This album only barely makes the cut for this list due to how long it charted in the lower half of our charts back in the day, proving that while we Aussies often overlooked what we now consider to be classics in favour of flavour of the moment entries form earlier on this list, that didn't necessarily mean that they were undiscovered gems overall back in the day.
Peak position #20
(POPULAR IN 1976)
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 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)
Following the breakthrough success of Parallel lines in their native America, Blondie no longer had any issues with finding success worldwide with their subsequent follow ups including this album which managed to rebound on our charts here in Australia when they released their theme to the Richard Gere flick American gigolo at the start of the 80's, meaning this became a success twice down under.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Atomic #12
(POPULAR IN 1979, 1980)
With an album title this uncreative, you'd think that Foreigner had run out of ideas which would be a bad assumption to make as this album was a huge success for them and also spawned (at the time) their biggest hit in the form of the second single. Even though this was a huge success for them, they took their time in following it up as their next album Agent provocatuer wouldn't come out for another three years.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Urgent #24
Waiting for a girl like you #3
(POPULAR IN 1981, 1982)
While Split enz had yet to call it quits by this point in time, that didn't prevent Tim Finn from releasing a solo album which went on to have massive success due to the popularity of his band. No doubt it was the success of this album which tanked the bands next album and eventually led to them breaking up, that wasn't necessarily for the worst as it led to his younger brother Neil forming Crowded house.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Fraction too much friction #8
Made my day #22
Staring at the embers #34
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
This is the magnum opus from Prince given how it also serves as the soundtrack to his autobiographical film of the same name, it also made him a household name in his native America as he hadn't had much success on Billboard prior to this albums release despite finding huge success internationally with his earlier work. This albums legacy inspired him to release two more films, both of which were panned by critics.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
When doves cry #1
Let's go crazy #10
Purple rain #41
(POPULAR IN 1984)
As you've probably noticed on these lists, we haven't seen many musicians of colour to make it big with their albums in Australia. One of the rare exceptions was Robert Cray who managed to score a massive hit this year with his first solo album likely due to how smooth the album is compared to everything else coming out at the time. I should point out that we were promoting our local talent over these artists more than anything.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 1987)
Although 10-1 remains their most successful album here in Australia, there's a good chance that my non-Australian readers will recognise this album as their signature work as it contains their biggest hit in their catalogue. Continuing with the theme of exploring political topics with their music, here the band stand up for aboriginal rights in Australia which is perhaps why it's often labelled as the greatest Australian album of all time.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
The dead heart #4
Beds are burning #6
Put down that weapon #32
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
One of the more defining films of the decade was Pretty woman, a film which stars Julia Roberts as a sex worker hired by Richard Gere as his escort only for the two to eventually fall in love with each other. The story remains heartwarming to this day as does the soundtrack which is notable for taking a previously obscure Christmas track from Roxette and making it a huge worldwide success for them.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Wild women do #37
It must have been love #1 (AMR #1)
The king of wishful thinking #6 (AMR #5)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
Whatever did happen to this Canadian singer/songwriter? Well from what I can gather, she did achieve further success in her homeland as the decade went on despite only finding success there on this album with its third single. Again, we have a Canadian artist only making it big internationally due to them having one of their songs make it big on Billboard as opposed to their homeland, strange how this was a thing.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Love is #12 (AMR #10)
Black velvet #3 (AMR #3)
Lover of mine #47
(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)
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)
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)
I think this is the earliest hip hop album to achieve massive success in Australia, oh sure you had your MC Hammer's and Vanilla ice's which did see moderate success here earlier in the decade, however this album from Arrested development was arguably the first to break down our bias against the genre here. It's a shame their next album was such a critical and commercial disaster for them but what are you going to do?
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Tennessee #12 (AMR #16)
People everyday #6 (AMR #6)
Mr wendal #7 (AMR #6)
Revolution #7 (AMR #6)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
To add further insult to injury of how much of a failure the title track to this album was in Lenny's native America, this album proved to be a massive success for the self-proclaimed (then) modern Jimi Hendrix outside of his homeland proving how open the rest of the world was for allowing this musician of colour to rule over the rock scene. I guess the world changed its mind with his next album.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Are you gonna go my way #1 (AMR #1)
Believe #8 (AMR #10)
Is there any love in your heart #32
(POPULAR IN 1993)
They were described as the 90's equivalent of Abba, even though that was truer of their later material as this first album from Ace of base was more in line with the reggae trends of the day rather than the Europop that made their 70's equivalent a household name. They were a surprise success in America, so much so that this was given an American edition over there which was what was popular on Billboard.
Peak position #9
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
All that she wants #1 (AMR #1)
The sign #1 (AMR #1)
Don't turn around #19 (AMR #20)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
This was released ten years after the band's magnum opus Diesel and dust, presumably to remind audiences of their back catalogue as the band's popularity had been in sharp decline since their 1993 effort Earth sun and moon. The album proved to be a massive success for them, proving that their fans had simple grown tired of their newer music and still had plenty of love for their older music.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
While it wasn't a flop by any means, this second album from Avril Lavigne did unfortunately underperform partially due to audiences feeling it was more of the same from her debut album (which I disagree with) but mainly due to Sony tampering with its release schedule here in Australia to allow Australian idol to rule over our charts this year. These two factors led to her going in a different direction with her third album.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Don't tell me #10
My happy ending #6
Nobody's home #24
He wasn't #25
(POPULAR IN 2004)
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)
This was the debut album for Lisa Mitchell, an English born Australian folk singer who saw massive success with this album thanks to Triple J picking it up and heavily promoting it for her which allowed a multitude of her fellow Aussies to make it a success this year and even into the new decade. Sadly like most alternative artists from the 00's, her subsequent follow ups flopped due to how the mainstream worked in the 2010's.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Coin laundry #28
(POPULAR IN 2009)
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)
It turns out that the silver convention was meant to be little more than sex symbols from Germany (specifically west Germany given this was during the cold war) as it was hard for me to find appropriate album art for this entry for their debut album (let's just say the cuffs on here are for what you're thinking of.) Naturally this was a success thanks to its lead single as well as how sexy the three women were.
Peak position #18
Hit singles
Fly robin fly #11
(POPULAR IN 1976)
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 success of the film Fame, a TV show was commissioned which brought in a brand-new cast to replace the one from the film which proved to be a massive success back in the day. It was kind of like the 80's equivalent of Glee only with far less gossip drama and with mostly original songs sung each week (also just a better show all around in my opinion) which made the soundtrack a success as well.
Peak position #34
(POPULAR IN 1983)
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 was the first of what was meant to be a trilogy of albums from the supergroup comprised of George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and Bob Dylan. Sadly, due to the passing of Roy Orbison shortly after the album's release, the band cancelled volume two despite how successful this was back in the day. They did eventually release volume three which sadly bombed in 1990 which led to them cancelling this project.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Handle with care #3 (ARIA #3)
End of the line #11 (ARIA #12)
(POPULAR IN 1989)
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)
By far the most successful 2d animated film, the Lion king is often considered to be a masterpiece thanks to its groundbreaking animation and its story about a prince reclaiming his throne after being gaslight into giving it up to his abusive uncle (OK this is essentially the story of Hamlet made for kids.) The soundtrack is also skillfully done by Elton John and composers Tim Rice and Hans Zimmer.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Can you feel the love tonight #9 (AMR #10)
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
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)
I'm guessing this greatest hits package became a success here in Australia due to Stevie Wonder being featured on Babyface's hit single "How come how long" as a way to remind us Aussies of the back catalogue for one of the greatest musicians to ever make it big in the music industry.
Peak position #4
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1997)
Even though this was meant to be Janet's spiritual album, it was apparently a very difficult production due to a lot of personal drama she was going through at the time. It appears that it was worth persevering through those inner demons as she released what's often considered to be her finest work thanks to the direction the album takes, it's also one of her most successful largely thanks to the second single dominating the charts worldwide.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Got till it's gone #10 (AMR #6)
Together again #4 (AMR #4)
I get lonely #21 (AMR #20)
Go deep #39
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
Following the success of their debut album from, Regurgitator released this album which was an instant success for them and became even more successful thanks to the success of the third single and its bizarre music video involving a poorly CGI girl dancing to the track. The success of this video led to them reissuing the album as a DVD (remember those kids?) which allowed you to play the album on a DVD player as well as a CD.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Everyday formula #41
Black bugs #32
Polyester girl #14 (AMR #14)
! #28
(POPULAR IN 1998)
City of angels is an American remake of a film known as Wings of desire, a French film from the 70's about a fallen angel falling in love with a mortal woman and the conundrum that ensues from there. It's an admirable remake of a foreign film, although like most Hollywood remakes it removes the cultural identity of the original to appeal to a more mainstream audience. At least the soundtrack was a huge success.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Iris #1 (AMR #2)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
I'm not sure why Alicia Key's second album bombed in the southern hemisphere given how popular a bootleg recording of "Karma" was here in Australia (imaginatively titled "Karmastition" as it's the song with the beat to "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder) whatever the reason, it wasn't the case for her third album which seemed to pick up where she left off from earlier in the decade with her debut.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
No one #3
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
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)
This was the first of three collaborative albums between husband-and-wife duo Shane Nicholson and Kasey Chambers, the latter of which was already one of the biggest names in Australian music whilst the former was a mere critical darling prior to the release of this album. It was a massive success thanks to her artist momentum as well as it being a good year for a bluegrass album like this to do well in.
Peak position #1x1
(POPULAR IN 2008)
This was a success twice here in Australia, the first time was upon its initial release thanks to the hype these women had going into this album that their previous album had given them earlier in the decade. The second came when it rebounded several months after its initial release thanks to them appearing on the Slumdog millionaire soundtrack with an Oscar winning song that was included on the deluxe edition of this album.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
When I grow up #2
I hate this part #10
Bottle pop #17
Jai ho #1
Hush hush hush hush #10
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
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This was the only notable success that indie pop darling Sarah Blasko was able to achieve in the mainstream, mainly because of how much love this album of hers received from Triple J which was a good source of alternative artists making it big in the mainstream throughout the decade down under. Even though indie pop thrived throughout the 2010's, she unfortunately didn't have much success then.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
We won't run #44
(POPULAR IN 2009)
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 originally meant to be an E.P that Lady Gaga released to cash in off the success of her earlier entry on this list, however she decided to bundle that album with said E.P which resulted in it becoming a massive success for her just as the decade was coming to an end. Naturally it was more of a hit throughout the 2010's due to how late it was released this year.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Bad romance #2
Telephone #3
Alejandro #2
Dance in the dark #24
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Following the success of his previous album Goodbye yellow brick road, Elton John released this follow up which was a massive commercial success for him at the cost of it spawning a huge hit like his previous efforts did here in Australia. People say that this is a massive disappointment compared to his previous efforts, although I and audiences back in the day disagree as this easily lived up to expectations.
Peak position #1x10
Hit singles
Don't let the sun go down on me #13
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
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)
Joe Jackson is another English piano man who managed to find success over the years, OK he only found success with this album likely through the strength of its lead single which seems to question the relevancy of toxic masculinity that's instilled on boys while they're growing up. While he had moderate success with his other albums, none of them reached the dizzying heights of success as this album did.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Real men #6
Stepping out #30
(POPULAR IN 1982, 1983)
The last time Billy Ocean had troubled our charts here in Australia was with his debut single "Love really hurts without you" back in 1976, fast forward eight years and he came back with the lead single to his first RNB album which helped him find an audience all around the world due to how he reinvented himself. The album was a massive success here mainly due to how big the singles were.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Caribbean queen #2
Loverboy #7
Suddenly #15
(POPULAR IN 1985)
Their debut album Stoneage Romeos may remain a cult classic to this day, however it was the band's second album where they started seeing mainstream success likely due to how catchy the singles were as well as the charisma of lead singer Dave Faulkner on the record. This led to them sparking international interest in them which resulted in them developing a cult following internationally.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Bittersweet #16
Like wow wipeout #15
Death defying #43
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
This was the first solo album to come from George Michael, it was a guaranteed success given how he was coming off the success of his time with Wham who themselves were one of the biggest bands of the decade worldwide. What I'm sure he wasn't expecting was for this to win album of the year at the Grammys, especially considering how he felt it was safe pop music only meant for the masses.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
I want your sex #2
Faith #1
Father figure #5
One more try #34
Monkey #12 (ARIA #12)
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
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 released a few months after the death of Roy Orbison, I'm guessing some of the tracks on here were meant for the second volume for the Traveling wilburys given how that was never released despite the success of the first volume. It proved to be a huge comeback for Roy who outside of his contributions to the supergroup, hadn't had any success since his hit single "Penny arcade" from 1969.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x4 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
You got it #3 (ARIA #3)
She's a mystery girl #12 (ARIA #17)
(POPULAR IN 1989)
Although she didn't achieve the same level of success as her main rival Tiffany, this second album from Debbie Gibson was a huge success for her outside her native America thanks to the strength of its lead single. Debbie is known for being the youngest artist to write, produce and perform on a Billboard chart topper which she achieved the previous year with her hit "Foolish beat," a hit that flopped internationally.
Peak position #11
Peak position #10 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Lost in your eyes #8 (ARIA #7)
Electric youth #17
(POPULAR IN 1989)
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)
The duo may have called it quits following the mediocre reception of their album We too are one, however that didn't that fans were ready to say goodbye to them as this greatest hits package they released was a huge success for them. They would eventually reform by the end of the decade when their fans had long moved on from their music.
Peak position #1x7
Peak position #1x6 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Although these guys have been on the cusp of mainstream success since the late 80's, it wasn't until this album that they finally achieved that success worldwide thanks to how well this both fit in with the trends of this year and also how it contrasted with some of the more popular hits making it big. This would lead the band to having huge success this decade all around the world.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Losing my religion #11 (AMR #8)
Shiny happy people #19 (AMR #19)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
This is an album that saw a ton of backlash upon its initial release, mostly for its lead single which was a virtual duet with Natalie's father Nat King Cole from beyond the grave which many felt she was being disrespectful towards. I feel that she had nothing but love and affection for her father's work and that this was the best compromise she had of fulfilling her dream of making a song with him. The Grammys agreed and awarded this album of the year.
Peak position #1x6
Peak position #1x6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Unforgettable #2 (AMR #2)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
It looked like this third album from Richard Marx was going to be a massive flop for him given how the lead single failed to find any sort of audience outside his native America from the previous year, fortunately the second single managed to become a massive worldwide hit albeit rather slowly as I'm sure most people didn't realise the dark subject matter of the ballad and thus not realise the true potential this guy had on here.
Peak position #11
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Keep coming back #34
Hazard #1 (AMR #1)
Take this heart #11 (AMR #10)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
In a way, this feels like a greatest hits album as we have Michael Crawford singing all of the best-known songs from all of Andrew Lloyd Webber's productions at the time of the album's release. The success of this album was likely due to when the Phantom of the opera began its tour here in Australia which happened to star him in the titular role, thus making this a tie into the show.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
I feel like we need to give these three women a round of applause for finally making it big in their native America given how the rest of the world had little issues with making them a household name with their earlier work. Here the girls continue spitting the rhymes that made them respected in the hip hop game whilst having fun catchy beats to go along with their rhymes that captivated audiences.
Peak position #5
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Shoop #2 (AMR #3)
Whatta man #2 (AMR #2)
Heaven and hell #21 (AMR #20)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
New age was at the peak of its popularity throughout the 90's thanks to the efforts of Enya and these guys, it's little wonder this managed to find overwhelming success given how unlike Enya, they were able to find success with their singles from each of their albums. Unfortunately, the tides turned against them when they were sued by the original composers of the lead single which ended their good will with the new age community.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Return to innocence #16 (AMR #17)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
There were a lot of love themed greatest hits albums released over the years, this wasn't even the first one to come from Elton John as he had previously released an album with this name back in 1982 to very minimal success. He had better luck this time around as he had mostly stuck to love ballads in the 90's which helped him remain in the mainstream.
Peak position #7
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1996)
There were plenty of British RNB girl groups of the decade, however with the possible exception of the Spice girls (depending on how you define their music) this was the most successful group in this category thanks to how inescapable their debut album was. They were previously known as All Saints 1.9.7.5. due to two of the members being born that year, however they dropped the date when they released this album.
Peak position #4
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Never ever #1 (AMR #1)
I know where it's at #12 (AMR #18)
Under the bridge #5 (AMR #8)
Lady marmalade #5 (AMR #8)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
This was the third album to come from Silverchair, a band whose members were still teenagers by this stage and yet were among the most successful Australian bands of all time thanks to heavy endorsement from Triple J and other indie publications. Their popularity would continue to grow in the 00's, however the boys wouldn't be able to handle their fame very well which would result in a lot of personal turmoil.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Anthem for the year 2000 #3 (AMR #2)
Ana's song #14 (AMR #12)
Miss you love #17
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This was the second album to come from Alex Lloyd following the success of his debut album from the start of the decade, it was far more successful than his earlier entry thanks to spawning a huge hit in the form of its lead single that became an even bigger hit in NZ at the expense of the album's success over there. Sadly, this was his final successful album in his catalogue as his subsequent follow ups would flop later in the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Amazing #14
Green #25
Everybody's laughing #33
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
I did mention when we looked at Craig's debut album that he was a bit of a one album wonder, for the most part he was as this only makes the cut due to it rebounding on our charts due to the surprise success he had with his collaboration with Sting which was the album's third single. Aside from that, this is basically more of the same from the British RNB singer which naturally turned audiences away.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
What's your flava #10
Hidden agenda #24
Rise and fall #6
World filled with love #32
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
This is another album that found success here in Australia due to its heavy promotion on Triple J, this time it's from the alternative rock band Augie March who had their mainstream breakthrough with this album's lead single which charted for quite some time here albeit on the lower half of our charts hence why it won't appear on this site.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
One crowded house #29
(POPULAR IN 2006)
These guys were on a roll this decade as this was the third successful album they had despite the singles not being as popular as their previous entries (even though it finally spawned them a genuine hit thanks to the digital charts.) Their popularity would continue till the end of the decade where they would release their final album before going their separate ways in the 2010's.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Lost and running #5
I don't remember #42
(POPULAR IN 2007)
This is one of many greatest hits albums that the Rolling Stones released throughout their career, it was a decent success here in Australia due to how much they achieved since their last album that they released in this vein.
Peak position #12
(POPULAR IN 1976)
It seems weird that this greatest hits package would be so successful in Australia given how the popularity of Dr Hook was quickly dwindling around the time of its release, this is even stranger considering how their international popularity was quickly growing but I digress. I guess this became successful due to the success of their hit single "Girls can get it" which wasn't even on the album.
Peak position #1x4
(POPULAR IN 1981)
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)
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)
This was a compilation album based on classical music, it figures this would be a success due to the rise in popularity of classical music this decade thanks to the likes of Richard Clayderman and the Royal philharmonic orchestra.
Peak position #12
(POPULAR IN 1984)
This was the most successful album to come from Billy Idol in Australia, I'm guessing due to it being more in line with sophistopop compared to his earlier work despite it not quite being sophistopop. It's definitely more subdue compared to his earlier work which is perhaps why it found more success here than his earlier work. He would have further success throughout the rest of the decade and even into the 90's.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
To be a lover #3
Don't need a gun #22
Sweet sixteen #9
(POPULAR IN 1987)
Following the success of their debut album from four years prior, Fine young cannibals returned with this album which proved to be an even bigger success for the British trio, likely due to it becoming a surprise hit over in America by spawning two Billboard chart toppers for them. Despite how huge this album was for them, they decided to call it quits going into the new decade for reasons I never quite understood.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Ever fallen in love #27
She drives me crazy #1 (ARIA #1)
Good thing #5 (ARIA #7)
Don't look back #34
(POPULAR IN 1989)
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 released at the end of the previous year to minimal success, I'm guessing fans weren't keen on a solo album from Wendy Matthews given how she already had success with the Rockmelons and Absent friends in such a short amount of time. They were won over when the third single became a huge success for her, this boosted the album's popularity over the course of the year.
Peak position #11
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Token angels #18 (AMR #19)
Woman's gotta have it #34
Let's kiss #14 (AMR #12)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Bjork is one of the most unconventional artists to ever make it big in the music industry, while this wasn't her debut album by any means, it was the album that made her a household name due to the success of its second single which saved it from falling out of the charts upon its initial release and allowed it to become one of the more popular alternative albums of the 90's.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Army of me #35
It's oh so quiet #6 (AMR #6)
Hyperballad #31
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
This was released two years prior to deafening silence here in Australia, I guess we Aussies initially felt that Shania Twain sounded too much like Sheryl Crow at the time to be invested in what she had to offer. We quickly changed our tune when "If you're not in it for love" became a surprise hit due to how seductive she is on the track, leading to this eventually outselling Sheryl's own album from this time down under.
Peak position #17
Peak position #25 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I'm outta here #5 (AMR #5)
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
Enya had a surprisingly good decade as she managed to rack up three successful albums in the 90's, so much so that this greatest hits package she released became a massive success for her proving how popular she was in the new age genre. Unfortunately, the new age genre was beginning to lose its popularity as less people wanted to meditate to music from the likes of her and Enigma.
Peak position #10
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
This was only a minor success the previous year here in Australia, mainly due to the lead single where Brandy collaborates with fellow RNB star Monica for the biggest hit their respective careers. It received a massive rebound this year down under thanks to the third single becoming a surprise hit for her likely due to how well it was received throughout the rest of the world for her.
Peak position #13
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The boy is mine #3 (AMR #2)
Top of the world #39
Have you ever #8 (AMR #8)
(POPULAR IN 1999)
Tom Jones had a massive comeback five years prior with his album the Lead and how to swing it, so naturally he was primed for another comeback with this album which is a covers album where he duets with some of the biggest names in music, much like Santana's album from earlier on this list. This didn't end up becoming a trend for artists who made it big in the twentieth century, but you'd think it would've.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Burning down the house #8 (AMR #8)
Sex bomb #35
(POPULAR IN 1999)
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 was the second solo album to come from Ronan Keating, it was a massive success like his first album, although not nearly as much due to it not having a deluxe edition spawning a surprise hit for him. It would be his final successful album as a pop star as he would reinvent himself as a crooner later in the decade which vastly limited his fanbase without necessarily earning a new fanbase from the likes of Michael Bublé.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
If tomorrow never comes #3
I love it when we do #32
We've got tonight #12
The long goodbye #49
(POPULAR IN 2002)
Although it wasn't technically an album from Australian idol given how Shannon Noll lost the first season of the series, this will forever be affiliated with the program given how it led off with the song that caused him to lose the series which ironically has retained its popularity over the years over Guy Sebastian's victory single. His next album is what fans consider to be his true debut album.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
What about me #1
Drive #4
Learn to fly #1
(POPULAR IN 2004)
This album may be a bit low on this list as will be the next few albums, however rest assure that each of them were far more popular here in Australia back in the day than their placements would suggest given how they were all pushed aside in favour of the Australian Idol shenanigans this year. Suffice to say, this debut album from Franz Ferdinand was huge here thanks to its lead single and Triple J heavily promoting it.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Take me out #25
(POPULAR IN 2004)
This is the only other album that the Cat empire managed to achieve success with here in Australia, I'm guessing because their brand of ska reggae was growing tiresome by their fanbase by the time they released their next album later in the decade as while this was a hit for the band, it was only as such due to it sticking around after it initially fell off the upper echelons of the charts.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Sky #23
The car song #46
(POPULAR IN 2005)
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)
Given that she was one of the biggest names in music (let alone the country scene) it only makes sense that this greatest hits package from Olivia Newton John would be among the more popular albums of the decade in Australia. What's curious is that this wasn't released in America, meaning that her future greatest hits packages are titled slightly differently over there to accommodate for this albums lack of existence.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 1975)
This was the only successful album Gloria Gaynor was able to achieve here in Australia, I'm guessing this was due to her losing the disco crown to Donna Summer who so more success as the decade went on with her disco records. Even so, this wouldn't be the last time we hear from the fellow disco singer of colour as she would return by the end of the decade with her classic "I will survive."
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Never can say goodbye #3
Reach out I'll be there #35
(POPULAR IN 1975)
Although these guys had been active in the industry for almost a decade by the time they released this album, they didn't achieve much success until they discovered that people had a nostalgia for the surf rock that was popular throughout the 50's and early 60's that they replicated on this album. The band achieved further success with their next album proving that this wasn't a fluke hit for them.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Down down #4
(POPULAR IN 1975)
Although the band had two albums that were decently successful prior to this album, this was the moment where Glenn Shorrock and company went from just another pub rock band from Australia to international superstars given how inescapable the lead single was here and that it even did decently well internationally for them. Their international success would continue to grow after this album.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Help is on its way #1
Witchery #33
(POPULAR IN 1977)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
This albums success may seem a bit confusing considering that Gary Moore's band Thin Lizzy never saw much success in Australia, however he did make a pretty rocking cover of "Friday on my mind" a few years prior which while not a mainstream success, did linger on the charts long enough to become a sleeper hit down under. Of course, this was the album which spawned his biggest hit as well as finally breaking him into the mainstream.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Still got the blues #18 (AMR #16)
Oh pretty woman #50
(POPULAR IN 1990)
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)
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)
Well, this was a surprise success for Sade, the last time they had troubled the charts was with their 1988 effort Stronger than pride which makes it five years since they were in the forefront of the mainstream worldwide. I feel this was a warmup for M People who would explode in popularity the following year with their debut album, if nothing else the original band who combined rock with RNB with a female lead singer did get some love in the 90's.
Peak position #13
Peak position #18 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
No ordinary love #21 (AMR #18)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
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)
EDM might have been the genre of choice in Australia when it came to our singles chart, however it wasn't the case for the albums given how few EDM albums we've looked at so far on these lists of mine. One of the notable exceptions came from the Real McCoy who scored a massive hit with their album due to how many singles came from it, indeed they were the most successful EDM act of the decade until Aqua came along.
Peak position #6
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Another night #1 (AMR #1)
Run away #4 (AMR #2)
Love and devotion #7 (AMR #4)
Come and get your love #18 (AMR #16)
Automatic lover #18 (AMR #10)
(POPULAR IN 1995)
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