single didn't have much success on the singles chart despite Triple J heavily promoting it and the album upon its initial release. The album finally took off when the third single became a surprise hit for him on the radio and eventually through sales, thus getting the album to become one of the biggest of the decade.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
So beautiful #9
Please #33
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004, 2005)
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)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
Cat Stevens hadn't had any success since the release of his previous greatest hits album in 1982, although I guess this was the first album of his to be released on CD which perhaps makes its success this decade more of us going digital (that's how the transition of vinyl to CD was referred to back in the day) rather than there being a recent uprise in appreciation of this man's music.
Peak position #6
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1995)
Although their previous album was a huge success here in Australia and in certain parts of the world, people were certain that the RCHP moment was over due to it failing to produce a hit single for them. Fortunately, now that John Frusciante had rejoined the band by this point, their next album was a huge success for them both by spawning hit singles and by having high album sales like their breakthrough.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Scar tissue #15 (AMR #15)
Around the world #49
Otherside #31
Califonication #44
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000, 2001)
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
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
Following the moderate success of his first solo album, Lionel Richie released this album which he admitted was what he really wanted to launch his solo career with but decided to release his first album with safer material to ensure his fans would be on board with his new direction in music. It paid off as regardless of your thoughts about his music, the tracks on here have been remembered since its initial release.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
All night long #1
Running with the night #24
Hello #1
Stuck on you #24
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
While it was among the most successful albums of its day internationally, MJ's previous album Bad didn't quite live up to its hype in Australia despite it arguably being better than Thriller on an artistic level. I guess the takeaway he got from it was that the videos weren't as flashy, because the videos to this album are some of the highest budgets to ever come out of a music artist.
Peak position #1x6
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Black or white #1 (AMR #1)
Remember the time #6 (AMR #3)
In the closet #5 (AMR #6)
Jam #11 (AMR #9)
Who is it #34
Heal the world #20 (AMR #19)
Give in to me #4 (AMR #4)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992, 1993)
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
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999, 2000)
Although he had a hit in the 90's with "My name is," I don't think anyone would've predicted the overwhelming success that Eminem would go on to have this decade which began with this album that brought him to a wider audience thanks to it being slightly more commercially accessible than his earlier work. The album was a success twice here in Australia, once upon its initial release and again with the success of "Stan."
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
The real slim shady #11
The way I am #34
Stan #1
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
She entered the decade with a bestselling soundtrack, so what better way to leave the decade with another soundtrack to book end her achievements? Here we have the soundtrack to Beaches that also serves as a studio album for Bette Midler due to her character being a struggling singer in the film. Speaking of the film, this is a movie people will either love or hate, specifically due to the twist that never fails to induce crying from the audience.
Peak position #1x7
Peak position #1x4 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Wind beneath my wings #1 (ARIA #1)
Under the boardwalk #27
(POPULAR IN 1989)
They may not have had that inescapable hit single (at least when it comes to legal physical sales, trust me these guys were inescapable on the radio back in the day) however that didn't prevent Jet from becoming the biggest Australian band of the decade with their debut album, and all before Apple ever discovered their music and decided to use their singles in their ads for their products.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Are you gonna be my girl #20
Rollover DJ #31
Look what you've done #14
Cold hard bitch #33
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004, 2005)
This is the album which broke so many records upon its initial (international) release, having it and the signature track "Down under" top the Billboard and UK singles and album charts simultaneously. The album was of course a massive success here in Australia thanks to how huge the singles were as well as how quirky the band was, they were no Midnight oil, but they certainly had their place in our hearts.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Who can it be now #2
Down under #1
Be good Johnny #8
(POPULAR IN 1981, 1982, 1983)
This was an instant success for Coldplay given how they had confirmed themselves as the real deal with their second album from earlier in the decade, there's not really much I can say about this album as it continued their critical acclaim without doing much to change their sound from their earlier material.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Speed of sound #9
Fix you #25
Talk #20
The hardest part #40
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
As far as the world is concerned, this is the biggest album of the decade due to how inescapable it was particularly in MJ's native America, although in Australia both John Farnham and Dire straits did outperform this album which only makes it the third biggest of the decade here. Was there any chance this album was going to fail given what's on here? Many credit it for breaking down racial barriers in the music industry that were unfortunately prevalent up until its release.
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
The girl is mine #4
Billie jean #1
Wanna be starting something #25
Beat it #2
Thriller #4
PYT #40
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
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
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001, 2002)
This is an album that really took its sweet time finding an audience here in Australia, not even the success it had in America the previous year was incentive enough for this to crossover it seems. I don't even know what eventually won us over with this album, it was originally released two years prior to deafening silence despite being the type of hair metal that Bon Jovi was thriving on that year.
Peak position #4
Peak position #1x3 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Animal #46
Love bites #25
Armageddon it #41
Rocket #16 (ARIA #15)
Pour some sugar on me #30
(POPULAR IN 1989)
Their debut album was a massive commercial flop for them, so to see this album succeed as well as it did must have been a huge shock for Smashing pumpkins given how they were infamously known for not being able to handle their success very well. This album led to them becoming more ambitious with their subsequent material which translated to even more success that they weren't prepared for.
Peak position #7
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Disarm #16 (AMR #14)
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1996)
These guys had made two albums that achieved no success by the time they released their third album which became a huge success in Australia thanks to it catching the attention of Triple J upon its initial release. I'm guessing the initial appeal of the album was people relating to the loser persona the band adopted for this album, perhaps in response to how much of a failure they felt they were in the mainstream.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Come out and play #8 (AMR #8)
Self esteem #6 (AMR #4)
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
Here we are with what many consider to be one of the worst albums of the decade by what the internet considers to be the worst band of the decade, I personally think both get too much hate as there's far worse entries in both categories to choose from even if this is far from the best that rock has to offer (in my opinion.) It's a perfectly harmless post grunge album that even to this day still has its fans.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Photograph #3
Far away #2
Saving me #18
Animals #27
If everyone cared #32
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006, 2007)
This was released the previous year to massive success, needless to say that success went well into this year which allowed it to qualify for this bonus list of mine. Suffice to say, this was the album which not only put Pink Floyd on the map, but also their magnum opus in their catalogue due to how instantly recognisable the songs are even if none of them charted here in Australia or NZ.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 1974)
Following the disappointment from their previous album Comminique, Dire straits decided to slightly alter their sound from their earlier work which seemed to be a wise move for them as this became just as big as their debut did at the end of the previous decade. They did experiment with their sound on their next album to much better results.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 1981)
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
(POPULAR IN 2000)
These guys did have minor success earlier in the decade when they were a trio devoid of Fergie, however their fortunes changed once they added their sole female member to the group permanently (or at least it was permanent for nearly a decade) where they started having massive hits worldwide. Of course, the album that spawned these massive hits was also a huge success, although not immediately like their follow ups.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Where is the love #1
Shut up #1
Hey mama #4
Let's get it started #2
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
For whatever reason, the soundtrack to this cult classic was a modest success in Australia this year. Apparently, it took a while for it to become a box office success in America which likely means this was also the case here in Australia back in the day.
Peak position #22
(POPULAR IN 1977)
This was originally released to mere moderate success for Celine Dion despite it spawning her version of the chart topper "The power of love," however the album gained a second wind a year after its release when Celine embarked on a highly successful world tour as well as the surprise success of "Think twice" over in the UK. This allowed her to join the elite ranks of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston as a top-notch diva of the 90's.
Peak position #1x8
Peak position #1x5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The power of love #1 (AMR #1)
Think twice #2 (AMR #1)
Only one road #23
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995, 1996)
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)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
It's a bit surprising that Keith urban didn't achieve that much success here in Australia back in the day, in fact it wouldn't be until the 2010's where he would finally start to see the level of success here that you would've expected him to have from the very beginning of his career given how much international popularity he's achieved over the years.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
You're my better half #34
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
With the rise in popularity of Celtic music in the mainstream, it was only a matter of time before artists began incorporating traditional Irish music into their sound. Enter one of the more respectful artists to do so, this family act who saw massive success with their debut album albeit only in Australia initially. I'm guessing because only we Aussies could appreciate their blend of adult contemporary with Celtic music.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Runaway #10 (AMR #11)
Forgiven not forgotten #15 (AMR #11)
Love to love you #25
The right time #44
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
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
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003)
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
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
There was a rivalry between Missy Higgins and Delta Goodrem throughout the decade, ultimately Delta won out thanks to have a stronger fanbase (and arguably due to her hate dom as well) however Missy had the slightly bigger debut album of the two women with this entry thanks to endorsements from Triple J as well as her folk pop connecting slightly better to audiences at the time of its release.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Scar #1
Ten days #12
The special two #2
The sound of white #22
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005, 2006)
There was no stopping RHCP throughout the 00's, so much so that their greatest hits album proved to be a massive success for the band upon its initial release given that it was sandwiched between their only two albums from the decade which were both nonetheless massive hits for the band.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Fortune faded #16
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
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
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
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
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
This was originally released in 1973 to deafening silence for John Denver, presumably because no one really cared about his music upon its initial release. Due the success of his breakthrough album Back home again, the album was given a second chance to shine in the spotlight as fans felt it was a convenient way to check out his back catalogue prior to him becoming famous.
Peak position #4
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
So, the Use your illusions era, it's referred to the time where Guns n Roses put out two long albums simultaneously and saw massive success with both of them both as albums and with the singles they released. The second volume proved to be more popular than the first likely due to having the bigger singles on the charts, although volume one did contain the Illusions trilogy which made them iconic.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You could be mine #3 (AMR #2)
Knocking on heaven's door #12 (AMR #14)
Yesterdays #14 (AMR #18)
Estranged #40
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992, 1993)
While the band had begun to lose their popularity in the mainstream, it was clear that fans hadn't forgotten about their back catalogue and merely wanted them to return to their grunge roots as evidence by the success of this greatest hits package of theirs. They of course wouldn't return to their roots as they have yet to release another grunge album as of this writing.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
This was another easy hit for Michael Bublé in Australia back in the day, in fact the album even came back a year after its initial release given how it was released around Mother's Day which people quickly picked up on his biggest fanbase around the world. Naturally the mothers of the world appreciated it when their children gave them a copy of this album as a thank you for being their parent.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Everything #19
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
To think this had such a long rise to the peak of its success in most parts of the world, despite it spawning several hit singles, it wasn't until Cyndi embarked on her world tour that this became a best seller for her much like how Celine Dion's breakthrough album the Colour of my love did just that a decade later. As for the album itself, it's no wonder it's remained a classic given how iconic the songs remain to this day.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Girls just want to have fun #1
Time after time #6
She bop #6
All through the night #17
Money changes everything #19
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
It took them five albums to find a mainstream audience, heck it looked like this album was going to fail as well given how much of a failure its lead single was for the band. Fortunately for them, the second single proved to be one of the biggest hits of the early 90's which allowed the album to find massive worldwide success for them. This of course led to a bunch of band fights resulting in the temporary departure of John Frusciante.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Give it away #41
Under the bridge #1 (AMR #1)
Suck my kiss #8 (AMR #5)
Breaking the girl #30
(POPULAR IN 1992)
This is where it all began for Chris Martin and company, and like most debut albums, it had a bit of a climb to its success here in Australia due to the failure of its lead single. The second single was what got it off the ground worldwide which allowed it to become the success that it was, although the best was still yet to come for the band as their subsequent follow-ups did much better throughout the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Yellow #5
(POPULAR IN 2001)
This was a decent success here in Australia upon its initial release for MJ, although I should point out that its title is a lie regardless of where in the world you're from given how many of these songs failed to reach number one anywhere in the world. Naturally it became a bigger success later in the decade following the tragic death of MJ.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004, 2009)
This had a very slow rise to its success here in Australia, perhaps due to audiences feeling that this was too similar to Neil Finn's previous band Split enz upon its initial release. Fortunately, this was given new life a year after its initial release when "Don't dream it's over" became a surprise success over in America which in turn fueled the success of this album internationally as well as here and in NZ.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Mean to me #26
Don't dream it's over #8
World where you live #43
Something so strong #18
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
P!nk was on a roll with her fifth album as it retained the popularity of her fourth album right to the end of the decade worldwide as well as being a massive worldwide success in its own right. It's also a project that saved her marriage despite it being a breakup album given the problems her and her husband was going through during its production, however they patched things up prior to its release.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
So what #1
Sober #6
Please don't leave me #11
Bad influence #6
Funhouse #6
I don't believe you #23
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
This was the album that made INXS a household name in Australia, although admittedly they wouldn't start seeing major international success until their next album but in the meantime, there was definitely a lot of international interest in the band as the band expanded their appeal outside of their fellow Aussies. It definitely helped them become the biggest Australian band of the decade worldwide.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Original sin #1
I send a message #3
Burn for you #3
Dancing on the jetty #39
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
This was the magnum opus for U2, not only does it remain their most successful album in their catalogue, but it also took home the prize for album of the year at the Grammys despite facing some stiff competition with the other nominees. It's by far their most iconic work as many of their greatest songs appear on this album, although admittedly their other albums do stand the test of time as well.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
With or without you #9
I still haven't found what I'm looking for #17
Where the streets have no name #27
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
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
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
It goes to show that rock music was still inescapable in the mainstream even when the decade was coming to an end, it's a pity its popularity would all but disappear going into the 2010's given how the club boom took over all aspects of the mainstream that decade. Here we have one of the last rock albums to be inescapable which came from Kings of Leon thanks to their anthemic tracks on the album.
Peak position #1x14
Hit singles
Sex on fire #1
Use somebody #2
Revelry #21
Manhattan #38
Notion #46
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
This likely wouldn't have been a success in Australia had it not allowed Christopher Cross to sweep the Grammys, after all having him win the big five at the award ceremony at a time where it was seen as the most prestigious awards for music did give it a huge endorsement. Fortunately, the album was well received and even spawned a bunch of radio hits that permeate on oldies stations to this day for the soft rocker.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Ride like the wind #25
Sailing #46
Never be the same #42
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
This would be an album that would see massive success this decade in multiple droves, the first was from this year when it along with many other albums was released on CD for the first time. The more prominent way this got popular was when its sequel was finally released later in the decade.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1993)
Although Jack Johnson had moderate success here in Australia with his debut album Brushfire fairytales, it was his second album that made him a massive success here thanks to how laid back the album is compared to many of the other entries on this list. It led to his eventual backlash where his haters dubbed him the pioneer of the term "white guy with an acoustic guitar."
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Taylor #27
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
While this wasn't her debut album (that honour goes to her self-titled from 2006) this was the album which made Taylor Swift into an international superstar thanks to its theme of her being a Disney princess which connected with the teenage girls of the world back when no one had an issue with the Disney princess brand. It led to her becoming the biggest pop star in the world the following decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Love story #1
White horse #41
You belong with me #5
Fifteen #48
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This will be the earliest entry from Wings I'll be featuring on this site, although rest assured, they would've dominated the rest of these lists had I covered the first half of the decade given how each of their albums were highly successful here in Australia. This came at the expense of the singles doing well here as they weren't as popular on our singles chart as they were with their album sales.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Mrs vanderbilt #41
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
This was the first volume of the Guns n Roses Use your illusions era, it wasn't as successful as their earlier entry despite it having the songs that would make up the Illusions trilogy which showcased a storyline that was paired with high budget music videos for the singles on the album. Even though it wasn't quite as successful as their earlier entry, it was still one of the biggest albums of the decade.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Don't cry #5 (AMR #7)
Live and let die #10 (AMR #13)
November rain #5 (AMR #4)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992, 1993)
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