This was the debut album from Noiseworks, a band that had NZ teen idol Jon Stevens as their lead singer several years after the hits dried up for him in his homeland. This was a huge hit for the band here in Australia as well as a minor hit in his native NZ, I'm guessing the kiwis weren't as impressed by his foray towards pub rock as us Aussies were which would explain his lack of success at home.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
No lies #31
Take me back #7
Love somebody #50
Welcome to the world #41
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
The late 80's was a dark period in Elton's life, after all he was battling a serious drug addiction as well as having to cope with having his polyps removed which affected the way he sung live. Not helping was a decrease in quality in his music, which perhaps is why he released this album which was meant as a coping mechanism for his mental health which in turn restored his popularity in the mainstream.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Healing hands #16 (ARIA #14)
Sacrifice #7 (ARIA #7)
Club at the end of the street #21 (ARIA #19)
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
Bette had seen many highs and lows in her music career, as such she decided to release this greatest hits album which was a huge success for her likely due to a combination of fans loving her work as well as audiences being fans of her films. It would be the last time she troubled the charts anywhere in the world as she stuck to acting after releasing this.
Peak position #3
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
Well, if people felt that Metallica's previous album was a sellout, they hadn't heard anything yet as this was bordering on mainstream rock which made their previous material seem like something they released in the 80's. That said, this was a huge success for the band and even well received to this day, proving that it's only the diehard fans that were crying foul when the band released this.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Until it sleeps #1 (AMR #1)
Hero of the day #2 (AMR #2)
Mama said #24 (AMR #18)
(POPULAR IN 1996)
This was the first album that Ricky Martin released entirely in English, I'm guessing to cash in off the surprise success he had the previous year with his FIFA world cup performance that became a chart topper for him here in Australia. This greatly benefitted from the Latin craze as the lead single became a Billboard chart topper for him, although his popularity would dwindle going into the new millennium.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Living la vida loca #4 (AMR #3)
She's all I ever had #28
Shake your bon bon #27
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
One of the quirkier films from the 90's was the British flick Notting hill, a film which sees Hugh Grant who plays a bookstore owner fall in love with Julia Roberts who plays a fictional version of a Hollywood actress (that isn't herself.) The film was a critical and commercial success due to the British charm is showcases, and the soundtrack was also a huge success due to it matching the tone of the film.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
When you say nothing at all #3 (AMR #2)
You've got a way #28
(POPULAR IN 1999)
There were no signs of Powderfinger slowing down in the 00's given how this was the second album they released this decade to have overwhelming success thanks to how popular the singles were on the radio, although again, said singles had their success eaten up by digital piracy due to them also underperforming on the charts back in the day (hence their absence on my singles lists.)
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
On my mind #9
Love your way #37
Sunsets #11
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
This was another instant success for RHCP, and one that spawned them a genuine hit as the lead single managed to become a massive success thanks to its presence on the digital charts worldwide. This would be the final successful album from the band given how their next album wouldn't come out for another five years, they really did like taking their time with releasing new material throughout their career.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Dani California #8
Tell me baby #20
Snow #35
Hump de bump #17
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
Although this was a moderate success for Mumford and Sons this year, its true success came the following year when the lead single was crowned the best of the year according to listeners of Triple J which allowed it and the album to rebound on our charts. This ushered in a new wave of alternative music that did quite well on our charts throughout the 2010's at the expense of traditional rock and roll.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Little lion man #3
The cave #32
(POPULAR IN 2009)
One artist I will say I have very little patience for going through their albums is Rod Stewart, oh sure he has his audience which still persists to this day, however I'm not among his target demographic which means me being positive towards his music will be a challenge for me. This was his biggest album in his career, likely due to it spawning his biggest hit over in America in the form of its lead single.
Peak position #1x10
Hit singles
Tonight's the night #3
Killing of Georgie #38
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
Given how Livie's popularity had slowed down here in Australia by the time she released this greatest hits package here, it only makes sense that it would've been a flop upon its initial release. It did rebound on our charts following the success of her film Grease from earlier on this list which allowed it to become a huge sleeper hit eventually.
Peak position #18
(POPULAR IN 1978, 1979)
These guys were rising stars in the Australian and NZ music scene throughout the 70's, so for them to enter the 80's with and album that would become one of the most successful in both countries must have been a bit of a joy for the band in question. The true success of this album came when its lead single was among the first to be played on MTV when it launched nearly two years after its initial release.
Peak position #1x10
Hit singles
I got you #1
I hope I never #18
(POPULAR IN 1980)
I guess this album was released to overlook the full career of the Eagles given how they had only previously released greatest hits albums during their career in stages, even so I have to wonder how this managed to become a success for a band who had been broken up for six years at this point.
Peak position #7
(POPULAR IN 1986)
These guys had been releasing albums for half a decade to deafening silence before they scored a massive hit with this album, even then this was due to the surprise success of one of its singles as this was all set to flop just like their previous entries. Their next album would prove that this album's success wasn't a fluke as that would also be a huge success for the band, although their popularity wouldn't extend after that.
Peak position #8
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Hold on to me #44
Chained to the wheel #7 (ARIA #9)
The crack up #43
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This was the first album to be released in Australia to see major success for Aerosmith, I'm guessing because they revealed themselves to have a sensitive side with the second single which they were reluctant to show on their earlier material. I'm not sure why their earlier work failed to find an audience here as it does regularly appear on oldies stations, I guess they were too ahead of their time.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Love in an elevator #33
Janie's got a gun #1 (AMR #1)
What it takes #46
(POPULAR IN 1990)
This is an album that was a success upon its initial release due to it being the follow-up to the band's breakthrough album Hold on to me, however it became a success again due to a successful tour that the band went on to promote their album. Unfortunately, this would be the last we'd hear from them as their next album would flop.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Harley + rose #24
Never let me go #30
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
This looked like it was going to be a mere moderate success upon its initial release, likely due to the lead single already being part of a successful E.P thus negating any incentive for audiences to check out the band's debut album. Fortunately, they were given an incentive to do so when their cover of a Harry Chapin track became a huge hit for them, although it's worth noting how out of place this cover is on this album.
Peak position #7
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everything about you #4 (AMR #4)
Neighbour #28
Cats in the cradle #1 (AMR #1)
Busy bee #39
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
INXS were on a roll when they released this greatest hits package towards the end of the previous year, it had its success roll over to this year due to how inescapable the band still were during the mid 90's. Unfortunately, this would be the final bit of success they would achieve during Michael Hutchence's lifetime.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The strangest party #34
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995, 1998)
Leann Rimes was only fourteen years old when she recorded this album, not only that but it wasn't even her first album as she had been active since the start of the decade meaning she was only nine years old when she released her first album. That's impressive considering this would be a highly critically acclaimed album as well as a huge commercial success despite it being a country album.
Peak position #5
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Blue #10 (AMR #12)
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
So, we all love this movie again, right? I'm just checking because for a little while, this film like so many others who achieved its level of success received a ton of backlash from hipsters who hate anything that achieves overwhelming mainstream success. The film is of course a classic as it tells a compelling romance that took placed on the doomed vessel whilst being (reasonably) respectful to those who unfortunately lost their lives in the journey.
Peak position #1x11
Peak position #1x11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
My heart will go on (remix) #3 (AMR #2)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
I'm willing to bet you're surprised to see this album so low on this list, this is because while it was a critical darling here in Australia and eventually worldwide (largely thanks to heavy promotion from Triple J) naturally the album is too Avant Garde to appeal to the same crowd that made some of the other entries on this list the household names they were. Still, it was a massive sleeper hit thanks to how well received it was.
Peak position #21
Hit singles
Frontier psychiatrist #49
(POPULAR IN 2001)
This was the debut album from Avril Lavigne, an album that remains her most successful to this day thanks to how inescapable the singles were on the radio worldwide. While it wasn't the first album from a female musician to become a success due to having more personal lyrics and a rock sound to it this decade, it was the album that shifted the trends away from the likes of teen pop and girl groups worldwide.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Complicated #1
Sk8er boi #3
Losing grip #20
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
This is a double album that actually consists of two solo albums from Big Boi and Andre 3000, a concept that I don't think has ever been done in hip hop which is perhaps how it managed to win album of the year at the Grammys due to how unique it remains to this day. Whilst Big Boi's album remains the critical darling from the project, the success of this project came from Andre's album given that's what spawned all but one of the singles.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Hey ya #1
The way you move #7
Roses #2
(POPULAR IN 2004)
For whatever reason, we Aussies widely rejected this second album from Alicia Keys upon its initial release, this is the best proof I have that (at least until very recently) we never took much stock into what was popular in America given how it remains one of the biggest albums of the decade over there. It did get a second chance due to a bootleg known as "Karmastician" which combines "Karma" with Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" that was widely popular here back in the day.
Peak position #22
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
This is yet another album that struggled to find success upon its initial release here in Australia, although this time we have Triple J to thank for its eventual crossover success given how much love the singles received from the station back in the day. The station would curiously withdraw their support of the NZ indie band for their second album, not that they needed its endorsement due to how much bigger it was.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
It's too late #16
For one day #25
(POPULAR IN 2005)
It appears we Aussies weren't that interested in making this album a success given how it was the first to have JD Fortune on lead vocals, I guess we were eventually won over this year as it did stick around long enough for it to become a sleeper hit likely due to it being a genuine hit over in NZ.
Peak position #18
Hit singles
Pretty Vegas #9
Afterglow #24
(POPULAR IN 2006)
There didn't seem to be any signs of Michael Bublé slowing down in the mainstream as this was his fourth album in a row to achieve massive worldwide success for him, in fact this was so popular that it even spawned a genuine hit for the Canadian crooner in the form of its lead single which is something none of his other albums have done in his catalogue.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Haven't met you yet #9
(POPULAR IN 2009)
I've never understood exactly what these two were seeking vengeance against when making this album, whatever it was they clearly got it as it remains their most successful album in their catalogue thanks to Annie arguably sounding her best throughout its runtime. It did somewhat come at the expense of a huge hit for them worldwide, however I don't think they mind considering how well remembered they are.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
When tomorrow comes #7
Missionary man #9
Thorn in my side #12
Miracle of love #14
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
There was a five-year gap between this album and the band's previous album Mirage, during that time Stevie Nicks released two solo albums to give you an idea of how long it was between both projects. Although this album remains a masterpiece to this day, it came at the expense of the band's tolerance of each other, specifically that of Lindsey and Stevie's relationship which all but imploded during its production.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Big love #16
Seven wonders #23
Little lies #16
Everywhere #45
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
It had been almost an entire decade since we last heard from these guys, admittedly one of their members did tragically pass away in the time they were absent from our mainstream so it's not like they were too interested in being household names throughout the 80's. They closed out the decade with this comeback album which seemed to pick up their momentum where it left off with their 1980 effort Planet Claire.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Love shack #1 (AMR #1)
Roam #11 (AMR #15)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
From what I can gather, Rita MacNeil was a Canadian country singer looking to become the (then) new version of Anne Murray which I guess we Aussies indulged her with this album given how it was a modest success here and a huge flop everywhere else in the world.
Peak position #17
Peak position #34 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
This was released the year prior to deafening silence for Gloria Estefan, I'm guessing because unlike the rest of the world, we Aussies weren't particularly interested in her work with the Miami sound machine and thus had little interest in her solo work. The album eventually became a success for her due to her surviving a horrific accident where she was violently knock out of her bed in her tour bus while she was sleeping during a crash it was involved with, needless to say our support for her was strong as a result.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Don't wanna lose you #40
Here we are #20 (AMR #16)
Cuts both ways #38
(POPULAR IN 1990)
This albums placement on this list may surprise my American readers considering this is one of the most successful albums of all time over there, however it wasn't nearly that big here in Australia despite how well the songs permeated on radio here. The album was still a huge success thanks to the vocals of Darius Rucker as well as heartland rock always having a welcomed presence in our music scene.
Peak position #7
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Let her cry #4 (AMR #5)
Only wanna be with you #40
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
OK so this album was a bit slow to find success here in Australia, I'm guessing it was due to us Aussies finding the lead single to be more of a novelty as it was her rare sex jam in a catalogue otherwise filled with ballads. It was when the second single was released that this became a huge success here, sort of how "Breathe again" from her previous album made it a household name for her.
Peak position #11
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You're making me high #2 (AMR #2)
Unbreak my heart #6 (AMR #4)
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
While this wasn't the inescapable success that her second album was a few years prior, this did allow Tina Arena to continue her international appeal which led to her releasing several albums in the new millennium in different languages that naturally didn't chart here in Australia. She would occasionally release albums in English that did find success here, although those tended to be few and far between.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Burn #2 (AMR #4)
If I didn't have you #41
Now I can dance #13 (AMR #17)
I want to know what love is #36
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
Well, they billed this as a once in a lifetime event, so of course the Brothers Gibb would see massive success with this live album given how they gave such a great show that audiences wanted whatever they could help them remember the great time they had. Sadly, this was their final successful album during their time together as Maurice would tragically pass away in 2003.
Peak position #1x6
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This was the second album from British boy band Five, it was released fairly late the 90's and find most of its success in the early 00's thanks to their cover of a Queen classic. It helped the British lads come in second place for the boy band wars behind Backstreet boys in most parts of the world, heck they even had one more album after they ended that achieved sound success.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
If ya getting down #2 (AMR #2)
Keep on moving #6 (AMR #8)
Don't wanna let you go #17 (AMR #16)
We will rock you #3 (AMR #3)
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
While Kylie had plenty of success throughout the 90's here in Australia, many people felt this was a return to form given how she was best known for her bubblegum pop that made her famous in the late 80's. It was the album that finally resparked interest for her in America given how successful it was here and throughout Europe for the princess of pop, leading to her next album to finally get her out of the one hit wonder bin on Billboard.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Spinning around #1
On a night like this #1
Kids #14
Please stay #15
Your disco needs you #20
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
Coyote ugly is a film that remains divisive to this day, mainly because people either find it an inspirational story about how a songwriter made it big in the music industry or cliched to the point where they find it impossible to take seriously. I'm in the former category, although I'll admit my love for the film mainly stems from the catchy numbers that are brought to life by Leann Rimes.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Can't fight the moonlight #1
(POPULAR IN 2001)
This is one of many critically acclaimed albums that became a success this decade thanks to promotion on Triple J, although I get the feeling I would've gotten a lot of questions as to where this album was if I didn't include it on this list even if it was a flop given that it came from the Strokes. These guys were the kings of the alternative rock scene this decade with this album being what broke them onto the map.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Last nite #47
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
This was released the previous year to mostly deafening silence here in Australia, likely because we Aussies weren't quite ready to allow Usher to make it big here given that Craig David was already the prince of RNB as far as we were concerned. Of course, Usher eventually made his case that he should be the prince of RNB with the singles from this album which of course allowed it to become a success this year.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Pop ya collar #25
U remind me #4
U got it bad #3
U turn #7
(POPULAR IN 2002)
Given the sudden rise in popularity that Elvis Presley was having between his songs being played in Ocean's eleven and Disney's Lilo and Stich, it only seems fitting that we have this greatest hits package which collects thirty of his biggest hits throughout his entire career and ends off with the remix that put his name back on the map.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
A little less conversation #1
Burning love (re release) #37
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
Robbie Williams was at the height of his popularity when he released this live album from his concert at Knebworth, which is an annual festival held in the English city of the same name that began tradition in the 70's. From what I can gather, this recording is the most successful to come from the show as far as merchandising is concerned.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
Well, here's an album that I'm going to have trouble being nice to, basically everything people have said about Nickelback I think of Simple Plan which I'll leave at that in terms of how I feel about them. Naturally they were a massive deal back in the day, specifically with their second album which was a massive success for them thanks to how big its singles were.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Welcome to my life #7
Shut up #14
Untitled #9
Crazy #32
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
There were no signs of Jack Johnson slowing down in the music scene given how his third album managed to be a massive hit for him worldwide, I guess people just wanted to listen to an album that put them in a relaxing mood given how many entries on this list would have you feeling pumped up whenever they were playing.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Sitting waiting wishing #24
(POPULAR IN 2005)
This was the second album from the Veronicas which was released during a time where all types of rock music were finding massive success worldwide, it was a predictable success for the duo here given the success of their previous album as well as it finally gaining them an international audience right when the decade was coming to an end. Even with all of this success, they would struggle to make their third album due to issues with their label.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Hook me up #1
Untouched #2
This love #10
Take me on the floor #7
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
I'm not even sure what to make of this album's success here in Australia, mainly because it was originally released at the start of the decade here to deafening silence only to become a surprise sleeper hit eight years later despite sounding completely out of place with the rock opera and disco that was popular this year.
Peak position #23
(POPULAR IN 1978)
This was a bit of a surprise hit for Roxy music given how this was a hit before their compelling tribute to John Lennon which became their first hit here in Australia, I'm guessing we suddenly remembered that Bryan Ferry was the lead singer of the band and that we wanted to hear more from him when this came out. In any case, their popularity exploded on their next album, which also happened to be their final album.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Over you #45
Same old scene #35
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
You'd think this would be one of the biggest albums of the decade here in Australia given how well these guys managed to age into the MTV era, in fact the video for "Magic" actually took home the first best video award at their ceremonies which it did so at "Thriller's" expense. Alas this was only a hit when the third single became a hit here, even then I think it was only due to its success in NZ.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
You might think #24
Drive #10
(POPULAR IN 1984)
The last time Rod Stewart had an album this successful was when he dabbled with disco with his 1978 effort Blondes have more fun, so to see him return to this level of success with his first album of the decade can only mean that fans decided to boycott him throughout the 80's and lifted the boycott once the 90's began. That's the best explanation I have for why there was such a long absence of his popularity.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
It takes two #16 (AMR #14)
Rhythm of my heart #2 (AMR #1)
The Motown song #26 (AMR #20)
Have I told you lately #12 (AMR #11)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
Well just because the Eurythmics were no more by this point, doesn't mean that audiences didn't want to hear anything more from Annie Lennox as she managed to make a huge splash this year with her solo album. Here she trades in the new wave of her band for the sophistopop trends in order to help her realise her full imagination both with her music and the videos which likely were an inspiration for Lady Gaga.
Peak position #7
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Why #17 (AMR #17)
Little bird #38
(POPULAR IN 1992)
It may have divided the fans upon its initial release, however it's clear that this follow up to Blood sugar sex magik wasn't a failure by any means for the band no matter how much the A.V club wanted us to believe otherwise when they (in my opinion) foolishly declared it as one of the least essential albums of the decade. Sure, the departure of John Frusciante did mean that the band had changed their sound, however it still managed to connect with audiences and still does to this day.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Warped #12
My friends #15 (AMR #18)
Aeroplane #35
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
Their first album was a flop earlier in the decade, so it must have been a bit of a surprise to see that Everclear managed to score a massive hit with their second album even if they owe that success in Australia to Triple J heavily promoting the album. Indeed, the album didn't receive much love anywhere else in the world likely due to them being lost in all of the other alternative bands that were coming out around this time.
Peak position #9
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Santa Monica #25
Heartspark dollarsign #40
(POPULAR IN 1996)
Even though there was a perfectly acceptable reason as to why George Michael hadn't released a new album since the start of the decade, the fact that he was able to successfully return to the mainstream with this album that was initially proposed as a sequel to that album should tell you how loyal his fanbase was back in the day. Indeed, several of the tracks on here were meant for Listen without prejudice vol 2 but were recontextualised for this album as George no longer cared about his public image.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Jesus to a child #1 (AMR #1)
Fastlove #1 (AMR #1)
The spinning wheel #14 (AMR #10)
(POPULAR IN 1996)
Given how inescapable the second advanced single was from their earlier entry was, this second album from the Prodigy managed to finally become a success here in Australia three years after its initial release in order to help hype up their third album. I'm not sure why their first two albums initially flopped here as industrial rock while not the most successful genre of the decade did have its fanbase here.
Peak position #9
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
No good #45
Voodoo people #24
(POPULAR IN 1997)
Given how these three men were proven to be the real deal when it came to singing on their songs, there wasn't any issues with the Frank Farian made band to find success with their debut album which admittedly was a lengthy process given how his previous band Milli Vanilli caused quite the scandal at the start of the decade. This no doubt led to the Latin craze which the boys sadly weren't a part of.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Where do you go #2 (AMR #2)
When I die #2 (AMR #2)
Please don't go #35
Kiss you all over #47
(POPULAR IN 1997)
People feel the album's title to be an attack on Britney's haters, after all, it does feel like a snarky quip towards everyone who felt she bought her way into the music industry through her connections with Disney. It certainly didn't deter her fans from making it a success given how it and the singles managed to be equally as successful as her debut from the previous year thanks to how well they connected with it.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Ooops I did it again #1
Lucky #3
Stronger #13
(POPULAR IN 2000)
Well, I didn't think I'd be including one of Shaggy's albums on this site, however there's little denying that this fifth album form the Jamaican rapper was a massive success here in Australia even if its success was slightly delayed due to his music generally being released much later here than the rest of the world. As with much music delayed this year, it proved to be more successful down under than it was internationally.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
It wasn't me #1
Angel #1
Luv me luv me #10
Hope #42
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
It's interesting these guys would find success here in Australia prior to the John Butler trio considering they were among the first to be signed to John Butler's label despite the trio releasing two albums under the same label. Admittedly this album had quite a long shelf life given how it was a hit twice here for the Waifs, the first was upon its initial release and the second was after a successful tour they had with it.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
London still #49
(POPULAR IN 2003)
Well regardless of how you feel about this theatrical adaptation of the Broadway show set in the 50's (I personally love it) there's no denying that the soundtrack left a mark on audiences back in the day as it was by far the most successful to emerge from the 70's and arguably of all time. This is due to how much chemistry the two leads have both in the film and with the songs, regardless of John's deficiencies as a vocalist.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
You're the one that I want #1
Grease #2
Hopelessly devoted to you #2
Summer nights #6
Greased lightning #40
(POPULAR IN 1978, 1979)
They had two albums which didn't bring in much success for them, however when Spandau ballet released their third album their fortunes changed likely due to how the second British invasion in America made most British artists thrive internationally. Many people feel this album exemplifies the second British invasion as it has many of the qualities affiliated with the genre.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Communication #24
True #4
Gold #9
(POPULAR IN 1983)
While this wasn't anywhere near as successful as their previous album due to lacking that runaway hit that "Legs" proved to be for the band, ZZ top was nonetheless able to retain their popularity with this album here thanks to their brand of hard rock fitting in rather well with all of the heartland rock and folk rock that was permeating the rock and roll scene during the midpoint of the decade.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Sleeping bag #32
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
I guess if you wanted to know why Bruce Springsteen didn't find that much success with his album Tunnel of love despite it being the follow-up to his magnum opus Born in the U.S.A, that might be because John Cougar took the mantle of the king of heartland rock from the boss as he saw massive success with this album and his previous effort The scarecrow between those two albums.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Paper in fire #13
Cherry bomb #20
Check it out #22
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
Following the success of both Tracy Chapman and Toni Childs, Melissa Etheridge also found success here in Australia with her debut album proving that female singer/songwriters had a clear advantage as the decade was coming to an end. What's interesting is that Melissa's breakthrough in her native America wouldn't happen until years after her debut album was a huge international success, especially considering "Like the way I do" being a hit in 1995 despite it appearing on this album.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Similar features #34
Bring me some water #7 (ARIA #9)
Like the way I do #14 (ARIA #16)
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
Although these guys never achieved much success here in Australia, it appears that they were well known in the mainstream long enough to have this greatest hits package be a huge success for them back in the day.
Peak position #3
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
(POPULAR IN 1989)
One of the most critically acclaimed films of the 90's was the Piano, a film where a mute Holly Hunter communicates with a piano and has the melodies translated by her daughter played by Anna Paquin of X-men fame. It's a film I can't take seriously due to its setup, however audiences found it an endearing tale and made it and the soundtrack composed by Michael Nyman a success back in the day.
Peak position #11
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
Well, you don't have one of the biggest albums of the decade an immediately fall into obscurity (unless of course you have bad management and/or had that success through novelty) so here we have this follow-up to Live's previous album Throwing copper, which was a massive success for them, just not as much as their previous effort. The band would continue to find success well into the new millennium, proving that rock music was far from dead in the 2000's.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Lakini's juice #21 (AMR #20)
Freaks #36
Turn my head #47
(POPULAR IN 1997)
This was the debut album from the British boy band Five, I would've said these guys were a little late to the boy band wars that began in the first half of the decade with Take that and East 17 except that they were more firmly in the second round of those wars with Backstreet boys and N sync. They came in second place in Australia due to how many hit singles they managed to achieve here back in the day.
Also, for whatever reason, this was a massive hit according to ARIA but only a minor hit according to AMR, to give you an idea of how different the charts had become by this point in time.
Peak position #8
Peak position #18 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
When the lights go out #2 (AMR #3)
Everybody get up #5 (AMR #5)
Got the feeling #6 (AMR #8)
Until the time is through #8 (AMR #8)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
This is where it all began for Alecia Moore AKA P!nk, although it's also considered the black sheep of her catalogue given how it was an RNB album rather than the pop punk that the rest of her catalogue would turn out to be. It had a bit of a climb to its success here in Australia given how she was an unknown artist at the time, and indeed she's since distanced herself from the album due to her dissatisfaction making it.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
There you go #2
Most girls #1
You make me sick #25
(POPULAR IN 2000)
For the first ten years of its existence, Moulin Rouge was a critically acclaimed jukebox musical that heralded the return of musicals in the mainstream outside of animated features, although thanks to the internet of the 2010's (specifically a certain review site that infamously trashed the film) it now has a more polarising reception as people feel the story to be too melodramatic to be taken seriously.
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
Lady marmalade #1
Come what may #10
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
Diana Krall is a Canadian pianist who had been active for nearly a decade by the time she released her biggest album in her catalogue, even then this album had quite a climb to its success here in Australia likely due to it coming out before Norah Jones made jazz pop easily accessible with her debut album.
Peak position #7
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
I'm a bit surprised this wasn't even more successful here in Australia given how inescapable the singles were back in the day, strange that we could go from hip hop albums not even charting here to this highly successful debut from 50 cent being somewhat of a commercial disappointment in such a short amount of time but oh well. He would continue to have success with his second album later in the decade.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
In da club #1
21 questions #4
P.I.M.P #2
If I can't #22
(POPULAR IN 2003)
This is a covers album consisting of many popular Australian and NZ artists paying their tributes to the discography of both Neil and Tim Finn, meaning that this is a collection of covers from both of their solo careers as well as their bands Crowded house and Split enz which proved to be a massive hit here in Australia and their native NZ.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
This was the only successful album to come from MGMT, it was their debut album and one that promised them a healthy run in the 2010's that didn't come to be due to rock music being blacklisted in the mainstream of music in favour of the club boom. Still, they had acquired a healthy fanbase with this album likely due to the psychedelic imagery in their videos as well as Triple J heavily promoting them.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Electric feel #7
Kids #21
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
For whatever reason, this flopped upon its initial release the previous year here in Australia despite it producing two of Steve Miller's most popular songs in his catalogue. It was given a second chance this year due to the success of his earlier entry where it became an eventual sleeper hit for him which is still far less deserving of what it got compared to its legacy nowadays.
Peak position #25
Hit singles
Take the money and run #48
Rock n me #30
(POPULAR IN 1977)
Although Billy had a massive sleeper hit earlier in the decade with Piano man, this was the album which turned him from that guy who you would hear when driving around late at night on the radio to a household name due to the second single becoming his first genuine hit throughout the world. Many consider this to be his best album as the stories he tells throughout its runtime seem to resonate with audiences to this day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Just the way you are #6
(POPULAR IN 1978)
This was the magnum opus for Supertramp given how the lead single was a huge hit on Billboard for the prog band upon its initial release, this was also the penultimate album they released that achieved massive success for them worldwide as they sadly struggled to adapt into the MTV era with their subsequent releases.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
The logical song #16
(POPULAR IN 1979)
This was a success twice here in Australia, or rather it had two peak points given how it was more of a sleeper hit than a genuine success. The first time was when the second single became a surprise hit in the UK which allowed it and the lead single to reach the upper echelons of our charts, the second was when "Neutron dance" was featured in Beverly hills cop which allowed it to become the third single due to how well received its inclusion in the film was.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Automatic #15
Jump #8
Neutron dance #4
Baby come and get it #29
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
You'd think with how iconic their music has become over the years that these guys would've had more success with their earlier material in Australia, in fact their previous album Speaking in tongues was one of the biggest albums of the decade in NZ and yet it was a massive flop here for some reason. Fortunately, this album was a huge success for the new wave band largely thanks to the still iconic singles found on here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
The lady don't mind #24
Road to nowhere #16
And she was #10
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
Jenny already had success earlier in the decade with her first solo album as well as the lead vocalist to the short-lived group QED, however it was her second album which finally made her a household name both here and in her native NZ largely thanks to the success of its second single. She released a new album in the 90's which while successful, wasn't well received critically which resulted in her becoming yesterday's news after its release.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Saved me #23
She has to be loved #5 (ARIA #5)
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
Following the success of his album But seriously, Phil Collins decided to embark on a world tour which was such a success that he compiled all of the greatest moments onto this album which he released to massive success. It's the only live album from his career both solo and with Genesis to see massive success over the years, it makes you wonder why none of his band's live albums was a hit though.
Peak position #5
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
It's a bit of a shock to see how long it took for Prince to recapture the success he had with the soundtrack to his first theatrical film Purple rain in Australia, in fact this comeback of his remains his most successful album down under which should tell you how done dirty he was in our mainstream back in the day. This is the last album he released until he changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol as well as the first with his new band the New power generation.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Gett off #8 (AMR #5)
Cream #2 (AMR #2)
Diamonds and pearls #13 (AMR #12)
Money don't matter 2 night #18 (AMR #12)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
This was another album that sat on shelves ignored for well over a year, it's a pity because Sheryl Crow was in the same boat as Tracy Chapman and Melissa Etheridge in terms of women who wrote personal ballads for a mass audience. In any case, the album did finally become a major success when the lead single was picked up on the radio, admittedly Sheryl was far from the only victim of this delayed cycle.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
All I wanna do #1 (AMR #1)
Strong enough #3 (AMR #4)
Can't cry anymore #41
(POPULAR IN 1995)
This was originally released to deafening silence here in Australia two years prior, I guess we Aussies really weren't interested in these guys until they tore up the UK charts with their earlier entry on this list as this did chart in the lower regions here when that came out. Eventually this racked up enough points in the lower half of the charts to make an appearance on here solely through curiosity from fans of their (then) latest work.
Peak position #23
Peak position #24 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Whatever #40
(POPULAR IN 1996)
While he was struggling for mainstream relevancy with his albums by this point, at least the success of his greatest hits package was able to reassure him that his fans will always be there for him when it comes to his back catalogue. It had been twelve years since he broke away from Cold chisel, and he was in the process of reuniting with them following the success of a previously unreleased album two years prior.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Lover lover #6 (AMR #6)
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
This proved to be even more of a success for Silverchair than their debut album, I'm guessing because they were able to expand their sound and not come off as much a rip-off of Pearl jam as they did on their previous album. Their popularity continued well into the new millennium, proving that they have a dedicated fanbase that were willing to follow their antics.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Freak #1 (AMR #1)
Abuse me #9 (AMR #6)
Cemetery #5 (AMR #4)
The door #25
(POPULAR IN 1997)
This was all set to be a modest success at best here in Australia upon its initial release, likely due to the novelty of a band who named themselves after a controversial prime minister wearing off as the 90's was coming to an end. It received a massive boost in popularity when fan favourite "Blow up the pokies" became a massive radio smash which helped it become a huge sleeper hit for the band.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Blow up the pokies #21
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
I think this was meant to be a new version of the Abba gold album from almost a decade prior that was released the previous year from the Swedish quartet, it proved to be a success this year likely due to Abba mania becoming more fondly remembered as the new millennium began to unfold.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 2001)
They certainly had an amazing run with their first three albums, so a greatest hits package was inevitable from the Corrs which became a massive success for the family band upon its initial release even if it led to them struggling to retain their popularity moving forward in the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Would you be happier #47
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
There were no signs of RHCP slowing down in the mainstream this decade, not even the fact that they also seemed to be victims of digital piracy during the first half of the decade was able to deter fans away from legally purchasing their albums given how this was a massive success for them upon its initial release. Of course, their next album would see them spawn a massive hit which is how I know fans didn't buy their singles legally (for the most part.)
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
By the way #6
The zephyr song #21
Can't stop #38
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
Il Divo was another group that didn't show signs of slowing down during the midpoint of the decade as they released their second album to massive success, indeed they went on to have uninterrupted success for the remainder of the decade even if each album they released proved to be less successful than the last.
Peak position #1x3
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
There was no stopping Rob Thomas throughout the decade given how he found massive success with his solo debut right around the time his band went on hiatus to allow him to release said album. This managed to distinguish his sound away from his band as this had more soul to it compared to the alternative rock that his band had to offer, which in turn had him have a slightly different demographic.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Lonely no more #3
This is how a heart breaks #13
Ever the same #29
Something to be #40
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
This was another album that was very successful here in Australia that would've appeared much higher on this list had it been more of an immediate success rather than a sleeper hit, then again, the fact this debut album from Brendan Urie and company did managed to become a hit when it did is impressive considering how many of their contemporaries had to wait until the digital era began before they found success here.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
I write sins not tragedies #12
But it's better if you do #15
Lying is the most fun a girl can have without taking her clothes off #26
(POPULAR IN 2006)
This is another album that saw most of its success in the following decade (this fact didn't impact its ranking on this list) even so it was an instant hit upon its initial release thanks to the big names that David Guetta managed to convince to collaborate with him, making this feel like more of a compilation album than a studio release.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
When love takes over #6
Sexy bitch #1
One love #36
Memories #3
Getting over you #5
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This was the first album that was a massive success for the Eagles in Australia, although they did achieve success in their native America during the first half of the decade meaning these guys were unfairly ignored here until Countdown came along. While their albums were inescapable, the same can't be said for the songs themselves as they didn't chart very well during the height of Abba and Sherbet.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
One of these nights #33
Lying eyes #34
Take it to the limit #30
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
Foreigner would become one of the most popular bands of the 80's worldwide, however they had much more humble beginnings as their debut album was a success here in Australia but only due to them being one of the earliest international guests to perform on Countdown this decade. That said, this did allow their brand of rock and roll to thrive on oldies stations decades after its initial release.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Feels like the first time #41
Cold as ice #32
(POPULAR IN 1978)
Paul Young was one of the more popular artists to come from the sophistopop genre this decade, although his debut album did need two attempts to make it big in Australia as it was only after the success of its third single that it became a success here. It was more instantly successful worldwide which no doubt set him up for success over in America with his second album.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Wherever I lay my hat #9
Come back and stay #18
Love of the common people #8
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
This was initially a flop for the Bangles, likely because the lead single was seen as a novelty despite it being written by Prince under a pseudonym. Fortunately, the album's actual novelty track helped it find an audience who realised that while the girls had their quirky side, they were for the most part a serious throwback band to the 60's jangle pop which allowed this album to be a huge success for them worldwide.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Manic Monday #3
If she knew what she wants #31
Walk like an Egyptian #1
(POPULAR IN 1987)
After two albums where the band experimented with their sound to mixed results, they returned to form with this album which proved to be their biggest in their career. I guess this was one of the last new wave albums to be a massive success worldwide given how it finally broke the band into the American market, however it did them no favours with their subsequent releases which sadly flopped for them.
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
Crazy #4
Electric blue #1
My obsession #12
Man of colours #28
Nothing too serious #29
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
Even though she saw massive success with her singles throughout the second half of the 80's, Belinda Carlisle didn't see much success with her albums in Australia until her third album became a surprise hit for her this year. I'm guessing this was due to the third single being a hit exclusively down under as the songs on here bombed in her native America, this led to her next album never being released over there.
Peak position #6
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Leave a light on #5 (AMR #3)
La Luna #21 (AMR #18)
Summer rain #6 (AMR #7)
Runaway horses #44
(POPULAR IN 1990)
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