Her victory album from two years prior might have been a complete dud (mainly because she only came in second place in Australian idol despite the album being called the Winner's journey) however that didn't mean that Jessica Mauboy would be yesterday's news as she managed to find success with her official debut album this year thanks to it spawning multiple hits for her throughout the year.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Running back #3
Burn #1
Been waiting #12
Because #9
Up/down #11
Let me be me #26
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
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)
You know that these guys were overexposed when a throwaway greatest hits package became one of the biggest albums of the decade in Australia, although I'm guessing this albums success came from its bonus track becoming the biggest hit of the decade here.
Peak position #1x16
(POPULAR IN 1976)
Although their debut album Kissing to be clever (fun fact that title appears as a lyric on this album) was a moderate success for these guys, this was the album which made them a household name largely thanks to how much shameless fun the tracks are despite there being an underlying theme of tolerance and acceptance throughout its runtime. It's a shame that their next album saw the band lose the magic they had on here.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Church of the poison mind #4
Karma chameleon #1
Victims #4
It's a miracle #14
Miss me blind #26
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
Following the success of her album Rhythm nation, Janet no longer had any issues with finding an audience in Australia which means that this album (which reportedly was made after a record-breaking contract she made with her label) was a huge success for her. Interestingly, the album popped up several times throughout the decade whenever one of the singles became popular worldwide.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
That's the way love goes #1 (AMR #1)
If #18 (AMR #20)
Again #19 (AMR #19)
Because of love #25 (AMR #20)
Any time any place #37
You want this #16
What'll I do #14 (AMR #13)
Whoops now #49
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994, 1995)
Although they had a very good run throughout the decade (certainly more so than many of their early peers) Crowded house decided to call it quits by releasing this greatest hits package as well as performing a farewell concert at the Sydney opera house to promote Neil's ill-fated solo career he would launch soon after. The band did eventually get back together a decade later and have retained a strong cult audience.
Peak position #1x10
Peak position #1x10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everything is good for you #10 (AMR #12)
Not the girl you think you are #37
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
This is where it all began for one of the more divisive pop stars of the new millennium, indeed Britney Spears isn't what you'd call a powerhouse vocalist despite her songs being pop classics for two decades at this point. That said there's a lot more love and respect for her in recent years than there was at the time as people would say some rather heinous things about her that I would rather not repeat on this site.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Baby one more time #1 (AMR #1)
Sometimes #2 (AMR #2)
Crazy #12 (AMR #7)
From the bottom of my broken heart #37
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
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)
You'd think that J-Lo would've had more success throughout the 00's with her albums given how inescapably popular she was with her singles, indeed her second album was only a success upon its initial release given how it's true popularity would come with the remix it received the following year thanks to two of those "remixes" (a term I use loosely in this case) being Billboard chart toppers for her.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Love don't cost a thing #4
Play #14
Ain't it funny #25 (remix #9)
I'm real #5 (remix #3)
I'm gonna be alright #16
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
This is another album that was released the previous year to deafening silence for the artist in question only to then gain a bunch of steam this year due to a popular single making it big, in this case we have the second album from Good Charlotte who scored a massive breakthrough here in Australia with the album's second single which allowed it to become a massive hit throughout the year for the punk band.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Lifestyles of the rich and famous #17
The anthem #14
Girls and boys #33
(POPULAR IN 2003)
This is yet another greatest hits package from Abba that was released around this time, I guess this was to retire their previous album from ten years prior given how that refused to die on our charts even back in the day. Alas it didn't work as this has long since faded into obscurity in favour of that other album coming back every time something Abba related happens.
Peak position #10
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003, 2004)
This only barely manages to make the cut on this list, even then it does so more as a sleeper hit since it was released the previous year to very minimal success likely due to it being yet another victim of Australian idol's monopoly of our music scene around this time. Admittedly it also wasn't promoted very well which explains why it only spawned one hit from the album as opposed to her usual multiple entries.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Trouble #8
God is a DJ #24
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2009)
Even though these guys were from the UK, this proved to be a massive flop throughout Europe due to Europeans not being as invested with opera music as we Aussies and kiwis were back in the day. The fact that the lead vocalist was from NZ allowed it to be a huge success here and a massive success over in his homeland which led to them releasing another album the following year.
Peak position #4
(POPULAR IN 2004)
These guys were often described as a killer live act throughout their career, so it's only inevitable that this live album of theirs would be a huge success for them given that it captures their best moments while on tour.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Love over gold #46
(POPULAR IN 1984)
Although this album would be blasted by the internet if it were released nowadays, this was a huge success for Kevin "bloody" Wilson who made no attempt to hide how politically incorrect this album was (even back then) which nonetheless managed to find a massive audience who were laughing at his character rather than with him. It's certainly not for everyone, however it does tread the line of offensive humour while realising that this language isn't socially acceptable.
Peak position #8
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
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)
A trend I don't think many people realised was inescapable this decade was that of opera music finding massive success in the mainstream, that should give some context as to how this live album from Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti became a huge success upon its initial release.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
This was the first album from the Dixie Chicks (now simply known as the Chicks) to find success outside of their native America likely due to the rise in popularity that female centric country was having as the decade was coming to an end. Their popularity would skyrocket here in Australia with their next album, specifically due to the stance they took against the American president at the time.
Peak position #35
(POPULAR IN 1999)
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 is an album comprising of many Cuban musicians assembled by Ry Cooder, Ry of course was the man who scored a massive hit twenty years prior with his cover of an Elvis Presley classic in the southern hemisphere, meaning this was the album that finally got him out of the one hit wonder bin here in Australia but not in NZ as this didn't even chart over there.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 2000)
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)
Shakira had been active for a decade in her native Columbia at this point, however it was when she learned English and decided to appeal to an English-speaking market that she finally achieved mainstream success worldwide with this album. It was one of the last Latin albums to make it big as the Latin craze was quickly dying out as the decade went on, however it spawned multiple huge hits to ensure its success.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Whenever wherever #1
Underneath your clothes #1
Objection #2
The one #16
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
This is one of those albums that was way more successful than its placement on this list would otherwise suggest, mainly because these guys were among the first to truly benefit from the digital charts here in Australia which sadly hadn't accommodated albums which meant this album only reached the upper echelons of our charts whenever one of their singles crossed over to the mainstream.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
I love it #24
Pictures #19
UFO #11
Goodbye #33
(POPULAR IN 2007)
Well, if his (then) girlfriend could find international success with her album this year, why not Chris Brown with his second album? Just like Good girl gone bad, this album's appearance on this list is also thanks to its deluxe edition released this year given how the album on its own likely wouldn't have been successful were it not for the buzz it received with the deluxe edition once that dropped.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Wall to wall #21
Kiss kiss #8
With you #5
Forever #7 (deluxe edition)
Superhuman #30 (deluxe edition)
(POPULAR IN 2008)
Given the success that these guys had with their second entry on this list, their debut album was finally able to find massive success here in Australia given how it failed to spawn them a hit down under despite the lead single being one of their more iconic in their catalogue. In a way, they had the same start to the 80's as the Jacksons did given how this was also released two years prior and how it became popular here,
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Roxanne #34
(POPULAR IN 1980)
Considering this wasn't among the more successful albums in Bryan's native Canada, it's impressive to see how well it did internationally given how its second single became a Billboard chart topper for him. I guess you can say this was a success due to him being a part of the heartland rock crowd which made the likes of Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp huge megastars around this time.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Run to you #24
Heaven #12
Summer of 69 #14
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
Following the demise of the Police, Sting made good on his word by embarking on a solo career which regardless of how you feel about it (he's a good singer but terrible songwriter in my opinion) was off to a great start commercially with this album of his. While he would never again reach the dizzying heights he achieved here or on his earlier work with his band, he remained popular for many years later.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
If you love somebody set them free #18
Russians #11
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
These guys saw minor success in their native UK in the late 80's with their debut album, this success didn't translate to Australia likely due to us being uninterested in British soul at the time. This attitude obviously changed with their third album as there was plenty of British artists finding success with soul music, although it did take a while for this album to peak here despite finding success with the singles.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Only to be with you #18 (AMR #19)
Lay your love on me #26
(POPULAR IN 1995)
Well, it seemed inevitable that these guys would return to their loser personas they had from their album Smash earlier in the decade, sure Ixnay on the hombre was a commercial success but it didn't reach the highs they achieved with the likes of "Come out and play" and "Self esteem." Indeed, not only was this album their most successful, but it also spawned their biggest hits that still resonate with audiences to this day.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Pretty fly #1 (AMR #1)
Why don't you get a job #2 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
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)
Although Kelly Rowland managed to get her album out first, Simply deep was a commercial disappointment for her which wasn't the case for Beyonce's solo album she released six months after that album. Granted this was only a modest success for her here in Australia at first as it only became a huge hit once the fifth single became a surprise hit for her almost a year after its initial release.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
03 Bonnie and Clyde #2
Crazy in love #2
Baby boy #3
Me myself I #11
Naughty girl #9
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
This solo album from Gwen Stefani remains divisive among fans to this day, basically you either love it for her willingness to branch out into pop music (like I do) or hate it because you feel it betrays her time with No doubt by sacrificing her ska punk roots in favour of making a pop album. Either way, it was a massive success for the pop diva despite criticisms of her fetishising her Asian fans on the album cover and the lyrics.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
What you waiting for #1
Rich girl #2
Hollaback girl #1
Cool #10
Luxurious #25
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
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)
The acronym for this album is "the energy never dies," this seemed to be the case for the quartet when they released their third album together given how it seemed like their party jams weren't going to die going into the 2010's thanks to how inescapable they were. Of course, their time in the spotlight did eventually die out when they released their next album which was critically panned for being lazy and repetitive.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Boom boom pow #1
I gotta feeling #1
Meet me halfway #1
Rock that body #8
Imma be #7
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This is a bit of an outlier for Midnight oil's discography as they made the strange decision to not release any singles from this album, I'm guessing to ensure that it would be a success without any hindrance from audiences wanting to buy the singles instead. If you couldn't tell from the cover art, their topic of the day was environmentalism which even back then was of major concern in the mainstream media.
Peak position #1x4
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
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)
People like to dunk on these guys due to being seen as the sellout band for hair metal, that obviously didn't prevent this album from being a huge success for the band given how they managed to retain enough of the genres roots to seem like the genuine article along the likes of Guns n roses and Bon Jovi. Sadly, this success didn't carry them over to the 90's as while Flesh and blood was a hit for them, it wasn't to the scale this album was.
Peak position #11
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Nothing but a good time #15 (ARIA #10)
Fallen angel #25
Every rose has its thorn #12 (ARIA #16)
Your mama don't dance #22
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
It looked like that Bryan Adams was going to become a one album wonder given the commercial failure of his 1987 effort Heat of the night, however following his contributions to the Robin hood soundtrack, he was able to bounce back more successful than ever with this album which led to him having a highly productive decade despite only putting out two more albums in the 90's.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I do it for you #1 (AMR #1)
Can't stop this thing we started #9 (AMR #13)
There will never be another tonight #30
Thought I'd died and gone to heaven #13 (AMR #13)
All I want is you #31
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
This was arguably the biggest album to come from Hunters and collectors, mainly because it was already a success upon its initial as it as it rebounding on the charts due to the success of the second and third singles on the album. It allowed them to find success during a time where it was becoming increasingly difficult for Australian artists to do so, particularly those coming from the 80's.
Peak position #6
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Where do you go #33
True tears of joy #14 (AMR #13)
Holy grail #20 (AMR #16)
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
This was the debut album from a band that would go on to be widely despised when years later when they ruined the Joni Mitchell classic "Big yellow taxi" for the film Two weeks' notice. Before they were blacklisted in the music community for that, there were a well-respected band who score massive success with their debut album as well as having the first hit single worldwide that was never released as such in their native America.
Peak position #12
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Mr. Jones #13 (AMR #13)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
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)
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)
This is a bit of a misleading album title as it suggests it's the trio's third album when really it's only their second, although it could be a reference to them indeed being a trio even though that's patently obvious with their band name. Naturally this found an audience thanks to heavy exposure on Triple J, although even then it wouldn't be until their next album that they finally achieved massive success here.
Peak position #24
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
This was another greatest hits package that Elton John released in his career to achieve moderate success worldwide, there's not much I can say about it as it's further proof that fans will always love his back catalogue even if that love doesn't extend to his newer material.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 2003)
This is one of the last Australian groups to find international success over the years, here we have the debut album from the Veronicas who scored instant success here in Australia and over in NZ once it was released over there which sparked interest for the duo in the northern hemisphere. That interest turned into success once they released their second album later in the decade which spawned their biggest hit.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
4ever #2
Everything I'm not #7
When it all falls apart #7
Revolution #18
Leave me alone #41
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
Jason Mraz was a no name outside his native America prior to releasing this breakthrough album of his, or more specifically, when the lead single finally became a massive success for him which led many to accuse him of becoming like Jack Johnson or James Blunt with this album. It remains his only successful album outside of America even though he's seen sound success over the years since this came out in his homeland.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
I'm yours #3
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
Although the band already had massive success earlier in the decade with their victory at Eurovision, this was the album that finally made them international superstars thanks to how many hit singles it managed to spawn from the album (back when it was rare for an album to have more than one hit single from it.)
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
I do I do I do #1
Mamma Mia #1
SOS #1
Rock me #4
I've been waiting for you #49
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
The second soundtrack to a John Travolta film to appear on this list, this time it's for his film Saturday night fever which also serves as the Bee gees full transition into disco as in addition to the new tracks they recorded for this album, this also includes several songs from their previous album Children of the world for John to shake his groove thing to throughout the film. The film itself is decent, nothing revolutionary but certainly one that's earned its place in pop culture.
Peak position #1x13
Hit singles
How deep is your love #3
Staying alive #1
If I can't have you #9
Night fever #7
More than a woman #31
(POPULAR IN 1978)
This is the first of three albums that MJ made with Quincy Jones, and while it's easily the most dated of the three due to it being primarily a disco album as opposed to the other two with more timeless elements to them, it didn't stop it from succeeding during a time where disco was becoming a bad word in the music industry. This even revived the careers of his family act the Jackson five in Australia.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Don't stop till you get enough #1
Rock with you #4
She's out of my life #17
(POPULAR IN 1980)
This was the first greatest hits package that Elton John released with this exact title, in fact when he released the second album with this title exactly a decade later, he had to clarify which one was which by giving them distinctly different album art to help audiences tell them apart. Naturally this wasn't as successful given that it was released during the period where he wasn't working with Bernie Taupin.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 1981, 1982)
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)
It was a new decade, so Crowded house decided to dial back the bombast of their previous material to help them fit in with the calmer music scene which provided them their third big hit in a row with their albums. This managed to break them through into the UK where they scored massive success with this album, I'm guessing the Brits were looking to make them a success but couldn't get into their 80's material.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Chocolate cake #20 (AMR #20)
Fall at your feet #31
It's only natural #15 (AMR #15)
Weather with you #27
Four seasons in one day #47
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
This is another band that I would've sworn had massive success with their singles throughout the 00's, although the led single to their third album was a sleeper hit, so perhaps they were just another victim of the music industry shoving them aside in favour of reality TV singles. In any case, their third album proved to be a massive success for them here in Australia as well as over in NZ despite it failing to spawn a hit over there.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Zebra #23
What you want #29
Something you want #47
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
We've seen plenty of classic music on this site already, haven't we? Well, here we are with the debut album from the British opera group Il Divo which naturally won an audience with the same demographic that were fans of the likes of Michael Bublé, James Blunt and Human nature throughout the decade.
Peak position #1x2
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
Although their album A song is a city was a huge success for Eskimo Joe, it was their third album which finally made them a household name thanks to its title track becoming one of the biggest hits of the decade thanks to its dominance on the digital charts upon its initial release. It helped the alternative band go from a mere fan favourite from listeners of Triple J to one of Australia's biggest names in music.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Black fingernails red wine #6
Sarah #12
New York #26
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
This was the first successful album that Fall out boy had here in Australia, mainly because their previous efforts went largely unheard of internationally, although their later efforts saw a decline in quality that even their fans couldn't abide by. Still at least they had a massive hit with this effort largely thanks to the digital charts finally exposing these guys to a wider audience.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
This ain't a scene it's an arms race #4
Thnks fr th mmrs #3
The take over the breaks over #17
I'm like a lawyer #28
(POPULAR IN 2007)
Well, this is the album many of Kiss's former fans cried sellout to given how they like so many other bands and artists of the day, decided to cash in on the disco trends for commercial success. It does remain their most popular album in their career even though many will tell you that their earlier material is much better, however it's clear that this was the peak of their popularity regardless.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I was made for loving you #2
Sure know something #4
(POPULAR IN 1979, 1980)
This had a bit of a slow rise to popularity in Australia, mainly because (as you've likely noticed on these lists) RNB isn't a popular genre here and also possibly due to Terence being a former soldier who was dishonourably discharged from the American army while he was stationed in Germany. He did eventually find his way back home once this album became a huge success for him for the record.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Wishing well #9
Dance little sister #41
Sign your name #3
If you let me stay #36
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
It's rare to see a debut album receive this much critical acclaim for the artist in question, however that's exactly what happened to Tracy Chapman who won the hearts of many listeners worldwide who seemed to be sick of all the bombastic music permeating throughout the decade. This album opened up many doors for fellow female singer/songwriters who had personal stories to share to a massive audience.
Peak position #3
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Fast car #5 (ARIA #4)
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
This was a modest success for Cypress hill here in Australia upon its initial release, although its true success wouldn't come until a year later likely due to how well it was received by the kiwis throughout its run over in NZ. It was an early success story for the "true" hip hop here in Australia given how until this point it was mainly the likes of MC Hammer and Vanilla ice finding success with the genre here.
Peak position #13
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Insane in the brain #40
I ain't going out like that #43
When the shit goes down #47
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
This was originally released to deafening silence in Australia, even though the Badloves did receive plenty of promotion on Triple J upon the albums initial release. Their fortunes changed when Jimmy Barnes convinced them to do a duet with him on his hit single "The weight" shortly after this came out, which resulted in this album being a massive success for the band following the success of that track.
Peak position #5
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I remember #48
Green limousine #35
(POPULAR IN 1994)
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)
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)
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)
This is the best charting album to come from Silverchair, it wasn't necessarily their biggest album as the album charts were admittedly very shaky during the 00's, however it did stick around for quite a while to earn its high spot on this list. This was the band's final album before they went on a hiatus so that lead singer Daniel Johns could pursue his side project as the Dissosiactives with Australian DJ Paul Mac.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
The greatest view #3
Without you #8
Luv your life #20
Across the night #24
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
This was another successful album to come from KD Lang here in Australia, it was released fairly late in the year, which means it wasn't a Mother's Day gift like many of her other albums.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
This had a slow start to its success here in Australia, mainly because it was released right when the digital charts were finally incorporated onto the main charts which meant that fans had to slowly discover what these guys had to offer on this album. Once they did, they made it a huge success even if they unfortunately didn't stick around for any of their subsequent albums.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Welcome to the black parade #14
Famous last words #20
Teenagers #16
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
This was released as a self-titled album everywhere else in the world, however here in Australia, she named it after her debut single which became an instant hit here when it was first released. While Suzi wasn't the first woman in rock to find massive success (that honour goes to Janis Joplin albeit posthumously) she nonetheless became a pioneer for women in rock thanks to her tough as nails attitude and skills as a guitarist.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Can the can #1
48 crash #1
(POPULAR IN 1974)
It's often regarded as one of the best albums of all time (no arguments here) however its status as the biggest album of its day didn't come until much later when it was rereleased in the 90's to cash in off the success of Meat loaf's reunion with Jim Steinman for the long-awaited sequel to this album. People were a bit more divided on that album due to when it came out, however there's very few that will say this is anything short of a masterpiece.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
You took the words right out of my mouth #3
Bat out of hell #26
Two out of three ain't bad #11
(POPULAR IN 1978)
While he wasn't among the most successful artists of the decade, his (then) most recent album Stranger in town was a huge sleeper hit for Bob Seger which likely explains the success of this greatest hits package from him here in Australia. What's interesting is that he would return to the mainstream eight years later with one of the tracks on this album.
Peak position #1x2
(POPULAR IN 1979)
Following the success of their live E.P, Devo was able to find success with their breakthrough album of theirs as their wacky antics really struck a chord with us Aussies back in the day. This led to both of their albums this year being successful and even the band performing a song on each album on Countdown in the new year, although their popularity would fade once MTV took over.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Whip it #1
Girl you want #1
(POPULAR IN 1981)
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)
Following the success of her debut album, Whitney felt she was confident enough to do away with all of the guest artists and such release an album where she was front and center all the way through. Though the album was a success, many audiences of colour complained she was selling out to a Caucasian crowd which affected her enough for her next album to be more urban oriented.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
I wanna dance with somebody #1
Didn't we almost have it all #27
So emotional #26
Where do broken hearts go #48
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
This was only a modest success for Margaret in her native NZ, I'm guessing in favour of allowing the lead single to be one of the biggest hits of its era but also likely due to her being overexposed by the time she went solo. As we Aussies hadn't heard of her band Peking man, we were unfamiliar with how stunning of a vocalist she was, which likely explains how this was so much bigger over here as this was our introduction to her music.
Peak position #5
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Escaping #17 (AMR #13)
Only my heart calling #46
Number one #24
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
While I can't quite call this a comeback album as AC/DC did see plenty of success throughout the 80's here in Australia, it is the first album they released that I would say was among the most successful of its time thanks to have a very distinct lead single compared to the rest of their catalogue. The album was the first to become a success over in NZ which led to the band having a great decade over there as well.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Thunderstruck #4 (AMR #8)
Moneytalks #21
Are you ready #18
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
This was a highly successful decade for Lenny Kravitz who saw massive success with his second and third albums throughout the world, although it's worth noting that only this album was a success for him in his native America as his next album bombed there for some reason. This initially struggled to become a success here in Australia, however once his second single made him a household name on Billboard the album flew up the charts here.
Peak position #10
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Always on the run #43
It ain't over till it's over #10 (AMR #10)
Stand by my woman #46
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Enya had already achieved massive success with her previous four albums; however, this was her crowning achievement given how it remains her most successful album in her career despite coming out a bit late in the new age craze she kick started with her second album Watermark. Indeed, this was her last notable success in most parts of the world as the new age craze began to lose its momentum.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Anywhere is #34
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
One of the grittiest films to come out of the 90's was Trainspotting, a film which depicted the brutal conditions of living in the Scottish drug scene of the day and is led by a captivating performance from Ewan McGregor who found international success from this film. The soundtrack helps drive home the themes of the film, which is why it was a massive success back in the day worldwide.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Born slippy #20
(POPULAR IN 1996)
There was a lot of hype going into this album from Matchbox 20 given how much of a surprise success that their debut album was throughout the 90's, that hype was effortlessly met here in Australia as this also went on to be a massive success for the band thanks to the singles permeating on our radio back in the day. It wasn't as successful in most other parts of the world, likely due to international audiences feeling this was more of the same from them.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Bent #19
If you're gone #18
Mad season #42
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
This 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)
Ben Lee was always on the verge of breaking through into the mainstream given how his 1998 effort barely managed to make an appearance on this site, his time to shine came with his fifth album due to the lead single finding massive success on the radio as well as being heavily promoted on Triple J this year. It led to him being a one album wonder as his follow-up failed to bring in the numbers this did.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Gamble everything for love #39
Catch my disease #27
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
Even though her previous album remains her most successful to date, many critics felt that it was a crass display of Christina's public image which led to her rethinking how she was going to continue to mature away from her time with Disney. This led to her making a throwback double album which incorporates many styles from the first half of the twentieth century that led to her scoring a massive success with it.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Ain't no other man #6
Hurt #9
Candyman #2
Slow down baby #21
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
These guys were on a roll when they released their fourth album, given how they no longer had to deal with digital piracy with their singles, it allowed said singles to become massive hits for them which no doubt contributed to the album's popularity here. This popularity would extend to their next album despite it being released in 2010, making it one of the last rock albums to find success here.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Funky tonight #15 (#11 live version)
Better now #16
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
Given how he was arguably the most in demand producer of the decade, it only makes sense that the producer would release an album of his own where he fronts the mic while his clientele provide him with catchy choruses to connect his verses together. Despite how inescapable he was, it took a while for this album to take off, only doing so once his collaboration with Keri Hilson became a worldwide smash.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Give it to me #16
Throw it on me #50
The way I are #1
Apologize #1
Scream #20
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
America had a great run in their career by this point in time, so it makes sense that the band best known for lines such as "there were plants and birds and rocks and things" and "cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain" would have massive success with their greatest hits package given how they were known for so much more than their novelty track "A horse with no name" back then.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Lonely people #43
(POPULAR IN 1976)
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)
I'm not exactly sure how this album from Willie Nelson managed to find an audience in Australia two years after its initial release, after all it's not like he was among the more successful country stars outside his native America, nor was this album used to promote anything worthwhile (that I'm aware of that is.)
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 1980)
Although their previous album Breakfast at sweethearts did put these guys on the map, it was this album which made Cold chisel a household name thanks to the raw vocal delivery of Jimmy Barnes in addition to how catchy their pub rock instrumentation remains to this day. It's a shame that the band would only last a few more years together as their popularity only continued to grow after this albums success.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Choir girl #14
Cheap wine #8
My baby #40
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
This was the debut album for one of the more prominent figures of sophistopop in the music industry Sade, a band led by their frontwoman Sade Adu who combined jazz with new wave for audiences of the day. This is another band I'm surprised didn't have a hit single in Australia considering how well loved their songs remain on oldies stations, although the albums were a success so maybe that's why their songs flopped here.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Smooth operator #20
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985, 1986)
With the overwhelming success he achieved with his last album, it makes sense that Jimmy Barnes would aim even higher with his second solo album by recruiting Diane Warren to co write many of the songs on the album. While this album was a huge success for him here in Australia and NZ, it wound up backfiring for him internationally as it failed to dent any charts in the northern hemisphere.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Too much ain't enough love #1
Driving wheels #12
I'm still on your side #29
Waiting for the heartache #32
(POPULAR IN 1988)
This album set records for Simply red over in their native UK, namely it became the first album to top the year end album charts there for two years in a row which should give you an idea of how inescapable they were back in the day. It wasn't quite that big here in Australia, although it was riding off the success of their first three albums, so its success was notable regardless.
Peak position #7
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Something got me started #29
Stars #29
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
While they were never among the likes of Pearl jam or Nirvana when it comes to grunge royalty, Stone temple pilots did achieve massive success this year with their second album due to the heavy endorsement they received on Triple J as well as the radio in general gravitating towards their sound. They would struggle for relevancy as the decade went on largely due to the antics of their lead singer Scott Weiland.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Vasoline #24
Insterstate love song #50
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
Perhaps the first film to feature a trans character and treat them with any sense of dignity and respect, we have this distinctly Australian film that managed to become a huge success everywhere in the world except for America because anything that isn't filtered by Hollywood doesn't tend to do well over there. The soundtrack was a predictable hit worldwide due to the film recontextualising many of the tracks as queer anthems throughout its runtime.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I love the nightlife #11 (AMR #11)
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
Just like the previous entry, this album sat on shelves ignored for over a year before it finally found success worldwide with its lead single. Another thing this album has in common with Sheryl's debut is that Joshua was also in his thirties when he recorded it, perhaps this was a sign of agism initially being a barrier to success only for it to be torn down when audiences realise the good music they'd be missing out on.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Jessie #15 (AMR #18)
Beautiful in my eyes #5 (AMR #6)
Picture postcards from LA #46
(POPULAR IN 1995)
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)
This is one of many albums this decade to become massively successful despite it receiving negative reviews from critics, it seems fitting given how Limp bizkit weren't exactly the type of band to appeal to those who would sing their praises for the likes of Steely Dan and U2. Still, this is an album that was popular at the time, but most people look back on with dread and confusion, much like Vanilla Ice a from a decade prior.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Take a look around #28
My generation #31
Rolling #11
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
Named after his breakthrough album from 1973, this admittedly took a while to become a success here in Australia as it was originally released two years prior to deafening silence for the piano man. I'm guessing it did take off due to the nostalgia circuit becoming a thing for the first time this year as we'll see for the remainder of these lists from the 00's.
Peak position #14
(POPULAR IN 2006)
Chris Isaak hadn't troubled the charts since 1999 when "Baby did a bad bad thing" became a surprise hit due to it being chosen as the theme to Eyes wide shut, the success of this greatest hits album suggests that fans might not want new material from the crooner, however they still vibe to his older material, making him a legacy artist by this point in time.
Peak position #1x1
(POPULAR IN 2006)
The last time that these guys bothered the charts was at the start of the decade, so to see them back in the spotlight nearly ten years later was a bit of a surprise to say the least. This didn't spawn any hit singles for the band, however considering their existence was pushing forty years at this point, the fact they were able to have a bestselling album was impressive in of itself.
Peak position #1x1
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
This was the most successful solo album that Yes front man Rick Wakeman was able to achieve in his career, it's a concept album about Jules Verne's Journey to the centre of the earth making this one of the first albums to be based around a work of literature in the music industry. Interestingly he had more success here in Australia with his solo albums from around this time than he ever did with his band.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
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