The 80's might have ended at the start of the year, however that didn't mean the trends did as evidence by this third solo album from Jimmy Barnes being a huge success for him despite sounding much like his previous efforts from the previous decade. Jimmy did change with the times as the decade went on, although not before he tried his hand at being a Motown artist with his first Soul deep project.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Lay down your guns #4 (AMR #4)
Let's make it last all night #12 (AMR #7)
Little darling #39
When your love is gone #7 (AMR #7)
Love is enough #48
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
For the longest time, this was the only album from an aboriginal artist to find success here in Australia, in recent years Jessica Mauboy has found success with her albums but she only started doing so in the late 00's. Indeed, this album struggled to become a best seller initially due to audiences missing the point of its lead single, however it eventually won people over when it spawned another hit for the band.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Treaty #11 (AMR #11)
Djapana #13 (AMR #11)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
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 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)
Given how he had a bestselling album under his belt, you'd think that this follow up would have all of its success upon its initial release instead of requiring another runaway hit (albeit on the radio and digital charts) to make it a massive success for Pete Murray. At least it was a hit upon its initial release due to his name recognition as well as folk rock in general being in vogue during the midpoint of the decade.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Better days #13
Opportunity #29
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
This is Elton John's magnum opus in his catalogue, mainly because it contains some of his most iconic work, three of which managed to become massive hits back in the day for the English piano man. While this wasn't his first successful album in his catalogue, it was the album which confirmed him to be the piano man of choice back in the day given how Billy Joel released his breakthrough album around this time initially to deafening silence.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Saturday night's alright for fighting #31
Goodbye yellow brick road #3
Candle in the wind #5
(POPULAR IN 1974)
This was the album that started it all for Supertramp as they would go on to have massive success later in the decade with their subsequent follow ups, it contains some of their best work which sadly only found an audience once their popularity peaked in the 70's and not upon its initial release.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Dreamer #47
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
This is often considered to be the magnum opus for Eminem, likely because it continues his shock rap that his earlier catalogue was known for whilst addressing the fact that none of it was meant to be taken seriously and that he wasn't actually bigoted towards women or the queer community like he was accused of being. It was a massive success and briefly reassured the public that he was harmless to the youth of society, although that changed with his next album.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Without me #1
Cleaning out my closet #3
Sing for the moment #5
Business #4
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
For whatever reason, Elton John ended his professional relationship with Bernie Taupin in 1976 which resulted in his albums between then and this album losing the magic the songwriter brought to Elton's best work. The two patched things up when making this album, resulting in the magic being restored in Elton's work and thus, setting the two up for a highly successful decade with its creative ups and downs.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I'm still standing #3
I guess that's why they call it the blues #4
Crystal #12
Kiss the bride #25
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
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)
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)
It took a while for this debut album from Alicia Keys to make it big here in Australia, likely due to the lead single not being among the biggest of the decade like it was internationally as well as RNB albums in general not doing so well down under over the years. It was eventually a smash hit this year thanks to the radio overplaying her other singles from the album, making audiences want to check out what the fuss was about.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Falling #7
A woman's worth #16
How come you don't call me #29
Girlfriend #13
(POPULAR IN 2002)
Given how their fourth album didn't do so well, Human nature felt that this was the perfect opportunity to reinvent themselves as the throwback quartet they apparently always wanted to be which proved to be a massive hit for them likely due to their teenage fanbase having grown up with them since their debut from nearly a decade prior. As you can imagine, this is a throwback to the Motown era of soul music.
Peak position #1x3
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
Well, this is an album whose story is so laboured with drama that Tina's official biopic starring Angela Bassett was named after the signature track from the album. There's nothing I can add to the conversation about how this album came to be except that "What's love got to do with it" wasn't the lead single from the album. Instead, it was a cover of an Al Green track that was produced by the members of Heaven 17.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Let's stay together #19
What's love got to do with it #1
Better be good to me #28
Private dancer #21
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
With her obligatory sellout record out of the way, Madonna set out to make this album which she dedicated to her (then) husband Sean Penn, makes you wonder how she feels about it nowadays given how that marriage turned out. The album continued her winning streak both critically and commercially thanks to it spawning multiple hit singles which have all stood the test of time save for perhaps the title track.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Live to tell #7
Papa don't preach #1
True blue #5
Open your heart #16
La isla bonita #6
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
Sorry Whitney fans, but the Bodyguard is not a good film. Granted it's hardly her fault as while she doesn't give the best performance in the film, the writing doesn't give her much to work with and it's not like Kevin Costner does much better with his performance either. At least the soundtrack was a huge success, in fact it single handedly saved her music career following the huge disappointment of her last album.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I will always love you #1 (AMR #1)
I'm every woman #11 (AMR #10)
I have nothing #28
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
Although they achieved modest success with their previous album Dude ranch, it looked like that success wasn't going to repeat for Blink 182 given how this album initially struggled to make it big upon its initial release here in Australia. Fortunately, the runaway success of them lampooning TRL (Total request live for the uninitiated) allowed the album to find massive success from those who despised the music program.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
What's my age again #42
All the small things #8 (AMR #5)
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
They may have lucked out with their singles back in the day (likely due to digital piracy) however at least this debut album from Thirsty merc managed to be a massive success for the Australian band albeit as a huge sleeper hit during the midpoint of the decade. This is another band that I remember radios playing to death back in the day, so the success of this album doesn't surprise me in the slightest.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Emancipate myself #37
My completeness #26
Someday someday #19
In the summertime #43
When the weather is fine #46
(POPULAR IN 2005)
After two highly successful nu metal albums under their belt, Linkin Park decided to expand on their sound with their third album which led to it not quite being as successful as their earlier efforts as it did alienate some of their fanbase, however it retained enough of them for it to still be a massive success for them. They would continue to experiment with their sound throughout the 2010's to mixed (and in one case fatal) results.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
What I've done #13
Bleed it out #24
Shadow of the day #15
Leave out all the rest #24
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
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)
Although these guys already had moderate success earlier in the decade, this was the album which finally made them into a household name thanks to them living up to their band name with the sound of this album. Indeed, Jeff Lynne and company hired an actual orchestra to create the sound they were going for on this album, which resulted in audiences who were into the rock opera of the day flocking to their album.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Living thing #2
Rockaria #10
Telephone line #10
(POPULAR IN 1977, 1978)
This took its sweet time in finding success here in Australia, in fact it was only due to the success for their earlier entry on this list that this became huge here in Australia despite it coming from a film that's frequently described as one of the best live concerts to ever be theatrically released. The rest of the world didn't have to make this soundtrack take such a circuitous route to finding success in the mainstream.
Peak position #9
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
It took ages for their debut album to become a success worldwide (again due to that horrifying original album art) so much so that this second album was initially ignored when it was released the previous year due to their other album finally having mainstream success upon its initial release. I guess fans eventually discovered this album this year which is more of a bonus for them than a new album.
Peak position #24
Peak position #24 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Patience #16 (ARIA #16)
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This became a success here in Australia this year due to a live rendition of a track that originally charted upon the albums initial release back in 1988, it was a minor success but enough of one for the album to finally appear on my site.
Peak position #16
Peak position #19 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
Tool are one of the most critically acclaimed bands to emerge from this decade, so to see their second album achieve this much success worldwide must have been a welcome surprise for the band and their fanbase given what they were competing with in the mainstream. Their popularity would continue well into the new millennium, although they never again reached the dizzying heights of this album.
Peak position #6
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
There were many cast members on Neighbours who were able to successfully translate their success into a music career, however after Kylie Minogue I think Natalie Imbruglia was the most successful due to how popular she managed to be in America with this album. I feel this is due to her going down the Alanis Morissette route with this album by making an album about her raw emotions rather than the usual bubblegum pop that her costars settled with.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Torn #2 (AMR #2)
Big mistake #6 (AMR #6)
Wishing I was there #24
Smoke #42
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
This is one of those bands I could've sworn were so much more successful than they actually were, admittedly I'm more familiar with their 00's material which seems to be when digital piracy was at the peak of its popularity which likely affected their overall success. In any case, we have this debut album from the band which you guessed it, received heavy promotion from Triple J to boost its popularity.
Peak position #11
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Dc x 3 #50
Just ace #25
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
While it wasn't as inescapable as her earlier entry on this list, this second album from Norah Jones nonetheless managed to make a huge splash in the mainstream this year thanks to jazz pop still being in vogue for the most part all throughout the decade. Her next album was also a modest success for her, however that would be the end of her relevancy once it fell off the charts.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2004)
This remains the most successful album to come from the Foo fighters, although given how they were one of the very few rock bands to still have success throughout the 2010's, it's possible that honour goes to Wasting light given how popular that was in 2011. This certainly has their most iconic song in the form of its lead single given how well it did even with the disadvantage of digital piracy eating up its success.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Best of you #5
DOA #39
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
Well, I don't think there's been a more successful greatest hits package that presents itself as a double album meant to collect the best moments of an artist's career more than this entry from Billy Joel. Indeed, the American piano man decided to bundle both phases of his career into one entry which resulted in it being a huge success for him at the time of its release. Volume 3 would eventually be released in 1997 with considerably less success.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
You're only human #6
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
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 was originally released in 1987 to deafening silence here, in fact I'm not even sure why this greatest hits package managed to become a hit in Australia four years later as it's not like there was any special occasion for his legacy in this particular year.
Peak position #7
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1996)
By this point Tina Turner had become royalty in the Australian music scene, so naturally this greatest hits album would be a massive success for her when she released it. Interestingly it was even more successful over in NZ meaning that the kiwis were likely bigger fans of her at this point than us Aussies.
Peak position #12
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Nutbush city limits remix #16 (AMR #14)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
For the uninitiated, Tommy Emmanuel was a former bassist for Dragon who left the group when their popularity began to die out at the start of the decade to pursue a solo career as a country artist. While his first album was a minor success, it was this second album where he started seeing mainstream popularity which would continue throughout the 90's.
Peak position #17
Peak position #18 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
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)
Their previous two albums were massive flops here in Australia; however, it was this third album which finally won them an audience here thanks to Triple J heavily promoting it as well as the videos from the singles being among the more memorable of the late 90's despite the songs underperforming on our charts. Their next album wouldn't be as successful later in the decade, however the one after that would be one of the most successful of the 00's here.
Peak position #6
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Cosmic girl #33
(POPULAR IN 1997)
We've seen plenty of different forms of EDM make it big throughout my site so far, although I bet none of you realised there was a subgenre where one combines EDM with jazz did you? It turns out that French DJ St Germain did just that with this album which became a massive success for him at the start of the decade in NZ and throughout Europe, although it was only a moderate sleeper hit here in Australia.
Peak position #23
(POPULAR IN 2001)
Ben Harper didn't have much success here in Australia prior to this life album, even with heavy endorsement from Triple J and how inescapable he was in NZ, he didn't bring in the big numbers like his main rival Lenny Kravitz did. The success of this album led to his next studio album being a massive success here two years later.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
BEP were on a roll when they released their second album as a quartet, although it's worth noting that this album greatly expanded Fergie's presence with the group compared to their previous album where she was more of a backup singer rather than a full member of the group. In any case, the songs proved to be more irresistible than their previous work which resulted in the groups success with it.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Don't phunk with my heart #1
Don't lie #6
My humps #1
Pump it #6
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
This was originally released at the start of the decade for the film of the same name, a film that remains a cult classic to this day due to the hilarious hijinks that ensues involving the titular Blues brothers band. I'm not sure what took this soundtrack so long to be a success here given how John Belushi had already been dead for a year by the time it did find its audience here.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Shake a tailfeather #47
(POPULAR IN 1983)
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)
The 80's were over? Tell that to Midnight oil who began the 90's with this album which replaces aboriginal rights with the mining sector in Australia as a topic worthy of their discussion on this album. This of course was a massive success for the band here and even a moderate success worldwide following the success of Diesel and dust a few years prior, and indeed their popularity continued well into the decade.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Blue sky mine #8 (AMR #11)
Forgotten years #26
King of the mountain #25
Bedlam bridge #46
(POPULAR IN 1990)
Following the so so commercial success of their previous album New Jersey, Bon Jovi decided to adapt with the times with this album which admittedly got the album off to a slow start given how they led the album cycle off with the title track, however it did eventually rebound soon after when the other songs were released as singles. This led to the band going in an adult contemporary direction with their later material in the decade.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Keep the faith #10 (AMR #11)
Bed of roses #10 (AMR #11)
In these arms #10 (AMR #10)
I'll sleep when I'm dead #24 (AMR #20)
I believe #40
Dry country #31
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
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)
This was originally a flop for KD Lang, presumably due to the album being affiliated with her coming out as a lesbian which was seen as a risky move back in the day when LGBT representation was still in its infancy. It was given a second chance when her soundtrack to the Uma Thurman flick Even cowgirls get the blues became a surprise hit for her this year, thus making her a household name worldwide.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Constant craving #38
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
Wow did this album take its sweet time in finding success here in Australia, granted this is likely due to it being an RNB album which the occasional rap thrown in which would've made it unlikely for it to be a success here were it not for the strength of its third single. The irony is that this album became a success here around the time the trio filed for bankruptcy due to poor management of their money.
Peak position #5
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Creep #20
Waterfalls #4 (AMR #3)
Digging on you #6 (AMR #5)
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
This was the debut album for Macy Grey, a vocalist who had been trying to make it in the industry for a decade before she finally did so with the lead single of this album. Regardless of what you think of her vocals (they annoy me personally) there's no denying that they are unique and helped her stand out from the countless other RNB singers of the moment, although this only worked out for this one album.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
I try #1 (AMR #1)
Still #21 (AMR #19)
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
Shrek is a film that changed the landscape of animation and comedy throughout the decade given how it deconstructed fairytale troupes that Disney had been relying on since its inception (to the point where the company now feels the need to copy this formula to predictably irritating results.) It was a massive success partially due to its soundtrack which of course was a massive hit here in Australia.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Best years of our lives #49
I'm a believer #9
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
This is another album whose position on this list is misleading to how successful it was, mainly because it was another sleeper hit who only achieved best seller status when the third single became a hit. It was their second and final nu metal album as the band would reinvent themselves with each subsequent album to avoid being typecasted in one branch of rock music to commercially diminishing returns.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Somewhere I belong #13
Faint #25
Numb #10
From the inside #37
Breaking the habit #23
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
This is one of three successful albums that Cat empire had here in Australia, it was mainly thanks to its lead single which I remember being played in every commercial available at the time as well as the band being heavily promoted on Triple J back in the day. I guess if it weren't for all of the digital piracy and Sony pushing every artist aside to give success to the contestants on Australian idol, then this album could've spawned a hit or two.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Days like these #37
The chariot #34
(POPULAR IN 2004)
This was the first album from Muse to find any sort of success outside of their native UK, in Australia this was because the album was picked up by Triple J who heavily promoted it and its singles which resulted in their notoriety on the station translating to the mainstream this year. Of course, their next album would be even bigger just as the decade was coming to an end thanks to strong digital sales.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Supermassive black hole #34
Starlight #46
(POPULAR IN 2006)
Although the singles from this album from Mika were a massive hit here upon their respective initial releases, the album itself only became a sleeper hit thanks to each of them causing it to rebound on the charts whenever one of them was released as a single, hence its low placement on this list. Still at least this album was a success for the British crooner, certainly more so than the rest of his catalogue.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Grace Kelly #2
Love today #3
Happy ending #7
Big girl #23
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
Were it not for a live album from Neil Diamond from earlier in the decade, this would've been the most successful album of the 70's in Australia, I'm glad it is as even to this day the album continues to receive a ton of love from the music community thanks to how iconic the songs remain. To think that this was an album built around the behind-the-scenes drama that the band was going through at the time.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
Go your own way #20
Dreams #19
Don't stop #30
(POPULAR IN 1977, 1978)
This 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)
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)
This almost didn't find any success outside of the duo's native Sweden, in fact it took a foreign exchange student requesting an American radio station to play this on the radio for it to finally see success internationally. Roxette are one of my favourite bands of all time, so this was a huge victory in my eyes, and indeed the general public agreed with this assessment as the album spawned four huge hits worldwide.
Peak position #3
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
The look #1 (ARIA #1)
Dressed for success #3 (ARIA #3)
Listen to your heart #9 (ARIA #10)
Dangerous #13 (ARIA #9)
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
Things were looking good for George Michael following the success of his album Older when news broke out that he was a queer man, I'm not sure why this was a big deal, but it was for some reason as his public image took a hit as a result of this revelation. In any case, he released this greatest hits package to test the waters to see if his fans cared about his sexual identity, it turns out they didn't because it was a huge success for him.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Outside #13 (AMR #10)
As #45
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
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)
This was the debut album from German duo Enigma, an album they named after the year they released it in albeit in roman numerals in order to make it come off as an intellectual album. This was the first of many successful new age albums to be released this decade, and it was the second to be released period following Enya's landmark album Watermark from two years prior.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Sadeness #2 (AMR #2)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Well, they were a trio and yet insisted they were a quintet, OK jokes aside this was a huge breakthrough for Ben Folds five who managed to take the Australian music scene by storm due to the lead single becoming heavily promoted on Triple J this year. They remain a one album wonder here likely due to the station not promoting any of their other material, however this was a quirky album for them to get their hands on.
Peak position #8
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Bricks #13 (AMR #17)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
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)
Although Mariah Carey was the first performer to benefit from the MTV unplugged series, it was this compelling performance that Eric Clapton gave later in the year which made the segment a huge sensation. Part of that was due to this being the first performance he gave following the death of his son, thus showing the raw emotion of a man who was going through a lot in his personal life at the time.
Peak position #1x8
Peak position #1x5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Layla #7 (AMR #6)
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
I wonder how many people were able to predict that this album would be a huge success for Human nature in the lead up to its release, I say this because none of the advanced singles managed to find much of an audience for them and yet it was when they released the album that "Wishes" became a genuine hit for them. I'm guessing this albums success was what led to the Backstreet boys being inescapable here a year after its release.
Peak position #7
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Got it going #19
Telling everybody #30
Wishes #6 (AMR #4)
Don't say goodbye #8 (AMR #9)
Whisper your name #18
People get ready #35
(POPULAR IN 1997)
Given how he was the lead singer of Powderfinger, it makes sense that Bernard Fanning would achieve massive success with his first solo album during the midpoint of the decade where he and his band were among the most successful names in Australian music. This is a much mellower side of what the band normally offers us which in turn allowed him to distinguish himself from his band with this album.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Watch over me #16
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
This was the second edition of U2's greatest hits anthology which they delayed by five years in order for it to collect their work from the start of the decade in addition to their outlook from the 90's. It was a massive hit for the band as was their previous output, although not to the same level suggesting fans prefer their 80's output.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Electrical storm #5
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
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)
This was originally released the previous year to minimal success for the brother and sister duo Angus and Julia stone, this is after Triple J gave the duo heavy promotion given how well they were received by its listeners. It gained somewhat of a second wind this year likely due to a successful tour they embarked on which of course led to great things going into the 2010's for them.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
The beast #40
(POPULAR IN 2008)
This had more of an immediate success for Lady Gaga internationally than it did in her native America, similar to her obvious influence Madonna who only found success in her homeland once the rest of the world made her a household name in the 80's. The similarities between the two pop divas led to them being compared with over the years, although Madonna certainly grew tired of these comparisons rather quickly.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Just dance #1
Poker face #1
Eh eh #15
Lovegame #4
Paparazzi #2
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
This was more of a success the following year; however, it was a modest hit upon its initial release which makes it qualify for this list even if it's considered to be more of a 2010's release. This was mainly because its success didn't take off until "Sweet disposition" became a surprise hit in the UK as the decade was coming to an end, which in turn fuelled the success of his album back here for Temper trap.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Love lost #42
Fader #47
Sweet disposition #14
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Many Madonna fans will tell you that this is her sellout album, considering her debut had the budget of a ham sandwich and only became a hit in Australia due to heavy promotion on Countdown, I can understand why Madonna would appeal to the masses with this album if it meant an entire career of making the music she felt passionate about. Even so there's still plenty of merit to this album even if it isn't as ambitious as some of her other efforts.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Like a virgin #1
Material girl #4
Angel #1
Dress you up #5
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
This wasn't as inescapably popular as their previous effort, perhaps due to it being more of the same in terms of their sound as they once again combine glam rock with country in order to bring together a wider audience then their contemporaries. I guess if Def Leppard and Poison weren't doing so well this could've worked for a second time, and admittedly it was a decent hit for them worldwide back in the day.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x1 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Bad medicine #5 (ARIA #4)
Born to be my baby #34
I'll be there for you #23
Lay your hands on me #24
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
But seriously....... this was the album that Phil Collins needed to end the 80's given how he had made a major stumble in his career with his acting debut in Buster the year prior. The success of this album going into the 90's encouraged the other members of Genesis to reunite with him one more time to release and album which was also a huge success, that being We can't dance.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x3 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Another day in paradise #11 (ARIA #11)
I wish it would rain down #15 (ARIA #15)
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
This album looked like it was going to be a complete failure in Australia due to our refusal to give Paula a hit single from the album, however we eventually relented with her duet with a cartoon cat which helped the album find success here almost two years after its initial release. I'm guessing we didn't let this be a success at first due to us already having to deal with all of the Kylie Minogue rip-offs from this period and not wanting to deal with Paula's rip-offs as well.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Straight up #27
Opposites attract #1 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
Even though I'm a decently huge fan of Baz Lurhman's work, I have to say that I've never particularly cared for his adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Something about the way he modernises it whilst saying faithful to the old English dialogue of the play just rubs me the wrong way for some reason. That's not to say I disklike everything about the film, indeed the soundtrack is one of the best to come from the decade thanks to how much shameless fun the tracks are.
Peak position #1x9
Peak position #1x7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I'm kissing you #17 (AMR #17)
Lovefool #11 (AMR #7)
Young hearts run free #12 (AMR #9)
(POPULAR IN 1997)
Even though this album was an initial success thanks to the wacky singles released to promote it, audiences found that there was a more mature side to this Danish band and that they were indeed a band who played their own instruments rather than dancing around to a backing beat like so many other kiddie bands of the day. This resulted in the album being the most successful from an EDM act this decade.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Barbie girl #1 (AMR #1)
Doctor Jones #1 (AMR #1)
Lollipop #3 (AMR #3)
Turn back time #10 (AMR #10)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
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)
This didn't even enter the charts for Nelly here in Australia until this year despite it being an initial success worldwide the previous year for the rapper, this was mainly because hip hop still had issues with crossing over down under which Nelly overcame when one of the tracks on the album became the theme to Scary movie 2. The success of this album led to him no longer having any issues finding success here.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Country grammar #20
EI #12
Ride wit me #4
Batter up #19
(POPULAR IN 2001)
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)
Well, this is certainly a surprise given how the last time anyone cared about Paul Simon's solo career was back in the early 70's when he was making a name for himself without his former partner in crime Art Garfunkel. I guess the reunion tour they had earlier in the decade resparked interest in his solo work, that or people couldn't get enough of the African influences throughout the album which won it the grammy for album of the year.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
You can call me al #2
Boy in the bubble #46
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
Due to the success of a mashup which combines three of the best tracks from the film, the soundtrack to this cult classic managed to become a success all over again at the start of the decade several years prior to it becoming a hit once more to commemorate the films 20th anniversary.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Grease megamix #1 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1998)
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)
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)
Although he managed to achieve some success with the singles on this album here in Australia the previous year, it was likely due to his collaboration with P-Money that allowed this debut album from Scribe to be a huge sleeper hit for the rapper this year given how he seemingly managed to break down the barriers between Australian and NZ hip hop with his presence back in the day.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Stand up #21
Not many #21
Dreaming #23
(POPULAR IN 2005)
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)
This was a band that was pipped for great things going into the 2010's given how inescapably popular their debut album was, alas they were a rock group (well more an EDM group with rock elements to them) so this album was their only success here given how rock music was unfairly shunned once the new decade rolled around. Still at least Triple J loves them to this day given how well promoted they are on there.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
My people #14
This boy's in love #23
Talk like that #19
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
There was a lot of hype going into this concert given hot it was the official reunion for Simon and Garfunkel, needless to say these expectations were met effortlessly as the duo gave such a compelling show that audiences welcomed them back with open arms. There was talk of the two making new music together following the success of the show, however they remembered why they disliked each other and went their separate ways again.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 1982, 1983)
This was the sophomore album from Leo Sayer following the sound success he achieved with his hit single "The show must go on," although it's worth noting that the sound couldn't be further away from what would make him become a 70's icon later in the decade. Still, it's worth noting that we Aussies were here for the English vocalist early on in his career.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
One man band #38
Long tall glasses #7
(POPULAR IN 1975)
While this wasn't their first album, it was the album which made the Angels into a household name due to how long it charted (albeit in the lower half of the charts.) This allowed them to join the elite ranks of Skyhooks and Dragon as one of the more successful bands from the southern hemisphere without finding success in the northern hemisphere.
Peak position #18
Hit singles
Take a long ling #29
(POPULAR IN 1978, 1979)
Bob Seger was one of those artists that seemed to find more success with each subsequent album he released, although many will tell you this is his best work thanks to several of the tracks remaining as staples on oldies stations to this day. He would find the success he deserved by the end of the decade when his greatest hits package matched the success of many of his contemporaries on this list.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Still the same #23
We've got tonight #31
(POPULAR IN 1978)
Even though he had yet to achieve much success with Genesis prior to releasing this album, it managed to become a huge success for Phil Collins largely due to the strength of its lead single which many believe to be him outing someone for failing to save a person from drowning. This album is a bit of a compromise for his older fans as it does contain several instrumental tracks in addition to the ballads he would become known for.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
In the air tonight #3
(POPULAR IN 1981)
This was the debut album of Culture club, one of the most popular bands of the 80's despite having that popularity largely confined to their earlier entry on this list. Indeed, this was an album that needed the success of their second album to make it big here in Australia, although once their second album took off, it was considered to be among their greatest work.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Do you really want to hurt me #1
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
I bet fans of Genesis were beginning to wonder if Phil's success from his solo career would translate to one of their albums when they released this album a year after No jacket required won album of the year at the Grammys, it turns out that's exactly what happened as while this is more pop friendly compared to their previous work, it's still recognisably a prog album and was a huge success for the trio.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Invisible touch #3
In too deep #17
Land of confusion #21
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
This was where it all began for by far the most successful artist of the decade, although its success here in Australia was a bit lacking compared to what it achieved internationally likely due to Mariah not doing much to distinguish herself on this album like she does on her later material. It reminds me of Whitney's debut album from five years prior where it was more of a showcase for her voice than anything else.
Peak position #6
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Vision of love #9 (AMR #8)
Love takes time #14 (AMR #12)
Someday #44
I don't wanna cry #49
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
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)
Bon Jovi were on a roll when they released their greatest hits package which led to them scoring the biggest hit of their career, this led to their next album being more in line with adult contemporary than any of their previous work up until this point. It remains a polarising point in their career to this day, many saying they felt betrayed by this change in direction while others saying they deserved the success.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Always #2 (AMR #1)
Someday I'll be Saturday night #10 (AMR #9)
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
This was another sleeper hit here in Australia thanks to how well the singles did on the radio, although it's worth noting that only the lead single managed to be a massive success for the duo despite how heavily the songs were flogged on our airwaves back then. The album received a boost in popularity when it was reissued with some additional tracks, one of which was another staple of the radio going into the 00's.
Peak position #20
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Buses and trains #4 (AMR #3)
Treat me good #34
Lucky me #42
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
There was a lot of hype going into this debut album from Vanessa Amorosi given how popular its two advanced singles were from the previous decade, those expectations were effortlessly met when it was released given how inescapably popular the album was from the teenage singer/songwriter. It even became a minor success throughout Europe, likely due to her performing at the Olympic games.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Have a look #13
Absolutely everybody #6
Shine #4
The power #8
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
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)
It seemed like Nelly Furtado's popularity had come to an end when she released her second album Folklore earlier in the decade, I guess people felt it was more of the same from the Canadian singer/songwriter which resulted in its commercial failure. She decided to shake things up with her third album by recruiting Timbaland which saw her sound be more urban which proved to be a massive success for her worldwide.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Promiscuous #2
Maneater #3
Say it right #2
All good things #12
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
Given 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)
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