This likely wouldn't have been a success in Australia had it not allowed Christopher Cross to sweep the Grammys, after all having him win the big five at the award ceremony at a time where it was seen as the most prestigious awards for music did give it a huge endorsement. Fortunately, the album was well received and even spawned a bunch of radio hits that permeate on oldies stations to this day for the soft rocker.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Ride like the wind #25
Sailing #46
Never be the same #42
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
I'm not sure if it was in good taste to release this live album mere months after the death of Kurt Cobain, then again, it's not like the other two members of the band ever objected to this albums existence so maybe it was a heartfelt tribute to his legacy. Like the other MTV unplugged albums, I've featured so far, its success comes from how honest and raw the performance was on the show from the band in question.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
About a girl #4 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
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 most successful solo album that Yes front man Rick Wakeman was able to achieve in his career, it's a concept album about Jules Verne's Journey to the centre of the earth making this one of the first albums to be based around a work of literature in the music industry. Interestingly he had more success here in Australia with his solo albums from around this time than he ever did with his band.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
This is the magnum opus to come from Usher given that it not only remains his biggest album to date worldwide, but it also contains some of his most memorable work despite it all being about how he screwed up his relationship with Chilli from TLC. I guess Sony tampering with the singles here in Australia didn't prevent the album from flopping, it didn't boost its sales, but I guess things could've been worse.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Yeah #1
Burn #2
Confessions #5
Caught up #15
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
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)
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)
You'd think that a band who gave themselves such a patriotic name would be more politically charged with their music, granted they do have the occasional politically charged song in them, but they won't last long in a debate with Rage against the machine overall if their music is anything to go by. Instead, they're a bit on the goofier side with their music which is perhaps why they achieved more success than their politically charged peers.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Lump #11 (AMR #12)
Peaches #13 (AMR #15)
Kitty #19 (AMR #18)
Dune buggy #16
(POPULAR IN 1996)
Although they had moderate success earlier in the decade with their debut album, it was the second album from Gorillaz that made them a household name worldwide thanks to their blend of hip hop and alternative rock which helped them find success in America which was uncommon for non-American and Canadian artists this decade. I guess fans got tired of waiting for their third album as Plastic beach was a huge flop for them in 2010.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Feel good inc #3
Dare #11
Dirty harry #15
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
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 initial breakthrough that John Denver needed to conquer the mainstream market outside of his native America, although I guess this album's success came when "Annie's song" became a surprise hit for him over in the UK which helped him find an audience in the country scene along the likes of Glenn Campbell and Olivia Newton John.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Annie's song #5
Back home again #20
Sweet surrender #38
Thank god I'm a country boy #41
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
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)
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)
This was originally just meant to be a greatest hits package for MJ; however, it was delayed by several months when he realised he wrote and entire albums worth of new songs which resulted in this being a hybrid of a studio album and a greatest hits album. I should also point out that it had an aggressive marketing campaign involving the erection of several statues that the cover art depicts.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Scream #2 (AMR #2)
You are not alone #7 (AMR #5)
Earth song #15 (AMR #11)
They don't care about us #16 (AMR #18)
Stranger in Moscow #14 (AMR #17)
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996, 1997)
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)
It took him four albums and naming one of them after something besides himself, however Peter Gabriel finally managed to find success on his own worldwide around the time his former band was scoring the biggest success in their own career. While this wasn't as successful as Invisible touch from Genesis, it was more critically acclaimed which is the perfect way to describe both acts respective careers.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Sledgehammer #3
Don't give up #5
Big time #37
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
This is where it all began for Chris Martin and company, and like most debut albums, it had a bit of a climb to its success here in Australia due to the failure of its lead single. The second single was what got it off the ground worldwide which allowed it to become the success that it was, although the best was still yet to come for the band as their subsequent follow-ups did much better throughout the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Yellow #5
(POPULAR IN 2001)
This was 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)
Shakira had been active for a decade in her native Columbia at this point, however it was when she learned English and decided to appeal to an English-speaking market that she finally achieved mainstream success worldwide with this album. It was one of the last Latin albums to make it big as the Latin craze was quickly dying out as the decade went on, however it spawned multiple huge hits to ensure its success.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Whenever wherever #1
Underneath your clothes #1
Objection #2
The one #16
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
Although their debut album Kissing to be clever (fun fact that title appears as a lyric on this album) was a moderate success for these guys, this was the album which made them a household name largely thanks to how much shameless fun the tracks are despite there being an underlying theme of tolerance and acceptance throughout its runtime. It's a shame that their next album saw the band lose the magic they had on here.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Church of the poison mind #4
Karma chameleon #1
Victims #4
It's a miracle #14
Miss me blind #26
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
This was the album that took this Irish band from an indie darling to an overnight sensation in the mainstream, mainly due to the politically charged lead single which not only won over many fans who were disenfranchised from the times but sadly was also the victim of widespread ridicule from those who found it to be overdramatic. At least the band soldiered on as if this had no impact on them.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Zombie #1 (AMR #1)
Ode to my family #5 (AMR #5)
I can't be with you #30
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995, 1996)
Although their previous album Breakfast at sweethearts did put these guys on the map, it was this album which made Cold chisel a household name thanks to the raw vocal delivery of Jimmy Barnes in addition to how catchy their pub rock instrumentation remains to this day. It's a shame that the band would only last a few more years together as their popularity only continued to grow after this albums success.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Choir girl #14
Cheap wine #8
My baby #40
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
People like to dunk on these guys due to being seen as the sellout band for hair metal, that obviously didn't prevent this album from being a huge success for the band given how they managed to retain enough of the genres roots to seem like the genuine article along the likes of Guns n roses and Bon Jovi. Sadly, this success didn't carry them over to the 90's as while Flesh and blood was a hit for them, it wasn't to the scale this album was.
Peak position #11
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Nothing but a good time #15 (ARIA #10)
Fallen angel #25
Every rose has its thorn #12 (ARIA #16)
Your mama don't dance #22
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
This is the first of three albums that MJ made with Quincy Jones, and while it's easily the most dated of the three due to it being primarily a disco album as opposed to the other two with more timeless elements to them, it didn't stop it from succeeding during a time where disco was becoming a bad word in the music industry. This even revived the careers of his family act the Jackson five in Australia.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Don't stop till you get enough #1
Rock with you #4
She's out of my life #17
(POPULAR IN 1980)
We've seen plenty of classic music on this site already, haven't we? Well, here we are with the debut album from the British opera group Il Divo which naturally won an audience with the same demographic that were fans of the likes of Michael Bublé, James Blunt and Human nature throughout the decade.
Peak position #1x2
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
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)
This was only a modest success for Margaret in her native NZ, I'm guessing in favour of allowing the lead single to be one of the biggest hits of its era but also likely due to her being overexposed by the time she went solo. As we Aussies hadn't heard of her band Peking man, we were unfamiliar with how stunning of a vocalist she was, which likely explains how this was so much bigger over here as this was our introduction to her music.
Peak position #5
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Escaping #17 (AMR #13)
Only my heart calling #46
Number one #24
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
We have another greatest hits package from the fab four to make it big in history, this did come on the twentieth anniversary of John Lennon's death so perhaps this was more a celebration of his legacy than anything else.
Peak position #1x9
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003)
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)
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)
Although this was a moderate success for Mumford and Sons this year, its true success came the following year when the lead single was crowned the best of the year according to listeners of Triple J which allowed it and the album to rebound on our charts. This ushered in a new wave of alternative music that did quite well on our charts throughout the 2010's at the expense of traditional rock and roll.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Little lion man #3
The cave #32
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This is where it all began for one of the more divisive pop stars of the new millennium, indeed Britney Spears isn't what you'd call a powerhouse vocalist despite her songs being pop classics for two decades at this point. That said there's a lot more love and respect for her in recent years than there was at the time as people would say some rather heinous things about her that I would rather not repeat on this site.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Baby one more time #1 (AMR #1)
Sometimes #2 (AMR #2)
Crazy #12 (AMR #7)
From the bottom of my broken heart #37
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
Given that Boyzone was no more going into the new millennium, Ronan Keating was able to release his solo album without any competition from his former band mates which led to it being an instant success for him worldwide. It was a success again a year after its release thanks to a deluxe edition containing some new tracks from him making fans check it out, thus setting him up for a successful decade.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
When you say nothing at all #3
Life is a rollercoaster #6
The way you make me feel #27
Loving each day #21 (deluxe edition)
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
Following the success of her previous two albums, Celine decided to continue exploring different ways to bring to life genres that piqued her interest with this album which resulted in it being yet another success for her. While reviews have always been positive towards her music, this was when her haters really got out of control given how this album contains her Oscar winning ballad from Titanic which helped the film become the highest grossing of the twentieth century.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Tell him #9 (AMR #10)
My heart will go on #1 (AMR #1)
Immortality #38
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
Perhaps this is the album which made John Denver such a household name during the midpoint of the decade, after all this is a live album that's meant to be intimate for the listener rather than it just being the highlights of a popular concert for audiences to relive. It's a shame that John's popularity would quickly dwindle as the decade went on, likely due to country music in general going out of vogue.
Peak position #4
(POPULAR IN 1975)
Following the success of their album One of these nights, the Eagles decided to remind audiences of their earlier work by releasing this greatest hits package which in turn became a huge success for them several months prior to when they released their magnum opus Hotel California. If nothing else, their absence on the Australian singles chart is excused by how inescapable their albums were.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 1976)
This was another instant success for RHCP, and one that spawned them a genuine hit as the lead single managed to become a massive success thanks to its presence on the digital charts worldwide. This would be the final successful album from the band given how their next album wouldn't come out for another five years, they really did like taking their time with releasing new material throughout their career.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Dani California #8
Tell me baby #20
Snow #35
Hump de bump #17
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
This was the first volume of the Guns n Roses Use your illusions era, it wasn't as successful as their earlier entry despite it having the songs that would make up the Illusions trilogy which showcased a storyline that was paired with high budget music videos for the singles on the album. Even though it wasn't quite as successful as their earlier entry, it was still one of the biggest albums of the decade.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Don't cry #5 (AMR #7)
Live and let die #10 (AMR #13)
November rain #5 (AMR #4)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992, 1993)
Many fans consider this to be the true debut album from Shannon Noll given how it had no affiliation with Australian idol like his actual debut did, it was a massive success for him, proving he didn't need the affiliation with the reality series to make it big like the winner Guy Sebastian did (at least initially.) Sadly, his third album would be a massive dud for him later in the decade.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Shine #1
Lift #10
Not I run #6
Lonely #8
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
This was the debut album from a band that would go on to be widely despised when years later when they ruined the Joni Mitchell classic "Big yellow taxi" for the film Two weeks' notice. Before they were blacklisted in the music community for that, there were a well-respected band who score massive success with their debut album as well as having the first hit single worldwide that was never released as such in their native America.
Peak position #12
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Mr. Jones #13 (AMR #13)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
This was the debut album from Avril Lavigne, an album that remains her most successful to this day thanks to how inescapable the singles were on the radio worldwide. While it wasn't the first album from a female musician to become a success due to having more personal lyrics and a rock sound to it this decade, it was the album that shifted the trends away from the likes of teen pop and girl groups worldwide.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Complicated #1
Sk8er boi #3
Losing grip #20
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
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)
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)
This had a bit of a slow start to its success here in Australia given how Usher had yet to become a mega superstar here like he was in his native America, however we Aussies were eventually won over thanks to the success of its singles which no doubt led to the success of his American counterpart throughout the decade. Craig is a bit of a one album wonder here in Australia as his second album was a massive commercial disappointment.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Fill me in #6
7 days #4
Walking away #5
Rendezvous #28
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
Well, this is the album many of Kiss's former fans cried sellout to given how they like so many other bands and artists of the day, decided to cash in on the disco trends for commercial success. It does remain their most popular album in their career even though many will tell you that their earlier material is much better, however it's clear that this was the peak of their popularity regardless.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I was made for loving you #2
Sure know something #4
(POPULAR IN 1979, 1980)
I guess if you wanted to know why Bruce Springsteen didn't find that much success with his album Tunnel of love despite it being the follow-up to his magnum opus Born in the U.S.A, that might be because John Cougar took the mantle of the king of heartland rock from the boss as he saw massive success with this album and his previous effort The scarecrow between those two albums.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Paper in fire #13
Cherry bomb #20
Check it out #22
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
It's rare to see a debut album receive this much critical acclaim for the artist in question, however that's exactly what happened to Tracy Chapman who won the hearts of many listeners worldwide who seemed to be sick of all the bombastic music permeating throughout the decade. This album opened up many doors for fellow female singer/songwriters who had personal stories to share to a massive audience.
Peak position #3
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Fast car #5 (ARIA #4)
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
There was a five-year gap between this album and the band's previous album Mirage, during that time Stevie Nicks released two solo albums to give you an idea of how long it was between both projects. Although this album remains a masterpiece to this day, it came at the expense of the band's tolerance of each other, specifically that of Lindsey and Stevie's relationship which all but imploded during its production.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Big love #16
Seven wonders #23
Little lies #16
Everywhere #45
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
So Dirty dancing is a film you either love or hate, you love it because it's a heartwarming tale about two very different people falling in love with each other by bringing out the best of each other and you hate it because it's false advertisement as it baits and switches you with a love story rather than a raunchy dance flick. The film was critically acclaimed and even a huge box office success hence the success of its soundtrack.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
I've had the time of my life #1
Hungry eyes #4
She's like the wind #6
(POPULAR IN 1988)
One of the more dynamic vocalists to come from Australia in the last quarter of the twentieth century was Wendy Matthews, and while she had modest success with her previous album Emigre, this was the album that made her a household name in the mainstream (albeit briefly.) It's a shame her subsequent follow-ups didn't achieve this level of success, or any success for that matter due to the shifting audience's music tastes.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The day you went away #2 (AMR #2)
Friday's child #15 (AMR #11)
If only I could #41
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
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)
With the overwhelming success he achieved with his last album, it makes sense that Jimmy Barnes would aim even higher with his second solo album by recruiting Diane Warren to co write many of the songs on the album. While this album was a huge success for him here in Australia and NZ, it wound up backfiring for him internationally as it failed to dent any charts in the northern hemisphere.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Too much ain't enough love #1
Driving wheels #12
I'm still on your side #29
Waiting for the heartache #32
(POPULAR IN 1988)
They had released two albums to deafening silence earlier in the decade, so to see this album become a huge success for the Australian alternative rock band must have been a massive surprise for them even with all the promotion it received on Triple J. The band would find further success with their second album without promotion from the station, proving that they did indeed strike a chord with audiences with this release.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Black stick #25
The honeymoon is over #41
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
Following the success of their previous album, R.E.M went back to the studio to release what's often considered their magnum opus as it contains many of their most iconic songs. It's by far their most successful album even if it had a bit of a slow start to its success here in Australia, in fact this only became a best seller when the third single became a huge success half a year after its release.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Drive #34
Man on the moon #39
Everybody hurts #6 (AMR #5)
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
This album set records for Simply red over in their native UK, namely it became the first album to top the year end album charts there for two years in a row which should give you an idea of how inescapable they were back in the day. It wasn't quite that big here in Australia, although it was riding off the success of their first three albums, so its success was notable regardless.
Peak position #7
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Something got me started #29
Stars #29
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
This was another album that sat on shelves ignored for well over a year, it's a pity because Sheryl Crow was in the same boat as Tracy Chapman and Melissa Etheridge in terms of women who wrote personal ballads for a mass audience. In any case, the album did finally become a major success when the lead single was picked up on the radio, admittedly Sheryl was far from the only victim of this delayed cycle.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
All I wanna do #1 (AMR #1)
Strong enough #3 (AMR #4)
Can't cry anymore #41
(POPULAR IN 1995)
This was the debut album from Noiseworks, a band that had NZ teen idol Jon Stevens as their lead singer several years after the hits dried up for him in his homeland. This was a huge hit for the band here in Australia as well as a minor hit in his native NZ, I'm guessing the kiwis weren't as impressed by his foray towards pub rock as us Aussies were which would explain his lack of success at home.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
No lies #31
Take me back #7
Love somebody #50
Welcome to the world #41
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
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)
So, this is a film that seems to divide modern audiences, mainly due to people feeling that it glorifies ableism due to the way the titular character is portrayed by Tom Hanks (it doesn't, although admittedly he could've been handled better in the writing department.) Those who don't hold that against the film agree that it's a sentimental classic about how anyone can make it big regardless of who they are in life.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998)
This had a bit of a slow rise to its success here in Australia, mainly because it only became a success when the lead single was voted high on Triple J's year end list for 2001 which in turn made it a success for System of a down. The band is considered one of the better nu metal acts of the decade along the likes of Linkin Park and Korn, mainly due to their later material seeing them get political.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Chop suey #14
Toxicity #39
Aerials #36
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
This 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 the only album that Jeff Buckley managed to release in his lifetime, it was an alternative rock album that was heavily promoted on Triple J as they were in love with the rock scene throughout the 90's and even to this day. Unfortunately, Jeff would drown two years after this album came out, although the silver lining is that this became a success for him again that year.
Peak position #8
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Eternal life #44
(POPULAR IN 1995)
Well, I did mention this was a success following the tragic death of Jeff Buckley this year, this was meant to be the year he released his second album which was a success when it finally came out the following year.
Peak position #8
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Eternal life #44
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
The acronym for this album is "the energy never dies," this seemed to be the case for the quartet when they released their third album together given how it seemed like their party jams weren't going to die going into the 2010's thanks to how inescapable they were. Of course, their time in the spotlight did eventually die out when they released their next album which was critically panned for being lazy and repetitive.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Boom boom pow #1
I gotta feeling #1
Meet me halfway #1
Rock that body #8
Imma be #7
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Although their album A song is a city was a huge success for Eskimo Joe, it was their third album which finally made them a household name thanks to its title track becoming one of the biggest hits of the decade thanks to its dominance on the digital charts upon its initial release. It helped the alternative band go from a mere fan favourite from listeners of Triple J to one of Australia's biggest names in music.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Black fingernails red wine #6
Sarah #12
New York #26
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
The late 80's was a dark period in Elton's life, after all he was battling a serious drug addiction as well as having to cope with having his polyps removed which affected the way he sung live. Not helping was a decrease in quality in his music, which perhaps is why he released this album which was meant as a coping mechanism for his mental health which in turn restored his popularity in the mainstream.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Healing hands #16 (ARIA #14)
Sacrifice #7 (ARIA #7)
Club at the end of the street #21 (ARIA #19)
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
Well this saw the band go in a different direction to what they were used to, admittedly even the greatest bands have to change their sound or else risk alienating fans in favour of more experimental acts. This paid off in a big way for Mark and company as the album was their most successful at the time of release, in fact it's second only to Brothers in arms as their most successful in their career.
Peak position #1x15
Hit singles
Private investigations #21
(POPULAR IN 1982, 1983)
From what I can gather, the this is a soundtrack to a film that's based on a book which depicts the struggles of Irish immigrants looking to make it big into the music industry in America. The film must have been a massive success here in Australia (it flopped in America) given how its first soundtrack (yes there was more than one) managed to become one of the biggest of the decade here and spawn a single that permeates on oldies stations to this day.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Mustang sally #43
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
This is technically a remix album for Jimmy's first solo album Bodyswerve from the year prior, although it did contain an E.P's worth of additional tracks which I guess makes it eligible to be a separate album from this previous work. This album did receive an international release as a self-titled album where the new tracks are better incorporated to the original Bodyswerve album.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
I'd die to be with you tonight #7
Working class man #4
Ride the night away #39
(POPULAR IN 1986)
The last time Rod Stewart had an album this successful was when he dabbled with disco with his 1978 effort Blondes have more fun, so to see him return to this level of success with his first album of the decade can only mean that fans decided to boycott him throughout the 80's and lifted the boycott once the 90's began. That's the best explanation I have for why there was such a long absence of his popularity.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
It takes two #16 (AMR #14)
Rhythm of my heart #2 (AMR #1)
The Motown song #26 (AMR #20)
Have I told you lately #12 (AMR #11)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
Considering this wasn't among the more successful albums in Bryan's native Canada, it's impressive to see how well it did internationally given how its second single became a Billboard chart topper for him. I guess you can say this was a success due to him being a part of the heartland rock crowd which made the likes of Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp huge megastars around this time.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Run to you #24
Heaven #12
Summer of 69 #14
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
Another artist to achieve massive success both in the 70's as a teen idol and around this time as a more mature pop star, we have the second album in a row from Daryl Braithwaite to find massive success thanks to him being appreciated presumably by the same audience who fell in love with his more simplistic music over a decade prior. Sadly, for him, this was the final success he had in the mainstream.
Peak position #3
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Rise #23
The horses #1 (AMR #1)
Higher than hope #28
(POPULAR IN 1991)
This was the second album from the Veronicas which was released during a time where all types of rock music were finding massive success worldwide, it was a predictable success for the duo here given the success of their previous album as well as it finally gaining them an international audience right when the decade was coming to an end. Even with all of this success, they would struggle to make their third album due to issues with their label.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Hook me up #1
Untouched #2
This love #10
Take me on the floor #7
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
A trend I don't think many people realised was inescapable this decade was that of opera music finding massive success in the mainstream, that should give some context as to how this live album from Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti became a huge success upon its initial release.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
Well, here's an album that I'm going to have trouble being nice to, basically everything people have said about Nickelback I think of Simple Plan which I'll leave at that in terms of how I feel about them. Naturally they were a massive deal back in the day, specifically with their second album which was a massive success for them thanks to how big its singles were.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Welcome to my life #7
Shut up #14
Untitled #9
Crazy #32
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
Although U2 achieved moderate success prior to the release of this live album captured at their concert at Red rocks Las Vegas, it was this live album that made them a household name in the mainstream due to how raw and energetic the band was during this show. This led to them gaining more and more popularity as the decade went on, which peaked with their Joshua tree album winning them a grammy.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 1984)
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)
Jason Mraz was a no name outside his native America prior to releasing this breakthrough album of his, or more specifically, when the lead single finally became a massive success for him which led many to accuse him of becoming like Jack Johnson or James Blunt with this album. It remains his only successful album outside of America even though he's seen sound success over the years since this came out in his homeland.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
I'm yours #3
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
Given that they were cancelled earlier in the decade for essentially saying what the rest of the world was thinking of George Bush Jr (I agree that said cancellation was completely unfair) the Dixie Chicks were able to complete their redemption ark by releasing this album which essentially has them stand their ground with what they had to say with its lead single. Naturally it was a massive hit for them now that people could criticise the American president without any fear.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Not ready to make nice #18
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
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)
This is an album that was a success upon its initial release due to it being the follow-up to the band's breakthrough album Hold on to me, however it became a success again due to a successful tour that the band went on to promote their album. Unfortunately, this would be the last we'd hear from them as their next album would flop.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Harley + rose #24
Never let me go #30
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
This is another album that saw most of its success in the following decade (this fact didn't impact its ranking on this list) even so it was an instant hit upon its initial release thanks to the big names that David Guetta managed to convince to collaborate with him, making this feel like more of a compilation album than a studio release.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
When love takes over #6
Sexy bitch #1
One love #36
Memories #3
Getting over you #5
(POPULAR IN 2009)
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.
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
Peak position #3
One artist I will say I have very little patience for going through their albums is Rod Stewart, oh sure he has his audience which still persists to this day, however I'm not among his target demographic which means me being positive towards his music will be a challenge for me. This was his biggest album in his career, likely due to it spawning his biggest hit over in America in the form of its lead single.
Peak position #1x10
Hit singles
Tonight's the night #3
Killing of Georgie #38
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
This was released as a self-titled album everywhere else in the world, however here in Australia, she named it after her debut single which became an instant hit here when it was first released. While Suzi wasn't the first woman in rock to find massive success (that honour goes to Janis Joplin albeit posthumously) she nonetheless became a pioneer for women in rock thanks to her tough as nails attitude and skills as a guitarist.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Can the can #1
48 crash #1
(POPULAR IN 1974)
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)
This is the best charting album to come from Silverchair, it wasn't necessarily their biggest album as the album charts were admittedly very shaky during the 00's, however it did stick around for quite a while to earn its high spot on this list. This was the band's final album before they went on a hiatus so that lead singer Daniel Johns could pursue his side project as the Dissosiactives with Australian DJ Paul Mac.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
The greatest view #3
Without you #8
Luv your life #20
Across the night #24
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
This had a bit of a slow rise to popularity in Australia, mainly because (as you've likely noticed on these lists) RNB isn't a popular genre here and also possibly due to Terence being a former soldier who was dishonourably discharged from the American army while he was stationed in Germany. He did eventually find his way back home once this album became a huge success for him for the record.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Wishing well #9
Dance little sister #41
Sign your name #3
If you let me stay #36
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
This debut album form Duffy was a hit twice in Australia, the first time was upon its initial release whilst the second was a year after its release for reasons I can't seem to deduce as it's not like any of the singles were used in anything throughout 2009 here. I'd say Duffy would've been the British voice of the 2010's had Adele not stolen her crown with her second album 21 early in that decade.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Mercy #26
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
Following the success of her album Rhythm nation, Janet no longer had any issues with finding an audience in Australia which means that this album (which reportedly was made after a record-breaking contract she made with her label) was a huge success for her. Interestingly, the album popped up several times throughout the decade whenever one of the singles became popular worldwide.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
That's the way love goes #1 (AMR #1)
If #18 (AMR #20)
Again #19 (AMR #19)
Because of love #25 (AMR #20)
Any time any place #37
You want this #16
What'll I do #14 (AMR #13)
Whoops now #49
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994, 1995)
This was the first successful album that Fall out boy had here in Australia, mainly because their previous efforts went largely unheard of internationally, although their later efforts saw a decline in quality that even their fans couldn't abide by. Still at least they had a massive hit with this effort largely thanks to the digital charts finally exposing these guys to a wider audience.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
This ain't a scene it's an arms race #4
Thnks fr th mmrs #3
The take over the breaks over #17
I'm like a lawyer #28
(POPULAR IN 2007)
This proved to be even more of a success for Silverchair than their debut album, I'm guessing because they were able to expand their sound and not come off as much a rip-off of Pearl jam as they did on their previous album. Their popularity continued well into the new millennium, proving that they have a dedicated fanbase that were willing to follow their antics.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Freak #1 (AMR #1)
Abuse me #9 (AMR #6)
Cemetery #5 (AMR #4)
The door #25
(POPULAR IN 1997)
Following the success of his (then) latest album Sleeping with the past, Elton John decided to do a recap of his career just like he did a decade prior. By that I mean the exact same way as this album shares its title with his previous greatest hits package, although thankfully both albums have very different artwork to ensure that casual fans looking to get into his music won't confuse the two with each other.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You gotta love somebody #32
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
This was 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)
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)
It was a new decade, so Crowded house decided to dial back the bombast of their previous material to help them fit in with the calmer music scene which provided them their third big hit in a row with their albums. This managed to break them through into the UK where they scored massive success with this album, I'm guessing the Brits were looking to make them a success but couldn't get into their 80's material.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Chocolate cake #20 (AMR #20)
Fall at your feet #31
It's only natural #15 (AMR #15)
Weather with you #27
Four seasons in one day #47
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
I've never understood exactly what these two were seeking vengeance against when making this album, whatever it was they clearly got it as it remains their most successful album in their catalogue thanks to Annie arguably sounding her best throughout its runtime. It did somewhat come at the expense of a huge hit for them worldwide, however I don't think they mind considering how well remembered they are.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
When tomorrow comes #7
Missionary man #9
Thorn in my side #12
Miracle of love #14
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
Well, it seemed inevitable that these guys would return to their loser personas they had from their album Smash earlier in the decade, sure Ixnay on the hombre was a commercial success but it didn't reach the highs they achieved with the likes of "Come out and play" and "Self esteem." Indeed, not only was this album their most successful, but it also spawned their biggest hits that still resonate with audiences to this day.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Pretty fly #1 (AMR #1)
Why don't you get a job #2 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
This was originally meant to be an E.P that Lady Gaga released to cash in off the success of her earlier entry on this list, however she decided to bundle that album with said E.P which resulted in it becoming a massive success for her just as the decade was coming to an end. Naturally it was more of a hit throughout the 2010's due to how late it was released this year.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Bad romance #2
Telephone #3
Alejandro #2
Dance in the dark #24
(POPULAR IN 2009)
There were no signs of Wings slowing down this decade, heck even Countdown couldn't do much to sweep away their popularity in Australia to promote the newer bands as they were able to comfortably chart with the likes of Sherbet and Skyhooks as the decade went on. It's easy to see why as while I'm not a fan of him by any means, Paul's music regardless of who he's playing with has remained timeless over the years.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Listen to what the man said #14
Letting go #34
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
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