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 released on the tenth anniversary of the album; it does remain the BIGGEST album of all time in Australia (albums from Spotify streaming not withstanding) so naturally its success was warranted this year.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 1982)
This somewhat jumped the gun when it came to being an anniversary release of the album, mainly because it came out on the nineteenth anniversary rather than the more standard twentieth anniversary. Even so, the fact this finally saw a release on CD was what helped it find success this decade as was the case for many older albums throughout the 90's.
Peak position #19
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
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)
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)
It's often regarded as one of the best albums of all time (no arguments here) however its status as the biggest album of its day didn't come until much later when it was rereleased in the 90's to cash in off the success of Meat loaf's reunion with Jim Steinman for the long-awaited sequel to this album. People were a bit more divided on that album due to when it came out, however there's very few that will say this is anything short of a masterpiece.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
You took the words right out of my mouth #3
Bat out of hell #26
Two out of three ain't bad #11
(POPULAR IN 1978)
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)
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)
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 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 2006)
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)
This was the third time that this greatest hits package became a success in Australia this decade, this time it was due to the success of the premiere of the Mamma Mia show on Broadway which completed the redemption arc of Abba's back catalogue and made it cool to like them again.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 1999)
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)
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 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)
Well regardless of how you feel about this theatrical adaptation of the Broadway show set in the 50's (I personally love it) there's no denying that the soundtrack left a mark on audiences back in the day as it was by far the most successful to emerge from the 70's and arguably of all time. This is due to how much chemistry the two leads have both in the film and with the songs, regardless of John's deficiencies as a vocalist.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
You're the one that I want #1
Grease #2
Hopelessly devoted to you #2
Summer nights #6
Greased lightning #40
(POPULAR IN 1978, 1979)
Due to the success of a mashup which combines three of the best tracks from the film, the soundtrack to this cult classic managed to become a success all over again at the start of the decade several years prior to it becoming a hit once more to commemorate the films 20th anniversary.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Grease megamix #1 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
This was the third time that this soundtrack became a success here in Australia, this time it was due to it being the twentieth anniversary of the film and it being rereleased to cinemas this year to massive success.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
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)
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)
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)
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)
I'll get into more details on this album when I talk about it when it peaked in popularity here in Australia, suffice to say that it was merely a decent success here upon its initial release thanks to the success of the show it was soundtracking even if it didn't reach its peak success until the show in question made its way down under later in the decade.
Peak position #26
(POPULAR IN 1987)
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 1989, 1991)
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)
This was released on the twentieth anniversary of the album, meaning this was a hit all over again due to people rediscovering it on its birthday this year. Admittedly it could also be due to it being available on CD for the first time which was a reason why a lot of albums from the 70's were making it big again in the 90's.
Peak position #11
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
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)
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 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)
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)
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)
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)
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 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
This was the second biggest album of the decade in Australia, it's easy to see how this connected with so many people back in the day as it's the perfect blend of the bands core sound mixed in with more contemporary sounds of the day. The big hit single did cause some controversy due to perceived homophobia, although aside from that it remains a classic to this day.
Peak position #1x34
Hit singles
So far away #22
Money for nothing #4
Walk of life #11
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
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)
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)
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)
It's crazy that this album managed to see a resurgence this year as it would've made more sense if this happened the previous year when both entries from Guns n roses were at their worldwide peak. I guess it received a release on CD this year which would explain why it rebounded on the charts when it did.
Peak position #12
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
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)
With all of the new age music becoming popular this decade, I guess audiences wanted a reminder of the album which started it all in the late 80's as this for some reason became a success all over again this year for Enya.
Peak position #21
Peak position #20 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
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)
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
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002, 2003)
It took him a while to follow-up his solo debut, however once JT dropped his second album, it had confirmed him as the superstar of the decade given how inescapable the singles were as well as all of the critical acclaim it received. Whereas there was only a four-year gap between his debut and sophomore album, fans would have to wait for seven years before he released album number three.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Sexyback #1
My love #3
What goes around comes around #3
Lovestoned #11
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007, 2008)
Even though she was always one of the most gifted vocalists of all time (even outside of Australia) Tina's first album from the start of the decade was a huge failure save for its lead single "I need your body" largely due to it being dismissed as a Paula Abdul rip-off album (which I thoroughly disagree with.) Here she took that criticism to heart by releasing an album more in line with RNB which was a huge success for her both locally and internationally.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Chains #4 (AMR #4)
Sorrento moon #7 (AMR #7)
Heaven help my heart #22
Wasn't it good #11 (AMR #16)
That's the way a woman feels #31
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
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)
Bruce had always had massive success with his album; however, it was this magnum opus that truly made him a household name given how many hits it spawned on Billboard back in the day. Unfortunately, none of his other albums achieved this level of success throughout his career, although given how iconic this remains in the realms of heartland rock, I doubt even he minds much.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
Dancing in the dark #5
Cover me #17
Born in the USA #2
I'm on fire #12
Glory days #29
I'm going down #41
My hometown #47
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
Following the massive success of her previous album, Celine Dion decided to spice things up with this album by expanding on her subject material which resulted in easily her most successful album in her career. It did receive some backlash due to it winning album of the year at the Grammys over the likes of Smashing pumpkins and the Fugees, however people have since come around for her and realised how talented she is.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Falling into you #12 (AMR #18)
Because you loved me #1 (AMR #1)
It's all coming back to me now #8 (AMR #6)
All by myself #38
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
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 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
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003, 2004)
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)
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)
Although she found success with her albums prior to this release, it wasn't until this album from her alter ego Sasha fierce that Beyonce's albums became a household name for her worldwide (I don't want to look over the popular albums of the 2010's, trust me, you don't want me to.) The album has been widely criticised for being misandrist, obviously it was her way of responding to albums from the likes of Eminem and 50 cent with reverse sexism.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
If I were a boy #3
Single ladies #5
Halo #3
Diva #40
Sweet dreams #2
Broken hearted girl #14
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
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)
Were it not for a live album from Neil Diamond from earlier in the decade, this would've been the most successful album of the 70's in Australia, I'm glad it is as even to this day the album continues to receive a ton of love from the music community thanks to how iconic the songs remain. To think that this was an album built around the behind-the-scenes drama that the band was going through at the time.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
Go your own way #20
Dreams #19
Don't stop #30
(POPULAR IN 1977, 1978)
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)
Britpop was at the height of its popularity by the late 90's, so much so that there was little chance that this third album from the Verve was going to fail here even though the mediocre reception to Oasis's third album was beginning to poison the wells of the genre. Even though this was a massive success for the band, it would prove to be their last album for a decade due to legal disputes involving the lead single and its sample of a Rolling stones track.
Peak position #9
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Bitter sweet symphony #11 (AMR #9)
The drugs don't work #22
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998, 1999)
This had a bit of a slow rise to its popularity here in Australia, likely because this is the type of album that screams guilty pleasure thanks to how tastelessly provocative the tracks are (for the most part) that attracted fans who would appreciate this. It's definitely an album that filled a niche when it came to smutty music from pop divas, hence why it doesn't have much of a fanbase anymore.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Don't cha #1
Stickwitu #2
Beep #3
Buttons #2
I don't need a man #6
Wait a minute #16
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
This is the second and final album to come from Savage Garden, it was equally as successful here in Australia as their debut was even if it wasn't as successful internationally for the duo. Still the fact it was a massive worldwide success does leave you wondering why they went their separate ways once their world tour for the album came to an end, they've been vague about it but essentially it was to allow Darren to have a solo career.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
The animal song #3 (AMR #4)
I knew I loved you #4 (AMR #3)
Affirmation #16 (AMR #12)
Crash and burn #16 (AMR #15)
Chained to you #21 (AMR #18)
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000, 2001)
This was a massive hit for Wolfmother who was a throwback band to the rock of the 70's which made them a household name on Triple J leading up to the release of their debut album. The songs saw a lot of airplay whenever they were released as singles, however it was only when "Joker and the thief" became a huge hit on the digital charts that the album finally became a mainstream success for them.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Mind's eye #29
White unicorn #33
Woman #34
Joker and the thief #8
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006, 2007)
It looked like these guys would've had their success confided to the 90's given how their album from the start of the decade was such a commercial failure (despite the singles permeating on radio to this day) that it seemed no one was interested in them going into the 21st century. Of course, that changed when they got political with their second album of the decade which was highly critical of the American government.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
American idiot #7
Boulevard of broken dreams #5
Holiday #24
Wake me up when September ends #13
Jesus of suburbia #24
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005, 2006)
Like many popular artists of the day, Billy Joel was in danger of becoming typecast as the type of music our mothers would want to listen to (thankfully this is an opinion very few have nowadays) as such we have his foray towards 50's rockabilly on this album which proved to be a wise move for him as it remains his most successful throughout his entire career. We even get elements of doo wop done in a very respectful manner towards those who created the genre.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Tell her about it #9
Uptown girl #1
An innocent man #23
The longest time #15
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984, 1985)
This was the sophomore album from Amy Winehouse, it also unfortunately remains her final album as she would tragically pass away in 2011 due to her long battle with substance abuse due to her not handling fame very well. At least this album was appreciated during her lifetime even if it only saw its true popularity here when it won a bunch of Grammys during the early months of 2008.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Rehab #27
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
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)
This was the debut album from Maroon 5, an album that sat on shelves largely ignored for two years before finally becoming a massive success once the second single took off worldwide. As you can tell from the title, this is an album dedicated to a woman in Adam Levine's life and all of the emotions she made him feel during its production, I wonder if their subsequent material is also about this Jane in question.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Harder to breathe #37
This love #8
She will be loved #1
Sunday morning #27
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
This was a massive success upon its initial release here in Australia, however its true popularity came with the deluxe edition which came out a year after its release and included some of the most iconic songs in her catalogue which added to already iconic classics the main album had. It remains her biggest album in her career, although some of her 2010's output do put up a decent challenge to that claim.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Umbrella #1
Shut up and drive #4
Hate that I love you #14
Don't stop the music #1
Take a bow #3 (deluxe edition)
Disturbia #6 (deluxe edition)
Rehab #26
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
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)
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)
Who'd thought that an appearance on the Daredevil soundtrack would be all it took for this second album to be one of the most successful of all time? Granted it could also be due to it being close enough to nu metal to be welcomed by fans of that sub-genre given how it was still one of the most popular genres of the moment when it came out, although those fans would jump shift once the band released their second album.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Bring me to life #1
Going under #14
My immortal #4
Everybody's fool #23
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
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 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)
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)
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)
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
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002, 2003)
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)
This was the first of only two albums to have Natalie Bassingthwaighte on lead vocals from the Rogue traders, the band had previously released an album prior to this which only had the three male members of the group and was only a minor success at best. Indeed, the success of this album was likely due to Natalie's time on Neighbours which was how many Australian pop divas made it big in our music scene.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Voodoo child #4
Way to go #7
Watching you #5
We're coming home #14
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
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)
Following the success of her debut album, Kelly Clarkson decided to write more personal ballads on her sophomore which had it have a slow start to its success given how audiences weren't ready to have the reality show star becoming the likes of P!nk and Avril Lavigne with this album. Eventually they were won over which allowed this second album to be a massive success for her worldwide.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Breakaway #10
Since u been gone #3
Behind these hazel eyes #6
Because of you #4
Walk away #27
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
One of the most well-respected albums of the decade, partially due to how many iconic tracks are on this double album but also due to how well loved the Smashing pumpkins remain to this day (side note, this is a silly name for a band to call themselves.) Sadly, this album took its toll on the band as one of their touring members died of a drug overdose during its production which messed them up.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Bullet with butterfly wings #33
1979 #16 (AMR #10)
Tonight tonight #21 (AMR #20)
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996, 1997)
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)
Although her earlier albums were plenty successful throughout the world, this was the album which made Mariah Carey into a superstar given its blend of diva pop from her earlier work and RNB which had taken over the mainstream by the time this was released. She's had plenty of success since this album's release, although nowhere near the level of success she accomplished here.
Peak position #1x18
Peak position #1x16 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Dreamlover #7 (AMR #7)
Hero #7 (AMR #5)
Without you #3 (AMR #3)
Anytime you need a friend #12 (AMR #10)
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994, 1995)
Although these guys already had moderate success earlier in the decade, this was the album which finally made them into a household name thanks to them living up to their band name with the sound of this album. Indeed, Jeff Lynne and company hired an actual orchestra to create the sound they were going for on this album, which resulted in audiences who were into the rock opera of the day flocking to their album.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Living thing #2
Rockaria #10
Telephone line #10
(POPULAR IN 1977, 1978)
This is another album that took its sweet time in taking off upon its initial release, however once it managed to spawn a huge hit (or in Australia's case a double A-side with two of its singles on it) it became a huge success for Boz Scaggs worldwide. This led to him releasing a follow-up during its chart run which also became a huge success for him.
Peak position #1x18
Hit singles
Lido shuffle #2
What can I say #2
(POPULAR IN 1977, 1978)
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 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)
Well, this is a surprise, it was originally a hit in 1993 due to it being released on CD but was a hit again this year for reasons I can't even seem to fathom. I guess we Aussies really wanted to see these guys get back together.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
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)
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
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002, 2003)
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)
It looked like Dido was going to remain an albums artist given how this also failed to spawn a massive hit for her here in Australia (despite the lead single debuting at number one on our charts.) At least this proved to be equally as successful as her debut album if only because it didn't need to wait on shelves for two years before a rapper found one of the singles and sampled it for their most critically acclaimed song.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
White flag #1
Life for rent #28
Sand in my shoes #37
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
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