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)
You'd think that J-Lo would've had more success throughout the 00's with her albums given how inescapably popular she was with her singles, indeed her second album was only a success upon its initial release given how it's true popularity would come with the remix it received the following year thanks to two of those "remixes" (a term I use loosely in this case) being Billboard chart toppers for her.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Love don't cost a thing #4
Play #14
Ain't it funny #25 (remix #9)
I'm real #5 (remix #3)
I'm gonna be alright #16
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
This is the only successful album to come from Ja Rule here in Australia, although it's worth noting that his follow up album the Last temptation did spawn multiple hit singles even if the album itself was a flop here. I'm guessing this made it big due to the rapper having a lot of buzz with his choruses which many have coined as the "thugs need love too" approach of having a female vocalist connect his verses about how much of a hard ass he is.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Living it up #6
Always on time #3
Down a chick #37
(POPULAR IN 2002)
Given how these three men were proven to be the real deal when it came to singing on their songs, there wasn't any issues with the Frank Farian made band to find success with their debut album which admittedly was a lengthy process given how his previous band Milli Vanilli caused quite the scandal at the start of the decade. This no doubt led to the Latin craze which the boys sadly weren't a part of.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Where do you go #2 (AMR #2)
When I die #2 (AMR #2)
Please don't go #35
Kiss you all over #47
(POPULAR IN 1997)
Roger Whittaker saw a sudden rise in popularity this year due to the surprise success of his song from earlier in the decade "The last farewell," as such people wanted to hear more from his music which prompted his label to release this greatest hits album to make that task easier for his new fans.
Peak position #9
(POPULAR IN 1975)
This was originally a flop for KD Lang, presumably due to the album being affiliated with her coming out as a lesbian which was seen as a risky move back in the day when LGBT representation was still in its infancy. It was given a second chance when her soundtrack to the Uma Thurman flick Even cowgirls get the blues became a surprise hit for her this year, thus making her a household name worldwide.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Constant craving #38
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
This was the first album that Dr Hook released by reinventing themselves as a country band given how their earlier material as a comedy rock band wasn't finding much of an audience outside of their big hit "Sylvia's mother" (and also "Cover of a rolling stone" depending on where in the world you're from.) It was a big hit here in Australia that should be higher on this list but isn't due to being a bit of a sleeper hit with its success.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Only sixteen #8
A little bit more #10
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
Does this band sound familiar to you? If you were born past 1980 and are from Australia, then they should as they would go on to become the Wiggles in 1991 even though they kept at the regular music until 1994 when they realised they had more success as a children's band than a pop rock band. Naturally they played their own instruments in both bands, which is why they've endured as the Wiggles for so many years.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Wait up #28
She's the one #9
Some kind of girl #32
Double shot #32
(POPULAR IN 1987)
I guess Jackson Browne was able to achieve moderate success with his albums here in Australia during the second half of the decade, sure he wasn't a superstar here like his reputation would suggest but he did do better than some other rock and roll legends that never saw any success here back in the day.
Peak position #8
(POPULAR IN 1978)
This had a bit of a slow start to its success here in Australia, in fact it was mostly a sleeper hit for Destiny's child as it bounced in and out of our top twenty whenever a new single was released from the album which lasted throughout most of the year. Like most sleeper hits, it was far more successful than its low ranking on here would have you suggest even if it wasn't a huge success with the popular crowd.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Lose my breath #3
Soldier #3
Girl #5
Cater 2 u #15
(POPULAR IN 2005)
You'd think this would be one of the biggest albums of the decade here in Australia given how well these guys managed to age into the MTV era, in fact the video for "Magic" actually took home the first best video award at their ceremonies which it did so at "Thriller's" expense. Alas this was only a hit when the third single became a hit here, even then I think it was only due to its success in NZ.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
You might think #24
Drive #10
(POPULAR IN 1984)
There weren't a lot of successful albums from women of colour back in the day, so the fact that Yvonne Fair was able to score a huge hit in Australia through the strength of this albums lead single was impressive to say the least. She never made another album after this so who knows how much more success she could've had if she released a follow up album.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
It should have been me #10
(POPULAR IN 1976)
This is where it all began for Kasey Chambers, a country artist from Australia who would go on to have massive success throughout the decade with her subsequent follow ups due to how unique her vocals are compared to the other Aussie pop divas of the moment. As with most debut albums, this had a bit of a climb to its success here due to her being a relative unknown when it was first released.
Peak position #11
(POPULAR IN 2000)
This almost flopped for Tina Turner in Australia, likely due to the lead single underperforming here despite it being a huge success for her throughout the rest of the world. Fortunately, the second single picked up the slack by becoming a bigger hit for her in Australia which allowed the album to rebound on the charts this year, it set her up for further success with her third album later in the decade.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Typical male #20
What you get is what you see #15
(POPULAR IN 1987)
There's an unfortunate truth about the music of the Police, namely that despite him being an English teacher originally, Sting isn't what you'd call a skilled lyricist as evidence by some of the lyrics that can be found on this album in particular. That said, the album more than makes up for this shortcoming by having great instrumentation from the three members as well as Sting being a dynamic vocalist.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Don't stand so close to me #3
De do do do do da da da #6
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
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)
Sandwiched between two of their biggest albums is this double album from ELO which seems to be an expansion of their previous album A new world record when it comes to making a rock opera to cash in on both that craze as well as the science fiction craze taking over the world. It's not as commercially appealing as their other work; however, it makes up for that by being them at their best artistically.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Turn to stone #17
Sweet talking woman #38
(POPULAR IN 1977, 1978)
Neil Diamond was completely inescapable throughout the 70's worldwide, Australia was no exception as this soundtrack to the theatrical adaptation of Jonathan Livingston Seagull managed to be a massive success for him despite being yet another album from the first half of the decade that failed to spawn a hit single down under.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Be #29
(POPULAR IN 1974)
Although they achieved sound success with their debut album Outlandos d'amour, this was the album which made Sting and company a household name due to how inescapable the two singles from the album were in their native UK. They would go on to achieve massive success with their blend of new wave and reggae, something I just realised not many other bands and artists achieved back in the day.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Message to a bottle #5
Walking on the moon #9
(POPULAR IN 1980)
This was a huge hit for Sherbet even before the release of Countdown, meaning that they didn't necessarily need the show to promote their music in order to become the biggest local band of the decade here in Australia. Even so, having the show promote their music certainly didn't harm their popularity as they went on to score a string of hits from their subsequent albums.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
So glad you're mine #44
Slipstream #5
Silvery moon #5
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
One of the most critically acclaimed films of the 70's was the Sting, a gangster film set in the 30's which harkens back to the era of filmmaking resulting in its critical and commercial success. Another factor into its success was the soundtrack which does an excellent job in recapturing the feel of the 30's thanks to the attention to detail that its composer Marvin Hamlisch put into crafting it.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
The entertainer #2
(POPULAR IN 1974)
This was the album that finally gave Cold chisel international appeal given how the big hit on here "Forever now" proved to be even bigger in NZ than it was over here (possibly due to it being the lead single there and second single here.) This was the penultimate album the band released before they went their separate ways, their final album being a huge success albeit not to this degree.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
You got nothing I want #12
Forever now #4
When the war is over #25
(POPULAR IN 1982)
Yikes that is some seriously horrifying album art, it appears I'm not the only one who has this opinion as Pink Floyd were forced to issue another picture for the album art back in the day which while more generic, did the job in helping this album become a huge success for them. Nothing would top the success of their previous album Dark side of the moon, but they were really tempting fate with this picture, weren't they?
Peak position #1x4
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
Her debut album Union was one of the most successful of the decade in Australia and NZ, so it only makes sense that Toni Child's second album would also be a success given how female singer/songwriters were among the more popular artists during the transition from the 80's to the 90's. Her popularity would come to an end with her third album, although it would explode later in the decade with her greatest hits package.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I've got to go now #5 (AMR #5)
House of hope #39
(POPULAR IN 1991)
While he wasn't among the most successful artists of the decade, his (then) most recent album Stranger in town was a huge sleeper hit for Bob Seger which likely explains the success of this greatest hits package from him here in Australia. What's interesting is that he would return to the mainstream eight years later with one of the tracks on this album.
Peak position #1x2
(POPULAR IN 1979)
Peter Blakely was the original lead singer for the Rockmelons, you likely didn't know that as he had already left the band when they broke through with their singles from their album Tales from the city. Fortunately for him, he found success with his own album two years later which he named after the popular pie shop chain throughout Sydney, although he would sadly be a one album wonder.
Peak position #3
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Crying in the chapel #3 (AMR #2)
The first time I ever saw your face #21 (AMR #17)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
If you're looking for the campiest film ever to be made, then may I recommend this film made by the Village people which produced a highly successful soundtrack that arguably serves as their biggest album in their catalogue. It's got terrible performances from the band members, a laughably pretentious leading man played by Steve Guttenberg and a ton so cheesy and awful that you'll find yourself laughing your ass off at how bad it is.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Can't stop the music #1
(POPULAR IN 1980)
Well things did seem to be very good for Bryan Adams this far into his career, admittedly they could've been better given how even in his native Canada he had some ups and downs in terms of his mainstream success, but it's still an awesome title for a greatest hits package that no doubt contributed to its overwhelming success.
Peak position #1x14
Peak position #1x14 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Please forgive me #1 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
This was a runaway success for Kate Bush given how inescapable the lead single from the album was back in the day, indeed she quickly followed this up with a second album Lionheart which obviously didn't have the same beauty and grace that this album had. She bounced back with her third album and retained her popularity here in Australia due to appearing on Countdown more than once.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Wuthering heights #1
The man with the child in his eyes #22
(POPULAR IN 1978)
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)
Years before Pink Floyd made a theatrical adaptation of their album the Wall, Hollywood managed to convince the Who to make a theatrical adaptation of their album Tommy several years after the London Symphony Orchestra made a symphonic version of their album. The film was a critical and commercial success, likely sparking people to check out the soundtrack which like the symphonic version, was more successful than the original album.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 1975)
With all of the love their back catalogue has received thanks to the disco backlash finally being seen as the bigoted mistake that it always was, it seems that the Brothers Gibb were prime for a comeback which is exactly what they achieved with this album which saw them continue the adult contemporary approach they had with their previous comeback ESP to massive success. This would lead to a highly successful live album the following year.
Peak position #4
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Alone #7 (AMR #14)
(POPULAR IN 1997)
Even though this came out several months after the tragic suicide of Kurt Cobain, the tragic event didn't seem to hamper its sales proving that while the two bands were similar to each other, they had very different fanbases at the time. Pearl jam would continue to thrive throughout the decade over Nirvana's sequel band Foo fighters, even though both bands would evolve in similar ways.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Spin the black circle #3 (AMR #3)
Not for you #29
(POPULAR IN 1995)
Boney M was the first band that Frank Farian had success with, although it's the only band where he participated in the vocals as he was the lead singer of the band. This was their biggest success likely due to it spawning not one but two of their biggest hits worldwide, although as they were in the disco genre, their popularity began to dwindle as the decade was coming to an end.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Rivers of Babylon #1
Rasputin #1
(POPULAR IN 1978, 1979)
This was the first greatest hits package that Elton John released with this exact title, in fact when he released the second album with this title exactly a decade later, he had to clarify which one was which by giving them distinctly different album art to help audiences tell them apart. Naturally this wasn't as successful given that it was released during the period where he wasn't working with Bernie Taupin.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 1981, 1982)
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 had a slow start to its success here in Australia, mainly because it was released right when the digital charts were finally incorporated onto the main charts which meant that fans had to slowly discover what these guys had to offer on this album. Once they did, they made it a huge success even if they unfortunately didn't stick around for any of their subsequent albums.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Welcome to the black parade #14
Famous last words #20
Teenagers #16
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
I'm a bit surprised that the Chemical Brothers weren't that popular here in Australia back in the day, particularly because they were an EDM duo who were adored by listeners of Triple J which seemed to be a winning combination for a dance group from the 90's. At least they saw massive success here with this entry even if it took almost a year to find an audience with us Aussies.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Hey boy hey girl #25
(POPULAR IN 2000)
This remains the most successful album to come from the Foo fighters, although given how they were one of the very few rock bands to still have success throughout the 2010's, it's possible that honour goes to Wasting light given how popular that was in 2011. This certainly has their most iconic song in the form of its lead single given how well it did even with the disadvantage of digital piracy eating up its success.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Best of you #5
DOA #39
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
This was the album Madonna released to coincide with her book Sex, a book that was little more than a bunch of photos of her in sexually provocative positions that was meant to titillate the general audiences of the early 90's. While the album isn't as tasteless as the book, it does have a highly sexual nature which perhaps explains its bad reputation over the years as being an album for horny listeners.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Erotica #4 (AMR #3)
Deeper and deeper #11 (AMR #10)
Bad girl #32
Rain #5 (AMR #6)
Bye bye baby #15 (AMR #15)
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
This was Madonna's foray into RNB, an exercise that would result it being her lowest selling album of the 90's given how people felt she was following trends on this album rather than setting them. Even so, it was a moderate success for her as it would take something disastrous like American life or anything she would release in the 2010's for fans to abandon her music.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Secret #5 (AMR #6)
Take a bow #15 (AMR #17)
Bedtime story #5 (AMR #4)
Human nature #17 (AMR #13)
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
We have another successful album from George Benson following his breakthrough success with Weekend in L.A from two years prior, this time he incorporates some disco into his sound which helped it stand out from the rest of his discography by producing a hit single for him in the form of the title track.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Give me the night #10
(POPULAR IN 1980)
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)
This was a classical album consisting of a British girl group playing violins to classical pieces as well as some pop tracks that have made it big over the years, it was a surprise hit here in Australia likely due to a popular tour that the girls had at the time which helped them crossover from the classical audience to the mainstream.
Peak position #1x1
(POPULAR IN 2004)
These guys had been active throughout the entire decade and yet it was only their third album which made them a household name in Australia, I'm guessing it was due to the lead single which featured a very creepy video depicting what I assume is a CGI baby experiencing its first thoughts in what I'm guessing is the mother's fetus. Whatever the case, this album was a massive success for the duo and one that put them on the map of both the alternative and EDM scenes.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Tear drop #16 (AMR #15)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
These guys were on a roll as their second album proved to be an even bigger success than their debut from two years prior, likely due to them having more of a budget here which allowed the songs to pop more than their previous efforts. This would lead to them releasing their sellout cover of a Lipps inc track later in the year which would in turn lead to their international success for that song.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Don't go #4
Love an adventure #6
Living in a dream #15
(POPULAR IN 1986)
This was released the previous year to deafening silence for Kate Miller, likely because it was deemed too quirky for the mainstream and also wasn't promoted on Triple J due to her being on a major label. It was given a second chance when one of the singles was chosen as the bumper theme to this year's season of Neighbours which in turn helped audiences check out what all the fuss was about on this album.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Can't shake it #38
Caught in the crowd #33
The last day on earth #3
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This was one of the bigger sleeper hits of the year thanks to it becoming a hit twice during its chart run, the first was when the third single became a surprise hit in Australia and the second was when the deluxe edition came out which spawned a second minor hit for the trio on our charts. They would be one of the few rock bands (well more pop rock in this case) to find success throughout the 2010's.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Breakeven #3
Before the worst #10
The man who can't be moved #44
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This was a highly successful decade for Lenny Kravitz who saw massive success with his second and third albums throughout the world, although it's worth noting that only this album was a success for him in his native America as his next album bombed there for some reason. This initially struggled to become a success here in Australia, however once his second single made him a household name on Billboard the album flew up the charts here.
Peak position #10
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Always on the run #43
It ain't over till it's over #10 (AMR #10)
Stand by my woman #46
(POPULAR IN 1991)
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)
Well, if people felt that Metallica's previous album was a sellout, they hadn't heard anything yet as this was bordering on mainstream rock which made their previous material seem like something they released in the 80's. That said, this was a huge success for the band and even well received to this day, proving that it's only the diehard fans that were crying foul when the band released this.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Until it sleeps #1 (AMR #1)
Hero of the day #2 (AMR #2)
Mama said #24 (AMR #18)
(POPULAR IN 1996)
These guys had already released three albums before they finally made it big with this album, although interestingly this was slightly bigger in NZ around this time so perhaps this was due to them having crossover appeal over there before taking it back home over here. I guess that makes these guys the inverse of Split enz and Dragon, and admittedly their brand of alternative rock still holds up to this day.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Say goodbye #24
Throw your arms around me #49
(POPULAR IN 1986)
This had a very tepid response upon its initial release this year, in fact it only makes this list due to it having a rebound in the new decade thanks to the success of its second single as well as the other tracks doing a much better job in connecting with us Aussies than its lead single did on the radio.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Russian roulette #7
Rude boy #1
Te amo #22
Rockstar 101 #24
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This was only a modest success upon its initial release here in Australia, I guess this was because it felt too out of place with all of the teen pop that was making it big this year (this was certainly the case according to ARIA.) It was given a second chance here when one of the tracks became the theme to the Adam Sandler flick Big daddy which helped it become a worthy follow up to their self-titled debut.
Peak position #5
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Push it #31
When I grow up #22
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
There seems to be at least one of these albums on my list for every year in the 90's, although it's worth noting that La bouche's success here likely came from how huge they were over in America more than us preferring them over their predecessors Culture beat and Corona. Just like those two bands, these guys scored three massive hits from the album and then faded into obscurity once the album cycle was done.
Peak position #10
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Be my lover #2 (AMR #1)
Sweet dreams #8 (AMR #5)
I love to love #6 (AMR #4)
Falling in love #39
(POPULAR IN 1996)
Although these guys never achieved much success here in Australia, it appears that they were well known in the mainstream long enough to have this greatest hits package be a huge success for them back in the day.
Peak position #3
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
(POPULAR IN 1989)
These guys were on a roll with their third album this year which managed to be as successful as their breakthrough from the previous year, although I did notice that the singles on this album proved to be more successful with mainstream audiences even if they didn't quite reach the dizzying heights of some of the biggest names in alternative rock of the decade.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Soldiers #33
Good morning #44
Tuesday #29
(POPULAR IN 1996)
As with most RNB albums, this initially sat on shelves in Australia likely due to us Aussies not being into RNB that much. Toni's fortunes changed here when "Breathe again" became a surprise hit which allowed this album to follow suit in becoming a huge hit here months after it already became a success in NZ and her native America. This led to her having no issues with finding success with her second album.
Peak position #6
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Breathe again #2 (AMR #2)
You mean the world to me #49
(POPULAR IN 1994)
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)
This was the solo debut from Lionel Richie, an album he admitted to it being just a Commodores album but with only him contributing to it so that he could ease fans into accepting the music he wanted to make on his next two albums. Indeed, this was little more than a transitional album as he would release his second album less than a year after its release only to then take his sweet time in making music afterwards.
Peak position #18
Hit singles
Truly #7
You are #17
(POPULAR IN 1983)
It appears we Aussies weren't that interested in making this album a success given how it was the first to have JD Fortune on lead vocals, I guess we were eventually won over this year as it did stick around long enough for it to become a sleeper hit likely due to it being a genuine hit over in NZ.
Peak position #18
Hit singles
Pretty Vegas #9
Afterglow #24
(POPULAR IN 2006)
This was initially a flop for Sweet here in Australia the previous year, I'm guessing because we Aussies felt that the lead single made such a poor impression on the album as it was passed up in favour of their cover of "Peppermint twist." It was given a second chance when the second single became a huge success here, although it's safe to say the song was a huge hit despite what else the album had to offer.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
The six teens #48
Fox on the run #1
(POPULAR IN 1975)
There weren't any signs of this band slowing down as this album continued the success they achieved throughout the first half of the decade, the only thing I can add to this entry is that its success led to them calling their tour Wings over America which in turn led to them naming that their live album from said tour.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Silly love songs #20
(POPULAR IN 1976)
This wound up being far more popular here in Australia than it was over in NZ, the only album from Ben Harper to be as such given how overall, the kiwis preferred him over us Aussies during his career. I guess you can say that he was the natural successor to Lenny Kravitz given how he followed a similar formula to him only for a 00's audience which is conveniently when Lenny lost his popularity.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2003)
One of the more popular teen dramas of the decade was Dawson's creek, although I don't think anyone was expecting its official soundtrack to be as successful as it was considering how the Beverly Hills 90210 soundtrack wasn't a huge success earlier in the decade. I guess audiences connected with the themes of the show better than that classic, although that show has retained a stronger fanbase over the years.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Kiss me #1 (AMR #1)
Shimmer #39
I don't wanna wait #27
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This was a bit of a return to form following the slightly more mainstream appeal of his previous album, I guess Alice wanted to reassure fans that he wasn't a complete sellout before became as such with his next album. As such this didn't have a huge hit on here like his previous album and subsequent albums did, which is perhaps why he sold out as he likely wanted to have that big hit single which he got.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I never cry #23
(POPULAR IN 1976)
Well we did see the likes of Austen Tayshus and the 12th man on the singles chart, so it makes sense that this live comedy album from Rodney Rude would be a huge success on the album charts this year.
Peak position #1x2
(POPULAR IN 1984)
This was Julio's first album he recorded mostly in English, so of course it was going to find an audience with fans of his Latin lover shtick which would be otherwise turned off from his music due to their inability to understand Spanish. To further incentivise people into checking out this album, he included two very well-known American musicians on here and released both tracks as singles.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
To all the girls I've loved before #4
All of you #19
Moonlight lady #43
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
It seems weird that these guys weren't even bigger in Australia back in the day considering how well their music has persisted on oldies stations, I think this is because I was expecting their albums to be even bigger given how they didn't really have much success with their singles back in the day.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Give a little bit #43
(POPULAR IN 1977)
This was the debut single from B*witched, an Irish family group who briefly took the world by storm by combining teen pop with traditional Celtic music that won over a bunch of audiences back in the day. This formula only worked out for their debut album as their second album was such a failure that it flopped hard for them.
Also, for whatever reason, this was a massive hit according to ARIA but only a minor hit according to AMR, to give you an idea of how different the charts had become by this point in time.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
C'est la vie #6 (AMR #6)
Rollercoaster #1 (AMR #5)
To you I belong #25
Blame it on the weatherman #48
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
I guess the danger with reinventing yourself as often as these guys did is that it's difficult to retain a fanbase to your work, indeed this was the most successful album from 10cc who traded in the glam rock from their earlier work for more contemporary pop rock for this album which made it a huge success for them. They would incorporate reggae on their next album which did lead to their biggest hit.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
The things we do for love #5
Good morning judge #47
(POPULAR IN 1977)
I'm not a fan of Tom Cruise, I'm sure he's a decent person in real life (provided he's not talking about Scientology) but I've just never gotten into any of his performances. One of his better films is Top gun which at least has a lot of flash imagery to distract from the meandering romance he has with the Amish woman from Witness. The soundtrack helps make it a better film due to the song choices used in the scenes.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Danger zone #14
Take my breath away #2
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
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)
This was initially a flop for Boyz II men here in Australia, likely due to us Aussies not being that interested in RNB and New jack swing like the kiwis and their fellow Americans were. It was given a second chance when their theme to Eddie Murphy's Boomerang became one of the biggest hits of the decade and thus allowed us to appreciate this album and lessen our stigma against music of colour.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Motownphilly #32
End of the road #1 (AMR #1)
In the still of the nite #11 (AMR #8)
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
Although this wasn't Sherbet's most successful album in Australia (that honour goes to Slipstream from two years prior) this was the album which briefly made them international superstars due to the success of the title track throughout the world. Like many Australian artists who made it big internationally, this success did them no favours for their subsequent follow ups which each saw diminishing returns here in Australia.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Howzat #1
Gimme love #43
(POPULAR IN 1976)
Although the Cars weren't among the most successful bands in Australia when they released this greatest hits package, they did manage to score a massive hit with it proving that there was enough of a fanbase here to appreciate their back catalogue at this point in their career. I'm not actually sure why they weren't bigger here as in NZ they saw massive success with their albums.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Tonight she comes #16
(POPULAR IN 1986)
Even though this wasn't their debut album, this was the album which made AC/DC (or Acadaca as we Aussies like to call them) into a household name due to it spawning some of their more memorable songs as hits upon its initial release. Even though this wasn't the biggest album down under, it nonetheless sparked international interest in the band which resulted in them getting huge crossover appeal throughout the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
High voltage #10
It's a long way to the top #9
TNT #19
(POPULAR IN 1976)
Whereas most of his contemporaries from the 80's had struggled for mainstream relevancy by this point in the decade, John Farnham continued to thrive thanks to him adapting with the change in sound that adult contemporary was shifting towards at the time. This led to him having success well into the new millennium which is something even some of the biggest artists of the 90's was unable to do.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Seemed like a good idea at the time #16 (AMR #17)
Angels #36
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
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)
This was an instant success for Nickelback here in Australia, likely because we Aussies wasted no time in making the lead single a huge success compared to the rest of the world where it needed to climb up the charts before it became a best seller worldwide. Their next three albums would be an even bigger success for them, likely because they all managed to spawn more than one hit for them down under.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
How you remind me #2
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
Well, this was the album that many fans believe (me included) disgraced Eminem's discography and undid all of the goodwill his previous two albums achieved to the point where people once again believed that he was little more than a sexist and homophobic shock rapper looking for attention. Even so, it appears to still have its fans to this day who likely believe it to be satire of the worst aspects of hip hop.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Just lose it #1
Like toy soldiers #4
Mockingbird #9
Ass like that #10
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
While we all know Disney for their animated films (as well as those awful live action remakes that few if anyone seems to like) the company is also known for its teen dramas mostly from the 00's with the High school musical trilogy probably being their most lucrative project behind only the Hannah Montana craze. This was the soundtrack to the first film which proved to be a massive success with the teen demographic of the day.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Breaking free #13
(POPULAR IN 2006)
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)
While his first solo album was a minor success the previous year, it was this second album that Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant released this year that made him a household name following the demise of his band earlier in the decade. It was his biggest solo album likely through the strength of its lead single which became a hit throughout the world for him, although he would find success later in the decade.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Big log #23
In the mood #37
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
This was the first album to be released from Van Halen that had Sammy Hagar on lead vocals, this was due to their original front man David Lee Roth getting fired from the band due to creative differences he had with the other band mates. While this drama no doubt fueled the success of this album, it didn't do the rest of their catalogue any favours as the band would never again reach the success of this period.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Why can't this be love #8
(POPULAR IN 1986)
While the band had begun to lose their popularity in the mainstream, it was clear that fans hadn't forgotten about their back catalogue and merely wanted them to return to their grunge roots as evidence by the success of this greatest hits package of theirs. They of course wouldn't return to their roots as they have yet to release another grunge album as of this writing.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
It's a bit surprising that Steely Dan didn't have much success here in Australia back in the day, even taking into account that Countdown usually swept aside American bands in favour of our local artists, the fact that their music is constantly played on oldies stations makes their lack of success throughout the decade completely jarring to me. At least this magnum opus from them was a decent success here.
Peak position #9
(POPULAR IN 1977, 1978)
Anne Murray is by all means a one hit wonder here in Australia with "You needed me," however it appears that song was popular enough for this greatest hits package she released two years later to become a massive success for her over here to help fans rediscover her back catalogue they ignored prior to that song's release.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Could I have this dance #29
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
From what I can gather, V spy V spy was a politically charged band from Australia who scored their one and only successful album this year with their combination of pub rock and new wave. They were kind of like Midnight oil if they weren't as successful and possibly less commercially viable, hence why this album was not only a success but retains a strong fanbase even to this day.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Don't tear it down #31
(POPULAR IN 1987)
Before the likes of Duffy, Leona Lewis and Adele, there was Joss Stone when it came to British artists finding success with American soul back in the day, this was the first of two albums she scored massive worldwide success with this year (the other sadly won't be appearing on this list) thanks to her unique vocals bring life to these soul numbers in a way that can rival the likes of those who came after her.
Peak position #16
(POPULAR IN 2004)
Following the success of their live E.P, Devo was able to find success with their breakthrough album of theirs as their wacky antics really struck a chord with us Aussies back in the day. This led to both of their albums this year being successful and even the band performing a song on each album on Countdown in the new year, although their popularity would fade once MTV took over.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Whip it #1
Girl you want #1
(POPULAR IN 1981)
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)
INXS were on a roll when they released this greatest hits package towards the end of the previous year, it had its success roll over to this year due to how inescapable the band still were during the mid 90's. Unfortunately, this would be the final bit of success they would achieve during Michael Hutchence's lifetime.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The strangest party #34
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995, 1998)
While this wasn't anywhere near as successful as their previous album due to lacking that runaway hit that "Legs" proved to be for the band, ZZ top was nonetheless able to retain their popularity with this album here thanks to their brand of hard rock fitting in rather well with all of the heartland rock and folk rock that was permeating the rock and roll scene during the midpoint of the decade.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Sleeping bag #32
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
He may have been the American equivalent of James Blunt (right down to both men being high ranking officers in their respective armies) however Shawn Mullins was in the music industry for quite some time before he finally made it big with this album. He seemed pipped for great things going into the new millennium, but alas singer/songwriters had a hard time making it big in the 00's until James came around.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Lullaby #5 (AMR #5)
Shimmer #39
(POPULAR IN 1999)
I think this was meant to be a new version of the Abba gold album from almost a decade prior that was released the previous year from the Swedish quartet, it proved to be a success this year likely due to Abba mania becoming more fondly remembered as the new millennium began to unfold.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 2001)
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)
Given how inescapable "I see you baby" was at the start of the decade (trust me it was EVERYWHERE on the radio) it only makes sense that the band behind that earworm would eventually have a successful album to their name which came with this album which all but confirmed that country music was out and EDM was in. It had a bit of a slow start to its success but eventually found its audience this year.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Superstyling #49
(POPULAR IN 2002)
One of the most critically acclaimed films of the 90's was the Piano, a film where a mute Holly Hunter communicates with a piano and has the melodies translated by her daughter played by Anna Paquin of X-men fame. It's a film I can't take seriously due to its setup, however audiences found it an endearing tale and made it and the soundtrack composed by Michael Nyman a success back in the day.
Peak position #11
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
It's a bit sad that this album was only a modest success upon its initial release here in Australia, heck even after the tragic passing of Kurt Cobain less than a year after its release, it only occasionally pops back onto our charts proving that we Aussies were more interested in the works of Pearl jam back in the day. Still, this was a decent success here, and hey, it also remains one of the best albums of the decade much like its predecessor.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Heart shaped box #21 (AMR #17)
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
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