There were no signs of RHCP slowing down in the mainstream this decade, not even the fact that they also seemed to be victims of digital piracy during the first half of the decade was able to deter fans away from legally purchasing their albums given how this was a massive success for them upon its initial release. Of course, their next album would see them spawn a massive hit which is how I know fans didn't buy their singles legally (for the most part.)
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
By the way #6
The zephyr song #21
Can't stop #38
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
So, here's an album from Billy Joel that's often forgotten by anyone who isn't in his diehard fanbase, mainly because this was where he shifted towards adult contemporary rather than the rock sound of his work from earlier in the decade or the piano driven ballads of his 70's output. This didn't prevent the album from being a huge success in Australia, proving that we Aussies were indeed in love with this man's music.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Modern woman #21
A matter of trust #3
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
So, we all love this movie again, right? I'm just checking because for a little while, this film like so many others who achieved its level of success received a ton of backlash from hipsters who hate anything that achieves overwhelming mainstream success. The film is of course a classic as it tells a compelling romance that took placed on the doomed vessel whilst being (reasonably) respectful to those who unfortunately lost their lives in the journey.
Peak position #1x11
Peak position #1x11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
My heart will go on (remix) #3 (AMR #2)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
Although Billy had a massive sleeper hit earlier in the decade with Piano man, this was the album which turned him from that guy who you would hear when driving around late at night on the radio to a household name due to the second single becoming his first genuine hit throughout the world. Many consider this to be his best album as the stories he tells throughout its runtime seem to resonate with audiences to this day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Just the way you are #6
(POPULAR IN 1978)
This was the biggest album of Stevie Wonder's career in Australia, it's fitting that his final decent album according to his diehard fans would be the one which finally allowed us Aussies to reward him for his genius music he created throughout the 70's. For what it's worth, he did achieve moderate success here throughout the decade even with Countdown giving us an allergic reaction to funk and soul.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Master blaster #2
Lately #17
Happy birthday #31
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
Well, this was the album which had Madonna officially denounce her faith not just in the catholic church but religion in general, prior to this album she had proudly proclaimed herself as a catholic girl but then a bunch of things happened which made her realise that she could no longer consider herself as such. This caused quite a controversy following its release as this was back in the day where religion held importance in the mainstream.
Peak position #2
Peak position #4 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Like a prayer #1 (ARIA #1)
Express yourself #5 (ARIA #5)
Cherish #5 (ARIA #4)
(POPULAR IN 1989)
OK so this album was a bit slow to find success here in Australia, I'm guessing it was due to us Aussies finding the lead single to be more of a novelty as it was her rare sex jam in a catalogue otherwise filled with ballads. It was when the second single was released that this became a huge success here, sort of how "Breathe again" from her previous album made it a household name for her.
Peak position #11
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You're making me high #2 (AMR #2)
Unbreak my heart #6 (AMR #4)
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
This was all set the become a flop for Green day given how it didn't create much buzz for the trio despite coming off of two successful albums from earlier in the decade, however one of the songs on here was chosen to play over the series finale of Seinfeld which boosted the albums popularity almost a year after its initial release. It did them no favours in retaining a fanbase which resulted in their popularity dwindling in the 00's.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Hitching a ride #26
Time of your life #2 (AMR #1)
Redundant #2 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
This was the second album from British boy band Five, it was released fairly late the 90's and find most of its success in the early 00's thanks to their cover of a Queen classic. It helped the British lads come in second place for the boy band wars behind Backstreet boys in most parts of the world, heck they even had one more album after they ended that achieved sound success.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
If ya getting down #2 (AMR #2)
Keep on moving #6 (AMR #8)
Don't wanna let you go #17 (AMR #16)
We will rock you #3 (AMR #3)
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
He had tragically passed away three years prior from a toe cancer, but that didn't mean the world was ready to say farewell to Bob Marley as he's arguably had more success from beyond the grave than he did during his lifetime. Here we have his greatest hits package that has become one of the most successful albums of all time due to its refusal to die on the album charts, although it was a huge success upon its initial release so it's not like this only saw success years after it came out.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
One love #24
(POPULAR IN 1984)
Following the demise of both Rage against the machine and Soundgarden, members of both bands decided to combine forces and form a new band called Audioslave who found instant success with their first album due to their respective fanbases following them towards their new venture. It would be their biggest success together even though they released several other albums throughout the decade.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Like a stone #35
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
These guys made a massive splash with their debut album the previous year, however it was their sophomore album which made them a household name likely due to us Aussies growing to love Heather Smalls vocals the more we heard them on the radio. While this wasn't an immediate success like other albums on this list, it was a huge sleeper hit due to it lingering on the charts longer than most albums.
Peak position #14
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Sight for sore eyes #20 (AMR #16)
Open your heart #25 (AMR #17)
Search for the hero #37
(POPULAR IN 1995)
Although he already achieved massive success earlier in the decade with his second album Just a boy, this fourth album from Leo Sayer made him the superstar we all know him for thanks to containing some of his more iconic work in his catalogue. He would become more known as a singles artist after this album as his subsequent follow-ups spawned huge hits for him without being too successful themselves.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
You make me feel like dancing #2
When I need you #8
How much love #18
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
Well, I didn't think I'd be including one of Shaggy's albums on this site, however there's little denying that this fifth album form the Jamaican rapper was a massive success here in Australia even if its success was slightly delayed due to his music generally being released much later here than the rest of the world. As with much music delayed this year, it proved to be more successful down under than it was internationally.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
It wasn't me #1
Angel #1
Luv me luv me #10
Hope #42
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
It looked like this was going to underperform for Nickelback despite how big the lead single was for them here in Australia upon its initial release, it eventually saw massive success due to the second single becoming a surprise hit here which confirmed the band to be in the same leagues as Limp Bizkit and Creed from earlier in the decade as a band who was massively successful despite a mixed critical reception.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Someday #4
Figured you out #10
Feeling way too damn good #40
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
This was the album that finally broke INXS into an American market, mainly due to the lead single becoming a surprise hit over there months after its initial release here in Australia. While this wasn't as successful as the two albums its sandwiched between, I have to say that it remains my personal favourite from them as it's a middle ground between their new wave beginnings and superstar goals.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
What you need #2
This time #19
Kiss the dirt #15
Listen like thieves #28
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
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)
Following the success of their second album, the Backstreet boys continued their dominance in the boy band wars with their third album which proved to be a huge success for them as the decade was coming to an end. Indeed, the theme of this album was that it would be the album of the future, hence why they called it Millennium as they feel this would stand the test of time for the next thousand years.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I want it that way #2 (AMR #2)
Larger than life #3 (AMR #3)
Show me the meaning of being lonely #19 (AMR #16)
The one #41
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This was a decent success here in Australia upon its initial release for MJ, although I should point out that its title is a lie regardless of where in the world you're from given how many of these songs failed to reach number one anywhere in the world. Naturally it became a bigger success later in the decade following the tragic death of MJ.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
Much like the essentials collection from earlier on this list, this was also a mere modest success for MJ upon its initial release earlier in the decade that became a best seller this year due to his untimely death. The title is a bit of a lie since nowhere in the world did all of the tracks become a chart topper for him, but honestly who cares when they remain bangers to this day?
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2009)
I'm a bit surprised this wasn't even more successful here in Australia given how inescapable the singles were back in the day, strange that we could go from hip hop albums not even charting here to this highly successful debut from 50 cent being somewhat of a commercial disappointment in such a short amount of time but oh well. He would continue to have success with his second album later in the decade.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
In da club #1
21 questions #4
P.I.M.P #2
If I can't #22
(POPULAR IN 2003)
This was another album that took its sweet time in finding success here in Australia, although at least it was a success unlike in the bands native America where they didn't have any success until their comeback from the late 80's. It's little wonder this appealed to Australians as it's the type of wacky throwback rock from the 50's that was all the rage at the time, that and appearing on Countdown also did the trick.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Planet Claire #43
Rock lobster #3
(POPULAR IN 1979, 1980)
Their first album was a flop earlier in the decade, so it must have been a bit of a surprise to see that Everclear managed to score a massive hit with their second album even if they owe that success in Australia to Triple J heavily promoting the album. Indeed, the album didn't receive much love anywhere else in the world likely due to them being lost in all of the other alternative bands that were coming out around this time.
Peak position #9
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Santa Monica #25
Heartspark dollarsign #40
(POPULAR IN 1996)
This was the first album to be released in Australia to see major success for Aerosmith, I'm guessing because they revealed themselves to have a sensitive side with the second single which they were reluctant to show on their earlier material. I'm not sure why their earlier work failed to find an audience here as it does regularly appear on oldies stations, I guess they were too ahead of their time.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Love in an elevator #33
Janie's got a gun #1 (AMR #1)
What it takes #46
(POPULAR IN 1990)
This was the breakthrough album from INXS, sure they had some buzz prior to this album but none of their earlier material found much success in the mainstream for some unknown reason. This is where their chart dominance would begin as it would spawn some of their more easily recognisable hits as well as set the band up as a force to be reckoned with from their subsequent follow ups.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
One thing #14
Don't change #14
Black and white #24
(POPULAR IN 1982, 1983)
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)
There was a bit of a rivalry going on between these guys and Sherbet throughout the decade, and although Sherbet won when it came to commercial success, these guys won where it truly mattered which was critical acclaim. This is mostly due to them being far more mature than Sherbet who were more interested in being the Australian 70's equivalent of the Beatles which resulted in higher album sales for these guys.
Peak position #1x16
Hit singles
Living in the 70's #28
Horror movie #1
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
This was the first album from Fleetwood mac to include American musicians Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks in their lineup, coincidentally this was the album which took them from their early psychedelia roots that got them a hit with "Albatross" in 1969 to a more mainstream audience for the 70's which led to their magnum opus the year later with Rumours.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Rhiannon #13
Say that you love me #38
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
There were no signs of Powderfinger slowing down in the 00's given how this was the second album they released this decade to have overwhelming success thanks to how popular the singles were on the radio, although again, said singles had their success eaten up by digital piracy due to them also underperforming on the charts back in the day (hence their absence on my singles lists.)
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
On my mind #9
Love your way #37
Sunsets #11
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
It looked like this would only be a modest success for the Dixie Chicks (nowadays known simply as the Chicks) given how it quickly fell off the charts the previous year upon its initial release here in Australia. It received a massive boost in popularity when word got out that the trio had been cancelled by their fellow Americans for making disparaging comments towards the (then) American president George Bush Jr, likely to give them our support for calling out the corrupt politician.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Landslide #6
(POPULAR IN 2003)
Spiderbait were rising stars in the Australian alternative scene when they released their third album, said album was what brought them into the big leagues thanks to their more pop friendly sound as well as heavy endorsement from Triple J upon its initial release. It was the success of "Calypso" which helped keep this album around, well more specifically, the music video which features some truly outdated CGI even for the time.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Buy me a pony #45
Calypso #13 (AMR #19)
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
There was no stopping Rob Thomas throughout the decade given how he found massive success with his solo debut right around the time his band went on hiatus to allow him to release said album. This managed to distinguish his sound away from his band as this had more soul to it compared to the alternative rock that his band had to offer, which in turn had him have a slightly different demographic.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Lonely no more #3
This is how a heart breaks #13
Ever the same #29
Something to be #40
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
Following the success of their debut album from, Regurgitator released this album which was an instant success for them and became even more successful thanks to the success of the third single and its bizarre music video involving a poorly CGI girl dancing to the track. The success of this video led to them reissuing the album as a DVD (remember those kids?) which allowed you to play the album on a DVD player as well as a CD.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everyday formula #41
Black bugs #32
Polyester girl #14 (AMR #14)
! #28
(POPULAR IN 1998)
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)
John Williamson has been active in the music industry since the early 70's, however aside from a massive hit with his debut single "Old man emu," he hadn't seen much success in his career until he released this magnum opus which contains his signature tune "True blue." Interestingly enough, this came out not long after Madonna's album of the same name, resulting in there being two tracks to chart with that name.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
True blue #43
(POPULAR IN 1987)
It's a bit surprising that Keith urban didn't achieve that much success here in Australia back in the day, in fact it wouldn't be until the 2010's where he would finally start to see the level of success here that you would've expected him to have from the very beginning of his career given how much international popularity he's achieved over the years.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
You're my better half #34
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
After two albums where the band experimented with their sound to mixed results, they returned to form with this album which proved to be their biggest in their career. I guess this was one of the last new wave albums to be a massive success worldwide given how it finally broke the band into the American market, however it did them no favours with their subsequent releases which sadly flopped for them.
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
Crazy #4
Electric blue #1
My obsession #12
Man of colours #28
Nothing too serious #29
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
This was the debut album from a band who by all accounts deserved far more than what they ended up achieving this decade given how the music scene shifted away from Australian artists this decade. Led by the powerful presence of frontwoman Suze Demarch, this album was initially a moderate success due to her strong vocals and the bands catchy instrumentation only for it to explode in popularity once "One word" was released as a single.
Peak position #1x6
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Early warning #21 (AMR #16)
Rush you #30
Painless #49
One word #15 (AMR #17)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
Well would you look at this, we have a rock opera set to the plot of the H.G Wells book War of the worlds by composer Jeff Wayne that managed to become a huge success this decade. Admittedly this wasn't the first concept album to achieve massive success that was based on a book as a few years prior, Yes frontman Rick Wakeman did just that with the Jules Verne novel Journey to the center of the earth.
Peak position #1x7
(POPULAR IN 1978, 1979)
I'm guessing this recharted this year due to it being released on CD for the first time, this was the case for many older albums throughout the decade finding success this decade especially if they were from the 70's as they benefitted from nostalgia that the 90's had for it.
Peak position #4
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Regardless of what your opinions are on the Twilight saga (I haven't seen any of it, nor do I plan on doing so) there's no denying that the soundtracks are at least well received given that they largely consist of alternative rock to fit in with the themes of the franchise. The first soundtrack in particular is what launched the popularity of Paramore internationally due to their theme song becoming a massive hit for them.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Decode #13
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
Although the band had two albums that were decently successful prior to this album, this was the moment where Glenn Shorrock and company went from just another pub rock band from Australia to international superstars given how inescapable the lead single was here and that it even did decently well internationally for them. Their international success would continue to grow after this album.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Help is on its way #1
Witchery #33
(POPULAR IN 1977)
For the first ten years of its existence, Moulin Rouge was a critically acclaimed jukebox musical that heralded the return of musicals in the mainstream outside of animated features, although thanks to the internet of the 2010's (specifically a certain review site that infamously trashed the film) it now has a more polarising reception as people feel the story to be too melodramatic to be taken seriously.
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
Lady marmalade #1
Come what may #10
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
These guys were rising stars in the Australian and NZ music scene throughout the 70's, so for them to enter the 80's with and album that would become one of the most successful in both countries must have been a bit of a joy for the band in question. The true success of this album came when its lead single was among the first to be played on MTV when it launched nearly two years after its initial release.
Peak position #1x10
Hit singles
I got you #1
I hope I never #18
(POPULAR IN 1980)
This was where the Eurythmics decided to appeal to a more mainstream market which proved to be a wise move for them commercially as while their previous two albums were a success for them, they weren't exactly among the most successful of the decade like this and their next album Revenge were. That said, I'm sure there's fans out there that prefer their more synth heavy new wave tracks.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Would I lie to you #1
There must be an angel #3
Sisters are doing it for themselves #15
It's alright #32
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
This was the only successful album to come from MGMT, it was their debut album and one that promised them a healthy run in the 2010's that didn't come to be due to rock music being blacklisted in the mainstream of music in favour of the club boom. Still, they had acquired a healthy fanbase with this album likely due to the psychedelic imagery in their videos as well as Triple J heavily promoting them.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Electric feel #7
Kids #21
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
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)
This was the last album to have Phil Collins as part of the band as he wouldn't reunite with the band later in the decade when they put out their final album to deafening silence. This album's success likely came from its main theme of religion which was becoming an increasingly popular topic for artists this decade ever since Madonna destigmatised criticisms of the church with her album Like a prayer.
Peak position #8
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
No son of mine #29
I can't dance #7 (AMR #7)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
These guys had been releasing albums for half a decade to deafening silence before they scored a massive hit with this album, even then this was due to the surprise success of one of its singles as this was all set to flop just like their previous entries. Their next album would prove that this album's success wasn't a fluke as that would also be a huge success for the band, although their popularity wouldn't extend after that.
Peak position #8
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Hold on to me #44
Chained to the wheel #7 (ARIA #9)
The crack up #43
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This was the debut album from Silverchair, a band who was "unearthed" the previous year by Triple J despite only being in their early to mid-teens when they were discovered by the band. This led to the album being a huge success for them which of course they weren't able to handle very well, although they did keep it together throughout the rest of the decade as they matured their sound with each new album.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Tomorrow #1 (AMR #1)
Pure massacre #2 (AMR #2)
Isreal's son #11 (AMR #14)
Shade #28
(POPULAR IN 1995)
It looked like the failure of her film Glitter would result in Mariah Carey's permanent downfall in the music industry, however by adopting an alter ego by the name of Mimi, she was able to crawl back from obscurity with this album which was a return to her 90's output which resulted in not one but two of the biggest hits of the decade in her native America as well as a massive success throughout the rest of the world.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
It's like that #9
We belong together #1
Shake it off #6
Don't forget about us #12
Get your number #19
Say something #26
(POPULAR IN 2005)
From what I can gather, Reg Livermore was a contemporary of the likes of Peter Allen and other flamboyant performers from Australia that presented their queer identity as an act. He didn't quite see the level of success that his peers did, however he did achieve a massive success with this album thanks to his presence in our pop culture at the time.
Peak position #15
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
You'd think with how iconic their music has become over the years that these guys would've had more success with their earlier material in Australia, in fact their previous album Speaking in tongues was one of the biggest albums of the decade in NZ and yet it was a massive flop here for some reason. Fortunately, this album was a huge success for the new wave band largely thanks to the still iconic singles found on here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
The lady don't mind #24
Road to nowhere #16
And she was #10
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
This is the debut album from Mike Oldfield, suffice to say, it's the theme to the Exorcist film stretched out to album length with additional parts that obviously didn't make it into the film. In fact, this was released prior to the film's release and was only included in the film due to the director's love of the album which Mike agreed to.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Tubular bells #12
(POPULAR IN 1974)
This was U2 adapting with the times in order to retain their relevancy in a decade that seemed to want to purge all of the biggest names of yesteryear from the mainstream, this paid off for them as they went the industrial rock route with this album which did alienate a bunch of their older fans but then brought in a bunch of new fans as a payoff. I'm guessing people were initially intrigued with the lead single due to the Edge's presence on it.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Numb #9 (AMR #12)
Lemon #6 (AMR #6)
Stay #5 (AMR #6)
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
This was the first album that Ricky Martin released entirely in English, I'm guessing to cash in off the surprise success he had the previous year with his FIFA world cup performance that became a chart topper for him here in Australia. This greatly benefitted from the Latin craze as the lead single became a Billboard chart topper for him, although his popularity would dwindle going into the new millennium.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Living la vida loca #4 (AMR #3)
She's all I ever had #28
Shake your bon bon #27
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
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)
You don't begin the decade with one of the biggest hits of said decade and not have the album it came from be a massive success for the artist in question, so here's the debut album from Anastacia who indeed managed to prove she was the real deal on here even though it likely came at the expense of it spawning a second hit for her. Indeed, she would find more success with her subsequent material later in the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I'm outta love #1
Not that kind #21
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
This was the debut album from the British boy band Five, I would've said these guys were a little late to the boy band wars that began in the first half of the decade with Take that and East 17 except that they were more firmly in the second round of those wars with Backstreet boys and N sync. They came in second place in Australia due to how many hit singles they managed to achieve here back in the day.
Also, for whatever reason, this was a massive hit according to ARIA but only a minor hit according to AMR, to give you an idea of how different the charts had become by this point in time.
Peak position #8
Peak position #18 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
When the lights go out #2 (AMR #3)
Everybody get up #5 (AMR #5)
Got the feeling #6 (AMR #8)
Until the time is through #8 (AMR #8)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
While he was never exactly the most successful artists in Australia, Paul Kelly did have enough of a legacy for this greatest hits package to become a huge success for him about a decade after his last big hit "To her door." Indeed, several of his songs have endured on oldies stations more so than some of the biggest hits of all time down under.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
Well this was a surprise entry, mainly because the last time anyone had heard from Daryl Braithwaite was when his former band Sherbet called it quits a decade prior due to them struggling to retain their popularity after their international breakthrough with "Howzat." Here we are ten years later and we have a very different man to the one who won the hearts of Australian teenage girls all those years prior, basically following in the footsteps of John Farnham and making adult contemporary for older audiences.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x3 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
As the days go by #9 (ARIA #11)
All I do #21
One summer #6 (ARIA #8)
Let me be #29
(POPULAR IN 1989)
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)
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)
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)
She entered the decade with a bestselling soundtrack, so what better way to leave the decade with another soundtrack to book end her achievements? Here we have the soundtrack to Beaches that also serves as a studio album for Bette Midler due to her character being a struggling singer in the film. Speaking of the film, this is a movie people will either love or hate, specifically due to the twist that never fails to induce crying from the audience.
Peak position #1x7
Peak position #1x4 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Wind beneath my wings #1 (ARIA #1)
Under the boardwalk #27
(POPULAR IN 1989)
When news broke that hell froze over and thus allowed these guys to bury the hatchet and make a new album, fans were excited so much so that this greatest hits package released to cash in on their reunion went on to be a huge success for them before they even began their Hell freezes over tour. Despite patching things up and putting on a highly successful show, the band wouldn't release new material for another thirteen years.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
While this wasn't the inescapable success that her second album was a few years prior, this did allow Tina Arena to continue her international appeal which led to her releasing several albums in the new millennium in different languages that naturally didn't chart here in Australia. She would occasionally release albums in English that did find success here, although those tended to be few and far between.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Burn #2 (AMR #4)
If I didn't have you #41
Now I can dance #13 (AMR #17)
I want to know what love is #36
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
Even though the lead single to this album was a huge success for Transvision vamp this year, it wouldn't be until the success of their second album that this album would be a hit for them likely due to us Aussies initially put off by the seductiveness of lead singer Wendy James. Indeed, this was an excellent year for the band considering the struggles they had for finding a mainstream audience in their native UK.
Peak position #15
Peak position #13 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
I want your love #7 (ARIA #7)
Revolution baby #22
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This is the final album that Powderfinger released before they went their separate ways at the start of the 10's, they agreed this would be their final album regardless of success given how Bernard Fanning wanted to pursue his solo career which didn't reach the dizzying heights of success of his debut album or his bands work throughout the 00's.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
All of the dreamers #23
Burn your name #45
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Lenny had a bit of a comeback with his (then) most recent album, so it makes sense that he would capitalise off its success with a greatest hits package that would remind audiences of his back catalogue just in time for the new millennium to start. It would be the final taste of success that he would receive in most parts of the world.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Again #30
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
This took its sweet time in finding success here in Australia, in fact it only became a hit for Jack Johnson due to it spawning a massive hit over in NZ with "Flake" that I'm sure encouraged us Aussies to check out the album to see what all the fuss was about over there. This naturally led to the success of his next album which would lead him to becoming one of the biggest names in music worldwide.
Peak position #13
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
Foreigner would become one of the most popular bands of the 80's worldwide, however they had much more humble beginnings as their debut album was a success here in Australia but only due to them being one of the earliest international guests to perform on Countdown this decade. That said, this did allow their brand of rock and roll to thrive on oldies stations decades after its initial release.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Feels like the first time #41
Cold as ice #32
(POPULAR IN 1978)
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 was released at the end of the 90's to moderate success for the Foo fighters here in Australia, however it had quite long legs going into the new decade likely due to a successful tour the band embarked on which helped their popularity grow going into the new millennium here.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Learn to fly #36
Generator #31
(POPULAR IN 2000)
Following the demise of his previous band Moving pictures, Garry Frost formed a new band in the form of 1927 whose gimmick is that they were a band who time travelled from that year in order to fit in with the times. Admittedly this gimmick is a little far-fetched considering they were riding the success of fellow Australian bands Icehouse and Choirboys with this release, but that didn't stop this album from being a huge success for them.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
That's when I think of you #5 (ARIA #6)
If I could #2 (ARIA #4)
You'll never know #20 (ARIA #15)
Compulsory hero #14 (ARIA #14)
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
This was a stellar year for music targeted towards a younger audience given how Hanson managed to become a huge overnight success worldwide with their debut album, although this is more along the lines of a pop rock album that just happens to be made by underage musicians rather than kiddie pop like other popular songs from the late 90's. It's a shame this album was released before the two younger brothers finished going through puberty as their pre-pubescent vocals do hold back the full potential of the album.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Mmmbop #1 (AMR #1)
Where's the love #2 (AMR #2)
I will come to you #2 (AMR #4)
Weird #12 (AMR #12)
Thinking of you #6 (AMR #9)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
Well, I hope David Bowie fans are prepared for what I'm about to say, this sellout album of his not only remains his most successful album in his career, but it's also one of only a select few in his discography to be a huge success for him back in the day. Admittedly pop sellout Bowie still has infinitely more artistic integrity than most mainstream artists so it's not like this was a bad representation of his genius.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Cat people #15
Let's dance #2
China girl #15
Modern love #6
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
This was the only album in Robert Palmer's career to achieve massive in Australia, although it's worth noting that Riptide did achieve minor success due to "Addicted to love" being a chart topper earlier in the decade. The success of this album can be attributed to how inescapable its lead single was on our charts as well as the rest of the tracks striking a chord with listeners of the late 80's.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Simply irresistible #1 (ARIA #1)
She makes my day #10 (ARIA #9)
Early in the morning #21
Change his ways #38
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
This was a bit of a sellout for the Corrs given how the band had dialled back on their Celtic influences in order to appeal to a more mainstream market, it worked out for them as they were able to score massive hits with the singles throughout Europe and even over in NZ as this gave them their first hit with the lead single over there. Unfortunately, they would see diminishing returns as the decade went on.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Breathless #7
Irresistible #27
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
This was the final album to be released from the Police before they became fed up with each other and broke up, many will tell you that this is their best album (I personally prefer their debut) due to the neo noir feel the album has throughout its runtime. It's certainly their most successful when you factor in the singles as the lead single became their biggest hit both in America and their native UK.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Every breath you take #2
Wrapped around your finger #26
King of pain #44
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
There was a good chance that this album never would've been a success even in Destiny's child's native America were it not for the controversy that involved their lineup change, specifically when the video for the second single was unveiled which was how two of its members found out they were fired from the group. This controversy led to people checking out the album to see what all the fuss was about.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Bills bills bills #26
Say my name #1
Jumping jumping #2
Bug a boo #26
(POPULAR IN 2000)
It took a while for this album to find the success it wound up deserving, mainly because the lead single didn't exactly light up the music scene here in Australia for Moving pictures. Fortunately, their second single did which resulted in the album itself being a massive success for them. Despite this success, the band would only release one more album to deafening silence before calling it quits and member Garry Frost forming a new band 1927.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Busting loose #43
What about me #1
(POPULAR IN 1982)
It looked like these guys were ready to grow up from their previous album Smash as this album has a much more mature tone to it than the rest of their catalogue, however though it was a huge success for them, it appears that fans really appreciated them for their loser persona as evidence by their next album being their most successful despite them returning to that persona.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
All I want #15 (AMR #20)
Gone away #16
(POPULAR IN 1997)
This was the third album to be released from Roxette and the second album to find massive worldwide success for them. Like many artists who made it big as the 80's was coming to an end, these guys were able to adapt with the changing times which allowed them to thrive when some of their contemporaries struggled to do so, although their popularity came to a halt when they appeared on the Super Mario brother's soundtrack.
Peak position #2
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Joyride #1 (AMR #1)
Fading like a flower #7 (AMR #4)
The big l #20
Spending my time #16 (AMR #12)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Following the disappointment from their previous album Comminique, Dire straits decided to slightly alter their sound from their earlier work which seemed to be a wise move for them as this became just as big as their debut did at the end of the previous decade. They did experiment with their sound on their next album to much better results.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 1981)
There was a lot of hype going into this debut album from Killing Heidi given how the two lead singles were among the most successful from the transition of the 90's to the 00's, that hype was effortlessly met when it was released as it became a massive hit for the band here in Australia. I'm not sure why, but their fans and even Triple J abandoned them with their next two albums, leaving them to flop down under.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Weir #6
Mascara #1
Leave me alone #1
Live without it #5
(POPULAR IN 2000)
This was the first album that was a massive success for the Eagles in Australia, although they did achieve success in their native America during the first half of the decade meaning these guys were unfairly ignored here until Countdown came along. While their albums were inescapable, the same can't be said for the songs themselves as they didn't chart very well during the height of Abba and Sherbet.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
One of these nights #33
Lying eyes #34
Take it to the limit #30
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
I guess grunge had officially taken over the mainstream this year as this fourth album from Soundgarden proved to be a massive hit upon its initial release, although it's true appeal came when the video for "Black hole sun" dropped which helped the band stand out from their contemporaries. They're often considered to be one of the big four for grunge, the other three bands being Nirvana, Pearl jam and Alice in chains.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Spoonman #23
Black hole sun #6 (AMR #6)
My wave #50
(POPULAR IN 1994)
There were plenty of British RNB girl groups of the decade, however with the possible exception of the Spice girls (depending on how you define their music) this was the most successful group in this category thanks to how inescapable their debut album was. They were previously known as All Saints 1.9.7.5. due to two of the members being born that year, however they dropped the date when they released this album.
Peak position #4
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Never ever #1 (AMR #1)
I know where it's at #12 (AMR #18)
Under the bridge #5 (AMR #8)
Lady marmalade #5 (AMR #8)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
Given the popularity of their previous album load, Metallica decided to double down on their more mainstream sound by releasing this sequel to that album which proved to be slightly more successful due to it having more hit singles spawned from it. Again, this was well received at the time by everyone except for their diehard fans who felt betrayed by their abandonment of their older sound.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The memory remains #6 (AMR #7)
The unforgiven II #9 (AMR #9)
Fuel #2 (AMR #3)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
This is a covers album consisting of many popular Australian and NZ artists paying their tributes to the discography of both Neil and Tim Finn, meaning that this is a collection of covers from both of their solo careers as well as their bands Crowded house and Split enz which proved to be a massive hit here in Australia and their native NZ.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
Although they would achieve massive success with their third album, it was the second album from Eskimo Joe that first brought them to the mainstream thanks to how popular the trio was on Triple J upon its initial release. They were another Australian act who I believe were done dirty by the act of digital piracy as I could've sworn they were much bigger with their singles then they ended up being.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
From the sea #33
Older than you #46
(POPULAR IN 2004)
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)
I should give out a fair warning to fans of these guys that while their albums were indeed among the more successful of the decade in Australia, that clearly came at the expense of their songs not being hits like they were internationally. Admittedly their brand of soft rock has always endured on our oldie's stations so it's not like their music has been forgotten by any means but that still doesn't make the lack of their singles success any easier to swallow.
Peak position #1x12
Hit singles
New in town #16
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
This was the second album that Stevie Nicks released between the two albums she made with Fleetwood Mac, I'm guessing she was delaying the inevitable by dragging her feet to reunite with the band for their album Tango in the night. Here she doubles down on her pop direction which while it alienated many of her international fans, won over a bunch of fans in Australia as it remains her most successful solo album in her career.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
I can't wait #20
Talk to me #22
(POPULAR IN 1986)
This was an album that took its sweet time in finding an audience for the band in question, for almost two years this sat on shelves largely ignored even with Triple J discovering the album the previous year and promoting it on their station. It eventually became a success when "Glycerine" became a surprise hit for the English band in America, which in turn allowed it to become a success here in Australia and thus sell the album.
Peak position #5
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everything zen #41
Glycerine #5 (AMR #7)
Comedown #45
(POPULAR IN 1996)
These guys had been finding more and more success with each album this decade, the peak of their popularity coming when this album became a massive success in the 2010's due to it finally spawning them a hit in the form of its second single here in Australia. Even as early as 2010, it was a rare victory for a rock track even if the band has Triple J to thank for its popularity down under.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Uprising #23
Undisclosed desires #11
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This had a bit of a slow start to its success, likely because everyone felt that Nelly Furtado was going to be a one hit wonder with the lead single due to the album being more spiritually inclined than most of the competition this year. It finally became a massive success once the second single was released which set Nelly up for massive success that she only got from her third album later in the decade.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I'm like a bird #2
Turn off the lights #7
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
This is the second solo album to come from Rob Thomas, it wasn't quite as successful as his earlier entry due to it getting lost in the shuffle with all of the commotion that was happening this year, but it was a massive success regardless and proof that he was all set for a successful run in the 2010's. Indeed, his final album with Matchbox 20 would be a massive success despite the mainstream's adversion towards rock music.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Her diamonds #3
Give me the meltdown #41
Mockingbird #50
(POPULAR IN 2009)
People feel the album's title to be an attack on Britney's haters, after all, it does feel like a snarky quip towards everyone who felt she bought her way into the music industry through her connections with Disney. It certainly didn't deter her fans from making it a success given how it and the singles managed to be equally as successful as her debut from the previous year thanks to how well they connected with it.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Ooops I did it again #1
Lucky #3
Stronger #13
(POPULAR IN 2000)
No comments:
Post a Comment