While I am aware that this greatest hits package from Queen might very well be the most successful album of all time in Australia, I'm ranking these albums based on how well they did on their original chart run and not their overall success. This is so that I don't have to keep updating these lists whenever an album becomes popular again. That said, this album was a success during its initial release thanks to how popular the band was.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 1981, 1982)
This was meant to be rereleased simply as the tenth anniversary of its existence, it became a success all over again due to the tragic passing of Freddie Mercury which even allowed their signature track to chart again this year.
Peak position #8
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Bohemian rhapsody (re release) #5 (AMR #6)
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1994)
This was the breakthrough album for Billy Joel, although it was originally released three years prior to deafening silence likely due to us Aussies preferring Elton John when it comes to piano men in the music scene. We were eventually won over by this guy when the title track became a surprise hit this year for reasons I can't seem to fathom.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Piano man #20
(POPULAR IN 1976)
Many will agree this to be the band's magnum opus (I personally prefer their previous two albums) this is due to it being a huge success for them in America following the splashes their earlier efforts made for them internationally throughout the decade. This led to them having plenty of international success throughout the following decade, although they would never reach these dizzying heights again here.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Need you tonight #3
Devil inside #6
New sensation #8 (ARIA #9)
Never tear us apart #11 (ARIA #14)
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988, 1989)
Although her debut album did decently well in Australia earlier in the decade, it wasn't the juggernaut like her second album was which spawned multiple hit singles here and in her native UK just as the decade was coming to an end. Despite being compared to P!nk during the 00's, her popularity didn't translate to the 2010's likely due to her failing to crossover to America like some of her other fellow Brits.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
The fear #3
Fuck you #23
Not fair #3
22 #12
(POPULAR IN 2009)
I guess Bruce Springsteen did have one of the biggest albums of the decade with Born in the U.S.A, so it only makes sense that John Mellencamp's popularity would skyrocket given that heartland rock was one of the biggest genres of music because of that album. In a way, John stole Bruce's momentum with this album as not only was it a massive success, but the singles have lingered on oldies stations arguably more so than the one's on Bruce's album.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Lonely ol night #32
Rock in the USA #18
Rain on the scarecrow #34
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
Ahh Limp bizkit, there's so many things you can say about these guys and very few have been positive over the years. This wasn't their first album, but it was the album that made them a household name due to the lead single being surprisingly popular on Triple J around this time, I think it was due to how popular Korn was on the station given how both bands were from the nu metal genre.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Nookie #13 (AMR #15)
Re arranged #35
Break stuff #41
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
BEP were on a roll when they released their second album as a quartet, although it's worth noting that this album greatly expanded Fergie's presence with the group compared to their previous album where she was more of a backup singer rather than a full member of the group. In any case, the songs proved to be more irresistible than their previous work which resulted in the groups success with it.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Don't phunk with my heart #1
Don't lie #6
My humps #1
Pump it #6
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
Although their debut album Ten is what many consider to be the peak of Pearl jam's artistic merit, it was actually their sophomore album where they began to become the megastars, we all know them for today. Sure, this didn't have the big hit on here that "Alive" was for their debut (at least in Australia it didn't) however the tradeoff was that the album was a huge success here and even encouraged Ten to linger on the charts throughout the decade.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Go #22 (AMR #20)
Daughter #18 (AMR #18)
Animal #30
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994, 1995)
Although her debut album was a modest success here in Australia at the start of the decade (mainly through how inescapable its singles were) it was her second album where fans really started taking notice of her evolution as a pop diva as she would begin writing her own songs to go with the theme of her being "stripped" of the pop machine that had gone into her previous work with Disney.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Dirrty #4
Beautiful #1
Fighter #5
Can't hold us down #5
The voice within #8
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
It had been twenty years since Santana last troubled the charts with any of their material, here they are back in the mainstream with the help of some of the biggest names in music at the time which helped them achieve one of the biggest albums not just in their catalogue but of all time with their collaborations. This comeback helped them become one of the bigger bands of the 00's as it wasn't a one-off fluke for them.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Smooth #4 (AMR #3)
Put your lights on #32
Maria Maria #49
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
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)
Often considered to be one of the quintessential industrial bands of the decade, we have Garbage led by the seductive Shirley Manson who made a huge splash with their debut album which connected with many people back in the day. It was a slow rise to success as they were an alternative band competing with EDM, however they made it big down under thanks to heavy promotion from Triple J.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Vow #32
Stupid girl #47
Milk #44
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996, 1997)
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)
This was technically the soundtrack to the film of the same name which starred these five very powerful women in music, and while it has its fans, it's really hard to watch unless you're a superfan of this group as the story is a meandering mess and its metacommentary can make most modern media blush. At least the music is still fun and catchy, bolstered once again by the strong personalities of the girls themselves.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Spice up your life #8 (AMR #9)
Too much #9 (AMR #8)
Stop #5 (AMR #6)
Viva forever #2 (AMR #2)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
This is the only album from Enrique Iglesias that was a best seller in Australia, mainly because the Latin crooner was more of a singles artist here and that his second English album was the only one to achieve massive success here thanks to its singles. Indeed, it only became a best seller down under once it spawned its second and third hits given how the lead single was a hit through its affiliation with 9/11.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Hero #1
Escape #7
Don't turn off the lights #8
Maybe #41
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
Aren't we all glad we can enjoy music meant for teenage girls without the fear of getting harassed by some toxic music snob from the alternative scene? Here we have the second album from the Backstreet boys which hilariously declared them to be back, the reason this is hilarious is that their debut album wasn't a big success for them whilst this was one of the biggest of the decade thanks to their blend of teen pop and RNB on the album.
Peak position #2
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everybody #3 (AMR #4)
As long as you love me #2 (AMR #2)
All I have to give #4 (AMR #6)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
This was the magnum opus for Phil Collins both solo and with Genesis in his career, perhaps because this had the perfect blend of his more experimental music from his band as well as the more mainstream ballads that audiences were accustomed to by this point of the decade. It's a perfect middle ground for his career, one that did receive backlash for many years that has since lost its meaning.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Sussudio #8
One more night #2
Billy don't lose my number #10
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
Nu metal was quickly becoming one of the most popular genres in the mainstream thanks to its popularity on the American music program TRL (Total request live for non-Americans reading this.) As a result, we have the third album from Korn which proved to be a huge worldwide success due to the campy antics of the band, indeed the music videos were among the flashiest of their time.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Got the life #26
Freak on a leash #22
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
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)
It looked like this third album from Matchbox 20 was going to underperform for them worldwide due to the failure of its lead single, fortunately the second single proved to be a massive hit for them which allowed the album to rebound on the charts and become a massive hit for the band. They would go on hiatus once they were finished promoting it in order to allow Rob Thomas to embark on a solo career.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Disease #31
Unwell #12
Bright lights #26
All I need #32
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003, 2004)
This is one of the most successful live albums of all time, that's impressive considering how Peter Frampton didn't have much success prior to this album both solo and with his band Humble pie. It's easy to see how this album won him such a dedicated fanbase given how iconic the live tracks remain to this day.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Show me the way #25
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
This seems to be more of a mainstream pivot for Alice Cooper given how there's less of an emphasis for appealing to the edge lords of the 70's and more of a contemporary audience which seemed to pay off for him as this remains his second most successful album in his career (behind School's out of course.) He would continue watering down his music for a more mainstream market as the decade went on.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Department of youth #7
Only women bleed #50
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976, 1977)
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 took its sweet time in finding success here in Australia, in fact it was only due to the success for their earlier entry on this list that this became huge here in Australia despite it coming from a film that's frequently described as one of the best live concerts to ever be theatrically released. The rest of the world didn't have to make this soundtrack take such a circuitous route to finding success in the mainstream.
Peak position #9
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
This is Elton John's magnum opus in his catalogue, mainly because it contains some of his most iconic work, three of which managed to become massive hits back in the day for the English piano man. While this wasn't his first successful album in his catalogue, it was the album which confirmed him to be the piano man of choice back in the day given how Billy Joel released his breakthrough album around this time initially to deafening silence.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Saturday night's alright for fighting #31
Goodbye yellow brick road #3
Candle in the wind #5
(POPULAR IN 1974)
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)
I wonder how many people were able to predict that this album would be a huge success for Human nature in the lead up to its release, I say this because none of the advanced singles managed to find much of an audience for them and yet it was when they released the album that "Wishes" became a genuine hit for them. I'm guessing this albums success was what led to the Backstreet boys being inescapable here a year after its release.
Peak position #7
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Got it going #19
Telling everybody #30
Wishes #6 (AMR #4)
Don't say goodbye #8 (AMR #9)
Whisper your name #18
People get ready #35
(POPULAR IN 1997)
Although they had a very good run throughout the decade (certainly more so than many of their early peers) Crowded house decided to call it quits by releasing this greatest hits package as well as performing a farewell concert at the Sydney opera house to promote Neil's ill-fated solo career he would launch soon after. The band did eventually get back together a decade later and have retained a strong cult audience.
Peak position #1x10
Peak position #1x10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everything is good for you #10 (AMR #12)
Not the girl you think you are #37
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
Sorry Whitney fans, but the Bodyguard is not a good film. Granted it's hardly her fault as while she doesn't give the best performance in the film, the writing doesn't give her much to work with and it's not like Kevin Costner does much better with his performance either. At least the soundtrack was a huge success, in fact it single handedly saved her music career following the huge disappointment of her last album.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I will always love you #1 (AMR #1)
I'm every woman #11 (AMR #10)
I have nothing #28
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
This feels like a return to form for U2 given how they spent all of the 90's experimenting with their sound to varying degrees of success, indeed this feels like something they would've released ten years prior given how well it fits as a follow up to Rattle and hum. This would lead to them having a highly success decade throughout the 00's with their subsequent material, although their popularity wouldn't extend to the 2010's.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Beautiful day #1
Stuck in a moment you can't get out of #3
Elevation #6
Walk on #9
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001, 2002)
She had a lot of hype going into her debut album thanks to not only her debut single, but also her role in Neighbours which quickly became a fan favourite of the series. The hype was effortlessly met as this was declared the bestselling album of the decade according to ARIA given how it spent almost a full year in the top three on the charts. It was inevitable given that is has five out of five chart toppers to come from the album.
Peak position #1x29
Hit singles
Born to try #1
Lost without you #1
Innocent eyes #1
Not me not I #1
Predictable #1
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
This had more of an immediate success for Lady Gaga internationally than it did in her native America, similar to her obvious influence Madonna who only found success in her homeland once the rest of the world made her a household name in the 80's. The similarities between the two pop divas led to them being compared with over the years, although Madonna certainly grew tired of these comparisons rather quickly.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Just dance #1
Poker face #1
Eh eh #15
Lovegame #4
Paparazzi #2
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
This was a band that was pipped for great things going into the 2010's given how inescapably popular their debut album was, alas they were a rock group (well more an EDM group with rock elements to them) so this album was their only success here given how rock music was unfairly shunned once the new decade rolled around. Still at least Triple J loves them to this day given how well promoted they are on there.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
My people #14
This boy's in love #23
Talk like that #19
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
For someone who's constantly evolving her sound, you'd be surprised at how little success Linda Ronstadt has had with her music over the years. She struck gold with her attempts at country music on this album as it did spawn her biggest hit (outside of America that is) with a cover of an old Roy Orbison track. This led to her next album also being a huge success for her in Australia.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Poor poor pitiful me #29
Blue bayou #3
(POPULAR IN 1977, 1978)
There was a lot of hype going into Living end's debut album given how their double A-side that served as the advanced single was one of the biggest hits of the decade. The hype was effortlessly met when they released their album despite punk rock in general not being among the more popular genres in Australia over the years, it looked like these guys would be household names going into the new millennium and they likely would've been were it not for digital piracy ruining the music industry.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Second solution #4 (AMR #3)
Prisoner of society #4 (AMR #3)
Save the day #22
All torn down #12 (AMR #14)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
This is an album that had a very extended shelf life here in Australia as it was a hit upon its initial release due to it being the Corrs second album following the success they had with Forgiven not forgotten. It was given a second wind in the mainstream when they started finding success in their native UK with "Runaway" and their cover of "Dreams" which helped them score a best seller in Australia.
Peak position #3
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Only when I sleep #34
I never loved you anyway #31
Dreams #47
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998, 1999)
Although the singles from this album from Mika were a massive hit here upon their respective initial releases, the album itself only became a sleeper hit thanks to each of them causing it to rebound on the charts whenever one of them was released as a single, hence its low placement on this list. Still at least this album was a success for the British crooner, certainly more so than the rest of his catalogue.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Grace Kelly #2
Love today #3
Happy ending #7
Big girl #23
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
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 originally released two years prior to minimal success here in Australia, even with the lead single becoming a surprise success in America, there wasn't any indication these guys would crossover here. That changed when their earlier entry on this list became a massive success here due to the lead single topping the 1994 Triple J year end lists, it was the boost this album needed to finally connect with audiences.
Peak position #16
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Linger #33
Dreams #30
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
There was a lot of hype going into this debut album from Vanessa Amorosi given how popular its two advanced singles were from the previous decade, those expectations were effortlessly met when it was released given how inescapably popular the album was from the teenage singer/songwriter. It even became a minor success throughout Europe, likely due to her performing at the Olympic games.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Have a look #13
Absolutely everybody #6
Shine #4
The power #8
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
Fatboy slim was originally a member of Beats international who scored a massive hit at the start of the decade with "Dub be good to me," fast forward eight years and he has one of the biggest albums of the decade with this EDM classic. I was surprised that the songs weren't bigger here back in the day, although I guess the album itself more than makes up for their lack of chart presence here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
The rockafella skank #32
Praise you #28
Right here right now #28
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
This solo outing from Fergie took its sweet time in becoming a success here in Australia, likely due to fans initially being put off by the first few singles as they seemed to suggest this was little more than a novelty album from the sole female member of BEP. They eventually came around on it once the fourth single became a massive worldwide hit for her, although there's still a polarising reception to it to this day.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
London bridge #3
Fergalicious #4
Glamorous #2
Big girls don't cry #1
Clumsy #3
Here I come #22
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
Well, if his (then) girlfriend could find international success with her album this year, why not Chris Brown with his second album? Just like Good girl gone bad, this album's appearance on this list is also thanks to its deluxe edition released this year given how the album on its own likely wouldn't have been successful were it not for the buzz it received with the deluxe edition once that dropped.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Wall to wall #21
Kiss kiss #8
With you #5
Forever #7 (deluxe edition)
Superhuman #30 (deluxe edition)
(POPULAR IN 2008)
With her obligatory sellout record out of the way, Madonna set out to make this album which she dedicated to her (then) husband Sean Penn, makes you wonder how she feels about it nowadays given how that marriage turned out. The album continued her winning streak both critically and commercially thanks to it spawning multiple hit singles which have all stood the test of time save for perhaps the title track.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Live to tell #7
Papa don't preach #1
True blue #5
Open your heart #16
La isla bonita #6
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
Although they achieved modest success with their previous album Dude ranch, it looked like that success wasn't going to repeat for Blink 182 given how this album initially struggled to make it big upon its initial release here in Australia. Fortunately, the runaway success of them lampooning TRL (Total request live for the uninitiated) allowed the album to find massive success from those who despised the music program.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
What's my age again #42
All the small things #8 (AMR #5)
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
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)
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 was the album which introduced the world to Katy Perry, an artist that would become very divisive upon its initial release for a multitude of reasons that I won't list on here as few if any of them paint her in a positive light. Instead, I'll bring up why it was successful as though it does have its songs that even back then were meant to be seen as offensive, the rest of the album is a harmless pop jam that was adored by the general public.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
I kissed a girl #1
Hot n cold #4
One of the boys #40
Thinking of you #34
Waking up in Vegas #11
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
While this wasn't their first album, it was the album which made the Angels into a household name due to how long it charted (albeit in the lower half of the charts.) This allowed them to join the elite ranks of Skyhooks and Dragon as one of the more successful bands from the southern hemisphere without finding success in the northern hemisphere.
Peak position #18
Hit singles
Take a long ling #29
(POPULAR IN 1978, 1979)
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)
There were many cast members on Neighbours who were able to successfully translate their success into a music career, however after Kylie Minogue I think Natalie Imbruglia was the most successful due to how popular she managed to be in America with this album. I feel this is due to her going down the Alanis Morissette route with this album by making an album about her raw emotions rather than the usual bubblegum pop that her costars settled with.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Torn #2 (AMR #2)
Big mistake #6 (AMR #6)
Wishing I was there #24
Smoke #42
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
Even though this album was an initial success thanks to the wacky singles released to promote it, audiences found that there was a more mature side to this Danish band and that they were indeed a band who played their own instruments rather than dancing around to a backing beat like so many other kiddie bands of the day. This resulted in the album being the most successful from an EDM act this decade.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Barbie girl #1 (AMR #1)
Doctor Jones #1 (AMR #1)
Lollipop #3 (AMR #3)
Turn back time #10 (AMR #10)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
The second soundtrack to a John Travolta film to appear on this list, this time it's for his film Saturday night fever which also serves as the Bee gees full transition into disco as in addition to the new tracks they recorded for this album, this also includes several songs from their previous album Children of the world for John to shake his groove thing to throughout the film. The film itself is decent, nothing revolutionary but certainly one that's earned its place in pop culture.
Peak position #1x13
Hit singles
How deep is your love #3
Staying alive #1
If I can't have you #9
Night fever #7
More than a woman #31
(POPULAR IN 1978)
From what I can gather, Chariots of fire is a film that's tailor made to be Oscar bait (despite it being a British film) as it tells the story of an athlete looking to make it big in a track and field race in a way that only those who are into the most sentimental of inspiration stories could appreciate. One thing that has held up about the film over the years is its soundtrack, specifically the score by Greek composer Vangelis.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Chariots of fire #21
(POPULAR IN 1981, 1982)
Although they had two albums prior which achieved no success even in their native America, this third album from Green day proved to be a massive success due to the surprise success of one of its singles on the Billboard airplay charts. This allowed the album to find an international audience months after its initial release and set the trio up as one of the leading forces of the punk revival of the 90's.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Longview #33
When I come around #7 (AMR #6)
Welcome to paradise #44
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
This is one of those albums that was way more successful than its placement on this list would otherwise suggest, mainly because these guys were among the first to truly benefit from the digital charts here in Australia which sadly hadn't accommodated albums which meant this album only reached the upper echelons of our charts whenever one of their singles crossed over to the mainstream.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
I love it #24
Pictures #19
UFO #11
Goodbye #33
(POPULAR IN 2007)
Named after the controversial left-wing politician from the 70's Gough Whitlam, these guys made a huge splash with their third album due to it being heavily promoted on Triple J which was likely due to how unique they sounded compared to their contemporaries from the time. The album received a massive boost in popularity when the former prime minister himself announced them as having the best single of 1997 with "No aphrodisiac."
Peak position #14
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
This is another highly successful album from the decade that was declared as one of the most inessential albums to come out of the 90's by the A.V club, I'm guessing because they weren't fans of Ally McBeal back in the day and really didn't like the scenes where Vonda Shepard would perform these songs in the night club. Audiences obviously disagreed as this was by far the most successful album in that article.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
Many Madonna fans will tell you that this is her sellout album, considering her debut had the budget of a ham sandwich and only became a hit in Australia due to heavy promotion on Countdown, I can understand why Madonna would appeal to the masses with this album if it meant an entire career of making the music she felt passionate about. Even so there's still plenty of merit to this album even if it isn't as ambitious as some of her other efforts.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Like a virgin #1
Material girl #4
Angel #1
Dress you up #5
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
The 80's might have ended at the start of the year, however that didn't mean the trends did as evidence by this third solo album from Jimmy Barnes being a huge success for him despite sounding much like his previous efforts from the previous decade. Jimmy did change with the times as the decade went on, although not before he tried his hand at being a Motown artist with his first Soul deep project.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Lay down your guns #4 (AMR #4)
Let's make it last all night #12 (AMR #7)
Little darling #39
When your love is gone #7 (AMR #7)
Love is enough #48
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
There was a lot of hype going into this album from Matchbox 20 given how much of a surprise success that their debut album was throughout the 90's, that hype was effortlessly met here in Australia as this also went on to be a massive success for the band thanks to the singles permeating on our radio back in the day. It wasn't as successful in most other parts of the world, likely due to international audiences feeling this was more of the same from them.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Bent #19
If you're gone #18
Mad season #42
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
This almost didn't find any success outside of the duo's native Sweden, in fact it took a foreign exchange student requesting an American radio station to play this on the radio for it to finally see success internationally. Roxette are one of my favourite bands of all time, so this was a huge victory in my eyes, and indeed the general public agreed with this assessment as the album spawned four huge hits worldwide.
Peak position #3
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
The look #1 (ARIA #1)
Dressed for success #3 (ARIA #3)
Listen to your heart #9 (ARIA #10)
Dangerous #13 (ARIA #9)
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
Her victory album from two years prior might have been a complete dud (mainly because she only came in second place in Australian idol despite the album being called the Winner's journey) however that didn't mean that Jessica Mauboy would be yesterday's news as she managed to find success with her official debut album this year thanks to it spawning multiple hits for her throughout the year.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Running back #3
Burn #1
Been waiting #12
Because #9
Up/down #11
Let me be me #26
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
For whatever reason, Elton John ended his professional relationship with Bernie Taupin in 1976 which resulted in his albums between then and this album losing the magic the songwriter brought to Elton's best work. The two patched things up when making this album, resulting in the magic being restored in Elton's work and thus, setting the two up for a highly successful decade with its creative ups and downs.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I'm still standing #3
I guess that's why they call it the blues #4
Crystal #12
Kiss the bride #25
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
Although Mariah Carey was the first performer to benefit from the MTV unplugged series, it was this compelling performance that Eric Clapton gave later in the year which made the segment a huge sensation. Part of that was due to this being the first performance he gave following the death of his son, thus showing the raw emotion of a man who was going through a lot in his personal life at the time.
Peak position #1x8
Peak position #1x5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Layla #7 (AMR #6)
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
This is one of the last Australian groups to find international success over the years, here we have the debut album from the Veronicas who scored instant success here in Australia and over in NZ once it was released over there which sparked interest for the duo in the northern hemisphere. That interest turned into success once they released their second album later in the decade which spawned their biggest hit.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
4ever #2
Everything I'm not #7
When it all falls apart #7
Revolution #18
Leave me alone #41
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
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)
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)
Given how he had a bestselling album under his belt, you'd think that this follow up would have all of its success upon its initial release instead of requiring another runaway hit (albeit on the radio and digital charts) to make it a massive success for Pete Murray. At least it was a hit upon its initial release due to his name recognition as well as folk rock in general being in vogue during the midpoint of the decade.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Better days #13
Opportunity #29
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
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)
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)
Following the so so commercial success of their previous album New Jersey, Bon Jovi decided to adapt with the times with this album which admittedly got the album off to a slow start given how they led the album cycle off with the title track, however it did eventually rebound soon after when the other songs were released as singles. This led to the band going in an adult contemporary direction with their later material in the decade.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Keep the faith #10 (AMR #11)
Bed of roses #10 (AMR #11)
In these arms #10 (AMR #10)
I'll sleep when I'm dead #24 (AMR #20)
I believe #40
Dry country #31
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
While their popular had begun to dwindle by this point in time (thanks largely to the internet) Nickelback were still widely successful worldwide with this album proving that it would take the death of rock in general for them to be seen as yesterday's news in the mainstream. Even when that happened in the new decade, their next album was still a modest success, proving that wasn't even enough to kill their popularity.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Gotta be somebody #14
I'd come for you #22
If today was your last day #26
This afternoon #27
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
Well, this is certainly a surprise given how the last time anyone cared about Paul Simon's solo career was back in the early 70's when he was making a name for himself without his former partner in crime Art Garfunkel. I guess the reunion tour they had earlier in the decade resparked interest in his solo work, that or people couldn't get enough of the African influences throughout the album which won it the grammy for album of the year.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
You can call me al #2
Boy in the bubble #46
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
This was the debut album for Macy Grey, a vocalist who had been trying to make it in the industry for a decade before she finally did so with the lead single of this album. Regardless of what you think of her vocals (they annoy me personally) there's no denying that they are unique and helped her stand out from the countless other RNB singers of the moment, although this only worked out for this one album.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
I try #1 (AMR #1)
Still #21 (AMR #19)
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
Following the demise of the Police, Sting made good on his word by embarking on a solo career which regardless of how you feel about it (he's a good singer but terrible songwriter in my opinion) was off to a great start commercially with this album of his. While he would never again reach the dizzying heights he achieved here or on his earlier work with his band, he remained popular for many years later.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
If you love somebody set them free #18
Russians #11
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
Given how he was the lead singer of Powderfinger, it makes sense that Bernard Fanning would achieve massive success with his first solo album during the midpoint of the decade where he and his band were among the most successful names in Australian music. This is a much mellower side of what the band normally offers us which in turn allowed him to distinguish himself from his band with this album.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Watch over me #16
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
These guys had been active for twelve years before they found any success with their fourth album, in fact this was all set to become yet another flop for the Scottish band until "Chasing cars" became a surprise hit on the digital charts worldwide. Due to a contrived rule regarding songs not charting without a physical release here in Australia, the song didn't chart until long after its popularity died out down under.
Peak position #1x5
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
I bet fans of Genesis were beginning to wonder if Phil's success from his solo career would translate to one of their albums when they released this album a year after No jacket required won album of the year at the Grammys, it turns out that's exactly what happened as while this is more pop friendly compared to their previous work, it's still recognisably a prog album and was a huge success for the trio.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Invisible touch #3
In too deep #17
Land of confusion #21
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
This is another album whose position on this list is misleading to how successful it was, mainly because it was another sleeper hit who only achieved best seller status when the third single became a hit. It was their second and final nu metal album as the band would reinvent themselves with each subsequent album to avoid being typecasted in one branch of rock music to commercially diminishing returns.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Somewhere I belong #13
Faint #25
Numb #10
From the inside #37
Breaking the habit #23
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
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)
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)
This was the album that started it all for Supertramp as they would go on to have massive success later in the decade with their subsequent follow ups, it contains some of their best work which sadly only found an audience once their popularity peaked in the 70's and not upon its initial release.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Dreamer #47
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
Although the band already had massive success earlier in the decade with their victory at Eurovision, this was the album that finally made them international superstars thanks to how many hit singles it managed to spawn from the album (back when it was rare for an album to have more than one hit single from it.)
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
I do I do I do #1
Mamma Mia #1
SOS #1
Rock me #4
I've been waiting for you #49
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
You know that these guys were overexposed when a throwaway greatest hits package became one of the biggest albums of the decade in Australia, although I'm guessing this albums success came from its bonus track becoming the biggest hit of the decade here.
Peak position #1x16
(POPULAR IN 1976)
This is another band that I would've sworn had massive success with their singles throughout the 00's, although the led single to their third album was a sleeper hit, so perhaps they were just another victim of the music industry shoving them aside in favour of reality TV singles. In any case, their third album proved to be a massive success for them here in Australia as well as over in NZ despite it failing to spawn a hit over there.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Zebra #23
What you want #29
Something you want #47
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
This was the sophomore album from Leo Sayer following the sound success he achieved with his hit single "The show must go on," although it's worth noting that the sound couldn't be further away from what would make him become a 70's icon later in the decade. Still, it's worth noting that we Aussies were here for the English vocalist early on in his career.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
One man band #38
Long tall glasses #7
(POPULAR IN 1975)
These guys were on a roll when they released their fourth album, given how they no longer had to deal with digital piracy with their singles, it allowed said singles to become massive hits for them which no doubt contributed to the album's popularity here. This popularity would extend to their next album despite it being released in 2010, making it one of the last rock albums to find success here.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Funky tonight #15 (#11 live version)
Better now #16
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
Many consider this to be the final decent album to come from Coldplay given how their fans from the 00's have felt that their 2010's material doesn't hold up to what they released this decade, they're kind of like the British equivalent of Maroon 5 in that regard (right down to me never being a fan of either group.) In any case, this was the album which finally broke them through over in America given how big its title track was.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Violet hill #9
Viva la Vida #2
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
This was where it all began for by far the most successful artist of the decade, although its success here in Australia was a bit lacking compared to what it achieved internationally likely due to Mariah not doing much to distinguish herself on this album like she does on her later material. It reminds me of Whitney's debut album from five years prior where it was more of a showcase for her voice than anything else.
Peak position #6
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Vision of love #9 (AMR #8)
Love takes time #14 (AMR #12)
Someday #44
I don't wanna cry #49
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
The 80's were over? Tell that to Midnight oil who began the 90's with this album which replaces aboriginal rights with the mining sector in Australia as a topic worthy of their discussion on this album. This of course was a massive success for the band here and even a moderate success worldwide following the success of Diesel and dust a few years prior, and indeed their popularity continued well into the decade.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Blue sky mine #8 (AMR #11)
Forgotten years #26
King of the mountain #25
Bedlam bridge #46
(POPULAR IN 1990)
Shrek is a film that changed the landscape of animation and comedy throughout the decade given how it deconstructed fairytale troupes that Disney had been relying on since its inception (to the point where the company now feels the need to copy this formula to predictably irritating results.) It was a massive success partially due to its soundtrack which of course was a massive hit here in Australia.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Best years of our lives #49
I'm a believer #9
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
This was the first album that U2 had any success with, it's a politically charged album as was many of their earlier material about how war is bad and that it needs to stop. It connected with audiences worldwide who agreed with this sentiment, although their later material would be less politically charged which would result in them scoring more hits from their albums.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
New year's day #36
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
This solo album from Gwen Stefani remains divisive among fans to this day, basically you either love it for her willingness to branch out into pop music (like I do) or hate it because you feel it betrays her time with No doubt by sacrificing her ska punk roots in favour of making a pop album. Either way, it was a massive success for the pop diva despite criticisms of her fetishising her Asian fans on the album cover and the lyrics.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
What you waiting for #1
Rich girl #2
Hollaback girl #1
Cool #10
Luxurious #25
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
It seemed like Nelly Furtado's popularity had come to an end when she released her second album Folklore earlier in the decade, I guess people felt it was more of the same from the Canadian singer/songwriter which resulted in its commercial failure. She decided to shake things up with her third album by recruiting Timbaland which saw her sound be more urban which proved to be a massive success for her worldwide.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Promiscuous #2
Maneater #3
Say it right #2
All good things #12
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
Given how their fourth album didn't do so well, Human nature felt that this was the perfect opportunity to reinvent themselves as the throwback quartet they apparently always wanted to be which proved to be a massive hit for them likely due to their teenage fanbase having grown up with them since their debut from nearly a decade prior. As you can imagine, this is a throwback to the Motown era of soul music.
Peak position #1x3
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
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)
This was originally released earlier in the decade as a part of Sony's lucrative Essential collections, it was only a modest success back in the day due to these being little more than albums to assist modern audiences in finding out where to start their journey of becoming fans of the artists in question. It became a massive hit this year thanks to MJ's untimely death and everyone celebrating his life achievements.
Peak position #1x7
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Ben Lee was always on the verge of breaking through into the mainstream given how his 1998 effort barely managed to make an appearance on this site, his time to shine came with his fifth album due to the lead single finding massive success on the radio as well as being heavily promoted on Triple J this year. It led to him being a one album wonder as his follow-up failed to bring in the numbers this did.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Gamble everything for love #39
Catch my disease #27
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
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