With all of the love their back catalogue has received thanks to the disco backlash finally being seen as the bigoted mistake that it always was, it seems that the Brothers Gibb were prime for a comeback which is exactly what they achieved with this album which saw them continue the adult contemporary approach they had with their previous comeback ESP to massive success. This would lead to a highly successful live album the following year.
Peak position #4
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Alone #7 (AMR #14)
(POPULAR IN 1997)
This was the first greatest hits package that John Farnham released around this period; it was meant to cover his comeback period whilst the second he released would look over his pre comeback period from a decade prior. Naturally this was the more successful of the two albums as it contained some of his most iconic work.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everytime you cry #3 (AMR #3)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
One of the more popular teen dramas of the decade was Dawson's creek, although I don't think anyone was expecting its official soundtrack to be as successful as it was considering how the Beverly Hills 90210 soundtrack wasn't a huge success earlier in the decade. I guess audiences connected with the themes of the show better than that classic, although that show has retained a stronger fanbase over the years.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Kiss me #1 (AMR #1)
Shimmer #39
I don't wanna wait #27
(POPULAR IN 1999)
One of the best rom coms of the decade (in my opinion of course) is Bridget Jones diary, a British film based on a + sized woman (played by the usually underweight Renee Zellweger) keeps a journal about her year where she navigates her day-to-day life in order to find the love of her life. It was a massive critical and commercial success which spawned a highly successful soundtrack to boot.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
It's raining men #4
Out of reach #9
(POPULAR IN 2001)
This was an instant success for Nickelback here in Australia, likely because we Aussies wasted no time in making the lead single a huge success compared to the rest of the world where it needed to climb up the charts before it became a best seller worldwide. Their next three albums would be an even bigger success for them, likely because they all managed to spawn more than one hit for them down under.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
How you remind me #2
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
It appears that Lee Kernaghan was one of those artists who saw more success with each album he released similar to that of the Foo fighters and Keith Urban here in Australia, indeed his popularity would increase when Keith finally saw his mainstream breakthrough later in the decade.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 2002)
Even though he didn't reach the dizzying heights of success here in Australia that he achieved in his native America, Kanye west was able to make a huge splash with his second album thanks to the lead single and its throwback production to that of Ray Charles (especially with the presence of Jamie Foxx.) The album received a boost in popularity when another song became a minor success here, confirming his popularity.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Gold digger #1
Heard em say #27
Touch the sky #10
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
There was a good chance that Newton Faulkner was going to be the British folk singer of choice going into the 2010's, however Ed Sheeran stole that thunder away from him just like Adele took away any chances of either Duffy or Leona Lewis from being the British pop diva of that decade.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Dream catch me #5
(POPULAR IN 2008)
From what I can gather, Sunshine was a docudrama from 1973 that was a massive success here in Australia, at least I think it was based on how well the soundtrack did two years after its release. It's about how a mother and a daughter died at a concert and the ramifications of that event, hence why there was a tie in soundtrack to such a serious matter.
Peak position #16
(POPULAR IN 1975)
This was a massive success for Led zeppelin upon its initial release, so much so that it makes you wonder why they slowed down their album output after this as they only released two more albums after this before they went their separate ways in 1980. I guess because they did release quite a lot of albums during the first half of the decade.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 1975)
This was the most successful album to come from the Doobie Brothers given how it spawned their biggest hit in their catalogue in the form of its lead single. Even though they had a very successful run this decade with their adult contemporary rock music, they would struggle to retain their popularity with their next album which resulted in them breaking up for most of the 80's, although they would eventually reform.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
What a fool believes #12
(POPULAR IN 1979)
For nearly thirty years, this was the final album that the Eagles released in their catalogue, although I doubt they were planning for this to be their final album given what was in store for them during its promotion. They were supposed to give a concert in their native California to with a government official in the audience, and yet the behind-the-scenes drama got so out of control that they ended up embarrassing themselves during the show.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Heartache tonight #13
(POPULAR IN 1979, 1980)
This album had a bit of a delay to its release in Australia for some reason, I'm guessing because we were initially sceptical of these guys taking over the mainstream with their synth driven music only to be won over once their heavily delayed third single became a hit for them here. The real triumph this album had was when it became a huge success over in America thanks to "Don't you want me" topping the Billboard charts.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Love action #12
Open your heart #33
Don't you want me #4
(POPULAR IN 1982)
This was the solo debut from Lionel Richie, an album he admitted to it being just a Commodores album but with only him contributing to it so that he could ease fans into accepting the music he wanted to make on his next two albums. Indeed, this was little more than a transitional album as he would release his second album less than a year after its release only to then take his sweet time in making music afterwards.
Peak position #18
Hit singles
Truly #7
You are #17
(POPULAR IN 1983)
This was the second album to be released from Men at work, this is despite the fact that their earlier entry was still making waves around the world due to it being so successful here and in NZ. I think it was because of their earlier entry that this album didn't do as well as the band had hoped, it was a huge success thanks to their quirkiness still being infectious, but it definitely could've done better.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Dr heckyl and Mr jive #6
Overkill #5
It's a mistake #34
(POPULAR IN 1983)
Well we did see the likes of Austen Tayshus and the 12th man on the singles chart, so it makes sense that this live comedy album from Rodney Rude would be a huge success on the album charts this year.
Peak position #1x2
(POPULAR IN 1984)
I'm shocked to see how low this album is on this list considering how well-loved A-ha were here in Australia back in the day, although I guess the album did stick around for quite a while due to it spawning multiple singles even if they only had the one inescapable hit here like they did everywhere else in the world. At the very least, they did manage to find much more success with this album internationally.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Take on me #1
The sun always shines on TV #19
Train of thought #47
Hunting high and low #33
(POPULAR IN 1986)
This was the debut album for a woman who would launch the popularity of female singer/songwriters from the late 80's, although it would be her next album from the following year where she would see massive success due to its lead single about domestic violence as well as her a Capella tracks standing out from the competition.
Peak position #23
Hit singles
Marlene on the wall #39
(POPULAR IN 1986)
I'm not a fan of Tom Cruise, I'm sure he's a decent person in real life (provided he's not talking about Scientology) but I've just never gotten into any of his performances. One of his better films is Top gun which at least has a lot of flash imagery to distract from the meandering romance he has with the Amish woman from Witness. The soundtrack helps make it a better film due to the song choices used in the scenes.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Danger zone #14
Take my breath away #2
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
This was the second solo album to come from Sting this decade, it wasn't quite as inescapable as his previous entry likely due to the success of the greatest hits album he released from his band the Police reminding audiences of their older material. Even so, this was a massive hit for the former frontman of one of the most popular bands of the decade, although his popularity would dwindle after this.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
We'll be together #13
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
It seems like an anomaly to have this album be a huge success for Bros, partially due to how radio refused to play their songs but also because everything about this album suggests that it was only meant for immediate friends and relatives of the band in question. Of course, that wasn't the case as many people came to love this album upon its initial release, although they didn't stick around for their second album.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
When will I be famous #5
Drop the boy #9 (ARIA #9)
I owe you nothing #6 (ARIA #6)
I quit #13 (ARIA #14)
Cat among pigeons #11 (ARIA #15)
(POPULAR IN 1988)
Jimmy Barnes was one of the biggest Australian artists of the decade, so why not have Ian Moss join the elite ranks as he was a contributing factor as to why Cold Chisel were a big deal in Australia? Here he is with his debut album which was a huge success for him thanks to the lead single, however it was a short-lived victory as his subsequent albums from the 90's failed to find any success.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x3 (ARIA)
Hit singles
Tucker's daughter #1 (ARIA #2)
Telephone booth #9 (ARIA #7)
Out of the fire #30
(POPULAR IN 1989)
Skid row was just one of several hair metal bands to score a success worldwide this year, this debut album being a moderate success here in Australia due to their obligatory ballad becoming a surprise hit. They tried to keep the momentum going with their next album, however hair metal had become quickly out of vogue by the time it came out the following year which resulted in their decline in popularity.
Peak position #12
Peak position #17 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I remember you #12 (AMR #12)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
Well, here we are with one of the more contemptuous artists to make it big over the years, admittedly I feel that this guy has received too much hate over the years and his only real crime in the music industry is how many songs by musicians of colour he's covered to poor results. That would come later in his career as for now we have an album that finally made him a household name with his own music.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
How am I supposed to live without you #2 (AMR #2)
How can we be lovers #3 (AMR #3)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
They've been described as John Farnham fanboys over the years, and listening to their debut album it's easy to see why as this does sound like something Farnham would make if he were fronting a band around this time period. That obviously didn't prevent this album from being a huge success for Southern sons, however it did leave them as a one trick pony as their next album failed to replicate its success.
Peak position #5
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Heart in danger #5 (AMR #4)
Always and ever #16 (AMR #16)
Hold me in your arms #9 (AMR #7)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
For whatever reason, the title track to this greatest hits album became a huge success worldwide despite it coming from an album from 1989 for Chris Isaak. I want to say it was due to his resemblance of Roy Orbison, except that Roy had died only a few months prior to when the song was released. In any case, this helped audiences discover his back catalogue so that he could be a household name in the 90's.
Peak position #8
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Wicked game #15 (AMR #12)
Blue hotel #23
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Elton John was certainly on a roll this decade as he was able to score massive success with his first new album of the 90's, although it would be his last successful album that wasn't attached to a soundtrack in his career as he largely focused on making soundtracks following the success he had with the Lion king two years later. It was not only a huge commercial success but also won him and academy award.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The one #15 (AMR #14)
The last song #32
(POPULAR IN 1992)
KD Lang was on a roll by this point of her career as she managed to score yet another successful album that connected with her audience, she really did carry the torch for LGBT singer/songwriters this decade as her ballads connected with women who felt they weren't fitting into the conventions of the day.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
If I were you #23
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
This was the year where teen pop had officially exploded in the mainstream, so it makes sense that this debut album from Steps would be a huge success even if it mostly comes from its lead single being used as a P.E routine in Australian school's back in the day. This was their only successful album here as none of their other videos had quite a ridiculous dance routine for us Aussies to promote to our kids.
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 #5
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
5 6 7 8 #1 (AMR #2)
Last thing on my mind #5 (AMR #6)
One for sorrow #34
Heartbeat #10 (AMR #12)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
From what I can gather, the Main event was a charity concert which had John Farnham, Olivia Newton John and opera singer Anthony Warlow putting on a show that was a massive success during the final months of 1998. As such the showrunners issued this live album which captures the best moments of the concert which became a huge success for the program.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
He may have been the American equivalent of James Blunt (right down to both men being high ranking officers in their respective armies) however Shawn Mullins was in the music industry for quite some time before he finally made it big with this album. He seemed pipped for great things going into the new millennium, but alas singer/songwriters had a hard time making it big in the 00's until James came around.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Lullaby #5 (AMR #5)
Shimmer #39
(POPULAR IN 1999)
It looked like these girls would only release two albums in their discography, however after overcoming their legal issues from the end of their last albums cycle, they were able to put together one final album to close out the 90's which contained some of their biggest and best work. It's accepted that their first album was Lisa's album, the second was T-boz's while this one had was Chilli's.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
No scrubs #1 (AMR #1)
Unpretty #3 (AMR #5)
Dear lie #35
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This is technically the soundtrack to the TV series of the same name given how these kids were the stars of a TV show in addition to the second brainchild of Simon Fueller's takeover the pop scene following his first success with the Spice girls (before they fired him for Spiceworld.) This was a massive success worldwide except for in America where kiddie pop didn't have much crossover appeal from non-American artists.
Peak position #19
Hit singles
Bring it all back #3
S club party #2
Two in a million #25
(POPULAR IN 2000)
This is the first appearance from one of the more well-respected Australian bands of the decade, again we have Triple J to thank for how Something for Kate (what a weird band name) managed to make it big in the mainstream to the point where I remember hearing their songs on the radio back in the day. Much like many other alternative bands of the decade, the trio were likely victims of digital piracy back in the day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Monsters #15
Three dimensions #32
Twenty years #43
Say something #40
(POPULAR IN 2001)
We have another Australia band to gain exposure thanks to heavy promotion on Triple J this year, this time it's the garage band the Vines who released their debut album to critical and commercial success making this an excellent time for alternative music, that is if all of it wasn't getting pirated from its "fans" which explains why A: these albums don't appear higher on these lists and B: why they often failed to produce hit singles.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Get free #44
Outtathaway #38
Homesick #50
(POPULAR IN 2002)
By some miracle, Anastacia's second album wasn't a complete flop here in Australia, although she clearly took its lukewarm reception to heart by switching her style to have more soul and gospel in it compared to before which allowed her third album to be a massive success here and throughout Europe. Once again, this failed to dent the Billboard charts for the American singer, proving how unpopular she was among her fellow Americans.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Left outside alone #1
Sick and tired #8
Welcome to my truth #41
(POPULAR IN 2004)
The Hannah Montana phenomenon was so inescapable during the second half of the decade that Miley Cyrus was able to launch her career in the real world by bundling her debut album with her character's second album which found success from her fanbase worldwide. This wasn't too much the case here in Australia given how this was far more of a sleeper hit for her here than it being an immediate success like it was worldwide.
Peak position #20
Hit singles
See you again #6
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
One of the most critically acclaimed films of the 70's was the Sting, a gangster film set in the 30's which harkens back to the era of filmmaking resulting in its critical and commercial success. Another factor into its success was the soundtrack which does an excellent job in recapturing the feel of the 30's thanks to the attention to detail that its composer Marvin Hamlisch put into crafting it.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
The entertainer #2
(POPULAR IN 1974)
This was the debut album from Bad company, a band who had sound success with their subsequent follow ups, however likely would've done better here in Australia were it not for Countdown pushing aside their brand of hard rock in favour of our local music scene as well as our love for the likes of Abba and Bay city rollers.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Can't get enough #22
(POPULAR IN 1974)
You'd think that Suzi Quatro would've thrived during the Countdown era on the Australian charts, heck she was the very first international artist to not only appear on the program but also perform on it which is likely why her second album did so well during the midpoint of the decade here. Alas she was quickly sidelined in the mainstream in favour of a bunch of up-and-coming Australian artists the show was promoting.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Too big #13
The wild one #2
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
Years before Pink Floyd made a theatrical adaptation of their album the Wall, Hollywood managed to convince the Who to make a theatrical adaptation of their album Tommy several years after the London Symphony Orchestra made a symphonic version of their album. The film was a critical and commercial success, likely sparking people to check out the soundtrack which like the symphonic version, was more successful than the original album.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 1975)
This was initially a flop for Sweet here in Australia the previous year, I'm guessing because we Aussies felt that the lead single made such a poor impression on the album as it was passed up in favour of their cover of "Peppermint twist." It was given a second chance when the second single became a huge success here, although it's safe to say the song was a huge hit despite what else the album had to offer.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
The six teens #48
Fox on the run #1
(POPULAR IN 1975)
These guys already had massive success at the start of the decade when their self-titled album became a huge crossover success for the NZ band, so the fact that they scored a massive hit with their final album was a bit of a surprise for a couple of reasons. The first was that they only released one album between these two albums and the second is that they gave up once this album became a massive success for them.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Slipping away #2
(POPULAR IN 1976)
This was the album which took Chicago, a band previously known for their complex albums and instrumentation to a band who made music that would appeal to the same demographic that was into Rod Stewart. I guess it paid for them commercially as it spawned easily their biggest hit with the lead single, but fans have been disappointed ever since its initial release.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
If you leave me now #1
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
Rita Coolidge is best known as the ex-wife of Kris Kristofferson, I thought I'd bring that up considering her success came during her marriage with the singer/songwriter/actor. Here she scored her biggest success thanks to her cover of the Jackie Wilson classic that still divides audiences to this day.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Higher and higher #6
We're all alone #32
(POPULAR IN 1977, 1978)
This was a runaway success for Kate Bush given how inescapable the lead single from the album was back in the day, indeed she quickly followed this up with a second album Lionheart which obviously didn't have the same beauty and grace that this album had. She bounced back with her third album and retained her popularity here in Australia due to appearing on Countdown more than once.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Wuthering heights #1
The man with the child in his eyes #22
(POPULAR IN 1978)
Boney M was the first band that Frank Farian had success with, although it's the only band where he participated in the vocals as he was the lead singer of the band. This was their biggest success likely due to it spawning not one but two of their biggest hits worldwide, although as they were in the disco genre, their popularity began to dwindle as the decade was coming to an end.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Rivers of Babylon #1
Rasputin #1
(POPULAR IN 1978, 1979)
This was the album that finally gave Cold chisel international appeal given how the big hit on here "Forever now" proved to be even bigger in NZ than it was over here (possibly due to it being the lead single there and second single here.) This was the penultimate album the band released before they went their separate ways, their final album being a huge success albeit not to this degree.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
You got nothing I want #12
Forever now #4
When the war is over #25
(POPULAR IN 1982)
This was Julio's first album he recorded mostly in English, so of course it was going to find an audience with fans of his Latin lover shtick which would be otherwise turned off from his music due to their inability to understand Spanish. To further incentivise people into checking out this album, he included two very well-known American musicians on here and released both tracks as singles.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
To all the girls I've loved before #4
All of you #19
Moonlight lady #43
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
This was the biggest album to come from Mental as anything, mainly because of how inescapable the second single was to the point where it was chosen as the theme song to the Crocodile Dundee film the following year. This album's success led to Martin Plaza briefly embarking on a solo career which was also a moderate success the following year, he rejoined the band just in time for their next album.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
You're so strong #11
Live it up #2
Date with destiny #25
(POPULAR IN 1985)
From what I can gather, V spy V spy was a politically charged band from Australia who scored their one and only successful album this year with their combination of pub rock and new wave. They were kind of like Midnight oil if they weren't as successful and possibly less commercially viable, hence why this album was not only a success but retains a strong fanbase even to this day.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Don't tear it down #31
(POPULAR IN 1987)
This was all set to be a flop outside of Richard Marx's native America, I'm guessing because the world already felt it had Bryan Adams to carry the torch of heartland rock for artists who didn't get their start in the 70's. I guess we Aussies changed our minds when the third single from the album became a Billboard chart topper for him, bearing in mind he already had two hits from the album by this stage.
Peak position #7
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Should've known better #9
Endless summer nights #16
(POPULAR IN 1988)
The last time these guys troubled the Australian charts was from earlier in the decade when they nearly scored a chart topper with "If you want my love," fast forward six years and they were back with this album that was reportedly made under the advice of their label for making an adult contemporary album to save their career. It was a huge success for them, but one they felt bad about due to them abandoning their sound.
Peak position #18
Peak position #14 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
The flame #1
Don't be cruel #5
(POPULAR IN 1988)
I'm not exactly sure how this third album from Concrete blonde managed to be a success here in Australia as they had yet to make it big in their native America, I'm guessing this had some assistance from Triple J before they would dominate our alternative scene which admittedly would make sense given how this is the type of alternative rock that would dominate their airwaves later in the decade.
Peak position #8
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Joey #2 (AMR #2)
Caroline #39
(POPULAR IN 1990)
This was the debut album for one Billy Ray Cyrus, a man who would go on to be known as the father for one Destiny Hope Cyrus AKA Miley. Before his daughter became a major Disney star, he was a decently successful country singer who initially struggled to find a record deal due to being seen as little more than a pretty face. Indeed, the success of this album was largely due to a lot of people finding him attractive as well as it popularising the line dance craze.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Achy breaky heart #1 (AMR #1)
Could've been me #43
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
This was a decently successful album upon its initial release, likely due to it spawning two hits for Rick Price which was impressive for a debut album even for someone his age. It saw a massive rebound a year later when "Walk away Renee" became a surprise hit for him, thus making it a huge success for an Australian artist when that was becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.
Peak position #3
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Not a day goes by #5 (AMR #6)
Heaven knows #6 (AMR #9)
What's wrong with the girl #45
Walk away Renee #21 (AMR #18)
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
This is to date the final album from Billy Joel's career, although given how it was a massive success for him at a time where it was becoming increasingly difficult for older artists to make it big in the music industry, you have to wonder why he hasn't released a new album after all of these years. That's not to say he's gone MIA in the music industry as he's been touring nonstop ever since this came out.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The river of dreams #1 (AMR #1)
All about soul #34
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
One of the best rom coms of the 90's was Sleepless in Seattle, a film that deconstructs rom com cliches to tell a story that both subverts the classic rom coms of the golden age of cinema and also pays homage to them in a loving way. It was a huge critical and commercial success back in the day and spawned a soundtrack that was also a massive success.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
Michael Bolton was still very much a thing this far into the 90's, although his popularity would dwindle following the success of his greatest hits package later in the decade. Even so, he along with Bryan Adams and Richard Marx are a large reason why male adult contemporary stars get such a bad rep as many people feel their over passionate ballads are too over the top and melodramatic to find any enjoyment out of.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Said I loved you but I lied #2 (AMR #3)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
Now that they had three hits to their name, it was inevitable that Culture beat was able to find success with their one and only album here in Australia which would start a mini trend of a European EDM group scoring three hits from an album before fading into obscurity by the end of the year. Corona would follow suit with their album the following year and La bouche the year after that.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Mr. vain #1 (AMR #2)
Got to get it #7 (AMR #4)
Anything #12 (AMR #11)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
Although he had already achieved moderate success earlier in the decade with his greatest hits package It had to be you, I don't think anyone could've predicted just how successful this jazz album from the Hollywood actor turned musician would be in Australia and NZ this decade. Unfortunately, this was a mere one off for him as his subsequent albums failed to find much of an audience here.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Whisper your name #15 (AMR #17)
Here comes the big parade #43
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
These guys were on a roll with their third album this year which managed to be as successful as their breakthrough from the previous year, although I did notice that the singles on this album proved to be more successful with mainstream audiences even if they didn't quite reach the dizzying heights of some of the biggest names in alternative rock of the decade.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Soldiers #33
Good morning #44
Tuesday #29
(POPULAR IN 1996)
Gomez was another Brit pop band that was destined for great things this decade only to have their potential stolen by Coldplay once they broke through late in the year in their native UK, indeed this was more of a success here in Australia due to our indie scene being more prominent than the one in Britain which allowed it to find an audience that it failed to achieve in their homeland.
Peak position #9
(POPULAR IN 2000)
While it wasn't as inescapable as their albums from the 90's, this album from the Offspring nevertheless continued their popularity into the new millennium thanks to its lead single becoming a massive hit here like their other songs from the 90's. It would be their final successful album as their subsequent follow ups failed to bring in the big numbers or produce a big hit like their earlier output did.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Original prankster #5
Want you bad #35
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
Well, it looks like we're looking at Faith Hill's breakthrough album sooner than I thought, here she is with the album that contains her biggest hit on Billboard given how it was the first song to be crowned the most popular of its year despite failing to reach number one on the American charts. It appears she took a page out of Shania Twain's book by combining her sexual appeal with traditional country music on this album.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Breathe #23
The way you love me #31
(POPULAR IN 2001)
Given that Nelly already saw massive success (if not a bit delayed here in Australia) with his debut album, it only makes sense that his second album would be even more successful especially in his native America where it spawned not one but two Billboard chart toppers for him. It led to many copycats in the hip hop game (most notably Chingy) which led to his eventual backlash.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
#1 #20
Hot in herre #3
Dilemma #1
Work it #14
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
It turns out Lady Gaga wasn't the first artist to collaborate with Tony Bennet for an entire album as KD Lang takes that honour with this album she released twelve years prior to his work with the younger artist (also this is the best proof I have he was OK with the LGBT community given who he's worked with on both occasions.) This was more of a sleeper hit back in the day, hence its low placement on this list.
Peak position #23
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
It's hard to say if these guys struggled to find success here in Australia due to the advent of Australian idol or if we Aussies genuinely weren't interested in a glam rock album in the 21st century, I'm willing to bet it's the former as A: I do remember hearing the second single quite a lot on the radio back in the day and B: the album was a massive success over in NZ likely due to how inescapably popular the Darkness were in their native UK.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Growing on me #46
I believe in a thing called love #40
Love is only a feeling #35
(POPULAR IN 2004)
This was another rock album that could've been among the most successful of the decade were it not for the rise in digital piracy eating up the success of it and its singles, this is further compounded by the fact that it managed to become a success here despite having stiff competition from all of the contestants from Australian Idol which I'm sure was something that the band were thoroughly against.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Hard act to follow #24
Better off alone #30
Hold on to me #44
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
This had a bit of a slow start to its success here in Australia, in fact it was mostly a sleeper hit for Destiny's child as it bounced in and out of our top twenty whenever a new single was released from the album which lasted throughout most of the year. Like most sleeper hits, it was far more successful than its low ranking on here would have you suggest even if it wasn't a huge success with the popular crowd.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Lose my breath #3
Soldier #3
Girl #5
Cater 2 u #15
(POPULAR IN 2005)
It appears that Eminem wanted to call it quits from the music industry, as such he released this greatest hits package to remind fans of the good times they had from his catalogue which included some new tracks that had a mixed reception upon their initial releases. His retirement would come to an end by the end of the decade where he released Relapse which many feel was worse than Encore (me included.)
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
When I'm gone #1
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
There were no signs of Foo Fighters slowing down exiting the decade here in Australia, so much so that they were one of the few rock bands to retain their popularity throughout the 2010's largely thanks to the success of this greatest hits package they released as the 00's was coming to an end.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Wheels #21
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This was the album that made the Bay city rollers into a household name in Australia, mainly due to how inescapable its lead single was here as well as maybe being a more suitable band for us to compare Sherbet to over Skyhooks. They would flood the album charts with their material over the next eighteen months which predictably led to a massive burnout for their popularity here.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Bye bye baby #1
(POPULAR IN 1975)
While this wasn't his debut album, it was the album that made Bruce Springsteen a household name thanks to the title track becoming a staple on oldies stations despite it not being a success at the time. Indeed, Bruce would continue to find varying levels of success over the next two decades, some of it being massive like his magnum opus Born in the U.S.A and others being modest like his album Nebraska.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Born to run #38
(POPULAR IN 1975)
Well, here's a band that's unfortunately been largely forgotten over the decades that was inescapable throughout the 70's, here we have Ol'55 who made a huge splash with this album due to it being an affectionate throwback album to the rockabilly of the 50's as well as the band being regulars on Countdown during its early years. Despite their overwhelming popularity, the band unfortunately called it quits once MTV came around.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
On the prowl #14
Looking for an echo #9
(POPULAR IN 1976)
I guess the danger with reinventing yourself as often as these guys did is that it's difficult to retain a fanbase to your work, indeed this was the most successful album from 10cc who traded in the glam rock from their earlier work for more contemporary pop rock for this album which made it a huge success for them. They would incorporate reggae on their next album which did lead to their biggest hit.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
The things we do for love #5
Good morning judge #47
(POPULAR IN 1977)
This was the debut album for by far the most successful German band of the 70's and possibly of all time in Australia, yes this was the album that made Frank Farian a household name worldwide as he was the lead singer of this disco band he formed years before he put together Milli Vanilli. Needless to say, Boney M are more fondly remembered nowadays than his other projects.
Peak position #26
Hit singles
Daddy cool #5
Sunny #36
(POPULAR IN 1977)
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)
There's little surprise that this is the most successful album in Olivia's career, after all it's named after her biggest hit and was obviously meant to shed her girl next door image in order for her to appeal to the MTV crowd. That said, this isn't too far removed from her earlier work, and admittedly it's possible that this being her biggest album did lead to her rapid decline in popularity as the decade went on.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Physical #1
Make a move on me #8
(POPULAR IN 1981, 1982)
I guess we Aussies passed up this solo effort from Phil Collins in favour of its lead single where it became his biggest hit by this point in his career but solo and with Genesis, although it was enough of a sleeper hit for it to qualify for this list which is more than I can say for his (then) latest album with his band which was a complete flop here.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
You can't hurry love #3
(POPULAR IN 1983)
Although these guys had been releasing new albums throughout the entire decade, this was the first album of theirs since Dark room to spawn a hit single in the form of the albums second single. Indeed, this album was set to flop like the rest of their catalogue this decade until "We gotta get out of this place" became a surprise hit for them which in turn boosted the sales of the album it came from.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Nature of the beast #27
Don't waste my time #40
We gotta get out of this place #7
(POPULAR IN 1987)
Following the staggering success of their debut album, Crowded house went back to the studio to capitalise off their newfound international success which resulted in this album that while a success in Australia and NZ, didn't find much of an audience internationally. They did find more luck with their next album Woodface as that managed to become a huge success in the UK in addition to the southern hemisphere.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x1 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Better be home soon #2 (ARIA #2)
When you come #28
(POPULAR IN 1988)
Much like their second album, this third and final album from the Bangles had a slow start to its rise of success due to the lead single not connecting with audiences at the time. Fortunately, this album also had a huge chart topper in the making as when the second single became just that worldwide and thus allowed the album to be a success for the band months prior to them calling it quits.
Peak position #13
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
In your room #42
Eternal flame #1 (ARIA #1)
Be with you #41
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This took a while to take off worldwide due to how long it took for the boys to be confirmed as the real deal, after all this was back in the day before boy bands had any real presence in the mainstream. Once they scored their third hit here in Australia, the album was able to take off and possibly prepare us for the boy band wars of the 90's. They may have bowed out before the wars begun but their impact is noted.
Peak position #8
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
You got it #1 (ARIA #1)
I'll be loving you #2 (ARIA #4)
Hanging tough #8 (ARIA #8)
Cover girl #26
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This was the last album that Bette Midler had any success with throughout her career, although she would release a greatest hits package later in the decade to bookmark her music career so that she could focus on her acting career again. The album is infamous for its lead single which while a pretty ballad on the surface, has some rather disturbing undertones when it comes to religion in response to Madonna's Like a prayer album.
Peak position #7
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
From a distance #8 (AMR #8)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Her debut album Union was one of the most successful of the decade in Australia and NZ, so it only makes sense that Toni Child's second album would also be a success given how female singer/songwriters were among the more popular artists during the transition from the 80's to the 90's. Her popularity would come to an end with her third album, although it would explode later in the decade with her greatest hits package.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I've got to go now #5 (AMR #5)
House of hope #39
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Cake was never a band you were meant to take seriously, just listen to their Gloria Gaynor cover on this album and you'll understand that they're in the same leagues as POT USA and other comedy bands from the 90's. That said, people did take these guys seriously which led to a bit of a backlash to their music, specifically from Ms. Gaynor who didn't appreciate their take on her signature track which likely fueled the success of their second album.
Peak position #9
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The distance #21
I will survive #27
(POPULAR IN 1997)
One of the very select few Adam Sandler flicks to be a critical darling, the Wedding singer tells the story of how the titular wedding singer becomes disillusioned with love following him being stood up at the alter at his own wedding only to rediscover love when he receives positive attention from a cocktail waitress who is engaged to a man who isn't treating her right. As the film is set in the mid 80's, the soundtrack is filled with 80's classics which resonated with audiences of the late 90's.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
This was an album that likely would've not even been released here in Australia were it not for Ricky's involvement with the FIFA world cup this year, after all this was released entirely in Spanish save for the big hit he performed at the games which was included as a bonus track when it was released here. No doubt this led to him recording his next album mostly in English which took the world by storm the following year.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Maria #1 (AMR #1)
The cup of life #1 (AMR #1)
La bomba #27
(POPULAR IN 1998)
Evidently the success of that EDM cover of the signature track from the Beastie boys was all that was necessary for their latest album to find success here back in the day, although I guess the lead single would've also made a strong case for them to make it big due to how shamelessly goofy it was. This was their only success here in Australia as the rest of their catalogue was a huge flop down under.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Intergalactic #21 (AMR #16)
Body moving #28
(POPULAR IN 1998)
Things were looking good for Human nature going into the new millennium, after all they were counting down the final months of the year with this album to see if they would indeed be one of the first new big starts of the 21st century. They were as although all of the album's success began and ended this and the previous year, their next album would spawn their biggest hit in the form of "He don't love you."
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Cruel #14 (AMR #13)
Last to know #14 (AMR #19)
Don't cry #5 (AMR #18)
Eternal flame #8 (AMR #10)
Be there for you #40
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This is the debut album from Taxiride, a boy band who played their own instruments much like that of Hanson before them and 5 Seconds of summer after them given how the majority of their fanbase was teenage girls who were also fans of boy bands who didn't play their own instruments. It was a massive success for the band due to a combination of their musical chops and their good looks.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Get set #8 (AMR #12)
Everywhere I go #15 (AMR #13)
Can you feel #35
Nothing in this world #43
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
Although he never saw much success here in Australia throughout his career, there appears to have been enough appreciation for Barry White going into the new decade for this greatest hits package to be a huge success for him a mere three years prior to his death. For what it's worth, he did have a hit with "Never never gonna give you up" in 1974 that I didn't feature on that list due to being a hit too early in the year.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 2000)
Following the success of their second album, Creed released their third album which continued their momentum thanks to the singles gaining a lot of airplay on the radio despite them underperforming on the singles charts (at least here in Australia they did.) For whatever reason, the band would go their separate ways later in the decade, likely for Scott Stapp to embark on a solo career.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
My sacrifice #11
One last breath #43
Don't stop dancing #48
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
This is the only successful album to come from Ja Rule here in Australia, although it's worth noting that his follow up album the Last temptation did spawn multiple hit singles even if the album itself was a flop here. I'm guessing this made it big due to the rapper having a lot of buzz with his choruses which many have coined as the "thugs need love too" approach of having a female vocalist connect his verses about how much of a hard ass he is.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Living it up #6
Always on time #3
Down a chick #37
(POPULAR IN 2002)
This is the debut album from Sophie Ellis Bextor, an album that was a flop upon its initial release due to the lead single failing to connect with audiences here in Australia. It was given a second chance when the deluxe edition was released following the success of her second single which spawned a second hit for her worldwide as a result, although all of this led to her being a one album wonder.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Murder on the dancefloor #3
Get over you #4
Music gets the best of me #28
(POPULAR IN 2002)
This was a classical album consisting of a British girl group playing violins to classical pieces as well as some pop tracks that have made it big over the years, it was a surprise hit here in Australia likely due to a popular tour that the girls had at the time which helped them crossover from the classical audience to the mainstream.
Peak position #1x1
(POPULAR IN 2004)
For the second year in a row, the runner up to Australian Idol managed to have a more successful album than its winner, proving that throughout the series, the show was controversial with who wound up winning the series given that Anthony Callea was the favourite to win over Casey Donovan. While I don't think it would've mattered at the time, nowadays it would've been more controversial that she won over a queer man.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
The prayer #1
Rain #1
Hurts so bad #10
Per sempre #5
(POPULAR IN 2005)
This was the only successful album to come from Gabrielle Cilmi, mainly for its lead single becoming a surprise hit throughout the world given how people found it to be sickly sweet and innocent despite the song claiming that she was anything but. A massive controversy involving her being intoxicated at the ARIA awards this year (despite being underage) prevented her from finding any further success.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Sweet about me #1
Don't wanna go to be now #28
(POPULAR IN 2008)
This is the final successful album to come from Britney Spears, an album that remains divisive amongst her fans to this day as they feel that it's another step back from her earlier work in favour of pandering to the popular zeitgeist of the moment. It did spawn a few gigantic hits for her worldwide, so it was at least a huge commercial success for the princess of pop.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Womanizer #5
Circus #6
If u seek Amy #11
Radar #46
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
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