This was the first album to be released from the Rockmelons which has the gimmick of having multiple different lead vocalists throughout its runtime, the most prominent being Wendy Matthews who left the group after the albums success to pursue a solo career. The album had a bunch of hype going into it given how many advanced singles there were, and indeed the hype was effortlessly met given how much of a success it was.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Rhymes #26
New groove #21
What's it gonna be #41
(POPULAR IN 1988)
As far as their fans are concerned, this was the only album from Scottish band Texas given how their 90's output saw mixed results for them both commercially and especially critically. They were a very earnest country band who made it big through the female singer/songwriter boom from around this time, although they didn't have commercial success in the 90's likely due to being a British band amongst American women in this group.
Peak position #15
Peak position #14 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
I don't want a lover #6 (ARIA #4)
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This would be the final album that Melissa Etheridge had any success with here in Australia, it's a pit because both Tracy Chapman and Toni Childs would go on to have massive success in the 90's whilst she was left in the dust. I wouldn't feel too bad for her though as she did eventually find success in her homeland throughout the 90's even if that success didn't translate to our scene.
Peak position #14
Peak position #9 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
No souvenirs #35
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This was initially a failure here in Australia upon its release, however it rebounded on our charts this year likely due to the positive reception it received once several of the tracks won awards at the start of the year. If you can believe it, his next two albums would be even bigger down under as the decade went on.
Peak position #11
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Love is a wonderful thing #25
(POPULAR IN 1992)
I'm not sure why Diesel decided to disband the Injectors at the start of the decade, sure this album was a huge success for him and even got him a huge fanbase in NZ of all places, but I'm sure he could've achieved that with the band intact. In any case, we have this album which sparked interest for him in America that sadly never came into fruition as his subsequent releases underperformed worldwide.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Love junk #19 (AMR #18)
Come to me #8 (AMR #8)
Tip of my tongue #4 (AMR #3)
Man alive #20 (AMR #20)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
Following the success of their comeback album from the previous year, Hoodoo gurus decided to release a greatest hits album which was also successful making you wonder why their 1989 album was a flop when it came out. This was the last success the band would have in their career, however it also proved that their back catalogue was well loved by their fans and such they became a touring act.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
Although this wasn't his first album he released, this was the first album that found success for Ben Lee thanks to the lead single nearly being declared the best song of 1998 according to listeners of Triple J. This allowed the general public to check out where this track came from which allowed it to climb up the charts for the singer/songwriter this year.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Cigarettes will kill you #46
(POPULAR IN 1999)
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)
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)
This was the second album to come from James Blunt, it wasn't quite as inescapable as his previous album given how that was one of the biggest albums of the decade worldwide, however it was popular enough to be a massive success here in Australia even if it didn't have that runaway hit that his previous album had. Still, this allowed him to continue his success well into the 2010's with his subsequent follow ups.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
1973 #11
(POPULAR IN 2007)
The first Step up film was such a critical and commercial dud that the soundtrack didn't even appear on the charts here in Australia, let alone become a hit like its sequel did. Then again, I feel the only reason why this album did so well was due to the runaway success of the film's theme song which became the biggest hit of the year for its performer Flo Rida.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Low #1
(POPULAR IN 2008)
Given how her third album My December was a critical failure and only a fraction as successful as Breakaway, Kelly's management had to convince her to give them back full creative control over her music direction which resulted in this fourth album that can best be described as a Veronicas's project. It wasn't a bad thing given how successful it was without compromising her core appeal from earlier in the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
My life would suck without you #5
I do not hook up #9
Already gone #12
(POPULAR IN 2009)
I would've have included this debut album from Leo Sayer were it not for the fact that it barely charted long enough this year for it to be considered one of its biggest hits through sheer technicality, as such I'm including it more for prosperity as yes, this was originally a success upon its initial release prior to the start of the AMR charts.
Peak position #14
(POPULAR IN 1975)
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)
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 was a huge success for Abba, although it was a given seeing as though they were on top of the world during the midpoint of the decade. Unfortunately for them, audience quickly grew tired of them as while their subsequent releases were successful, none of them reached the dizzying heights of this and their previous album.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
Dancing queen #1
Money money money #1
Knowing me knowing you #9
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
He may be a one hit wonder with the lead single from this album, but at least Warren Zevon managed to score a massive hit with the album that spawned his radio classic back in the day. The song is a good representation of the album which is perhaps why the album was a success for him, normally a one hit wonder is as such due to their one hit being nothing like the rest of their catalogue.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Werewolves of London #8
(POPULAR IN 1978)
This is the only album from Anne Murray aside from her greatest hits package to find any sort of success outside of America and her native Canada, although I'm guessing this is due to the surprise success of its lead single worldwide which likely came from it compared favourably to an early Olivia Newton John track around the time her British/Australian equivalent went in a more pop direction.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
You needed me #2
(POPULAR IN 1979)
Their self-titled debut album was a massive flop in Australia, this is despite the fact it was one of the biggest albums of the decade in NZ proving there was an audience for them upon their initial breakthrough. Indeed, it's likely due to this audience over there that their second album was a huge success here, even managing to spawn a hit single here that they lacked over there.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Let's go #6
(POPULAR IN 1979)
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)
Kenny Rogers saw massive success in Australia throughout the 80's, not to the extent that he saw success in his native America of course but for a country artist, he made quite the impact during the height of the disco and MTV era. This was his first album of the decade which set him off to a good start proving that there was still some niche room for country music around this time.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Coward of the county #6
(POPULAR IN 1980)
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)
This was a good year for many artists who wouldn't see much success in any other year, ABC was one such act as they achieved quite a lot of success from their debut album before never being heard from again here in Australia. Of course, they had plenty of success internationally as they would have hits over on Billboard from their subsequent follow ups, it's just none of them made it big here.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Poison arrow #4
The look of love #7
All of my heart #21
(POPULAR IN 1982)
To think that Pat Benatar's biggest album worldwide was this live album, I'm guessing because it contained a bonus track which would become the biggest hit of her career. Even though this was the peak of her success, her albums did do consistently well due to her tough as nails attitude.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Love is a battlefield #1
(POPULAR IN 1984)
Although the lead single managed to eat up the majority of this album's success, it was enough of a sleeper hit here in Australia for it to appear on this list even if our love for their fusion of new wave and traditional Celtic music wasn't as potent as our love for the other entries on this list. They did release other albums in their catalogue, however none of them found any success with us Aussies unfortunately.
Peak position #21
Hit singles
In a big country #7
(POPULAR IN 1984)
This was all set to become a huge flop here in Australia given how Ganggajang (man that's a weird band name) had failed to make a case for themselves during the midpoint of the decade in the Australian music scene. Perhaps if they went with the now iconic "Sounds of then" as the lead single, both the song and the album would've had the success of the likes of INXS and Pseudo echo back in the day.
Peak position #27
Hit singles
House of cards #45
Giver of life #48
Sounds of then #35
(POPULAR IN 1986)
Feargal Sharkey was previously the lead vocalist for a few UK bands that didn't find much success even in his homeland, so to see his solo debut become as big as it was must have been a surprise for him. I know in Australia it was due to the two lead singles being a stand in for a couple going through a messy breakup, although since there wasn't this level of drama on his next album it was sadly a huge flop for him.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
A good heart #1
You little thief #4
(POPULAR IN 1986)
This was a bit of a dud for Noiseworks compared to their debut album from two years prior, although it did last quite a while on our charts even if it lacked that standout track that their earlier work had with "Take me back." Still, they were able to enter the 90's with a third album that proved to be more of a success, which is more than I can say for some of their contemporaries who struggled to make that transition.
Peak position #8
Peak position #5 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Touch #9 (ARIA #12)
Voice of reason #37
In my youth #35
(POPULAR IN 1989)
Following the success of the lead single from this album, it only makes sense that this sophomore album from the Scottish duo would be a huge success here in Australia. Curiously the album wasn't very successful in their native UK, I'm guessing because their fellow Brits found them to be too annoying in a way that we Aussies and kiwis found them to be endearing.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
I'm gonna be #1 (ARIA #1)
I'm on my way #4 (ARIA #3)
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This was the second album to come from Mike and the Mechanics, an album which proved to be their biggest hit given how their first album was released prior to when Mike Rutherford saw massive success with his other band Genesis as well as prior to establishing lead singer Paul Carrack as a household name with his solo work. Sadly, none of this did them any favours for transitioning their success into the 90's.
Peak position #11
Peak position #10 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Nobody's perfect #32
The living years #1 (ARIA #1)
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This was the only album to be released by Johnny Diesel and the Injectors, although don't think that it's because no one was interested in this album because it was a huge success for them and even led to international interest in the band. I'm guessing this was meant to be an advertisement for Diesel's solo career which would pan out the following decade with his solo album Hepfidelity.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Don't need love #11 (ARIA #10)
Soul revival #8 (ARIA #9)
Cry in shame #8 (ARIA #10)
Looking for love #29
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This was a bit of a last hurrah for John Mellencamp given how this was the last successful album of his career here in Australia, although it did follow up his biggest album the Lonesome jubilee so perhaps it was bound to be successful regardless. He did retain success in his native America throughout the 90's, he even scored a massive hit in 1994 with "Wild night" proving how much his fellow Americans still loved him.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Pop singer #10 (ARIA #8)
Jackie brown #48
(POPULAR IN 1989)
Following the success of his album Mallee boy, John Williamson was able to revive his popularity which peaked again with his final album of the 80's as this became a massive success for him this year. Interestingly, this was much bigger on ARIA than it was on AMR, suggesting there was a bias against country music on the latter charts.
Peak position #8
Peak position #1x1 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Rip rip woodchip #41
Boogie with mbaby #48
(POPULAR IN 1989)
Del Amitri were a pop rock band from Scotland who managed to score a massive breakthrough with this album in Australia this year, I'm not sure how as it didn't spawn any hits here or anywhere in the world, but it was a success regardless. They would be a one album wonder despite releasing new music throughout the decade, perhaps this was a band that was promoted by Triple J before they had mainstream success.
Peak position #8
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Kiss thing thing goodbye #28
Nothing ever happens #46
Stone cold sober #50
(POPULAR IN 1990)
Even though this was a little late to the hair metal party given how hair metal was already in steep decline by this point in time, the success of the title track ensured that Warrant were able to finally have their big break here in Australia even if we Aussies were the only people in the world who appreciated the (admittedly goofy) track from the band given how it bombed internationally.
Peak position #13
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Cherry pie #6 (AMR #6)
I saw red #36
(POPULAR IN 1991)
One of the more influential alternative dance bands from the UK was Portishead, they had a bit of a rough start to their career as this album proved to be far too bizarre for the mainstream even if Triple J did eventually jump on its bandwagon this year. It did last long enough to become a sleeper hit for the band, likely due to the vibes fitting in with the mainstream despite being darker than your average EDM track.
Peak position #23
Peak position #26 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1995)
This was the final album that Faith no more released during their time together, although they have since reformed so perhaps there's a comeback waiting to happen given how older artists seem to have little trouble with making it big over the newer talent these days. In any case, this album once again was a much bigger deal here in Australia than their native America which no doubt led to them throwing in the towel initially.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Ashes to ashes #8 (AMR #7)
(POPULAR IN 1997)
This was the sophomore album from Train after the failure of their debut album from the late 90's, it became a worldwide smash thanks to its title track becoming a massive hit for them on the radio. Train is another band I never cared for; this is mainly due to Pat Monahan's vocals always rubbing me the wrong way even back in the day. Of course, this leaves me in the minority as they have millions of fans worldwide.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Drops of Jupiter #5
(POPULAR IN 2001)
This will be the final album I feature from J-Lo on this site, mainly because none of her other albums managed to become a success for her over the years in Australia. Heck this album was only a success due to it having a lead single that rubbed people the wrong way upon its initial release which resulted in them checking it out to see if it would be as pretentious throughout its runtime which it turns out it wasn't.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Jenny from the block #5
All I have #2
I'm glad #10
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
Following its win for best picture at the academy awards, the film adaptation of Chicago became an overnight sensation in the mainstream as audiences were captivated by the acting and singing performances of its three leads. The music especially was well received with is perhaps why the soundtrack was a massive success this year here in Australia.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 2003)
While this wasn't the inescapable hit that his debut album was from two years prior, this sophomore album from 50 cent proved to be enough of a hit worldwide that he felt comfortable releasing his own biopic similar to Eminem's 8 mile from earlier in the decade. The biopic was poorly received mainly due to it being a carbon copy of the original film but with worse acting and a more cliche plot.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Candy shop #3
Just a lil bit #13
Outta control #16
(POPULAR IN 2005)
One of the most critically acclaimed films of the decade was Walk the line, a biopic about Johnny Cash who had only died two years prior to the film's release which depicted the life of the country singer warts and all. It was a massive commercial success thanks to the performances of the two leads which of course meant the soundtrack would also be a success shortly after its release.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2006)
One of the first bands to make it big thanks to social media was the Arctic Monkeys, specifically it was due to them posting their songs on Myspace which eventually gained the attention of their label who signed them based on how well they did on that site. This was the album they put together following them being signed which was an instant success around the world thanks to their online notoriety.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
I bet you look good on the dance floor #18
When the sun goes down #26
(POPULAR IN 2006)
It took them nearly thirty years, however the Eagles finally managed to make a new album after the success of the Long run from 1979 due to finally putting their differences aside long enough to do more than simply tour together. The hype was through the roof for this album to the point where it was an instant success for the band despite sounding like something that would've come out of the mid 70's.
Peak position #1x6
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
While I've never been a fan of the show, I have seen a few episodes of Hannah Montana and remember thinking they were OK for what they were, basically a teenage girl leading a double life of an ordinary high schooler and a worldwide pop star. The film on the other hand looks absolutely terrible which of course didn't prevent it from being a massive commercial success as was the soundtrack (it was likely that Taylor Swift cameo.)
Peak position #6
Hit singles
The climb #5
Hoedown throwdown #20
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Well, he may have had only one hit to his name by this point in time in Australia, however that didn't prevent this greatest hits package from becoming a huge success for the soul legend and right around Countdown was launching to boot. He did score a massive hit with his next album which proves that while he wasn't that popular on the singles chart here, he at least managed to connect with audience down under.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 1975)
Although he wasn't among the biggest singers of the decade, Davis Essex did achieve a string of hits during the midpoint of the decade which would explain why the album with his biggest hit became a massive success for him here in Australia. Even so he did struggle to find success after this album down under, although his popularity did return on occasion over the years in his native UK.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Rolling stone #19
Hold me close #2
(POPULAR IN 1976)
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)
There were a lot of successful disco albums this decade, one of the more prominent ones comes from this trio of women (who weren't actually a family) based on the success of their one and only hit they scored throughout the world. While they never saw the success of the likes of Donna Summer or Gloria Gaynor, they did leave their impact on the disco scene as their big hit continues to light up dance floors to this day.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
The best disco in town #3
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
He may only be a one album wonder with his album Nilsson Schmilsson, however Harry Nilsson was able to gain enough nostalgia from Australians only five years after its initial release to have them check in with his catalogue with this greatest hits album. I don't even know why this was a success as he didn't score any hits with the album.
Peak position #11
(POPULAR IN 1977)
Compared to the rest of their discography, this feels like an outlier in Fleetwood Mac's catalogue, mainly due to it being their one double album as well as it being more in line with a prog album compared to the rest of their work. As a result, it wasn't quite as successful as their other albums, however it was still a massive success for them regardless.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Tusk #3
Sara #11
(POPULAR IN 1979, 1980)
This was the debut album from one of the most successful bands of the decade, although fun fact, these guys are technically an Australian band since they formed while on tour here following their departure from their previous band the Tourists. This was the start of a trend where each album the duo would release would be more successful than the last, culminating with their fourth album Revenge.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Love is a stranger #17
Sweet dreams #6
(POPULAR IN 1983)
This album was a huge success for Elton John following the success of his comeback album the previous year, although after this he would enter another dry spell as he would suffer from a drug addiction which affected his creativity and eventually his vocals due to developing polyps that he needed to have removed. He came back bigger than ever once the decade ended, but it was a rocky road for him to get there.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Sad songs #4
Passengers #9
(POPULAR IN 1984)
This was the only successful album to come from Huey Lewis and the News in Australia, although they were a much bigger deal in their native America throughout the decade which perhaps suggests their lack of international success was more due to bad marketing than anything else. Indeed, they only scored one hit from this album despite having two Billboard chart toppers from it.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Stuck with you #2
Hip to be square #17
Jacob's ladder #48
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
Before Tracy Chapman and Melissa Etheridge, we had Suzanne Vega who began the trend of having female singer/songwriters make it big in the mainstream with their sharpy written ballads that connected with audiences. Of course, those women would overshadow Suzanne the following year, however this album has remained relevant over the years thanks to its lead single and its take on domestic violence.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Luka #21
(POPULAR IN 1987)
I haven't seen the biopic for Ritchie Valens (nor do I plan on doing so if I'm being honest) however it was a huge critical and commercial success largely thanks to the music which was largely performed by Los lobos who scored a big hit from this album with the title track.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
La bamba #1
Come on let's go #22
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
Yeah, Cocktail isn't a very good movie, I know there's diehard fans of Tom Cruise out there who'll love anything he appears in but aside from those people, I can't imagine anyone liking this film about him being a cocktail waiter. At least it had an interesting soundtrack that revived the career of the Beach boys as well as some other interesting tracks on there.
Peak position #1x5
Peak position #1x5 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Don't worry be happy #1 (ARIA #1)
Kokomo #1 (ARIA #1)
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
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)
It had been seven years since the tragic passing for Karen Carpenter, although I guess the last greatest hits package from the duo was released exclusively here in Australia and NZ whereas this was released internationally to deafening silence outside of both countries. I guess we were the only ones who realised the genius of their music back in the day, although time has since reevaluated their legacy.
Peak position #9
Peak position #15 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1990, 1991)
The last time Joe Cocker troubled the charts was five years prior with his album Unchain my heart and its title track, so I'm guessing this greatest hits album (which would have its name taken from Sony's lucrative Essential collections in the 00's) was meant to help audiences rediscover his catalogue which they of course did around this time.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
This was a bit of a comeback for the Rolling Stones here in Australia, mainly because it managed to spawn a few minor hits here which is proof that even if they were past their prime at this point, they were still able to retain a fanbase this far in their career.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Love is strong #47
Out of tears #43
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
Her popularity had begun to dwindle by this point in her career, although she was still several years off from hitting a low point both in her career and personal life, so she was able to keep the momentum going with this album. The theme here is about a self-discovery, with the tracks about becoming a butterfly being an obvious metaphor for transforming into your true self.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Honey #8 (AMR #5)
Butterfly #27
Breakdown #38
My all #39
(POPULAR IN 1997)
It appears that these guys picked up where they left off eight years prior as they managed to score instant success with this album following a five-year hiatus due to the polarising reception of their previous album These days. It may have brought them back to the mainstream; however, it was merely temporary as aside from a hit with "Have a nice day" later in the decade, this would be the last they trouble our charts.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
It's my life #5
Say it isn't so #9
Thank you for loving me #34
(POPULAR IN 2000)
While this wasn't as popular as their previous album, it made up for that by spawning a huge hit on the alternative scene in the form of its lead single "My doorbell" which likely would've become a hit here in Australia had digital downloads been counted towards our main charts. As is, it's a decently successful album whose low placement on this list can be contributed to it charting too long on the lower half of our charts.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 2005)
Delta was on a roll when she released her third album this year, although it was noticeably less successful than her previous efforts likely due to it only spawning two hits as opposed to the numerous hits her earlier work spawned throughout the decade. Still, it allowed her to continue her momentum into the 2010's, although she would have a quiet period until her time as a judge on the Voice Australia.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
In this life #1
Believe again #2
You will only break my heart #14
I can't break it to my heart #13
(POPULAR IN 2007, 2008)
This is the third throwback album that David Campbell released in the third consecutive year, it was technically a bigger hit than his previous two efforts, although it didn't chart as long on the upper echelons of our charts which is why it has a lower ranking on these lists than those two entries.
Peak position #10
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
It had been several years since the demise of the Easybeats, however when lead singer Stevie Wright finally decided to release a solo album, it was as if no time had passed since his heyday with the band from almost a decade prior given how it spawned one of the biggest hits of the decade here in Australia in the form of its lead single. He would release one more album which wasn't as popular but did spawn another huge hit for him before fading into obscurity.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Evie #1
(POPULAR IN 1974)
This is one of many greatest hits albums to come from the Beach boys that found some degree of success over the years here in Australia, I'm sure their earlier works were also huge; however, I don't have much access to the 60's charts down under, so I don't know for sure.
Peak position #23
(POPULAR IN 1975)
This seemed to come out of nowhere for the Canadian band as while "Taking care of business" from their previous album has since become a staple on oldies stations, it wasn't a big deal back in the day outside of their native Canada. I'm guessing this was a success for them in Australia due to us Aussies connecting with them on their big hit from this album and wanting to root for them to make it big.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
You ain't seen nothing yet #4
(POPULAR IN 1975)
This was a comedic record that comedian Bob Hudson managed to score a massive hit with back in the day, mainly due to the title track becoming a surprise hit for him here and in NZ as well. I can't say this is a comedy routine as there is a melody to these jokes, however it does feel like it belongs in the realms of Kevin Wilson and the 12th man.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Newcastle song #1
(POPULAR IN 1975)
Following the success of his earlier entry on this list, Billy Joel had little issues with finding success with this album even if he was still yet to have that big hit that would come on his later work. Indeed, he was a rising star in the music industry at this stage even in his native America where he still wasn't the biggest piano man in the music scene.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Say goodbye to Hollywood #45
(POPULAR IN 1976)
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)
I'm a bit surprised the Star Wars soundtracks didn't sell better here in Australia back in the day considering A: how much of a cultural phenomenon the films were and B: them being the orchestral themes composed by John Williams especially given how the original trilogy was released when orchestral music was in vogue in the music scene.
Peak position #12
(POPULAR IN 1977, 1978)
This was the only album from Barry Manilow's catalogue to be a huge success here in Australia, although his greatest hits album Manilow magic did confirm that he was more of a singles artist back in the day rather than having albums people could connect with in the mainstream. I guess it doesn't help that all but one of his hits have been covers despite him proudly proclaiming himself as a songwriter.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Can't smile without you #3
Copacabana #9
(POPULAR IN 1978)
This was the only notable success that Bob Marley managed to achieve during his lifetime in Australia, although I guess we should be thankful that at least one of his albums was a commercial success here as opposed to America where he never even charted on the Billboard charts. I guess this album's success was a bit confusing considering how reggae music never seemed to be that popular here in Australia.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Is this love #11
(POPULAR IN 1978)
Even though they had success earlier in the decade with "In the flesh" in Australia and "Denis" in the UK, Blondie were finally able to make it big in their native America with this album given how the lead single incorporates disco into their sound. This made the band a household name internationally and set them up for major success in the 80's which they unfortunately didn't manage to achieve after their album Autoamerican.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Heart of glass #1
Hanging on the telephone #39
(POPULAR IN 1979)
This is a bit of a comeback album for Ross Wilson as he was previously the lead singer of Daddy cool (best known for their hit single "Eagle rock") indeed this seemed to spark a new chapter in his popularity given how iconic the singles remain from this album. Mondo rock would see varying levels of success throughout the decade, although none of their follow ups reached this level of success.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
State of the heart #6
Cool world #8
Chemistry #20
Summer of 81 #31
(POPULAR IN 1981)
It looked like the magic was beginning to wear off on these guys as this proved to be less of a success than their previous album Tusk despite it being a return to form with their sound, I guess the success of Stevie Nick's solo album somewhat discouraged people from checking out what fresh drama the band had to offer on here. Fortunately for the band, they recovered later in the decade with Tango in the night which was filled with drama, thus making this albums lack of success that much more puzzling.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Hold me #12
Gypsy #17
(POPULAR IN 1982)
One of the more popular bands of the decade were the Divinyls, mainly due to the lead singer Chrissie Amphlett who much like the Pretenders, had an attitude which made her seem like one of the boys which allowed her to connect with many audiences who would otherwise pass up music made by women. Indeed, their brand of new wave helped them stand out from a bunch of other now long forgotten female lead bands.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Science fiction #13
Siren #45
(POPULAR IN 1983)
Regardless of how you feel about these guys (they're not for me) there's no denying that they were among the most popular bands in the world during the early 80's and as such, this greatest hits package would inevitably be a success for them. This did spell the end of their relevancy as they struggled to find any success after this album, however it did spawn one more hit for them in America so there's that at least.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Making love out of nothing at all #45
(POPULAR IN 1983)
Footloose is a film I can easily see annoying people due to how nobody in the town realises the obvious delinquents were the ones causing all the problems in said town, although I feel this was more to make the film's message about not oppressing an entire demographic based on the actions of a select few resonate with audiences. At least the music is really catchy, hence why the soundtrack did so well.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Footloose #1
Let's hear it for the boy #3
(POPULAR IN 1984)
This was the solo debut album for Jimmy Barnes that he released less than six months after the success of his final album with Cold Chisel, it proved that he was the real driving force of the bands popularity here given how quickly he was able to find success on his own after leaving them. Technically this album was a success twice as his next release included slight alterations of this album as well as some new songs.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
No second prize #12
Daylight #12
(POPULAR IN 1984)
Although it was never that much of a success, "Everybody wants to work" remains a staple on oldies stations to this day thanks to how relatable the song is. That song doesn't appear on this album as instead we have some more contemporary songs which nonetheless proved to be a huge success for the band likely thanks to the charisma of lead vocalist Brian Mannix as well as some catchy pop rock.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
The party #18
50 years #4
Still waiting #43
(POPULAR IN 1985)
I guess if Nik Kershaw could score a bunch of hits on the singles chart in Australia, then it would only make sense for Howard Jones to find success with his second album here. This album's popularity came before the fourth single was given the remix treatment the following year, although the fact that became his only hit in Australia should tell you how unfairly ignored he was back in the day here.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Things can only get better #11
Look mama #20
Life in one day #33
No one is to blame #9
(POPULAR IN 1985)
This was the biggest album that the Divinyls released in their catalogue, although like before there were two versions of this album as the tracks that were cut from the original album on the international release were added onto this album in lieu of several tracks that were never released outside of Australia. Fortunately, it's the original version with these internationally omitted tracks that was the big success here.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Good die young #32
In my life #47
Pleasure and pain #11
Sleeping beauty #50
(POPULAR IN 1985, 1986)
This was the last successful album that Joe Cocker had in Australia, although in NZ he would see a resurgence in popularity as he had several albums becoming a success throughout the 90's over there. In any case we have this album which was a success due to its title track, which is a cover of a Ray Charles classic, basically this was him returning to his roots of being a soul singer covering Motown classics.
Peak position #21
Hit singles
Unchain my heart #17
(POPULAR IN 1988)
There have been many compelling performances on MTV Unplugged over the years, perhaps the first one of these performances came from Mariah Carey who wanted to prove to her audience that she wasn't lip synching her material and only hesitated to go on tour due to her stage freight that she had at the time. Indeed, she sounds extremely nervous throughout this E.P, however she did successfully prove that she was the real deal as she had little issues in hitting those high notes.
Peak position #7
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I'll be there #9 (AMR #7)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
This was the only notable album that Sonia Dada released throughout their career, even then it was only a success here in Australia due to how inescapable the lead single was as well as it spawning a second single following the success of the lead single. I'm not even sure what happened to these guys as from what I can gather, they continued to release new music throughout the rest of the decade to deafening silence.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You don't treat me no good #1 (AMR #1)
You ain't thinking #3 (AMR #3)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
These guys were on a roll this decade as they released this album two years after the success of their previous album Automatic for the people, it's worth noting that at this point they had become more popular worldwide than in their native America which is why they didn't see much success on Billboard as the decade went on. Unfortunately, this was their last major album as their popularity would decline after this.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
What's the frequency Kenneth #24
Bang and blame #29
(POPULAR IN 1994, 1995)
Given that this was the soundtrack to the theatrical adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Weber's Evita and that it starred Madonna in the title role, it was going to be a success regardless of if the film was a critical and commercial success or not. Fortunately, the film was both which got the soundtrack to rebound on the charts when the lead single took home the academy award for best song and its second single became a hit.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You must love me #11 (AMR #14)
Don't cry for me Argentina #9 (AMR #11)
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
She had a surprise hit the previous year with "Pash," so it only makes sense that Kate Ceberano would close out the 90's with a greatest hits package to remind her fans of her back catalogue. It was a huge success for her, although it didn't do her career any favours going into the new millennium.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
I won't let you down #50
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This is the final successful album that Celine Dion had in her career, mainly because it came out right before her infamous performance in Vegas with Anastacia where the two women butchered "You shook me all night long" by AC/DC which earned them both the rath of their rapid fanbase. That would explain why despite the album being a success, it failed to spawn her a hit single.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
A new day has come #19
I'm alive #30
(POPULAR IN 2002)
This was a huge sleeper hit for Jessica Simpson here in Australia, likely due to the singles doing surprisingly well here which I guess was due to the success of her reality series which had premiered around the time it came out. It would be the last album to be a success in any way as the show unfortunately turned her into a laughingstock in both the real world and especially the internet.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
With you #4
Take my breath away #15
Angels #27
(POPULAR IN 2004)
This is the final album that George Michael released in his lifetime, I'm not sure why as though it wasn't a huge success for him, it was still quite popular which was something many of his contemporaries from the 80's and even 90's were struggling with at the time in their respective careers. Even though this was his final album, that didn't mean he stopped making music altogether as he did release singles over the years.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Freeek #5
Shoot the dog #36
Amazing #6
Flawless #26
(POPULAR IN 2004)
There was a lot of hype going into Evanescence's third album given how inescapably popular their second album was earlier in the decade, alas though it was a success upon its initial release, fans quickly grew to dislike this follow up largely due to them feeling like the magic from their earlier release was nowhere to be found on this album. The band has released new material since this came out to deafening silence.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Call me when you're sober #5
Lithium #26
(POPULAR IN 2006)
This is the first album that Keith Urban released following his marriage to Nicole Kidman, naturally the marriage propelled his popularity not just here but throughout the rest of the world given how she was an Oscar winning actress by this point in her career. His popularity would only grow from here in out as each of his albums would be more successful than the last here in his homeland.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Once in a lifetime #18
(POPULAR IN 2006)
This felt like a disappointment compared to the Rogue trader's previous album, or rather, it was more of the same which is perhaps why it wasn't anywhere near as successful as Here come the drums given how the times were quickly changing when it came to 80's nostalgia as it shifted from homages to the genuine articles returning to the mainstream with their material. This compelled Natalie to leave the group to embark on a solo career.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Don't you wanna feel #10
I never liked you #9
What you're on #30
(POPULAR IN 2007)
This is the earliest album from David Bowie I'll be featuring on this site, although his previous album Pin ups was his biggest album here in Australia until Let's dance a decade after its release. Fans see this as a return to form given how Pin ups was a covers album and that Bowie is best known for his originality and distinct vision in music which they feel was lacking on that album.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Rebel rebel #28
(POPULAR IN 1974)
I'm a bit surprised this didn't do as well back in the day given how it has the radio classic "Sister golden hair" as its lead single, I guess you can blame Countdown for this album's mediocre success here in Australia as America was doing very well up until this point in their career with their previous material.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Sister golden hair #28
(POPULAR IN 1975)
This is one of two entries to come from the Silver convention on this list, here we have the German trio with their second album which they named after their one and only other hit they had following their Billboard chart topper "Fly robin fly" this year.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Get up and boogie #19
(POPULAR IN 1976)
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