There were plenty of British new wave making it big this decade, however I don't think many people were expecting this duo to be among the most successful of the bunch given how much of a commercial failure their debut album was. Of course, appealing to an American market with this album likely helped it become one of the most successful albums of its day, that and also not being as morose as their previous effort.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Shout #1
Everybody wants to rule the world #2
Head over heels #21
(POPULAR IN 1985)
Well this is an album that promised so much for the artist in question in terms of success, especially considering how Rick Astley was by far the most successful client of Stock Aiken and Waterman likely due to how impressive his vocals were throughout this album. Alas he remains a one album wonder as his second album failed to live up to the standards set up by this breakthrough of his.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Never gonna give you up #1
Whenever you need somebody #3
When I fall in love #5
Together forever #18 (ARIA #19)
(POPULAR IN 1988)
This was a massive success for Led zeppelin upon its initial release, so much so that it makes you wonder why they slowed down their album output after this as they only released two more albums after this before they went their separate ways in 1980. I guess because they did release quite a lot of albums during the first half of the decade.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 1975)
It seems like an anomaly to have this album be a huge success for Bros, partially due to how radio refused to play their songs but also because everything about this album suggests that it was only meant for immediate friends and relatives of the band in question. Of course, that wasn't the case as many people came to love this album upon its initial release, although they didn't stick around for their second album.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
When will I be famous #5
Drop the boy #9 (ARIA #9)
I owe you nothing #6 (ARIA #6)
I quit #13 (ARIA #14)
Cat among pigeons #11 (ARIA #15)
(POPULAR IN 1988)
This is a bit of a different album from Chris Isaak as he seems to have traded in his Roy Orbison impression for a more original performance he gives throughout this album. This paid off for him massively as it remains his biggest album in his career, although he curiously didn't revisit this approach with his later work. Another interesting fact about this album is that the second single was only a hit when it was featured in the Stanley Kubrick film Eyes wide shut.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Somebody's crying #5 (AMR #7)
Baby did a bad bad thing #27
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
This was the album which took Chicago, a band previously known for their complex albums and instrumentation to a band who made music that would appeal to the same demographic that was into Rod Stewart. I guess it paid for them commercially as it spawned easily their biggest hit with the lead single, but fans have been disappointed ever since its initial release.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
If you leave me now #1
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
While this wasn't the most successful album from Simply red (that would be their second album) it did spawn the biggest hit of their career in the form of the second single which in turn helped the album become a massive success following a slow start to its chart run. These guys would continue to find success well into the 90's, proving that their sound was able to withstand the test of time with their audience.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
It's only love #21
If you don't know me by now #1 (ARIA #1)
A new flame #49
(POPULAR IN 1989)
Following the huge success of their now self-titled album, Icehouse released their sophomore album which was an immediate success for them here in Australia and an even bigger success for them over in NZ. This success led to the album being released in the UK where it did fairly well as the second single managed to crack the top twenty there. This led to them experimenting with their sound for the next two albums.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Great southern land #5
Hey little girl #7
(POPULAR IN 1982, 1983)
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)
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 another instant success for Robbie Williams, although it would be one of his last successful albums as his next effort would see him venture towards hip hop which would end his popularity for good.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Tripping #7
Advertising space #17
Sin sin sin #26
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
While they were never among the likes of Pearl jam or Nirvana when it comes to grunge royalty, Stone temple pilots did achieve massive success this year with their second album due to the heavy endorsement they received on Triple J as well as the radio in general gravitating towards their sound. They would struggle for relevancy as the decade went on largely due to the antics of their lead singer Scott Weiland.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Vasoline #24
Insterstate love song #50
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
It looked like Chris De Burgh would be a one album wonder with his album from earlier in the decade, however he was able to score the biggest hit of his career worldwide with this album which confirmed him to be one of the bigger crooners of the 80's despite crooners not being very popular throughout the decade. Indeed, if he had of had his breakthrough in any other decade, he would've been twice as big as he was.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Lady in red #2
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
This was the second edition of U2's greatest hits anthology which they delayed by five years in order for it to collect their work from the start of the decade in addition to their outlook from the 90's. It was a massive hit for the band as was their previous output, although not to the same level suggesting fans prefer their 80's output.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Electrical storm #5
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
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)
Even though these guys were from the UK, this proved to be a massive flop throughout Europe due to Europeans not being as invested with opera music as we Aussies and kiwis were back in the day. The fact that the lead vocalist was from NZ allowed it to be a huge success here and a massive success over in his homeland which led to them releasing another album the following year.
Peak position #4
(POPULAR IN 2004)
By this point Tina Turner had become royalty in the Australian music scene, so naturally this greatest hits album would be a massive success for her when she released it. Interestingly it was even more successful over in NZ meaning that the kiwis were likely bigger fans of her at this point than us Aussies.
Peak position #12
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Nutbush city limits remix #16 (AMR #14)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
This was Patti Labelle's only successful album here in Australia, mainly through the strength of her raunchy sex jam that serves as the albums lead single which became a huge success for her and her group this year. Patti would return in the 80's with some solo material, however she would never again have a successful album to her name.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Lady marmalade #13
(POPULAR IN 1975)
Heartland rock was at its peak around this time thanks to the likes of Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, so naturally Bruce Hornsby would be able to find success with his debut album following his departure from the 60's band the Grateful dead around this time. The title track was a Billboard chart topper for him, and although it wasn't a huge success here, it did crack our top twenty thus encoring the albums success.
Peak position #20
Hit singles
The way it is #12
(POPULAR IN 1987)
If Sony felt that delaying the release of each of the singles on Britney's fourth album only to then pull them from shelves shortly after they were finally released was going to allow the album to be a success for her, they were sadly mistaken as this album only makes the cut for prosperity as it merely recharted whenever one of its singles were released. It's a pity because it remains her most mature work to date.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Me against the music #1
Toxic #1
Everytime #1
(POPULAR IN 2004)
The legends are true people, this was the first of many Soul deep project from Jimmy Barnes, Soul deep being what he refers to his style of music where he attempts to recreate the success of many Motown records from the height of the label's popularity. This side project has achieved massive success over the years which means there's people out there who appreciate this side of his catalogue.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I gotcha #6 (AMR #5)
When something is wrong with my baby #3 (AMR #2)
Ain't no mountain high enough #28
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
Given how Paul Potts made headline news when he won Britain's got talent in 2007, it only makes sense that his female equivalent would do the same two years later even if she somehow lost on her season to some dance troupe that faded into obscurity once the competition was over. Indeed, this was only the first of three massive albums she released which found massive success worldwide.
Peak position #1x11
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Well, here's a band that's unfortunately been largely forgotten over the decades that was inescapable throughout the 70's, here we have Ol'55 who made a huge splash with this album due to it being an affectionate throwback album to the rockabilly of the 50's as well as the band being regulars on Countdown during its early years. Despite their overwhelming popularity, the band unfortunately called it quits once MTV came around.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
On the prowl #14
Looking for an echo #9
(POPULAR IN 1976)
How bittersweet must this album's success been for Roxy music, after all they were always planning on going their separate ways regardless of how this album was received after its release and yet it remains their most popular album in their catalogue. I guess they wanted to ensure fans that there wasn't any animosity between them and that their demise was to allow Bryan Ferry's solo career to succeed this decade.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
More than this #6
Avalon #22
(POPULAR IN 1982, 1983)
Another album released at the start of the 90's from one of the biggest names of the 80's to find massive success, and who says that the 80's ended once 1990 rolled around? In any case we have this third album from John Farnham's revival period which continued the success of his previous two efforts and suffice to say that his dominance in the Australian adult contemporary scene persisted throughout the decade.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Chain reaction #6 (AMR #6)
That's freedom #6 (AMR #3)
Burn for you #5 (AMR #5)
In days to come #49
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
Here's an album that was delayed so heavily that Lionel felt the need to change its name to what would end up being the second single from the album, yes it turns out that this was originally meant to be named after his Oscar winning ballad that served as its advanced lead single and released around the time that took home an academy award for him. As tardy as this albums release was, at least fans didn't have to wait for a decade for it to come out unlike his next album.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Say you say me #3
Dancing on the ceiling #2
Deep river woman #43
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
It looked like that Bryan Adams was going to become a one album wonder given the commercial failure of his 1987 effort Heat of the night, however following his contributions to the Robin hood soundtrack, he was able to bounce back more successful than ever with this album which led to him having a highly productive decade despite only putting out two more albums in the 90's.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I do it for you #1 (AMR #1)
Can't stop this thing we started #9 (AMR #13)
There will never be another tonight #30
Thought I'd died and gone to heaven #13 (AMR #13)
All I want is you #31
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
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)
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)
Just like the previous entry, this album sat on shelves ignored for over a year before it finally found success worldwide with its lead single. Another thing this album has in common with Sheryl's debut is that Joshua was also in his thirties when he recorded it, perhaps this was a sign of agism initially being a barrier to success only for it to be torn down when audiences realise the good music they'd be missing out on.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Jessie #15 (AMR #18)
Beautiful in my eyes #5 (AMR #6)
Picture postcards from LA #46
(POPULAR IN 1995)
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)
Wow did this album take its sweet time in finding success here in Australia, granted this is likely due to it being an RNB album which the occasional rap thrown in which would've made it unlikely for it to be a success here were it not for the strength of its third single. The irony is that this album became a success here around the time the trio filed for bankruptcy due to poor management of their money.
Peak position #5
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Creep #20
Waterfalls #4 (AMR #3)
Digging on you #6 (AMR #5)
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
Although this was an instant success for Garbage upon its initial release, it didn't become a best seller until the second single became a surprise hit here in Australia due to it being their most pop friendly track in their catalogue. It unfortunately didn't do the band any favours with their next album which was a complete flop for them despite coming out at the height of alternative rock.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Androgyny #21
Cherry lips #7
Breaking up the girls #19
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
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 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)
While this wasn't as inescapable as his big comeback album from the start of the decade, Santana was nonetheless able to retain their popularity this far into the new millennium thanks to repeating the formula that worked for them with their previous album. I guess the lineup of guest vocalists weren't as impressive this time around as before which would explain why this album didn't do as well.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
The game of love #21
Hey ma #29
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
These guys saw minor success in their native UK in the late 80's with their debut album, this success didn't translate to Australia likely due to us being uninterested in British soul at the time. This attitude obviously changed with their third album as there was plenty of British artists finding success with soul music, although it did take a while for this album to peak here despite finding success with the singles.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Only to be with you #18 (AMR #19)
Lay your love on me #26
(POPULAR IN 1995)
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)
It took them seven albums, but the Hunters and collectors were finally able to achieve massive success with one of their albums given how hugely success this was for them. It's worth noting that these guys were very popular in our alternative scene and even saw moderate success over in NZ throughout the 80's, and indeed their popularity would continue well into the 90's with their subsequent follow ups.
Peak position #10
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
When the river runs dry #23
Blind eye #42
(POPULAR IN 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)
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)
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 year where teen pop had officially exploded in the mainstream, so it makes sense that this debut album from Steps would be a huge success even if it mostly comes from its lead single being used as a P.E routine in Australian school's back in the day. This was their only successful album here as none of their other videos had quite a ridiculous dance routine for us Aussies to promote to our kids.
Also, for whatever reason, this was a massive hit according to ARIA but only a minor hit according to AMR, to give you an idea of how different the charts had become by this point in time.
Peak position #5
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
5 6 7 8 #1 (AMR #2)
Last thing on my mind #5 (AMR #6)
One for sorrow #34
Heartbeat #10 (AMR #12)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
One of the wackier bands to make it big through Countdown was Mi-sex, this is largely due to the antics of their lead singer as well as their unconventional song topics ranging from aliens to the rise in videogaming. While this was a sleeper hit for the band, it did set them up for a ton of success here and in their native NZ that they sadly never ended up having after their second album.
Peak position #16
Hit singles
But you don't care #25
Computer games #1
(POPULAR IN 1979, 1980)
This is one of those bands I could've sworn were so much more successful than they actually were, admittedly I'm more familiar with their 00's material which seems to be when digital piracy was at the peak of its popularity which likely affected their overall success. In any case, we have this debut album from the band which you guessed it, received heavy promotion from Triple J to boost its popularity.
Peak position #11
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Dc x 3 #50
Just ace #25
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
Although he managed to achieve some success with the singles on this album here in Australia the previous year, it was likely due to his collaboration with P-Money that allowed this debut album from Scribe to be a huge sleeper hit for the rapper this year given how he seemingly managed to break down the barriers between Australian and NZ hip hop with his presence back in the day.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Stand up #21
Not many #21
Dreaming #23
(POPULAR IN 2005)
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)
This was another sleeper hit here in Australia thanks to how well the singles did on the radio, although it's worth noting that only the lead single managed to be a massive success for the duo despite how heavily the songs were flogged on our airwaves back then. The album received a boost in popularity when it was reissued with some additional tracks, one of which was another staple of the radio going into the 00's.
Peak position #20
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Buses and trains #4 (AMR #3)
Treat me good #34
Lucky me #42
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
Even though his music was critically acclaimed even at the time of its initial release, many people complained that Billy Joel was little more than an artist made for the soccer mums of the world. Although they were often proven wrong by his highly diverse fanbase, Billy took this criticism to heart with this album where he expanded his sound to include harder rock which proved to be a huge success for him.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
You may be right #28
It's still rock and roll to me #10
(POPULAR IN 1980)
Although these guys had sound success prior to this magnum opus of theirs, this was what made them a household name thanks in no small part to the success of its lead single and how it continues to be a cultural juggernaut even to this day. They did see plenty of success as the decade went on, although nothing would come close to achieving the dizzying success of this album.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Bohemian rhapsody #1
You're my best friend #40
(POPULAR IN 1976)
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)
If this album seems a little low to anyone, bear in mind that it wasn't as much of a juggernaut here in Australia as it was throughout the rest of the world despite many people believing (me included) this to be MJ's best album. The album is also known for breaking several records on Billboard, including spawning the most chart toppers over there as well as how many consecutive number one hits an artist has had there.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I just can't stop loving you #10
Bad #4
The way you make me feel #5
Man in the mirror #39
Dirty Diana #27
Just another part of me #49
Smooth criminal #31
Leave me alone #42
Liberian girl #46
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
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)
Even though he had yet to achieve much success with Genesis prior to releasing this album, it managed to become a huge success for Phil Collins largely due to the strength of its lead single which many believe to be him outing someone for failing to save a person from drowning. This album is a bit of a compromise for his older fans as it does contain several instrumental tracks in addition to the ballads he would become known for.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
In the air tonight #3
(POPULAR IN 1981)
One of the most popular Broadway musicals of all time is Mamma Mia, mainly due to the renditions of Abba's catalogue as many will tell you that its story is a bit jumbled even for a Broadway musical. The theatrical version made nine years after it first premiered was a commercial success despite a mixed critical reception due to the plot and also the song renditions not being as good as the stage version.
Peak position #1x5
(POPULAR IN 2008)
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)
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)
OK here's an album which I have to tread carefully with given how infamous the story is behind its creation, I guess I can safely talk about why the US version is on here instead of the original as we Aussies were very sceptical about these guys but were eventually won over when they won a Grammy for best new artist. Of course, our initial sceptism was accurate as it was revealed they never sung a note on the album.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Baby don't forget my number #17 (AMR #14)
Girl I'm gonna miss you #3 (AMR #3)
Blame it on the rain #5 (AMR #4)
All or nothing #44
(POPULAR IN 1990)
Given how the lead single managed to become a massive worldwide hit, it only makes sense that this second album from Leona Lewis would follow suit and also be a massive hit outside of her native UK as opposed to her debut which was only a hit over there due to her winning the 2005 season of UK X factor. She would release her third album by the end of the decade; however, it was a massive worldwide flop.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Bleeding love #1
Better in time #6
(POPULAR IN 2008)
It had been seven years since Tracy Chapman last troubled the charts with one of her albums, so to see her back in the spotlight with her fourth album was a bit of a welcomed surprise for audiences around this time. Although this comeback was short lived as Tracy unfortunately failed to capitalise off of its success, it's nonetheless one of the more heartwarming stories of perseverance.
Peak position #6
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Give me one reason #3 (AMR #5)
(POPULAR IN 1996)
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)
There was a popular miniseries that ran this year which was based on a book written in the 50's, that miniseries was Come in spinner, and it was such a huge success that its accompanying soundtrack proved to be a hit for its two performers Grace Knight and Vince Jones. Grace is known for being the lead singer of the Eurogliders who saw massive success throughout the 80's, and this was the first album she released after they broke up.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
While this wasn't the debut album from MC Hammer, it was the album that put him on the map thanks to him having access to a bunch of catchy samples that he uses to provide beats for his rhymes on the album. It was a big enough success upon its initial release here, however it became a best seller due to the third single becoming his second hit which had it rebound on the charts.
Peak position #5
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
U can't touch this #1 (AMR #1)
Have you ever seen her #42
Pray #7 (AMR #6)
Here comes the hammer #37
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
This was released exclusively in Japan the previous year for reasons I can't seem to fathom, I know that Kylie going indie was a strange phenomenon, but she had already done that with her previous album, and it went over well with audiences. In any case she released it internationally this year where it was a huge success for her despite lacking that obvious hit single, although considering how well it did with Triple J listeners, I don't think she minded too much.
Peak position #4
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Some kind of bliss #27 (AMR #18)
Did it again #15 (AMR #13)
Breathe #23 (AMR #18)
Cowboy style #39
(POPULAR IN 1998)
It looked like this album was going to flop in Australia just like her debut album, however it received a massive push in popularity thanks to the third single from the album being a huge success for her and helping people realise what an amazing vocalist she is on her songs. Taylor's popularity would stretch out to her third album later in the decade where she almost topped our charts with a Barry White cover.
Peak position #7
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Love will lead you back #11 (AMR #10)
I'll be your shelter #4 (AMR #4)
Heart of stone #42
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
Hole is best known for their frontwoman Courtney Love and her relationship with her husband Kurt Cobain, I'm not going to repeat any of the conspiracies surrounding her on this site but suffice to say she's had a bad reputation in the music industry for several decades at this point. Here she scores her band's biggest album as they went in a more pop friendly direction compared to their earlier work.
Peak position #4
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Celebrity skin #24
Malibu #11 (AMR #12)
Awful #44
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
This was the most successful album to come from the Doobie Brothers given how it spawned their biggest hit in their catalogue in the form of its lead single. Even though they had a very successful run this decade with their adult contemporary rock music, they would struggle to retain their popularity with their next album which resulted in them breaking up for most of the 80's, although they would eventually reform.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
What a fool believes #12
(POPULAR IN 1979)
Bon Jovi were on a roll when they released their greatest hits package which led to them scoring the biggest hit of their career, this led to their next album being more in line with adult contemporary than any of their previous work up until this point. It remains a polarising point in their career to this day, many saying they felt betrayed by this change in direction while others saying they deserved the success.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Always #2 (AMR #1)
Someday I'll be Saturday night #10 (AMR #9)
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
We haven't seen Cher on one of these lists for a while, have we? Well, here she is with the album which many argue introduced autotune into the music industry as the title track was the first hit to become as such with the tool. Thankfully the rest of the album doesn't have this gimmick, meaning that Cher only used the program as a feature to signal her comeback rather than to hide her perceived vocal deficiencies.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Believe #1 (AMR #1)
Strong enough #11 (AMR #11)
Dove l'amoure #49
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This was the final successful album that Simply red had here in Australia, although considering they had an entire decade of uninterrupted success, this was an impressive feat for them even if it didn't reach the same levels of success as their first four albums. They aged into the 90's remarkably well, although after their greatest hits album which they released a year after this, their popularity would fade away.
Peak position #7
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Fairground #7 (AMR #7)
Never never love #42
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
I think I can safely declare these guys to be the winners of the first round of the 90's boy band wars, just a heads up that there'll only be one entry from their rivals Take that on this site which was the album with their one American crossover "Back for good" from later in the decade. This did have a lengthy climb to its success here even with how big the singles were during their initial release, however it eventually peaked once the deluxe edition was released.
Peak position #5
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
House of love #5 (AMR #5)
Deep #7 (AMR #6)
West end girls #4 (AMR #4)
It's alright #1 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
This album proved to be a much bigger success than This island mainly for having multiple hit singles from it as opposed to just the one from before, although it's worth noting that the album only became a best seller here when the third single became a huge success as it looked like its popularity would fade upon its initial release. They would release one more album before calling it quits by the end of the decade.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
We will together #7
The city of soul #19
Can't wait to see you #8
Absolutely #29
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
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 was originally released in 1987 to deafening silence here, in fact I'm not even sure why this greatest hits package managed to become a hit in Australia four years later as it's not like there was any special occasion for his legacy in this particular year.
Peak position #7
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1996)
This was initially a flop for George Benson here in Australia as it was everywhere in the world, I'm guessing because the world wasn't ready for a jazz revival during the 70's given that it was all about rock operas and disco at the time. We Aussies changed our minds about this album several months after its release, although it's true success came when his next album was released where this rebounded on our charts due to its success.
Peak position #13
(POPULAR IN 1977, 1978)
This was the debut album of Culture club, one of the most popular bands of the 80's despite having that popularity largely confined to their earlier entry on this list. Indeed, this was an album that needed the success of their second album to make it big here in Australia, although once their second album took off, it was considered to be among their greatest work.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Do you really want to hurt me #1
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
For the most part, this was just another John Mayer album that underperformed on the charts worldwide given how his heyday had long since passed since his breakthrough six years prior. This album only makes the cut due to its refusal to drop off our charts during the early stretch of the 2010's likely due to strong radio fare that the singles had down under.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Who says #31
Heartbreak warfare #31
(POPULAR IN 2009)
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)
Well Lenny Kravitz was saying around this time that he would be the modern-day equivalent of Jimi Hendrix, that would explain the success of this greatest hits album from the genuine article given how Lenny's popularity was exploding this year.
Peak position #7
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
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)
Following the staggering success of his previous album, John Farnham continued with his adult contemporary sound with this follow up which while not as big of a success as Whispering Jack (nothing to be ashamed of given how inescapable that was) was nonetheless a huge hit for him proving that albums success wasn't a fluke. His success would continue for well over two decades after his comeback.
Peak position #1x9
Peak position #1x8 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Age of reason #1 (ARIA #1)
Two strong hearts #3 (ARIA #6)
Beyond the call #41
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
This was the biggest album in Joan Armatrading's career worldwide, possibly due to it spawning her biggest hit in certain parts of the world including Australia and NZ with its lead single. Joan is one of many female singer/songwriters in the music industry to eventually come out as gay when it became less of a stigma, joining the likes of Tracy Chapman, Melissa Etheridge and the Indigo girls in this regard.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Drop the pilot #6
Call me names #20
(POPULAR IN 1983)
This is one of many albums this decade to become massively successful despite it receiving negative reviews from critics, it seems fitting given how Limp bizkit weren't exactly the type of band to appeal to those who would sing their praises for the likes of Steely Dan and U2. Still, this is an album that was popular at the time, but most people look back on with dread and confusion, much like Vanilla Ice a from a decade prior.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Take a look around #28
My generation #31
Rolling #11
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
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 where it all began for one of the most critically acclaimed bands of all time, and it's with an album that sounds completely stripped back from what was coming out at the time to boot. Of course, Dire straits would go on to have infinitely more success the following decade, however they did win over a bunch of fans with this album who wanted an alternative with all the bombast.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Sultans of swing #6
(POPULAR IN 1978, 1979)
This was the album that made the Bay city rollers into a household name in Australia, mainly due to how inescapable its lead single was here as well as maybe being a more suitable band for us to compare Sherbet to over Skyhooks. They would flood the album charts with their material over the next eighteen months which predictably led to a massive burnout for their popularity here.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Bye bye baby #1
(POPULAR IN 1975)
Although he had already achieved moderate success earlier in the decade with his greatest hits package It had to be you, I don't think anyone could've predicted just how successful this jazz album from the Hollywood actor turned musician would be in Australia and NZ this decade. Unfortunately, this was a mere one off for him as his subsequent albums failed to find much of an audience here.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Whisper your name #15 (AMR #17)
Here comes the big parade #43
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
You'd think this would be the album where Gene Simmons and company would you know, unmask themselves. That wouldn't come until much later in their discography as this was simply a continuation of their previous album where they appealed to a more mainstream audience with their pop friendly rock tracks. This was their last successful album in most parts of the world, as such they were spared from the sight of seeing what these guys looked like without the makeup on.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Shandi #5
Talk to me #39
(POPULAR IN 1980)
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)
INXS were another band who were able to find success transitioning from the 80's to the 90's here in Australia, although I guess they dialed back their bombast from their earlier material to make this transition which is why this was a success when others such as Icehouse and 1927 struggled around this time. They would continue to have moderate success as the decade went on, but nothing on this level.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Suicide blonde #2 (AMR #3)
Disappear #23 (AMR #19)
Bitter tears #36
By my side #23
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
While he continued to have success following the temporary parting ways he had with Bernie Taupin, it's obvious that the magic had been lost in Elton's music to the point where he occasionally needed to have songs originally written by Bernie be reworked into some of the tracks on his albums. Even so, he did manage to find success with this album due to it spawning a couple of hit singles for him.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Part time love #12
Song for guy #14
(POPULAR IN 1978, 1979)
This was originally released to only minor success here in Australia, likely because no matter how big the singles get, EDM albums usually don't do well on our charts. I guess we eventually made an exception here following the news that Martha Walsh from the Weather girls was the lead singer of the band and not the conventionally attractive woman that appeared on the cover art and in the music videos.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Ride on time #2 (AMR #2)
I don't know anybody else #6 (AMR #4)
Everybody everybody #35
Fantasy #3 (AMR #2)
Strike it up #20 (AMR #18)
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
This was the final album to be released from Cold Chisel before they decided to call it quits, likely due to behind-the-scenes drama which caused massive friction between the members. Even though this album was a huge success upon its initial release, it was quickly overshadowed by Jimmy Barne's solo album released later in the year which also was a huge success for him.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Hold on tight #14
Saturday night #11
Flame trees #26
(POPULAR IN 1984)
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)
For whatever reason, this greatest hits album from Barbra Streisand became a hit again this year in Australia, likely due to the song this album is named after finally becoming a minor hit for Elaine Paige due to her breakthrough.
Peak position #7
(POPULAR IN 1985)
There was plenty of hype going into this debut album from Kids in the kitchen, so much so that they released an E.P's worth of advanced singles before it finally dropped this year where it was of course a massive success for them. It appears this marketing strategy was what made this album a success as their next album had a more conventional release which resulted in it being a huge flop for the band.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Change in mood #10
Bitter desire #17
Something that you said #19
Shine #40
Current stand #12
(POPULAR IN 1985)
Given how John Lennon had decided to retire from music during this point in time, it only makes sense he would release a greatest hits album to look over his work both solo and with his wife's band since he broke away from the Beatles. Naturally it was a hit here in Australia upon its initial release, however it was a hit again five years later when he tragically passed away.
Peak position #8
(POPULAR IN 1976)
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)
This album looked like it was going to be a complete failure in Australia due to our refusal to give Paula a hit single from the album, however we eventually relented with her duet with a cartoon cat which helped the album find success here almost two years after its initial release. I'm guessing we didn't let this be a success at first due to us already having to deal with all of the Kylie Minogue rip-offs from this period and not wanting to deal with Paula's rip-offs as well.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Straight up #27
Opposites attract #1 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
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