This was the third album to be released from Roxette and the second album to find massive worldwide success for them. Like many artists who made it big as the 80's was coming to an end, these guys were able to adapt with the changing times which allowed them to thrive when some of their contemporaries struggled to do so, although their popularity came to a halt when they appeared on the Super Mario brother's soundtrack.
Peak position #2
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Joyride #1 (AMR #1)
Fading like a flower #7 (AMR #4)
The big l #20
Spending my time #16 (AMR #12)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Well things did seem to be very good for Bryan Adams this far into his career, admittedly they could've been better given how even in his native Canada he had some ups and downs in terms of his mainstream success, but it's still an awesome title for a greatest hits package that no doubt contributed to its overwhelming success.
Peak position #1x14
Peak position #1x14 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Please forgive me #1 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
This was released two years prior to deafening silence for the Screaming jets, likely because we Aussies felt that we didn't need to allow and Australian equivalent of Nirvana or Pearl jam on the charts now that we had those to bands making it big worldwide. We clearly changed our minds this year when the album rebounded on the charts due to one of the songs becoming a surprise hit this year.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Living in England #19
Shivers #19 (AMR #19)
Helping hand #25
Tunnel #39
(POPULAR IN 1994)
Given that this album came a year after the tragic death of his former bandmate, Dave Grohl had little issues with this finding an audiences worldwide back in the day which retains the spirit of Nirvana with his new band the Foo fighters with this album. An interesting note is that each of their albums would see more success than the last in their catalogue, culminating with their 2010's release which was their most popular work.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
This is a call #9 (AMR #12)
(POPULAR IN 1995)
This was an album that took its sweet time in finding an audience for the band in question, for almost two years this sat on shelves largely ignored even with Triple J discovering the album the previous year and promoting it on their station. It eventually became a success when "Glycerine" became a surprise hit for the English band in America, which in turn allowed it to become a success here in Australia and thus sell the album.
Peak position #5
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everything zen #41
Glycerine #5 (AMR #7)
Comedown #45
(POPULAR IN 1996)
You have no idea how inescapable the Riverdance phenomenon was throughout the decade, I'm sure the Corrs owe all of their success here in Australia and eventually around the world to how popular this show was given how Celtic music had always struggled for mainstream popularity over the years. Leave it to Bill Whelan to create a show that was so adorned by audiences that it became synonymous with the decade.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
It took him a while to follow up his comeback album Waking up the neighbours from earlier in the decade, however once he did, Bryan Adams found little issues with retaining his popularity with this album which proves just how well loved he was back in the day. That said, his popularity would quickly dwindle later in the decade and by the 00's, he would be yesterday's news.
Peak position #2
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Have you ever really loved a woman #1 (AMR #1)
The only thing that looks good on me is you #19 (AMR #17)
Let's make a night to remember #7 (AMR #8)
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
This was the sophomore album for Powderfinger, a band who would go on to have massive success in the new millennium as they became one of the most successful Australian bands of their time. Before they conquered our music scene, they were an up-and-coming alternative band who got a massive push from Triple J this year when several of the singles were heavily promoted from the album.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Pick you up #23
DAF #39
Living type #42
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
Blur weren't among the most successful artists of the decade in Australia; however, they did see a massive splash this year with their fifth album largely thanks to the second single becoming a surprise hit for them this year. They were able to triumph over their rivals Oasis this year as this was both more successful than Be here now as well as it being a critical success over that album's mediocre reception.
Peak position #22
Peak position #16 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Beetlebum #35
Song 2 #4 (AMR #6)
(POPULAR IN 1997)
Following the eventual success of her debut album, Jewel was able to find more immediate success with her follow up which was a continuation of her spiritual poetry that helped her win an audience both with her music and as a bookseller as she published a book of poetry that became a New York times best seller. Even with all of this success, Jewel's popularity would begin to decline going into the new millennium.
Peak position #5
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Hands #25 (AMR #19)
(POPULAR IN 1999)
These guys had really taken the world by storm when they released their debut album in the final year of the 90's, they copied the formula that made Aqua have the biggest EDM album of the decade and added an extra gimmick of having a bus that played their music as the coolest place on earth. Naturally this all combined for a highly successful album that I'm sure many kids back in the day loved.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
We like to party #2 (AMR #2)
Boom boom boom boom #2 (AMR #2)
We're going to Ibiza #26
Kiss #17 (AMR #13)
(POPULAR IN 1999)
There was a lot of hype going into this debut album from Killing Heidi given how the two lead singles were among the most successful from the transition of the 90's to the 00's, that hype was effortlessly met when it was released as it became a massive hit for the band here in Australia. I'm not sure why, but their fans and even Triple J abandoned them with their next two albums, leaving them to flop down under.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Weir #6
Mascara #1
Leave me alone #1
Live without it #5
(POPULAR IN 2000)
This was Madonna's foray into country music, OK sort of as there were plenty of electronic elements to the song that technically makes it an EDM album even though there are plenty of straight forward country tracks on the album. It was a massive hit for the queen of pop and proof that she could do no wrong even going into the new millennium, although her next album was where things would come crashing down.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
American pie #1
Music #1
Don't tell me #7
What it feels like for a girl #6
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
This is the first album from the White stripes to find massive success here in Australia, it was mainly due to the lead single which to this day remains a staple on oldies stations thanks to how instantly memorable it is. It was also due to its heavy promotion on Triple J which was gaining more influence on what became a mainstream success from the alternative scene not just in Australia but around the world.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
7 nation army #17
(POPULAR IN 2003)
This wound up being far more popular here in Australia than it was over in NZ, the only album from Ben Harper to be as such given how overall, the kiwis preferred him over us Aussies during his career. I guess you can say that he was the natural successor to Lenny Kravitz given how he followed a similar formula to him only for a 00's audience which is conveniently when Lenny lost his popularity.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2003)
It looked like the failure of her film Glitter would result in Mariah Carey's permanent downfall in the music industry, however by adopting an alter ego by the name of Mimi, she was able to crawl back from obscurity with this album which was a return to her 90's output which resulted in not one but two of the biggest hits of the decade in her native America as well as a massive success throughout the rest of the world.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
It's like that #9
We belong together #1
Shake it off #6
Don't forget about us #12
Get your number #19
Say something #26
(POPULAR IN 2005)
I'm guessing Matchbox 20 titled their greatest hits package this way due to them feeling like they were not welcome in the alternative scene throughout the decade, I guess there are enough scathing reviews of their albums from rock snobs to justify how they would feel this way especially given how inescapably popular they were throughout the decade both as a band and especially with Rob Thomas.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
How far we've come #7
All your reasons #34
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
This was the first of many soundtracks to come from Glee, it was predictably a success here in Australia given how the show was a cultural phenomenon upon its premiere this year.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Don't stop believing #5
Sweet Caroline #37
Take a bow #38
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Although he already achieved massive success earlier in the decade with his second album Just a boy, this fourth album from Leo Sayer made him the superstar we all know him for thanks to containing some of his more iconic work in his catalogue. He would become more known as a singles artist after this album as his subsequent follow-ups spawned huge hits for him without being too successful themselves.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
You make me feel like dancing #2
When I need you #8
How much love #18
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
This was another album that took its sweet time in finding success here in Australia, although at least it was a success unlike in the bands native America where they didn't have any success until their comeback from the late 80's. It's little wonder this appealed to Australians as it's the type of wacky throwback rock from the 50's that was all the rage at the time, that and appearing on Countdown also did the trick.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Planet Claire #43
Rock lobster #3
(POPULAR IN 1979, 1980)
Well, I hope David Bowie fans are prepared for what I'm about to say, this sellout album of his not only remains his most successful album in his career, but it's also one of only a select few in his discography to be a huge success for him back in the day. Admittedly pop sellout Bowie still has infinitely more artistic integrity than most mainstream artists so it's not like this was a bad representation of his genius.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Cat people #15
Let's dance #2
China girl #15
Modern love #6
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
This was where the Eurythmics decided to appeal to a more mainstream market which proved to be a wise move for them commercially as while their previous two albums were a success for them, they weren't exactly among the most successful of the decade like this and their next album Revenge were. That said, I'm sure there's fans out there that prefer their more synth heavy new wave tracks.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Would I lie to you #1
There must be an angel #3
Sisters are doing it for themselves #15
It's alright #32
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
This had a rather slow rise to its success here in Australia, I'm guessing because these guys weren't among the more popular Australian bands of the decade despite scoring a huge hit with their debut single "Great wall." Their fortunes changed for the better when the album became a huge success around the turn of the decade due to fan favourite "Dancing in the storm" taking over the airwaves.
Peak position #10
Peak position #10 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Onion skin #11 (ARIA #11)
Get out of the house #24
Dancing in the storm #19 (ARIA #21)
Talk about it #35
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
As if her involvement with Black box wasn't enough of a controversy, we have another group where Martha Walsh had provided vocals for and yet she was nowhere to be found on the promotion of the album and its singles. I'm not sure what everyone's fascination was for hiding her behind attractive models who lip synched to her music, however she grew tired of this and sued these bands for damages.
Peak position #7
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Gonna make you sweat #3 (AMR #3)
Here we go #20 (AMR #17)
Things that make you go hmm #6 (AMR #5)
Just a touch of love #26
(POPULAR IN 1991)
This was the debut album from a band who by all accounts deserved far more than what they ended up achieving this decade given how the music scene shifted away from Australian artists this decade. Led by the powerful presence of frontwoman Suze Demarch, this album was initially a moderate success due to her strong vocals and the bands catchy instrumentation only for it to explode in popularity once "One word" was released as a single.
Peak position #1x6
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Early warning #21 (AMR #16)
Rush you #30
Painless #49
One word #15 (AMR #17)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
One of the more popular films of the 90's was the Full Monty, a film where a bunch of unemployed British men put on a striptease show with hijinks ensuing from there (forgive me but I haven't seen it yet.) As the plot revolves around a musical theatre of sorts, the soundtrack was a huge success due to it having a bunch of popular songs that the cast use during their shows.
Peak position #3
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
Given the popularity of their previous album load, Metallica decided to double down on their more mainstream sound by releasing this sequel to that album which proved to be slightly more successful due to it having more hit singles spawned from it. Again, this was well received at the time by everyone except for their diehard fans who felt betrayed by their abandonment of their older sound.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The memory remains #6 (AMR #7)
The unforgiven II #9 (AMR #9)
Fuel #2 (AMR #3)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
These guys had been active throughout the entire decade and yet it was only their third album which made them a household name in Australia, I'm guessing it was due to the lead single which featured a very creepy video depicting what I assume is a CGI baby experiencing its first thoughts in what I'm guessing is the mother's fetus. Whatever the case, this album was a massive success for the duo and one that put them on the map of both the alternative and EDM scenes.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Tear drop #16 (AMR #15)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
It looked like these guys would be a one album wonder with their debut from 1997 given how their second album was a massive disappointment for them as the 90's came to an end, however they managed to bounce back with their third album largely thanks to its lead single receiving heavy airplay back in the day, although it wasn't a huge hit here likely due to it being the victim of digital piracy.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Chemical heart #25
Lost control #29
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
This is the final album to come from Blink 182 during their first run together, they would go their separate ways later in the decade only to reunite for the 2010's where they struggled to find relevancy as did any band or artist that was from the rock genre. This had a bit of a climb to its success given how only the second single managed to become a hit for the band which was very different to the rest of their catalogue.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Feeling this #20
I miss you #13
Down #35
Always #45
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
Well, you all knew this album was coming, although you may be surprised at how low it is considering how inescapable it was during the midpoint of the decade (well the singles that is.) It was the point where people began to turn against the band, more for how overexposed they were as this won them their second Grammy of the decade (third overall) as well as the songs (particularly "City of blinding lights") being flogged to death on the radio.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Vertigo #5
Sometimes you can't make it on your own #19
City of blinding lights #31
All because of you #23
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
People feel this is a lesser retread of the Killer's debut album (I disagree and actually prefer this album) as a result, it wasn't quite as successful as Hot fuss even though this did spawn them a genuine hit on the charts (thanks to digital sales being legal by this point.) This is an album that saw massive international success for the band despite it underperforming for them in their homeland for the reason I just brought up.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
When you were young #10
Bones #22
Read my mind #32
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
There were no signs of Foo Fighters slowing down as they released their third album in a row to be a massive worldwide success, it even spawned a genuine hit single for them given that the digital charts were all about promoting rock music in the mainstream which is why there's been an uptake in rock albums on this list alone. If I were to make a retrospective of the 2010's (which I won't) these guys would feature on those lists.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
The pretender #10
Long road to ruin #38
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
This is the final album that Powderfinger released before they went their separate ways at the start of the 10's, they agreed this would be their final album regardless of success given how Bernard Fanning wanted to pursue his solo career which didn't reach the dizzying heights of success of his debut album or his bands work throughout the 00's.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
All of the dreamers #23
Burn your name #45
(POPULAR IN 2009)
These guys had been finding more and more success with each album this decade, the peak of their popularity coming when this album became a massive success in the 2010's due to it finally spawning them a hit in the form of its second single here in Australia. Even as early as 2010, it was a rare victory for a rock track even if the band has Triple J to thank for its popularity down under.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Uprising #23
Undisclosed desires #11
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Neil Diamond was completely inescapable throughout the 70's worldwide, Australia was no exception as this soundtrack to the theatrical adaptation of Jonathan Livingston Seagull managed to be a massive success for him despite being yet another album from the first half of the decade that failed to spawn a hit single down under.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Be #29
(POPULAR IN 1974)
There were no signs of Wings slowing down this decade, heck even Countdown couldn't do much to sweep away their popularity in Australia to promote the newer bands as they were able to comfortably chart with the likes of Sherbet and Skyhooks as the decade went on. It's easy to see why as while I'm not a fan of him by any means, Paul's music regardless of who he's playing with has remained timeless over the years.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Listen to what the man said #14
Letting go #34
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
Given how Linda Ronstadt had received massive success with her album Simple dreams at the start of the year, it only makes sense that this greatest hits album she released two years prior would finally receive some modicum of success this year here in Australia in order to help fans discover her back catalogue up until this point in her career.
Peak position #22
(POPULAR IN 1978)
This was the biggest album of Stevie Wonder's career in Australia, it's fitting that his final decent album according to his diehard fans would be the one which finally allowed us Aussies to reward him for his genius music he created throughout the 70's. For what it's worth, he did achieve moderate success here throughout the decade even with Countdown giving us an allergic reaction to funk and soul.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Master blaster #2
Lately #17
Happy birthday #31
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
Named after the popular showstopper from the recently released Andrew Lloyd Webber production Cats, Barbra Streisand released this greatest hits package to help her fans rediscover her music even though she only released one album since her last greatest hits album which somewhat made this album redundant.
Peak position #9
(POPULAR IN 1982)
They were off to an amazing start with their debut album from the end of the previous decade, so to see these guys fail with their second and third album must have been a shock to the band given how much buzz they had going into the 80's. Indeed, their fourth album was all set for failure even with the success of its lead single, however it then won the Grammy for album of the year which boosted its sales.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Rosanna #16
Africa #5
(POPULAR IN 1983)
This was the final album to be released from the Police before they became fed up with each other and broke up, many will tell you that this is their best album (I personally prefer their debut) due to the neo noir feel the album has throughout its runtime. It's certainly their most successful when you factor in the singles as the lead single became their biggest hit both in America and their native UK.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Every breath you take #2
Wrapped around your finger #26
King of pain #44
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
This was originally released to deafening silence in Australia, likely because we Aussies had no idea who these guys were as their earlier material were massive flops down under. Fortunately, it was given a second wind when "Legs" became a surprise hit for them a year after the album came out which allowed the album to become a huge success here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Legs #6
(POPULAR IN 1984)
There weren't any signs of these guys slowing down as their fourth album managed to be a huge success for them worldwide, although I would've thought this would be even bigger here in Australia given how synonymous they've become with the second British invasion worldwide. I guess this albums success was more due to their artist momentum given how it didn't spawn a huge hit for them here.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Only when you leave #12
I'll fly for you #38
Round and round #16
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
These guys were on a roll as their second album proved to be an even bigger success than their debut from two years prior, likely due to them having more of a budget here which allowed the songs to pop more than their previous efforts. This would lead to them releasing their sellout cover of a Lipps inc track later in the year which would in turn lead to their international success for that song.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Don't go #4
Love an adventure #6
Living in a dream #15
(POPULAR IN 1986)
This was the debut album for Toni Childs, another female singer/songwriter who scored massive success around this time albeit only in the southern hemisphere as she bombed both throughout Europe and in her native America with this album. Even though she never found success in the northern hemisphere, she would find success with her next album in Australia and NZ in the 90's.
Peak position #7
Peak position #8 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Stop your fussing #16 (ARIA #17)
Don't walk away #15 (ARIA #17)
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
Even though the lead single to this album was a huge success for Transvision vamp this year, it wouldn't be until the success of their second album that this album would be a hit for them likely due to us Aussies initially put off by the seductiveness of lead singer Wendy James. Indeed, this was an excellent year for the band considering the struggles they had for finding a mainstream audience in their native UK.
Peak position #15
Peak position #13 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
I want your love #7 (ARIA #7)
Revolution baby #22
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This was the solo debut from Kate Ceberano who had previously achieved success as the lead vocalist from the jazz pop band I'm talking as a child star, a pretty impressive transition to a solo career if you ask me. This was an album that promised her so much success going into the 90's, but alas she wasn't able to find a way to retain her audience despite her stellar vocals on her subsequent releases.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Bedroom eyes #2 (ARIA #2)
Love dimension #12 (ARIA #14)
Brave #17 (ARIA #15)
That's what I call love #30
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
Even though his debut album won album of the year at the Grammys, George Michael felt that he was little more than a shallow pop star which can only truthfully be said about his time with Wham as Faith did have some introspective tracks that resonated with more mature audiences. In any case, that was the premise for his first volume of Listen without prejudice which true to its title, is a song by a pop star looking to be taken more seriously in the music scene.
Peak position #2
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Praying for time #16 (AMR #15)
Freedom #18 (AMR #17)
Waiting for that day #50
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
Following her recovery from her potentially life-threatening injury, Gloria Estefan wanted to make it clear that she didn't want to dwell over that part of her life by releasing this album whose title seems to drive that message home. She was coming out of a very dark place in her life and as such wanted to live the rest of her life without thinking about it.
Peak position #9
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Given how he had won an academy award the previous year for his work on the Philadelphia soundtrack, this seemed as good as time as any for Bruce Springsteen to remind fans of his back catalogue with his greatest hits package which allowed the album to become a huge success for him.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1995)
I did mention when I featured their debut album that the Foo Fighters saw more success with each subsequent album they released, although this appears lower on this list compared to what their debut would appear, that's mainly because rock music took a back seat to all of the pop featured on this list so far according to the ARIA charts which wasn't the case on the AMR charts where it reigned supreme.
Peak position #5
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Monkey wrench #17 (AMR #13)
Everlong #28
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
This third album from Britney Spears also serves as the soundtrack to her first feature length film which was a film that was panned by critics and audiences alike for her poor acting as well as it being a cliched ridden road trip flick. At least the album was well received by fans given how few if any of the songs have anything to do with the film, after all the overall theme is about her wanting more independence in life which isn't a theme present in the film.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I'm a slave 4 u #7
Overprotected #16
I'm not a girl not yet a woman #7
I love rock n roll #13
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
One of the biggest albums of the decade to make it big thanks to heavy endorsement on Triple J, this was the debut album from the Australian alternative band George who made a huge splash in our mainstream thanks to the dulcet vocals of lead singer Katie Noonan which have been ranked up with the likes of Kate Ceberano and Wendy Matthews as among the finest voices to come from Australia.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Special ones #29
Run #27
Breathe in now #29
Breaking it slowly #43
(POPULAR IN 2002)
Although they would achieve massive success with their third album, it was the second album from Eskimo Joe that first brought them to the mainstream thanks to how popular the trio was on Triple J upon its initial release. They were another Australian act who I believe were done dirty by the act of digital piracy as I could've sworn they were much bigger with their singles then they ended up being.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
From the sea #33
Older than you #46
(POPULAR IN 2004)
Given how her second album was a massive success for her, it only makes sense that Kasey Chambers would continue the momentum she had with her third album which also proved to be a massive hit for her. It saw a minor rebound on the charts when "Pony" became a surprise hit for her, although to a much lesser scale than what "Not pretty enough" did for her previous album.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Hollywood #28
Pony #10
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
Given how Kylie Minogue was still one of the most popular artists in the music industry by this point in time, it only makes sense that her greatest hits package would be a massive hit during the midpoint of the decade even if it proved to be a kiss of death to her popularity in the future.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
I believe in you #6
Giving you up #8
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005, 2006)
This was released mere months after Ray Charles tragically passed away from health complications, this is kind of similar to David Bowie's final album ★ except Bowie was able to live to see that albums initial release as opposed to Ray being unable to do so for his album. Naturally this swept the Grammy awards for this year for the RNB legend as well as it becoming a massive success worldwide out of sentimentality.
Peak position #4
(POPULAR IN 2005)
This is the debut album from Mike Oldfield, suffice to say, it's the theme to the Exorcist film stretched out to album length with additional parts that obviously didn't make it into the film. In fact, this was released prior to the film's release and was only included in the film due to the director's love of the album which Mike agreed to.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Tubular bells #12
(POPULAR IN 1974)
Perhaps this is the album which made John Denver such a household name during the midpoint of the decade, after all this is a live album that's meant to be intimate for the listener rather than it just being the highlights of a popular concert for audiences to relive. It's a shame that John's popularity would quickly dwindle as the decade went on, likely due to country music in general going out of vogue.
Peak position #4
(POPULAR IN 1975)
From what I can gather, Reg Livermore was a contemporary of the likes of Peter Allen and other flamboyant performers from Australia that presented their queer identity as an act. He didn't quite see the level of success that his peers did, however he did achieve a massive success with this album thanks to his presence in our pop culture at the time.
Peak position #15
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
I should give out a fair warning to fans of these guys that while their albums were indeed among the more successful of the decade in Australia, that clearly came at the expense of their songs not being hits like they were internationally. Admittedly their brand of soft rock has always endured on our oldie's stations so it's not like their music has been forgotten by any means but that still doesn't make the lack of their singles success any easier to swallow.
Peak position #1x12
Hit singles
New in town #16
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
This was the second album that Stevie Nicks released between the two albums she made with Fleetwood Mac, I'm guessing she was delaying the inevitable by dragging her feet to reunite with the band for their album Tango in the night. Here she doubles down on her pop direction which while it alienated many of her international fans, won over a bunch of fans in Australia as it remains her most successful solo album in her career.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
I can't wait #20
Talk to me #22
(POPULAR IN 1986)
This took its sweet time in becoming a success here in Australia, this is mainly because "Every little step" became a surprise hit here during the final stretch of the 80's which enabled us Aussies to check out what all the fuss was about from Bobby Brown despite the big hit from the album flopping here when it became a Billboard chart topper for him.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
My prerogative #38
Every little step #7 (ARIA #8)
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
This was the last album to have Phil Collins as part of the band as he wouldn't reunite with the band later in the decade when they put out their final album to deafening silence. This album's success likely came from its main theme of religion which was becoming an increasingly popular topic for artists this decade ever since Madonna destigmatised criticisms of the church with her album Like a prayer.
Peak position #8
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
No son of mine #29
I can't dance #7 (AMR #7)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
So, you know how there's the stereotype of certain types of music being described as elevator music? Well, no artist has that stereotype apply to them more applicably than Kenny G who makes the type of easy listening instrumentals that seem to be tailor made to be played whenever riding an elevator in a fancy building. I guess that would explain the overwhelming success of this album from him.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Forever in love #49
(POPULAR IN 1993)
While there wasn't any chance that this album would be as successful as Mariah's previous album Music box, it does have the consolation of spawning two of her biggest hits in her career worldwide, one of which even broke records on Billboard by staying at number one for sixteen weeks. I should also point out that the album is indeed structured to be like a daydream, much like her last album was meant to be seen as a music box.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Fantasy #1 (AMR #2)
One sweet day #2 (AMR #3)
Always be my baby #17 (AMR #14)
Open arms #27
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
This was a stellar year for music targeted towards a younger audience given how Hanson managed to become a huge overnight success worldwide with their debut album, although this is more along the lines of a pop rock album that just happens to be made by underage musicians rather than kiddie pop like other popular songs from the late 90's. It's a shame this album was released before the two younger brothers finished going through puberty as their pre-pubescent vocals do hold back the full potential of the album.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Mmmbop #1 (AMR #1)
Where's the love #2 (AMR #2)
I will come to you #2 (AMR #4)
Weird #12 (AMR #12)
Thinking of you #6 (AMR #9)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
This was only a modest success upon its initial release here in Australia, I guess this was because it felt too out of place with all of the teen pop that was making it big this year (this was certainly the case according to ARIA.) It was given a second chance here when one of the tracks became the theme to the Adam Sandler flick Big daddy which helped it become a worthy follow up to their self-titled debut.
Peak position #5
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Push it #31
When I grow up #22
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
This was the debut album for one Alex Lloyd, an Australian indie folk singer/songwriter who initially struggled to find success with this entry the previous year likely due to it being pushed aside for a bunch of what I like to call "last hurrah" releases from the big names of the 90's. It finally rose up the ranks this year likely due to Triple J placing the singles on their yearend list for 1999 to belatedly promote the album.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
My way home #50
(POPULAR IN 2000)
It looked like Britney won the first round of the Disney pop diva wars as this debut from Christina Aguilera was only a sleeper hit here in Australia despite it spawning multiple hit singles from the album. She would of course go on to have massive success as the decade went on with her albums in addition to her singles becoming more personal and more well beloved than the one's found on here.
Peak position #21
Hit singles
Genie in a bottle #2
What a girl wants #5
I turn to you #40
Come on over baby #9
(POPULAR IN 2000)
This had a bit of a slow start to its success, likely because everyone felt that Nelly Furtado was going to be a one hit wonder with the lead single due to the album being more spiritually inclined than most of the competition this year. It finally became a massive success once the second single was released which set Nelly up for massive success that she only got from her third album later in the decade.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I'm like a bird #2
Turn off the lights #7
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
It looked like this was going to underperform for Nickelback despite how big the lead single was for them here in Australia upon its initial release, it eventually saw massive success due to the second single becoming a surprise hit here which confirmed the band to be in the same leagues as Limp Bizkit and Creed from earlier in the decade as a band who was massively successful despite a mixed critical reception.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Someday #4
Figured you out #10
Feeling way too damn good #40
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
Following the eventual sleeper success of their debut album, Evermore managed to find little issues with finding a mainstream audience with their sophomore album even though they for some reason lost the support they had from Triple J when it was initially released. Although the album itself was a massive success here for the band, the singles were among the first to heavily benefit from digital sales which likely further fuelled its success.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Running #5
Light surrounding you #1
Never let you go #29
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
It took a while for Missy Higgins to follow up her debut album, so much so that Delta Goodrem was in the process of releasing her third album when this finally saw the light of day which would explain why it wasn't nearly as successful as her main rival's discography. That said, it was still a massive hit for her given how much support she had from her fans and the radio.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Steer #1
Where I stood #10
(POPULAR IN 2007)
It took them five years to follow up their debut album Songs about Jane, OK technically it was only three years given how that album sat on shelves ignored for the first two years of its existence due to it not being promoted by their label initially. Even so, there was a bit of a wait for fans between the two projects which perhaps why this wasn't as inescapably popular as their earlier work.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Makes me wonder #6
Wake up call #19
Won't go home without you #7
If I never see your face again #11
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
You may have noticed a distinct absence from Diana Ross on these lists, this is likely due to her being overshadowed by Marcia Hines back in the day as the American born Australian diva of colour was indeed one of the biggest names in our music scene throughout the decade. This was her debut album and one which made her an instant success due to her run as Mary Magdalene in the Australian production of Jesus Christ superstar.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Fire and rain #17
From the inside #10
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
He may not have been among the most successful artists of the decade; however, David Bowie at least has the distinction of having one of the more popular greatest hits albums in the form of this entry. The album would eventually see a sequel in 1990 when it was released as ChangesBowie.
Peak position #8
(POPULAR IN 1976)
This was one of two successful live albums that the Brothers Gibb had in their career over the years, although this was recorded in their prime, so it makes more sense that it was a success back in the day. This led to them contributing to the Grammy award winning Saturday night fever soundtrack which made them the kings of disco for the rest of the decade.
Peak position #8
(POPULAR IN 1977)
While I am aware that this greatest hits package from Queen might very well be the most successful album of all time in Australia, I'm ranking these albums based on how well they did on their original chart run and not their overall success. This is so that I don't have to keep updating these lists whenever an album becomes popular again. That said, this album was a success during its initial release thanks to how popular the band was.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 1981, 1982)
This was the biggest album to be released from Australian crawl following the huge splash they made the previous year with their album Boys light up, I'm guessing this was due to the band being huge in the pub rock genre which admittedly is the perfect setting for their music to shine in. The only complaint I and many have for these guys is that while he's a great vocalist, James Reyne really needed to learn how to enunciate in order for us to appreciate his lyrics.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Things don't seem #11
Errol #18
(POPULAR IN 1981, 1982)
Even though the lead single was an instant success here in Australia, it wasn't until the second single where Duran Duran found massive success with their debut album here largely thanks to the raunchy music video which made it among the first to be banned on MTV. This controversy only strengthened their appeal as their next album would see more flashy videos (albeit family friendly ones) to promote their music.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Planet earth #8
Girls on film #11
(POPULAR IN 1982)
Flashdance is a movie you either love or hate, you love it for the striking visuals or hate it for its admittedly meandering plot that ultimate goes nowhere. Either way the film and its soundtrack were a huge success back in the day, the former due to its powerful performance that Jennifer Beals gives as Alyx while the latter was due to how catchy the music was throughout its track listing.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
What a feeling #1
Maniac #2
(POPULAR IN 1983)
This was the only album in Robert Palmer's career to achieve massive in Australia, although it's worth noting that Riptide did achieve minor success due to "Addicted to love" being a chart topper earlier in the decade. The success of this album can be attributed to how inescapable its lead single was on our charts as well as the rest of the tracks striking a chord with listeners of the late 80's.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Simply irresistible #1 (ARIA #1)
She makes my day #10 (ARIA #9)
Early in the morning #21
Change his ways #38
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
Well this was a surprise entry, mainly because the last time anyone had heard from Daryl Braithwaite was when his former band Sherbet called it quits a decade prior due to them struggling to retain their popularity after their international breakthrough with "Howzat." Here we are ten years later and we have a very different man to the one who won the hearts of Australian teenage girls all those years prior, basically following in the footsteps of John Farnham and making adult contemporary for older audiences.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x3 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
As the days go by #9 (ARIA #11)
All I do #21
One summer #6 (ARIA #8)
Let me be #29
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This was the only notable success that Motley Crue had here in Australia, although the band members nowadays seem to be more famous than their music due to the antics that could take up an entire paragraph if I were to list them here (I won't.) It makes sense this was a success given how it was one of the last hair metal albums to be released in the 80's and that the songs on here still resonate with audiences to this day.
Peak position #7
Peak position #5 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Dr feelgood #28
Kickstart my fire #32
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
Their debut album wasn't much of a success here in Australia, I'm guessing because we Aussies weren't that into sophistopop in the late 80's like the rest of the world was. Fortunately, the band saw massive success with their second album due to their cover of a Johnny Nash classic, even then the cover wasn't the first single from the album which is why it took a little while to find an audience here.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I can see clearly now #22 (AMR #18)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
This was the album Madonna released to coincide with her book Sex, a book that was little more than a bunch of photos of her in sexually provocative positions that was meant to titillate the general audiences of the early 90's. While the album isn't as tasteless as the book, it does have a highly sexual nature which perhaps explains its bad reputation over the years as being an album for horny listeners.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Erotica #4 (AMR #3)
Deeper and deeper #11 (AMR #10)
Bad girl #32
Rain #5 (AMR #6)
Bye bye baby #15 (AMR #15)
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
This was U2 adapting with the times in order to retain their relevancy in a decade that seemed to want to purge all of the biggest names of yesteryear from the mainstream, this paid off for them as they went the industrial rock route with this album which did alienate a bunch of their older fans but then brought in a bunch of new fans as a payoff. I'm guessing people were initially intrigued with the lead single due to the Edge's presence on it.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Numb #9 (AMR #12)
Lemon #6 (AMR #6)
Stay #5 (AMR #6)
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
Even though this came out several months after the tragic suicide of Kurt Cobain, the tragic event didn't seem to hamper its sales proving that while the two bands were similar to each other, they had very different fanbases at the time. Pearl jam would continue to thrive throughout the decade over Nirvana's sequel band Foo fighters, even though both bands would evolve in similar ways.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Spin the black circle #3 (AMR #3)
Not for you #29
(POPULAR IN 1995)
There seems to be at least one of these albums on my list for every year in the 90's, although it's worth noting that La bouche's success here likely came from how huge they were over in America more than us preferring them over their predecessors Culture beat and Corona. Just like those two bands, these guys scored three massive hits from the album and then faded into obscurity once the album cycle was done.
Peak position #10
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Be my lover #2 (AMR #1)
Sweet dreams #8 (AMR #5)
I love to love #6 (AMR #4)
Falling in love #39
(POPULAR IN 1996)
They may have only ever had one hit on the Australian charts, however Lighthouse family were able to at least score a massive hit with their second album here thanks to how inescapable that one hit was for them down under. The duo did try to recapture their international success going into the new millennium; however, their third album was a massive flop which led to their breakup in 2003.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
High #1 (AMR #2)
Raincloud #29
(POPULAR IN 1998)
This was another successful album to come from Live in Australia, this time we have their second biggest album after Throwing copper which was able to pick up the lack of their previous album Secret samadhi just as the 90's were coming to an end. That said their popularity would slowly begin to dwindle as the 00's went on, not by a considerable margin but enough that it was noticeable.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
The dolphin's cry #25
Run to the water #34
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
Although their (then) most recent album was a bit of a commercial disappointment, that didn't prevent Green day from releasing a greatest hits album which somewhat picked up the slack that Warning gave them. Even so, they really needed to rethink their strategy moving forward especially after they lost the master tapes of their new album they were working on, the result was their biggest album of their career.
Peak position #11
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
One of the most critically acclaimed bands of the decade was Queen's of the stone age, a band that's best described as stoner rock as much like Bob Marley, their music is best appreciated by those who like to chill out with the same type of substance as the reggae legend liked to enjoy during his lifetime. The band received a boost in popularity with this album due to the presence of Dave Grohl during its production.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Go with the flow #39
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
This seems like a self-fulfilling prophecy as this will be the last time I feature a studio album from John Farnham on this site, in fact aside from a concert with Tom Jones and a greatest hits album, he didn't have much more success in his career after this which admittedly is impressive given how long he's been active in the music industry.
Peak position #1x1
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
This was another successful greatest hits package from John Farnham, in fact it only came six years after his previous entry in his catalogue which goes to show you how much we Aussies loved his back catalogue even by this point in time.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
Although it was a hit here in Australia, Avril's second album was a huge commercial disappointment due to critics feeling like it was more of the same as her debut album. She took this criticism to heart and did a 180 with her third album which is the type of music that I'm sure her younger self would've been opposed to given how it was clearly meant to appeal to the fanbases of Disney era Britney and Christina.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Girlfriend #1
When you're gone #4
Hot #14
(POPULAR IN 2007)
This was released five years into Elton John's career and suffice to say that given how quickly he rose to popularity in this time, it serves as the perfect recap of his career up until this point. It also kind of set him up for failure during the second half of the decade as he wouldn't reach the dizzying heights of his popularity again until almost a decade later.
Peak position #1x5
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
Yikes that is some seriously horrifying album art, it appears I'm not the only one who has this opinion as Pink Floyd were forced to issue another picture for the album art back in the day which while more generic, did the job in helping this album become a huge success for them. Nothing would top the success of their previous album Dark side of the moon, but they were really tempting fate with this picture, weren't they?
Peak position #1x4
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
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