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)
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)
Following the staggering success of their album the Joshua tree, U2 decided to make a documentary about their world tour to promote the album which I really don't recommend you watch unless you want further incentive to hate Bono as a human being (in which case knock yourself out.) The documentary came with a soundtrack which has easily overshadowed the film due to how iconic the songs are on here.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x5 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Desire #1 (ARIA #1)
Angel of Harlem #14 (ARIA #18)
When love comes to town #22
All I want is you #2 (ARIA #2)
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
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 was the final album to be released during the lifetime of Maurice Gibb given how he would tragically pass away in 2003 which left the brothers Gibb as a duet until the death of Robin a decade later. It was a greatest hits package which overlooked their entire discography, meaning fans could see how they evolved over the years and not just a specific point in their catalogue.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002, 2003)
This took quite a while to take off here in Australia, likely because John Mayer never had that huge crossover with any of his singles despite how much airplay they received back in the day. In fact, I'm willing to bet it was because of the radio's refusal to stop playing these songs back in the day that audiences finally checked out what all the fuss was about and grew to love his music.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
No such thing #28
Your body is a wonderland #23
(POPULAR IN 2003)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
There were many success stories in the first year of the 80's in Australia, one of the more notable ones was Australian crawl who scored a massive hit with their debut album following the buzz they received from its advanced singles coming from the previous decade. While their next album would be their magnum opus, this remains a fan favourite for the band due to how iconic the singles remain.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Beautiful people #22
Boys light up #22
Downhearted #12
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
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)
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 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)
It may surprise you to learn that these guys had at least one successful album prior to their big breakthrough in their native America Only by the night in Australia and NZ, this was that big album they had which of course was a success thanks to the band's popularity on Triple J both upon its initial release and when several of the singles appeared on their annual list for 2007.
Peak position #4
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008, 2009)
This was the debut album for one of the most prominent bands to emerge from the UK soul scene, although it's worth noting that this didn't produce a big hit for them here in Australia like it did in their native UK and on Billboard. Even though these guys were far from the most successful singles artists down under, they more than made up for that by having their albums be highly successful here.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Money's too tight #21
Holding back the years #16
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
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 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)
These guys hadn't had a successful album to their name for almost a decade when they released their greatest hits package, it's yet another example of a fanbase preferring their classics over their newer material as the band were still releasing new albums this decade to very little success.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
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)
Although they found moderate success with their previous two albums, it was this album from Radiohead that finally made them a household name due to how much critical acclaim the album has received since its initial release. The album continues to be considered as one of the greatest ever made to this day.
Peak position #7
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Paranoid android #29
No surprises #47
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
This was originally released in 1985 to deafening silence, likely because we didn't need another greatest hits package from the Doors since they were well and truly broken up since 1971. It regained some popularity in 1991 following the release of the biopic named after them, although it was only two years later that it became a huge success here likely because it was released on CD for the first time.
Peak position #3
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1993, 1995)
This was released at the end of the 90's to moderate success for the Foo fighters here in Australia, however it had quite long legs going into the new decade likely due to a successful tour the band embarked on which helped their popularity grow going into the new millennium here.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Learn to fly #36
Generator #31
(POPULAR IN 2000)
This was the first of many albums where Rod Stewart fancied himself a throwback artist to the music of the first half of the twentieth century, it's kind of like Jimmy Barnes' Soul deep series except Rod is covering jazz numbers rather than Motown and RNB tracks. This was by far the most successful of the series even though it needed some incentive from us Aussies to make it big initially.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 2003)
This was the breakthrough album from INXS, sure they had some buzz prior to this album but none of their earlier material found much success in the mainstream for some unknown reason. This is where their chart dominance would begin as it would spawn some of their more easily recognisable hits as well as set the band up as a force to be reckoned with from their subsequent follow ups.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
One thing #14
Don't change #14
Black and white #24
(POPULAR IN 1982, 1983)
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)
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)
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)
Following the demise of both Rage against the machine and Soundgarden, members of both bands decided to combine forces and form a new band called Audioslave who found instant success with their first album due to their respective fanbases following them towards their new venture. It would be their biggest success together even though they released several other albums throughout the decade.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Like a stone #35
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
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 was an album that really took its sweet time in becoming a success here in Australia, mainly because Janet wasn't among the most popular artists here prior to the release of her next album Janet. I guess we were eventually won over with "Black cat" as that was her rare rock song, however even then it wasn't until "Love will never do without you" that the album finally took off here.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Miss you much #12 (AMR #10)
Escapade #25
Black cat #6 (AMR #9)
Love will never do #14 (AMR #11)
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
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)
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 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)
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)
While he was never exactly the most successful artists in Australia, Paul Kelly did have enough of a legacy for this greatest hits package to become a huge success for him about a decade after his last big hit "To her door." Indeed, several of his songs have endured on oldies stations more so than some of the biggest hits of all time down under.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
Madonna has seen massive success throughout the decade with each of her albums, although I don't think she was expecting this album to be the biggest of the decade considering it was a return to form to her indie roots. She was clearly trying to appeal to the indie crowd which she succeeded with flying colours as this was not only a huge success for her but arguably her most critically acclaimed album in her catalogue.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Frozen #5 (AMR #3)
Ray of light #6 (AMR #3)
Drowned world #16 (AMR #16)
The power of goodbye #33
Nothing really matters #19 (AMR #15)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
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)
It had been almost a decade since Dire straits released an album, however that didn't mean their legacy had died out as indeed this greatest hits album which came ten years after their previous album was a huge success for the band three years after they called it quits for good.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
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)
What was it with this year and handing success off to music from films from four years prior? The Big chill was a critical and commercial success upon its initial release in 1983, and yet in only took until this year for the soundtrack to be a huge success in Australia and NZ.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 1987)
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)
It had been a long while since Phil Collins troubled the charts here in Australia and an even longer while since he did so as a solo artist, however like many successful greatest hits packages this decade, he was able to find success with this album which I'm sure gave him great solace in knowing that his fans enjoyed his back catalogue from when he was scoring hit singles worldwide.
Peak position #2
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
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)
There was little doubt that U2 would find success with this album regardless of what direction they took their sound in, however the fact that they went with ironic rockstars certainly helped it find an audience who were likely becoming fed up with how sincere their 80's work had become as well as it spawning multiple hit singles which lasted over a year after its initial release.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The fly #1 (AMR #1)
Mysterious ways #3 (AMR #4)
One #4 (AMR #3)
Even better than the real thing #11 (AMR #9)
Who's gonna ride your wild horses #9 (AMR #9)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
When news broke that hell froze over and thus allowed these guys to bury the hatchet and make a new album, fans were excited so much so that this greatest hits package released to cash in on their reunion went on to be a huge success for them before they even began their Hell freezes over tour. Despite patching things up and putting on a highly successful show, the band wouldn't release new material for another thirteen years.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
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 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Well, this was an obvious attempt at Andrew Lloyd Weber cashing in on the success of his (then) most recent theatrical production Phantom of the opera by reminding his fans of all the other shows he's put on and their highlights. Naturally this was a huge success for him given how well loved his shows are specifically for the music.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (ARIA charts)
(POPULAR IN 1989)
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)
Fleetwood mac had just lost Lindsey Buckingham as their lead vocalist around this time due to his complicated relationship with Stevie Nicks, as such the band decided to release a greatest hits package to help remind fans of the back catalogue he made with them and how they would struggle without him.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
As long as you follow #37
(POPULAR IN 1989)
One final entry from a band that made it big through Triple J, this time it's Jebediah who saw massive success with this album thanks to being promoted by the station and for placing several entries on the 1997 yearend list. They did see moderate success with their next album; however, their popularity didn't last long in the new millennium.
Peak position #7
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Leaving home #48
Telfon #41
Harpoon #46
(POPULAR IN 1998)
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)
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)
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)
While this is far from Pink Floyd's most successful album, it is by far their most iconic as evidence by its own theatrical adaptation a few years after its initial release starring Bob Geldof in the role of the albums narrator. This album also has the distinction of spawning a rare hit single for the band as "Another brick in the wall" became a huge chart topper for them upon its initial release worldwide.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Another brick in the wall #2
(POPULAR IN 1980)
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)
This is yet another album that took its sweet time in finding an audience back in the day, I'm guessing because the lead single was originally meant for the cult classic Clueless which must have initially alienated its eventual fans from thinking it was a mere pop album and not a ska revival record. They were eventually won over with the centerpiece of the album "Don't speak" which is a perfect showcase of Gwen's stellar vocals.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Just a girl #3 (AMR #3)
Spiderwebs #46
Don't speak #1 (AMR #1)
Sunday morning #21 (AMR #17)
(POPULAR IN 1997)
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)
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)
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)
It's a bit sad that this album was only a modest success upon its initial release here in Australia, heck even after the tragic passing of Kurt Cobain less than a year after its release, it only occasionally pops back onto our charts proving that we Aussies were more interested in the works of Pearl jam back in the day. Still, this was a decent success here, and hey, it also remains one of the best albums of the decade much like its predecessor.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Heart shaped box #21 (AMR #17)
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
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 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)
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)
Following the buzz they received from their debut album Definitely maybe, the Gallagher's and company released their sophomore album which proved to be so much of a game changer that it single handedly brought Britpop to most parts of the world that wasn't already familiar with the genre. Unfortunately, due to the cocky nature of the Gallagher's, the band have received tons of backlash in recent years as people have dismissed their music as overblown and pretentious.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Morning glory #25
Wonderwall #1 (AMR #1)
Don't look back in anger #19 (AMR #12)
Champagne supernova #26
Roll with it #48
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
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)
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)
Following his departure from N Sync (as well as their eventual demise) Justin Timberlake decided to embark on a solo career which began with this album that needed a bit of incentive from audiences around the world to become a hit given how it was released the previous year initially to deafening silence. It was once the second single caught on that it began rising up the charts for the former boy band member.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Like I love you #8
Cry me a river #2
Rock your body #1
Senorita #6
(POPULAR IN 2003)
There were no signs of Rod Stewart slowing down in the mainstream this decade, even though the launch of Countdown would've swept his type of music away as it permeated the first half of the decade here in Australia, it didn't do any such thing as he continued to thrive along the likes of Queen and Alice Cooper down under.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Sailing #2
This old heart of mine #45
I don't want to talk about it #19
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976, 1977)
This was the album that finally broke INXS into an American market, mainly due to the lead single becoming a surprise hit over there months after its initial release here in Australia. While this wasn't as successful as the two albums its sandwiched between, I have to say that it remains my personal favourite from them as it's a middle ground between their new wave beginnings and superstar goals.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
What you need #2
This time #19
Kiss the dirt #15
Listen like thieves #28
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
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)
This was all set the become a flop for Green day given how it didn't create much buzz for the trio despite coming off of two successful albums from earlier in the decade, however one of the songs on here was chosen to play over the series finale of Seinfeld which boosted the albums popularity almost a year after its initial release. It did them no favours in retaining a fanbase which resulted in their popularity dwindling in the 00's.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Hitching a ride #26
Time of your life #2 (AMR #1)
Redundant #2 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
This is the first album that Blink 182 released as Blink 182, prior to this they were simply known as Blink and had little success anywhere in the world. This album was set to flop here upon its initial release the previous year, however it was given a second wind when the singles became well loved by listeners of Triple J which allowed it to become a huge sleeper hit for the trio.
Peak position #25
Peak position #16 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Dammit #34
Josie #31
(POPULAR IN 1998)
This took its sweet time in finding success here in Australia for Creed, granted they went largely ignored here back in the day as opposed to in NZ and their native America where they found instant success with their debut album, however this second album still had to wait nearly two years after its initial release to finally become a best seller down under due to how long it's big hit took to crossover here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Higher #36
With arms wide open #4
(POPULAR IN 2001)
Also known as the First album, this was indeed where it all began for Madonna given how she was at the time an indie artist who had a great voice and some meaningful things to say in her songwriting. This was a huge sleeper hit for her this year albeit only in Australia as the rest of the world ignored her in favour of Cyndi Lauper, although she would eventually win the battle of top female pop star with her next album.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Holiday #4
Burning up #13
Borderline #12
Lucky star #36
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
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)
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu originally began his career as a member of Yothu Yindi from the early 90's, meaning he found success with them all the way back then with their breakthrough album as a vocalist and a multi-instrumentalist on the album, making him one of the first aboriginal (or first nations if you prefer) to find success in the Australian music scene. Fast forward seventeen years and he finally scored a hit with his first solo album.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
To think this album almost never came to be, this is of course due to the band suffering a major setback during its production when their original frontman Bon Scott died of a drug overdose. Fortunately, the band soldiered on with Brian Johnston as their new front man and released this album where it became their most successful in their career. It's an album that four decades later, the band is still yet to top.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
You shook me all night long #8
Rock and roll ain't noise pollution #7
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
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)
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)
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 another album that only became a success thanks to the singles performing well on the Triple J year end list, as such it allowed both the singles and the album to be a massive success for the Australian duo Empire of the sun which helped them become a mainstream success just as the decade was coming to an end. They remain a one album wonder due to the 2010's being unkind to them like other rock bands from this list.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Walking on a dream #10
We are the people #24
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
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)
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)
It took three albums for these guys to find a worldwide audience, however they did just that due to arena rock becoming the new genre of music everyone was getting into once this album of theirs dropped. As it turns out, it was due to this albums surprise success in the UK that it took off in the southern hemisphere as the lead single was only a sleeper hit in Australia despite it topping the Billboard charts.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
You give love a bad name #32
Living on a prayer #3
Wanted dead or alive #13
Never say goodbye #26
(POPULAR IN 1987)
John Williamson has been active in the music industry since the early 70's, however aside from a massive hit with his debut single "Old man emu," he hadn't seen much success in his career until he released this magnum opus which contains his signature tune "True blue." Interestingly enough, this came out not long after Madonna's album of the same name, resulting in there being two tracks to chart with that name.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
True blue #43
(POPULAR IN 1987)
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