This was the final successful album that Simply red had here in Australia, although considering they had an entire decade of uninterrupted success, this was an impressive feat for them even if it didn't reach the same levels of success as their first four albums. They aged into the 90's remarkably well, although after their greatest hits album which they released a year after this, their popularity would fade away.
Peak position #7
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Fairground #7 (AMR #7)
Never never love #42
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
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)
While this wasn't anywhere near as successful as their previous album from two years prior, Soundgarden nonetheless managed to achieve massive success here in Australia with this follow up proving how big grunge was even after the tragic loss of Kurt Cobain in our music scene. Despite how big this was worldwide; the band would call it quits after this to allow Chris Cornell to form Audioslave.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Pretty noose #22
(POPULAR IN 1996)
There was so much hype going into this album given how the second advanced single wound up being the most successful song of the decade in Australia, heck even their previous album managed to find success during the height of that song's popularity here. Fortunately for these guys, the hype was met as they were able to achieve massive success from this album both from the mainstream and the alternative scene.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Firestarter #22
Breathe #2 (AMR #3)
Smack my bitch up #41
(POPULAR IN 1997)
This is a bit of an odd entry, not so much because it's odd that Tonic would find success here with this album, but rather the fact said success came long after the lead single had fallen off our charts which in itself was more of a sleeper hit than a genuine success. Even so, the album was a huge albeit sleeper hit with us Aussies likely due to a successful tour as well as the favourable comparisons it had to the likes of Matchbox 20 and the Goo goo dolls.
Peak position #12
Peak position #21 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
If you could only see #20
(POPULAR IN 1998)
It looked like these guys wouldn't have any success with their albums here in Australia, for the most part that's true but they did see massive success with this greatest hits album around the time it was announced they would be going their separate ways this year. They've reunited since but with only a fraction of the success they had throughout the 90's.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
When you say nothing at all #3 (AMR #2)
(POPULAR IN 1999)
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)
While this wasn't as inescapable as his big comeback album from the start of the decade, Santana was nonetheless able to retain their popularity this far into the new millennium thanks to repeating the formula that worked for them with their previous album. I guess the lineup of guest vocalists weren't as impressive this time around as before which would explain why this album didn't do as well.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
The game of love #21
Hey ma #29
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
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)
As divisive as her first solo album was from her longtime fans, it no doubt won her a bunch of new fans who were likely the people who made her second album a success as the longtime fans (me included) really don't care much for this album due to her doubling down on its camp factor. Still, there's plenty to enjoy on this album which is why it was a massive hit for her, the same can't be said for her 2010's material.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Wind it up #5
The sweet escape #2
4 in the morning #9
Now that you got it #37
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
This is another album that sat on shelves largely ignored until the singles were discovered on the digital storefronts this year, well actually they were discovered the previous year but didn't become a success here in Australia until this year. Although this was the Fray's biggest album down under, they did score a chart topper with the lead single to their next album right when the decade was coming to an end.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Over my head #22
How to save a life #2
(POPULAR IN 2007)
Given how he had two massive albums from earlier in the decade as well as a bunch of hits with some of the biggest names of the decade, it only makes sense that Santana would release a greatest hits album which collects all of the biggest collaborations he had with decade given how he was arguably bigger now than what he was back in his heyday in the 70's.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Into the night #4
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
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 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 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 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)
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)
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)
If you're wondering why ELO decided to name this album what they did, that's because it's a pun because the band found themselves "discovering" disco with this release which means that this album was cashing in on the disco craze of the decade. Like many artists dipping their toes into the genre, they did so respectfully which is why the tracks on this album remain staples on oldies stations to this day.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Shine a little love #14
Don't bring me down #6
Midnight blue #48
(POPULAR IN 1979, 1980)
This was the debut album for a band that would eventually name themselves after said album, yes before they were Icehouse, Iva Davis and company were known as Flowers before they were forced to change it to avoid confusion with another band with that name who was also set to make it big internationally (wonder whatever happened to them.) This international interest led to their second album being a moderate success in the UK of all places.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Can't help myself #10
We can get together #16
Walls #20
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
This was the final album to be released in John Lennon's lifetime, it's unfortunately impossible not to bring up how John Lennon's life ended when talking about this album as it was a large factor into its success despite there being plenty of evidence to suggest that it would've been decently successful had he lived to see the end of its album cycle. At the very least, it's grammy win for album of the year was understandable.
Peak position #1x10
Hit singles
Just like starting over #1
Woman #4
Walking on thin ice #18
Watching the wheels #45
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
This was released during a time where exercise records were making it big in America, as such Richard Simmons decided to release a parody album of these records which ironically made it the most successful of these albums here in Australia.
Peak position #12
(POPULAR IN 1983)
Although he saw minor success with his debut album the previous year, Billy Idol was able to achieve a huge sleeper hit with his second album here thanks to a memorable performance on Countdown with the title track which helped it become a huge hit here. For whatever reason, he was a much bigger deal in NZ throughout the 80's despite needing to find success here before making it big over there.
Peak position #16
Hit singles
Rebel yell #7
Eyes without a face #12
Flesh for fantasy #28
(POPULAR IN 1984)
Well, this was a bit of a surprise, I know Joe Cocker saw massive success with his involvement on the An officer and a gentleman soundtrack, however I don't think anyone was expecting this album to be so huge given how the last successful album he had was during the first half of the 70's. This album does contain some of his more iconic work, so I guess it makes sense why we Aussies gravitated towards it.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Don't you love me anymore #11
You can leave your hat on #23
(POPULAR IN 1986)
It's been a while since we last looked at these guys on one of these lists, indeed their second and third albums didn't exactly bring in the numbers to be among the more successful albums of the decade like their debut and fourth album. Here Chrissie Hynde returns with a much more pop friendly album compared to her earlier work which while it alienated some of her older fans, brought in a bunch of new fans who were on board with a more mature side of her.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Don't get me wrong #8
Hymn to her #7
(POPULAR IN 1987)
Bananarama were never known to be an album's band, this is why they haven't had any appearances with their albums until now as they're more of a singles artist than anything. This was all set to repeat the formula until it was revealed that Sioban Fahey left the group due to issues she was with the albums production, this in turn led the album to be a huge success here as we Aussies finally appreciated the effort that went into their work.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
I heard a rumour #32
Love in the first degree #5
I want you back #3 (ARIA #3)
I can't help it #20
(POPULAR IN 1988)
This was a moderate success for Eric Clapton upon its initial release, I'm guessing because we Aussies were feeling nostalgic for his older work even though he only saw success with his time with Cream as well as his 1974 effort 461 ocean boulevard up until this point in his career down under.
Peak position #13
Peak position #12 (ARIA charts)
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1993)
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)
We have yet another band who thrived from the previous decade entering this one with a highly successful album, in fact this was by far the biggest album to come from the Angels which set them up for great success this decade that unfortunately didn't end up happening. Admittedly this is because they didn't release a new album until the end of the decade, so it's not like they were unfairly ignored.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Let the night roll on #17
Dogs are talking #11 (AMR #8)
Back street pick up #23
(POPULAR IN 1990)
This was the sequel to David Bowie's previous greatest hits album Changesonebowie, naturally he had a ton of success since that albums release in 1976 so of course this would be a success upon its release this year.
Peak position #6
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
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)
Hole is best known for their frontwoman Courtney Love and her relationship with her husband Kurt Cobain, I'm not going to repeat any of the conspiracies surrounding her on this site but suffice to say she's had a bad reputation in the music industry for several decades at this point. Here she scores her band's biggest album as they went in a more pop friendly direction compared to their earlier work.
Peak position #4
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Celebrity skin #24
Malibu #11 (AMR #12)
Awful #44
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
This was originally a flop for Lauryn Hill due to hip hop not having much presence in Australia, however it saw a surge in popularity this year when it won the album of the year at the Grammys thus breaking through our prejudice against hip hop (and female hip hop at that.) Unfortunately, this was the last anyone would hear from Lauryn as her mental health would see a sharp decline in the new millennium.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Doo wop #8 (AMR #8)
Can't take my eyes off you #8 (AMR #8)
(POPULAR IN 1999)
It's a bit hard to believe that this album was a huge flop upon its initial release the previous year here in Australia, that is until you remember that the lead single was also the theme to City of angels which meant that it propelled the soundtrack's success over this album from the Goo goo dolls. It eventually won us Aussies over when "Slide" became a massive radio staple worldwide for the band.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Iris #1
Slide #29
Dizzy #50
(POPULAR IN 1999)
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)
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)
This was the final album that Shania Twain released for fifteen years, I'm guessing because though this was a hit for her, it failed to reach the dizzying heights of Come on over likely due to country pop not doing as well throughout the new millennium as it did in the twentieth century. Still, it was a massive success as anything that follows up one of the most successful albums of all time would be.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
I'm gonna getcha good #14
Up #29
Forever and always #45
When you kiss me #47
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
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)
If Sony felt that delaying the release of each of the singles on Britney's fourth album only to then pull them from shelves shortly after they were finally released was going to allow the album to be a success for her, they were sadly mistaken as this album only makes the cut for prosperity as it merely recharted whenever one of its singles were released. It's a pity because it remains her most mature work to date.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Me against the music #1
Toxic #1
Everytime #1
(POPULAR IN 2004)
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 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)
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)
This was a big comeback for Silverchair, mainly because they had been on hiatus for five years so that Daniel Johns could work on his side project with the Dissosiactives which didn't yield much success for him. It was also their final album as they would go their separate ways in 2011 for good, likely to allow Daniel to stretch his creative wings which led to a bunch of unusual projects throughout the 2010's.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Straight lines #1
If you keep losing sleep #16
(POPULAR IN 2007)
This was initially a flop for Ladyhawke upon its initial release, mainly because indie pop wasn't very commercially viable in the 00's and would only explode in popularity going into the 2010's. It eventually became a sleeper hit here when one of the singles heavily benefitted from placing high on Triple J's year end list for 2008 which propelled its popularity in the mainstream.
Peak position #16
Hit singles
My delirium #8
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This is the second solo album to come from Rob Thomas, it wasn't quite as successful as his earlier entry due to it getting lost in the shuffle with all of the commotion that was happening this year, but it was a massive success regardless and proof that he was all set for a successful run in the 2010's. Indeed, his final album with Matchbox 20 would be a massive success despite the mainstream's adversion towards rock music.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Her diamonds #3
Give me the meltdown #41
Mockingbird #50
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This may surprise you to see how low it is on my list considering how many hits it managed to spawn here in Australia back in the day, let alone how this is the album which broke Air supply into the American market after the title track became a surprise international hit for them at the start of the decade. Alas, we Aussies weren't that interested in this album as was the case for the rest of their catalogue.
Peak position #21
Hit singles
Lost in love #13
All out of love #9
Every woman in the world #8
(POPULAR IN 1980)
Neil Diamond starred in a remake of the Jazz singer this year which led to him receiving a Razzie award for worst actor, I'd hate to know how bad his performance was if he was considered the worst actor over the likes of the lead actor from Xanadu, the guy from Flash Gordon and Caitlyn Jenner in You can't stop the music (pre transition that is.) At least the soundtrack was well received and even a huge success.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Love on the rocks #23
(POPULAR IN 1981)
Given the surprise success of their hit single which they named after this album, the Royal philharmonic orchestra (that is, the REAL orchestra that's been around for decades at this point) released this album which contained other mashups of classical music that became a surprise success for them in the mainstream worldwide. They were relegated to novelty status in the music industry until recent years where they started making classical renditions of artists discographies.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Hooked on classics #9
(POPULAR IN 1981, 1982)
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)
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)
This was the first album that Pink Floyd released without Roger Waters on lead vocals, let's just say that he was very wrong when he said that the band would crash and burn without him when he left the group earlier in the decade as his solo career tanked around the time this album came out. It turns out that David Gilmour was a great replacement for him once he called it quits.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Learning to fly #34
On the turning away #48
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
This album does feel a little leftfield from what was coming out at the time, as such it's a bit understandable that it didn't receive as much love back in the day as you would otherwise think even if it did better than many other prog and metal albums from around this time. Sadly, this would be the peak of Joe Satriani's popularity as his 90's work fared much worse commercially worldwide.
Peak position #14
Peak position #10 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Always with me always with you #48
(POPULAR IN 1989)
Although this French band did have success throughout Europe throughout the decade, it wasn't until the lead single from this album became a surprise hit in English speaking countries that they were able to find an audience here in Australia. For some reason, I thought these guys were Mexican, I guess that's me revealing my ignorance towards European culture.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Bamboleo #18 (ARIA #19)
(POPULAR IN 1989)
OK here's an album which I have to tread carefully with given how infamous the story is behind its creation, I guess I can safely talk about why the US version is on here instead of the original as we Aussies were very sceptical about these guys but were eventually won over when they won a Grammy for best new artist. Of course, our initial sceptism was accurate as it was revealed they never sung a note on the album.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Baby don't forget my number #17 (AMR #14)
Girl I'm gonna miss you #3 (AMR #3)
Blame it on the rain #5 (AMR #4)
All or nothing #44
(POPULAR IN 1990)
This is the only album from Amy Grant to achieve any sort of success outside of her native America, mainly because (to my knowledge) it's her only album which isn't made specifically for her contemporary Christian audience given how rarely that type of music connects with a larger market throughout history. Even though this was a huge international smash for her, she quickly reverted back to her Christian audience afterwards.
Peak position #14
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Baby baby #5 (AMR #4)
Every heartbeat #17 (AMR #17)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Harry Connick Jr was always a crooner in the music industry; however, his career received a massive boost when he appeared in the film Little man Tate which compelled audiences to check out his music catalogue with this greatest hits package he had conveniently released around the time the movie came out. It was a slow rise to success here in Australia, however we were eventually won over.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
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)
This is a bit of a different album from Chris Isaak as he seems to have traded in his Roy Orbison impression for a more original performance he gives throughout this album. This paid off for him massively as it remains his biggest album in his career, although he curiously didn't revisit this approach with his later work. Another interesting fact about this album is that the second single was only a hit when it was featured in the Stanley Kubrick film Eyes wide shut.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Somebody's crying #5 (AMR #7)
Baby did a bad bad thing #27
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
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)
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)
Given how he finally managed to score a hit this year in Australia, it seems logical that Babyface would find success with the album that spawned his big hit down under. Indeed, he was fortunate enough to have his collaboration with Stevie Wonder breakthrough when RNB was becoming more accepted in the Australian mainstream, although he wouldn't find any success here after this.
Peak position #14
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
This is for the lover in you #50
Every time I close my eyes #40
How come how long #5 (AMR #4)
(POPULAR IN 1997)
We haven't seen Cher on one of these lists for a while, have we? Well, here she is with the album which many argue introduced autotune into the music industry as the title track was the first hit to become as such with the tool. Thankfully the rest of the album doesn't have this gimmick, meaning that Cher only used the program as a feature to signal her comeback rather than to hide her perceived vocal deficiencies.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Believe #1 (AMR #1)
Strong enough #11 (AMR #11)
Dove l'amoure #49
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This was initially a huge flop for Placebo when it was released the previous year, however it received a huge surge in popularity this year due to "Every you every me" becoming a huge radio staple likely due to heavy promotion from Triple J which compelled us Aussies to check out the album it came from rather than making it a hit in its own right. It's times like this I wish I had access to airplay stats to verify how inescapable these songs were back in the day.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Pure morning #49
Every you ever me #46
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This is another one of those greatest hits/studio album hybrids that was popular throughout the 90's, although it was released right when the decade was coming to an end making it more popular in the 00's. This was both the final chart-topping album of the 90's down under as well as the first for the 00's, suggesting that Celine Dion would have far more success going forward than she ended up having.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
That's the way it is #14 (AMR #11)
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
8 mile is a film that was well received by critics and audiences alike as it was an autobiographical account at how Eminem came to be who he was as a person as well as his rise to stardom, basically it was a film that was the Purple rain of the 00's which led to many copycats throughout the decade (most notably from his protegee 50 cent.) The soundtrack was released during the album cycle of his earlier entry on this list.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Lose yourself #1
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
Although their previous album was a huge success here in Australia, it was this album that made Good Charlotte a household name given how they were able to thrive in the digital market that had cropped up and helped the likes of Fall out boy and My chemical romance. Indeed, this managed to spawn their biggest hits down under thanks to the format which their earlier work could've benefitted from.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Keep your hands off my girl #5
Dance floor anthem #2
Misery #24
(POPULAR IN 2007)
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)
Although they had moderate success throughout the decade with their earlier albums, it was this album from the Hilltop hoods that finally made them a household name as well as finally putting Australian hip hop on the map as it allowed fellow rappers such as 360 and Illy to find success throughout the 2010's. The trio themselves would also find a ton of success with their subsequent material as a result of this album's success.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Chase that feeling #8
Still standing #34
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Up until very recently, this was the final album from Vanessa Amorosi largely due to legal disputes which were resurrected much like how she fell off from earlier in the decade. This means that this is the second time in her career where her popularity came to an end due to circumstances outside of her control, although I doubt her latest material (as of this writing) will connect with audiences nowadays.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
This is who I am #1
Hazardous #29
Mr mysterious #4
Holiday #42
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This was Patti Labelle's only successful album here in Australia, mainly through the strength of her raunchy sex jam that serves as the albums lead single which became a huge success for her and her group this year. Patti would return in the 80's with some solo material, however she would never again have a successful album to her name.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Lady marmalade #13
(POPULAR IN 1975)
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)
Although these guys had sound success prior to this magnum opus of theirs, this was what made them a household name thanks in no small part to the success of its lead single and how it continues to be a cultural juggernaut even to this day. They did see plenty of success as the decade went on, although nothing would come close to achieving the dizzying success of this album.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Bohemian rhapsody #1
You're my best friend #40
(POPULAR IN 1976)
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)
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)
This only barely makes the cut for this list due to its sheer length on our charts this year rather than it being a genuine hit for the band in question, although I am surprised that this was only barely a sleeper hit here given how A: the singles remain on heavy rotation on oldies stations to this day and B: it was the band's huge comeback in their native America after a decade of obscurity over there.
Peak position #37
Hit singles
What about love #28
Never #48
These dreams #27
(POPULAR IN 1986)
Heartland rock was at its peak around this time thanks to the likes of Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, so naturally Bruce Hornsby would be able to find success with his debut album following his departure from the 60's band the Grateful dead around this time. The title track was a Billboard chart topper for him, and although it wasn't a huge success here, it did crack our top twenty thus encoring the albums success.
Peak position #20
Hit singles
The way it is #12
(POPULAR IN 1987)
There was a lot of hype going into the debut album for Kylie Minogue, that hype was effortlessly met when she released it as it became a huge success for her even with it already having three chart toppers here in Australia. It was an even bigger hit in NZ and the UK, likely due to the singles not being as big in the former and her popularity on Neighbours with the latter.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
The locomotion #1
I should be so lucky #1
Got to be certain #1 (ARIA #1)
I still love you #12 (ARIA #11)
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
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)
Well, he did score a massive hit on Billboard with his cover of "When a man loves a woman," so it makes sense that Michael would make a covers album based on some of the biggest hits of the twentieth century. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn't just Motown songs that he covered on this album (although a majority of the tracks are from Motown) meaning that he was diverse in what songs he chose to make his own.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
To love somebody #39
(POPULAR IN 1993)
Well Faith no more might have been this biggest band this decade in Australia to combine hip hop elements with rock, however the most critically acclaimed by far was Rage against the machine who made a massive splash worldwide with their debut album thanks to the lead single being a heavy hitter on the radio even to this day. It was their biggest album here, although they've retained a fanbase thanks to their sound and politically charged lyrics.
Peak position #12
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Killing in the name #7 (AMR #5)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
This was released initially to moderate success for Seal, I'm guessing fans were already on board with him moving on from EDM to RNB despite him naming this after himself just like his earlier album. It received a massive boost in popularity when the second single was played over the closing credits of the Batman forever film and thus became a massive worldwide success for him.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Kiss from a rose #1 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
I guess it was only a matter of time before we had an aboriginal solo artist to appear on this site of mine, here we are with the earliest success story in that category which happens to be the debut album of Christine Anu, although I am using the term success story loosely given how it was only a minor sleeper hit at the time. Still, she had an interesting voice, and it was enough to give her a huge sleeper hit with its lead single.
Peak position #21
Peak position #21 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Party #20 (AMR #20)
(POPULAR IN 1995)
This was released exclusively in Japan the previous year for reasons I can't seem to fathom, I know that Kylie going indie was a strange phenomenon, but she had already done that with her previous album, and it went over well with audiences. In any case she released it internationally this year where it was a huge success for her despite lacking that obvious hit single, although considering how well it did with Triple J listeners, I don't think she minded too much.
Peak position #4
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Some kind of bliss #27 (AMR #18)
Did it again #15 (AMR #13)
Breathe #23 (AMR #18)
Cowboy style #39
(POPULAR IN 1998)
This was a huge flop upon its initial release the previous year, I'm guessing because audiences had moved onto Ben Harper as the (then) modern Jimi Hendrix of choice by this point in time. It received a huge rebound this year when "Fly away" became a surprise hit which convinced Lenny to reissue the album with his contributions to the Austin Powers soundtrack from earlier included on the track listing.
Peak position #17
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Fly away #8 (AMR #6
American woman #14 (AMR #13)
(POPULAR IN 1999)
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)
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)
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)
This was the third greatest hits package from U2 within a decade of each other, although this time it collects songs from their entire catalogue which I guess explains its success as fans likely didn't want to buy two separate albums to have all of their must own songs in their catalogue when this came out.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
The saints are coming #1
Windows in the skies #17
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
This was far less successful than the first volume from the end of the 00's for Glee here in Australia, I guess it didn't have a genuine hit like that album did which had it suffer in the rankings back in the day.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
True colours #47
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Given how John Lennon had decided to retire from music during this point in time, it only makes sense he would release a greatest hits album to look over his work both solo and with his wife's band since he broke away from the Beatles. Naturally it was a hit here in Australia upon its initial release, however it was a hit again five years later when he tragically passed away.
Peak position #8
(POPULAR IN 1976)
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)
Although he remains one of the most iconic singer/songwriters of all time, Neil Young didn't have that much success in Australia back in the day save for the occasional solo album as well as his magnum opus with Crosby Stills Nash and Young at the start of the decade. This would be a close second to his biggest album here after Deja vu from 1971, allowing him to bookmark both sides of the 70's with a successful album.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 1978, 1979)
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)
There were plenty of British new wave making it big this decade, however I don't think many people were expecting this duo to be among the most successful of the bunch given how much of a commercial failure their debut album was. Of course, appealing to an American market with this album likely helped it become one of the most successful albums of its day, that and also not being as morose as their previous effort.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Shout #1
Everybody wants to rule the world #2
Head over heels #21
(POPULAR IN 1985)
There was plenty of hype going into this debut album from Kids in the kitchen, so much so that they released an E.P's worth of advanced singles before it finally dropped this year where it was of course a massive success for them. It appears this marketing strategy was what made this album a success as their next album had a more conventional release which resulted in it being a huge flop for the band.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Change in mood #10
Bitter desire #17
Something that you said #19
Shine #40
Current stand #12
(POPULAR IN 1985)
It looked like Chris De Burgh would be a one album wonder with his album from earlier in the decade, however he was able to score the biggest hit of his career worldwide with this album which confirmed him to be one of the bigger crooners of the 80's despite crooners not being very popular throughout the decade. Indeed, if he had of had his breakthrough in any other decade, he would've been twice as big as he was.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Lady in red #2
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
This was the 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)
This is where Tina Turner's winning streak came to an end here in Australia as she wouldn't see much success in the 90's aside from her greatest hits package Simply the best, even then I get the feeling that was only the case given how she named it after the lead single to this album which became her biggest hit down under due to how well it connected with us Aussies.
Peak position #14
Peak position #15 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
The best #5 (ARIA #4)
Steamy windows #37
(POPULAR IN 1989)
It's as if no time had passed between this album and its predecessor despite the fact that it had been over fifteen years since the first installment of this franchise from both men involved. Here we have an album that technically came out twelve years prior when Jim Steinman released his one and only album Bad for good which contains a few tracks on here as well as several tracks that were meant for this album, needless to say Meat loaf does these tracks better than he ever could.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I'd do anything for love #1 (AMR #1)
Rock and roll dreams come through #18 (AMR #20)
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
This was released the previous year to very minimal success, likely because it took us Aussies a hot minute to realise these two women were the backup vocalists for the Black sorrows and thus are a large reason why those albums remain classics to this day. Indeed, the album saw a massive surge in popularity this year likely because of this connection, although it would be the full extent of their success without the band.
Peak position #7
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1995)
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