If you thought that Genesis was the prog band that received the most flak from audiences, then you've obviously never seen the backlash towards this British trio who haven't received much respect over the years for their work. This was their only notable success throughout their career mainly due to it spawning a huge hit in the form of its lead single.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Fanfare for the common man #5
(POPULAR IN 1977)
This had a bit of a cult following to it even prior to when it reached its peak in popularity here in Australia, namely because of the title track which was quickly becoming a huge dance craze across Australia and nowhere else in the world as the decade went on. Of course, the album skyrocketed in popularity here once we Aussies heard the news that Tina had left Ike showing out support for her decision to do so.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Nutbush city limits #14
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
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)
It looked like these girls would only release two albums in their discography, however after overcoming their legal issues from the end of their last albums cycle, they were able to put together one final album to close out the 90's which contained some of their biggest and best work. It's accepted that their first album was Lisa's album, the second was T-boz's while this one had was Chilli's.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
No scrubs #1 (AMR #1)
Unpretty #3 (AMR #5)
Dear lie #35
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This is yet another album that struggled to find success upon its initial release here in Australia, although this time we have Triple J to thank for its eventual crossover success given how much love the singles received from the station back in the day. The station would curiously withdraw their support of the NZ indie band for their second album, not that they needed its endorsement due to how much bigger it was.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
It's too late #16
For one day #25
(POPULAR IN 2005)
This was a bit of a sleeper hit for the Gorillaz here in Australia, mainly because it had everything going against it here as it was a hip hop album made by a band whose gimmick is built around a fictional cartoon version of itself with art done by the creators of the Tank girl comics from the 90's. It did win over enough of us Aussies back in the day to be a success despite all of these things going against it.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Clint Eastwood #17
19/2000 #39
(POPULAR IN 2001)
By some miracle, Anastacia's second album wasn't a complete flop here in Australia, although she clearly took its lukewarm reception to heart by switching her style to have more soul and gospel in it compared to before which allowed her third album to be a massive success here and throughout Europe. Once again, this failed to dent the Billboard charts for the American singer, proving how unpopular she was among her fellow Americans.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Left outside alone #1
Sick and tired #8
Welcome to my truth #41
(POPULAR IN 2004)
This album had a bit of a delay to its release in Australia for some reason, I'm guessing because we were initially sceptical of these guys taking over the mainstream with their synth driven music only to be won over once their heavily delayed third single became a hit for them here. The real triumph this album had was when it became a huge success over in America thanks to "Don't you want me" topping the Billboard charts.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Love action #12
Open your heart #33
Don't you want me #4
(POPULAR IN 1982)
If there was any doubt that his previous album the Stranger was a fluke for Billy Joel in the mainstream, then this album put those doubts to rest as it cemented him as the piano man of choice given how both of these albums were released during Elton John's first dark period. Even though he had millions of fans around the world with these albums, he saw backlash from rock snobs who felt he was catering to soccer mums.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
My life #6
(POPULAR IN 1978, 1979)
Flashdance is a movie you either love or hate, you love it for the striking visuals or hate it for its admittedly meandering plot that ultimate goes nowhere. Either way the film and its soundtrack were a huge success back in the day, the former due to its powerful performance that Jennifer Beals gives as Alyx while the latter was due to how catchy the music was throughout its track listing.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
What a feeling #1
Maniac #2
(POPULAR IN 1983)
Here's an album that promised so much for the person who brought it to life only for said individual to crash and burn with their subsequent releases, Billy Field had huge success with this album and the songs from it despite it sounding very different to what was coming out at the time. I guess the novelty of this album wore off with his next album as that failed to do much to retain his relevancy.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Bad habits #4
You weren't in love with me #1
(POPULAR IN 1981)
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)
So, John Farnham was still finding massive success with his albums this far into the 90's, it shouldn't really be a surprise considering that he was finding success as recently as the mid 00's but considering how many of his earlier contemporaries had struggled for mainstream appeal at this point, this albums success is impressive.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Have a little faith #3 (AMR #3)
A simple life #29
Heart's on fire #50
(POPULAR IN 1996)
There's little surprise that this is the most successful album in Olivia's career, after all it's named after her biggest hit and was obviously meant to shed her girl next door image in order for her to appeal to the MTV crowd. That said, this isn't too far removed from her earlier work, and admittedly it's possible that this being her biggest album did lead to her rapid decline in popularity as the decade went on.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Physical #1
Make a move on me #8
(POPULAR IN 1981, 1982)
This was the biggest album to come from Mental as anything, mainly because of how inescapable the second single was to the point where it was chosen as the theme song to the Crocodile Dundee film the following year. This album's success led to Martin Plaza briefly embarking on a solo career which was also a moderate success the following year, he rejoined the band just in time for their next album.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
You're so strong #11
Live it up #2
Date with destiny #25
(POPULAR IN 1985)
This was the sophomore album for Powderfinger, a band who would go on to have massive success in the new millennium as they became one of the most successful Australian bands of their time. Before they conquered our music scene, they were an up-and-coming alternative band who got a massive push from Triple J this year when several of the singles were heavily promoted from the album.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Pick you up #23
DAF #39
Living type #42
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
Robbie Williams was at the height of his popularity when he released this live album from his concert at Knebworth, which is an annual festival held in the English city of the same name that began tradition in the 70's. From what I can gather, this recording is the most successful to come from the show as far as merchandising is concerned.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
Well, the less said about American life the better, so let's do what Madonna wants us to do and pretend that ill-conceived political album doesn't exist and move on to this album shall we? Here we have a disco album that's meant to sound like it was made in the 70's, that is, it's an album that's edited in a way to sound like it was one long track rather than a bunch of tracks which won back many of her fans.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Hung up #1
Sorry #4
Get together #13
Jump #29
(POPULAR IN 2005, 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)
They certainly had an amazing run with their first three albums, so a greatest hits package was inevitable from the Corrs which became a massive success for the family band upon its initial release even if it led to them struggling to retain their popularity moving forward in the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Would you be happier #47
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
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)
This was the first of many soundtracks to come from Glee, it was predictably a success here in Australia given how the show was a cultural phenomenon upon its premiere this year.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Don't stop believing #5
Sweet Caroline #37
Take a bow #38
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Well, you all knew this album was coming, although you may be surprised at how low it is considering how inescapable it was during the midpoint of the decade (well the singles that is.) It was the point where people began to turn against the band, more for how overexposed they were as this won them their second Grammy of the decade (third overall) as well as the songs (particularly "City of blinding lights") being flogged to death on the radio.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Vertigo #5
Sometimes you can't make it on your own #19
City of blinding lights #31
All because of you #23
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
This was a greatest hits package from Kenny Rogers that was released exclusively here in Australia and NZ, as such it was a huge hit for the country legend in both countries and even prompted him to give us a slightly altered version of his international greatest hits package the following year when he topped the charts with "Lady" on Billboard. This was one way of beginning the 80's and a positive one at that.
Peak position #4
(POPULAR IN 1979, 1980)
This is the only other album I'll be featuring from Destiny's child on this site, mainly because their final album Destiny fulfilled was a bit too much of a sleeper hit later in the decade to qualify for this site, I'm afraid. Indeed, this penultimate album from the (now) trio also found itself bouncing in and out of popularity during its chart run due to its success mainly coming from the popularity of its singles.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Independent women #3
Survivor #7
Bootylicious #4
Emotion #17
Nasty girl #10
(POPULAR IN 2001)
Well, if you wanted to see Linda Ronstadt try her hand at a standards album, she's got you covered as she released this album likely as a passion project as she wasn't known for making standards prior to making this album and standards has never been a huge draw for the mainstream. She would fade into obscurity after this album until her triumphant comeback from the very end of the decade.
Peak position #11
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
This was the only notable success that Crash test dummies had outside their native Canada, presumably due to the overwhelming success of a song that remains one of their least successful hits in their homeland despite it being their only international hit. Indeed, that song trapped the band in novelty status despite the rest of the album being fairly serious, which explains why the rest of their catalogue didn't catch on.
Peak position #5
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Mmm mmm mmm mmm #1 (AMR #1)
Afternoons and coffeespoons #40
(POPULAR IN 1994)
Rita Coolidge is best known as the ex-wife of Kris Kristofferson, I thought I'd bring that up considering her success came during her marriage with the singer/songwriter/actor. Here she scored her biggest success thanks to her cover of the Jackie Wilson classic that still divides audiences to this day.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Higher and higher #6
We're all alone #32
(POPULAR IN 1977, 1978)
This wasn't as inescapably popular as their previous effort, perhaps due to it being more of the same in terms of their sound as they once again combine glam rock with country in order to bring together a wider audience then their contemporaries. I guess if Def Leppard and Poison weren't doing so well this could've worked for a second time, and admittedly it was a decent hit for them worldwide back in the day.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x1 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Bad medicine #5 (ARIA #4)
Born to be my baby #34
I'll be there for you #23
Lay your hands on me #24
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
It's interesting these guys would find success here in Australia prior to the John Butler trio considering they were among the first to be signed to John Butler's label despite the trio releasing two albums under the same label. Admittedly this album had quite a long shelf life given how it was a hit twice here for the Waifs, the first was upon its initial release and the second was after a successful tour they had with it.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
London still #49
(POPULAR IN 2003)
This was all set to become a mere modest success here in Australia for Good Charlotte given how it was following up one of the more popular rock albums of the first half of the decade, however they scored a huge runaway success with the second single from the album which allowed it to rebound on the charts and make it almost as big as their previous entry thanks to how much airplay that single received.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Predictable #15
I just wanna live #12
The chronicles of life and death #31
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
While this doesn't rank among their finest work, this was a huge success for Queen due to the album spawning two hit singles for them much like their comeback album from the start of the decade the Game. By this stage the behind-the-scenes drama had reached its peak which resulted in Freddie making a solo album the following year, although they were able to work things out as they released a new album two years later.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Radio gaga #2
I want to break free #8
(POPULAR IN 1984)
Rod Stewart hadn't troubled the charts since his 1981 effort Tonight I'm yours, sure he had a minor hit here and there, but it seemed like his time in the spotlight was done going into the 90's. Naturally that would turn out to be false with his next album Vagabond heart, however he did release this best of album which was a huge success for him with fans of his overall work.
Peak position #7
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Downtown train #29
(POPULAR IN 1990)
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)
Although Kelly Rowland managed to get her album out first, Simply deep was a commercial disappointment for her which wasn't the case for Beyonce's solo album she released six months after that album. Granted this was only a modest success for her here in Australia at first as it only became a huge hit once the fifth single became a surprise hit for her almost a year after its initial release.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
03 Bonnie and Clyde #2
Crazy in love #2
Baby boy #3
Me myself I #11
Naughty girl #9
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
This is where it all began for Alecia Moore AKA P!nk, although it's also considered the black sheep of her catalogue given how it was an RNB album rather than the pop punk that the rest of her catalogue would turn out to be. It had a bit of a climb to its success here in Australia given how she was an unknown artist at the time, and indeed she's since distanced herself from the album due to her dissatisfaction making it.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
There you go #2
Most girls #1
You make me sick #25
(POPULAR IN 2000)
This didn't even enter the charts for Nelly here in Australia until this year despite it being an initial success worldwide the previous year for the rapper, this was mainly because hip hop still had issues with crossing over down under which Nelly overcame when one of the tracks on the album became the theme to Scary movie 2. The success of this album led to him no longer having any issues finding success here.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Country grammar #20
EI #12
Ride wit me #4
Batter up #19
(POPULAR IN 2001)
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)
While I can't quite call this a comeback album as AC/DC did see plenty of success throughout the 80's here in Australia, it is the first album they released that I would say was among the most successful of its time thanks to have a very distinct lead single compared to the rest of their catalogue. The album was the first to become a success over in NZ which led to the band having a great decade over there as well.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Thunderstruck #4 (AMR #8)
Moneytalks #21
Are you ready #18
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
You'd think that Suzi Quatro would've thrived during the Countdown era on the Australian charts, heck she was the very first international artist to not only appear on the program but also perform on it which is likely why her second album did so well during the midpoint of the decade here. Alas she was quickly sidelined in the mainstream in favour of a bunch of up-and-coming Australian artists the show was promoting.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Too big #13
The wild one #2
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
This remains the most successful album in the Rolling stones career in Australia, unless of course I can find stats about their earlier work with how well it did back in the 60's down under. Even so, this was a huge success for the band as they moved away from the disco trend in favour of their earlier work which audiences definitely appreciated both then and now.
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
Start me up #1
Waiting on a friend #44
(POPULAR IN 1981, 1982)
If you're wondering how this guy managed to thrive during the Countdown era in the Australian music scene, it might have something to do with this album being produced by Band lead singer Robbie Robertson, a true selling point of the album seeing as though this fact is plastered on the album cover.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
If you know what I mean #27
(POPULAR IN 1976)
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 the only album that Goanna released during their brief time together to receive any major success, presumably due to the theme throughout the album being about aboriginal rights which Midnight oil would tackle later in the decade with their album Diesel and dust. I'm not sure their second album flopped a few years later, but it led to them calling it quits as a result.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Solid rock #3
Razor's edge #35
(POPULAR IN 1983)
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)
Following the success of her previous album Simple dreams, it appears that Linda Ronstadt decided she wasn't done exploring country and RNB which is perhaps why this album proved to be a successful follow-up less than a year after that albums release. She did eventually move on to new wave in the new decade, and it appears we Aussies at least weren't particularly interested in her tackling a heavier genre like that.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Living in the USA #18
Just one look #38
(POPULAR IN 1978, 1979)
People feel this is a lesser retread of the Killer's debut album (I disagree and actually prefer this album) as a result, it wasn't quite as successful as Hot fuss even though this did spawn them a genuine hit on the charts (thanks to digital sales being legal by this point.) This is an album that saw massive international success for the band despite it underperforming for them in their homeland for the reason I just brought up.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
When you were young #10
Bones #22
Read my mind #32
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
Following the massive success of their debut album, Sade went back into the studio to make another album where they combined jazz with RNB which proved to be equally successful for the British band. These two albums would be the last we hear from them for a while, although they did have a surprise comeback in the early 90's with Love deluxe shortly before the success of their spiritual successor M people.
Peak position #9
(POPULAR IN 1986)
While it wasn't as inescapable as her earlier entry on this list, this second album from Norah Jones nonetheless managed to make a huge splash in the mainstream this year thanks to jazz pop still being in vogue for the most part all throughout the decade. Her next album was also a modest success for her, however that would be the end of her relevancy once it fell off the charts.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2004)
Although her comeback came with her previous 1987 self-titled album, it was this album which made Cher's music career relevant again if only briefly as it would see peaks and valleys throughout the 90's as she juggled it with her acting career. This has been described as Cher's peak in popularity thanks to her hopping on the hair metal trend and her voice working very well with heavier rock and roll.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
After all #48
If I could turn back time #1 (ARIA #1)
Just like Jessie James #15 (ARIA #14)
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
The last time anyone cared about Alice Cooper was back in the late 70's when he tried to appeal to a more mainstream market with his adult contemporary ballads, fast forward a decade and we're here with his glam rock album from the height of hair metal which got him back in the mainstream worldwide except for his native America. I guess his fellow Americans felt he was already too old to rock with the younger crowd.
Peak position #11
Peak position #5 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Poison #3 (ARIA #3)
Bed of nails #15 (ARIA #13)
Only my heart talking #47
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
This took a while to take off worldwide due to how long it took for the boys to be confirmed as the real deal, after all this was back in the day before boy bands had any real presence in the mainstream. Once they scored their third hit here in Australia, the album was able to take off and possibly prepare us for the boy band wars of the 90's. They may have bowed out before the wars begun but their impact is noted.
Peak position #8
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
You got it #1 (ARIA #1)
I'll be loving you #2 (ARIA #4)
Hanging tough #8 (ARIA #8)
Cover girl #26
(POPULAR IN 1989)
There was a good chance that Newton Faulkner was going to be the British folk singer of choice going into the 2010's, however Ed Sheeran stole that thunder away from him just like Adele took away any chances of either Duffy or Leona Lewis from being the British pop diva of that decade.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Dream catch me #5
(POPULAR IN 2008)
While they were plenty successful throughout the 90's, the Foo Fighters were inescapable throughout the 00's starting with this album which was (at the time) their most successful thanks to rock music being at the forefront of the music scene along with RNB and hip hop this decade. They would have more success as the decade went on and even survive well into the 2010's when the genre became out of vogue.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
The one #21
Times like these #22
Low #40
All my life #20
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
This was the solo debut for James Reyne, I guess this should serve as proof that despite his inability to enunciate on many of his songs, audiences loved Australian crawl specifically for his presence as he brings a lot of charm and charisma to each of his songs. He would continue to have success into the 90's proving that he was a welcomed presence with his brand of rock music.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Fall of Rome #5
Hammerhead #8
Rip it up #34
Motor's too fast #4 (ARIA #6)
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
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)
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)
Feargal Sharkey was previously the lead vocalist for a few UK bands that didn't find much success even in his homeland, so to see his solo debut become as big as it was must have been a surprise for him. I know in Australia it was due to the two lead singles being a stand in for a couple going through a messy breakup, although since there wasn't this level of drama on his next album it was sadly a huge flop for him.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
A good heart #1
You little thief #4
(POPULAR IN 1986)
This was the debut album from a band who would go on to become one of the most successful Australian bands of all time, curiously the title track doesn't appear on this album as that would serve as the lead single to their second album they released later in the year.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Baby please don't go #20
(POPULAR IN 1975)
While it has a much lower appearance on this list than her predecessor did on its respective lists, Delta Goodrem nonetheless was on a roll with her second album which helped her break another record by having the lead single be her sixth consecutive chart topper here in Australia. All of this success from what many have described as Celine Dion with an Australian accent led to her receiving a lot of unfair backlash.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Out of the blue #1
Mistaken identity #7
Almost here #1
A little too late #13
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
Given how inescapable the second advanced single was from their earlier entry was, this second album from the Prodigy managed to finally become a success here in Australia three years after its initial release in order to help hype up their third album. I'm not sure why their first two albums initially flopped here as industrial rock while not the most successful genre of the decade did have its fanbase here.
Peak position #9
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
No good #45
Voodoo people #24
(POPULAR IN 1997)
One of the most critically acclaimed bands of the decade was Queen's of the stone age, a band that's best described as stoner rock as much like Bob Marley, their music is best appreciated by those who like to chill out with the same type of substance as the reggae legend liked to enjoy during his lifetime. The band received a boost in popularity with this album due to the presence of Dave Grohl during its production.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Go with the flow #39
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
These guys were often described as a killer live act throughout their career, so it's only inevitable that this live album of theirs would be a huge success for them given that it captures their best moments while on tour.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Love over gold #46
(POPULAR IN 1984)
Well, they were a trio and yet insisted they were a quintet, OK jokes aside this was a huge breakthrough for Ben Folds five who managed to take the Australian music scene by storm due to the lead single becoming heavily promoted on Triple J this year. They remain a one album wonder here likely due to the station not promoting any of their other material, however this was a quirky album for them to get their hands on.
Peak position #8
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Bricks #13 (AMR #17)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
This was originally released at the start of the decade for the film of the same name, a film that remains a cult classic to this day due to the hilarious hijinks that ensues involving the titular Blues brothers band. I'm not sure what took this soundtrack so long to be a success here given how John Belushi had already been dead for a year by the time it did find its audience here.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Shake a tailfeather #47
(POPULAR IN 1983)
This third album from Britney Spears also serves as the soundtrack to her first feature length film which was a film that was panned by critics and audiences alike for her poor acting as well as it being a cliched ridden road trip flick. At least the album was well received by fans given how few if any of the songs have anything to do with the film, after all the overall theme is about her wanting more independence in life which isn't a theme present in the film.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I'm a slave 4 u #7
Overprotected #16
I'm not a girl not yet a woman #7
I love rock n roll #13
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
This was another greatest hits package that Elton John released in his career to achieve moderate success worldwide, there's not much I can say about it as it's further proof that fans will always love his back catalogue even if that love doesn't extend to his newer material.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 2003)
This was all set to be a modest success at best here in Australia upon its initial release, likely due to the novelty of a band who named themselves after a controversial prime minister wearing off as the 90's was coming to an end. It received a massive boost in popularity when fan favourite "Blow up the pokies" became a massive radio smash which helped it become a huge sleeper hit for the band.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Blow up the pokies #21
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
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)
This is the last successful album Gloria Estefan released in her career both solo and with her band Miami Sound Machine, it was only a success here in Australia due to the lead single also serving as the theme to the Sylvester Stallone flick the Specialist which helped it become her biggest hit down under. In case you're wondering, yes, this album title was coopted for U2's Batman forever theme.
Peak position #11
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Turn the beat around #8 (AMR #7)
Hold me thrill me kiss me #48
Everlasting love #29
(POPULAR IN 1995)
Before Hannah Montana, there was Lizzie McGuire, which means that before Miley Cyrus, we had Hilary Duff trying to make the transition from Disney starlet to credible musician which was admittedly off to a shaky start due to the lead single to her debut album also being the theme song to her theatrical film of her Disney character. She eventually won us Aussies over with the album due to constant radio play.
Peak position #19
Hit singles
Why not #14
So yesterday #8
Come clean #17
Little voice #29
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
This was a modest success for Cypress hill here in Australia upon its initial release, although its true success wouldn't come until a year later likely due to how well it was received by the kiwis throughout its run over in NZ. It was an early success story for the "true" hip hop here in Australia given how until this point it was mainly the likes of MC Hammer and Vanilla ice finding success with the genre here.
Peak position #13
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Insane in the brain #40
I ain't going out like that #43
When the shit goes down #47
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
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)
We have another wacky Australian band that Triple J fell in love with throughout the 90's, this time it's Regurgitator who made it big with their debut album which combined hip hop with rock in a way that was far less serious than the likes of Rage against the machine and Faith no more from earlier in the decade. It was a huge success for them and led to them evolving their sound to include EDM elements on their next album.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Couldn't do it #45
New #30
Kong foo sing #33
(POPULAR IN 1996)
For whatever reason, we Aussies widely rejected this second album from Alicia Keys upon its initial release, this is the best proof I have that (at least until very recently) we never took much stock into what was popular in America given how it remains one of the biggest albums of the decade over there. It did get a second chance due to a bootleg known as "Karmastician" which combines "Karma" with Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" that was widely popular here back in the day.
Peak position #22
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
It's hard to say if these guys struggled to find success here in Australia due to the advent of Australian idol or if we Aussies genuinely weren't interested in a glam rock album in the 21st century, I'm willing to bet it's the former as A: I do remember hearing the second single quite a lot on the radio back in the day and B: the album was a massive success over in NZ likely due to how inescapably popular the Darkness were in their native UK.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Growing on me #46
I believe in a thing called love #40
Love is only a feeling #35
(POPULAR IN 2004)
For the uninitiated, Tommy Emmanuel was a former bassist for Dragon who left the group when their popularity began to die out at the start of the decade to pursue a solo career as a country artist. While his first album was a minor success, it was this second album where he started seeing mainstream popularity which would continue throughout the 90's.
Peak position #17
Peak position #18 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
Compared to the rest of their discography, this feels like an outlier in Fleetwood Mac's catalogue, mainly due to it being their one double album as well as it being more in line with a prog album compared to the rest of their work. As a result, it wasn't quite as successful as their other albums, however it was still a massive success for them regardless.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Tusk #3
Sara #11
(POPULAR IN 1979, 1980)
This was the only album to be released by Johnny Diesel and the Injectors, although don't think that it's because no one was interested in this album because it was a huge success for them and even led to international interest in the band. I'm guessing this was meant to be an advertisement for Diesel's solo career which would pan out the following decade with his solo album Hepfidelity.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Don't need love #11 (ARIA #10)
Soul revival #8 (ARIA #9)
Cry in shame #8 (ARIA #10)
Looking for love #29
(POPULAR IN 1989)
One of the more critically acclaimed films of the late 70's was the biopic of Janis Joplin called the Rose, the film is notable for being Bette Midler's theatrical debut as she plays a character loosely based on the pioneer for female rock and roll and the ups and downs she had in her lifetime. As the film has several live performances throughout its runtime, this technically serves as a live album from Bette Midler as well as its soundtrack.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
The rose #6
(POPULAR IN 1980)
Given that Nelly already saw massive success (if not a bit delayed here in Australia) with his debut album, it only makes sense that his second album would be even more successful especially in his native America where it spawned not one but two Billboard chart toppers for him. It led to many copycats in the hip hop game (most notably Chingy) which led to his eventual backlash.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
#1 #20
Hot in herre #3
Dilemma #1
Work it #14
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
This was the second album from Simply red, and one that didn't spawn any major hits like the rest of their catalogue did which is perhaps why it remains their most successful album here in Australia. I always did find it interesting that as far as their singles were concerned, these guys were more successful in America than they were in their native UK.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
The right thing #17
(POPULAR IN 1987)
This is to date the final album from Billy Joel's career, although given how it was a massive success for him at a time where it was becoming increasingly difficult for older artists to make it big in the music industry, you have to wonder why he hasn't released a new album after all of these years. That's not to say he's gone MIA in the music industry as he's been touring nonstop ever since this came out.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The river of dreams #1 (AMR #1)
All about soul #34
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
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)
I'm not sure why Diesel decided to disband the Injectors at the start of the decade, sure this album was a huge success for him and even got him a huge fanbase in NZ of all places, but I'm sure he could've achieved that with the band intact. In any case, we have this album which sparked interest for him in America that sadly never came into fruition as his subsequent releases underperformed worldwide.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Love junk #19 (AMR #18)
Come to me #8 (AMR #8)
Tip of my tongue #4 (AMR #3)
Man alive #20 (AMR #20)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
There was apparently a highly popular TV series known as Tour of duty which aired for three seasons in the late 80's, I'm guessing this was meant to be a more serious version of M.A.S.H that was set in the Vietnam war instead of the Koreon war. The show produced three soundtracks with the first soundtrack being a huge success here in Australia likely due to how many beloved 60's tracks appeared on the album.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 1988)
Well, he may have failed to score a hit single this decade aside from "You are the sunshine of my life," but at least Stevie Wonder had a massive hit with this album during the height of the Countdown era. I guess if there was a negative affect the TV show had on our music scene, it was that many musicians of colour got sidelined in favour of our local talent, not entirely though due to the rise of disco.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
This was the only successful album to come from Gabrielle Cilmi, mainly for its lead single becoming a surprise hit throughout the world given how people found it to be sickly sweet and innocent despite the song claiming that she was anything but. A massive controversy involving her being intoxicated at the ARIA awards this year (despite being underage) prevented her from finding any further success.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Sweet about me #1
Don't wanna go to be now #28
(POPULAR IN 2008)
Although these guys had been releasing new albums throughout the entire decade, this was the first album of theirs since Dark room to spawn a hit single in the form of the albums second single. Indeed, this album was set to flop like the rest of their catalogue this decade until "We gotta get out of this place" became a surprise hit for them which in turn boosted the sales of the album it came from.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Nature of the beast #27
Don't waste my time #40
We gotta get out of this place #7
(POPULAR IN 1987)
This was the debut album for one Billy Ray Cyrus, a man who would go on to be known as the father for one Destiny Hope Cyrus AKA Miley. Before his daughter became a major Disney star, he was a decently successful country singer who initially struggled to find a record deal due to being seen as little more than a pretty face. Indeed, the success of this album was largely due to a lot of people finding him attractive as well as it popularising the line dance craze.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Achy breaky heart #1 (AMR #1)
Could've been me #43
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
I bet you weren't expecting to see Janis Ian have one of the most successful albums of the year, indeed she saw massive success with this album likely due to her appearing on Countdown to perform the lead single which helped it become a huge hit in the southern hemisphere. She would prove to be a one album wonder with this entry as she wasn't able to find any success with her subsequent follow ups.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Fly too high #7
The other side of the sun #44
(POPULAR IN 1980)
There were no signs of Human nature slowing down as within a year of reinventing themselves, they released their second Motown cover album which also proved to be a massive success for the former boy band. Their mileage would continue well into the 2010's as they would find massive success with each of their albums for the next decade until audiences finally grew tired of them.
Peak position #1x4
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
This was originally released to deafening silence in Australia, likely because we Aussies had no idea who these guys were as their earlier material were massive flops down under. Fortunately, it was given a second wind when "Legs" became a surprise hit for them a year after the album came out which allowed the album to become a huge success here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Legs #6
(POPULAR IN 1984)
They may have only ever had one hit on the Australian charts, however Lighthouse family were able to at least score a massive hit with their second album here thanks to how inescapable that one hit was for them down under. The duo did try to recapture their international success going into the new millennium; however, their third album was a massive flop which led to their breakup in 2003.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
High #1 (AMR #2)
Raincloud #29
(POPULAR IN 1998)
Well so much for hip hop having no success here in Australia, here we have the one and only album from this iconic trio largely due to many of the tracks on here relying on nostalgia for older songs in order to appeal the mainstream of the 90's. Of course, the three rappers more than delivered with their verses to make up for this nostalgia baiting, and indeed we even have the dulcet vocals of Lauryn to differentiate these songs from the originals.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Fugalee #43
Killing me softly #1 (AMR #1)
Ready or not #24
No woman no cry #20 (AMR #18)
(POPULAR IN 1996)
They've been described as John Farnham fanboys over the years, and listening to their debut album it's easy to see why as this does sound like something Farnham would make if he were fronting a band around this time period. That obviously didn't prevent this album from being a huge success for Southern sons, however it did leave them as a one trick pony as their next album failed to replicate its success.
Peak position #5
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Heart in danger #5 (AMR #4)
Always and ever #16 (AMR #16)
Hold me in your arms #9 (AMR #7)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
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)
Regardless of how you feel about their music, I think we can all agree that Kiss were an amazing live band back in the day which is how they were able to achieve so much success with their live albums over their studio recordings. This was their first live album which boosted their (then) latest single "Rock and roll all nite" up the charts down under and throughout the rest of the world.
Peak position #13
(POPULAR IN 1976)
This was a modest success for Bruce Springsteen here in Australia, it saw a resurgence in popularity later in the decade when he embarked on a world tour for his Born in the U.S.A album, however it was nonetheless decently successful at the start of the decade and was able to retain the success of his previous two albums from the 70's.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Hungry heart #33
(POPULAR IN 1980)
The last time these guys troubled the Australian charts was from earlier in the decade when they nearly scored a chart topper with "If you want my love," fast forward six years and they were back with this album that was reportedly made under the advice of their label for making an adult contemporary album to save their career. It was a huge success for them, but one they felt bad about due to them abandoning their sound.
Peak position #18
Peak position #14 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
The flame #1
Don't be cruel #5
(POPULAR IN 1988)
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