These guys were among the most popular bands in the alternative scene worldwide, so it makes sense that they would finally achieve massive success with their third album given how popular they had become. This album's success was likely boosted by their appearance on Countdown this year, indeed the lead single has become a popular staple on oldie's stations more so than their actual big hit "Shout to the top."
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Walls come tumbling down #19
Boy who cried wolf #38
(POPULAR IN 1985)
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)
It looked like this third album from Richard Marx was going to be a massive flop for him given how the lead single failed to find any sort of audience outside his native America from the previous year, fortunately the second single managed to become a massive worldwide hit albeit rather slowly as I'm sure most people didn't realise the dark subject matter of the ballad and thus not realise the true potential this guy had on here.
Peak position #11
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Keep coming back #34
Hazard #1 (AMR #1)
Take this heart #11 (AMR #10)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
I always wondered why the signature track from this soundtrack was a surprise hit at the start of the decade here in Australia, it turns out our love for the film Fame was so prevalent that it allowed us to rediscover the film that originally spawned "The time warp" which resulted in the success of that films soundtrack six years after its initial release.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
The time warp #3
(POPULAR IN 1981)
I'm guessing this was a hit for Barry Manilow due to the success of his cover of a Four seasons classic this year, although it doesn't come with the album so perhaps it was more due to how inescapable it was in the UK during the early stretch of the decade. This would be the last anyone would hear from the crooner, unless of course you're a fan of 90's Don Blueth in which case he wrote songs for Thumbelina and the Pebble and the penguin.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 1982)
Well at least this live show from Tower Philadelphia was a massive success for David Bowie in Australia, I guess it allowed his next album to be a moderate success which isn't much comfort given that album had a Billboard chart topper for him that failed to become a success here in Australia.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Knock on wood #49
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
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)
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)
Patti Smith didn't see much success in her career over the years, the one exception being her second album with her self-titled band which became a success due to the lead single being written by Bruce Springsteen of all people. It remains a popular album from the 70's pseudo punk scene (I guess you can say this is punk) as well as having her being a legend in the music industry.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Because the night #15
(POPULAR IN 1978)
This proved to be the least successful soundtrack to the High school musical trilogy, likely because the film wasn't released to theatres like the third installment was nor the novelty fresh like the first installment. Still, it proved to be a massive success for the project and confirmed its main lead Zac Effron as a new force to be reckoned with in Hollywood given his appearing on the Hairspray project from earlier on this list.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
What time is it #20
(POPULAR IN 2007)
Who says teen pop was dead during the midpoint of the decade? Granted it wasn't anywhere near as successful as it was entering the new millennium, however that didn't prevent this debut from Jesse McCartney from being a success here in Australia likely due to how attractive his core audience found him to be. Sadly, he wouldn't find any further success here even after he finally crossed over in his native America.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Beautiful soul #1
She's no you #10
Get your shine on #34
(POPULAR IN 2005)
One of the best rom coms of the 90's was Sleepless in Seattle, a film that deconstructs rom com cliches to tell a story that both subverts the classic rom coms of the golden age of cinema and also pays homage to them in a loving way. It was a huge critical and commercial success back in the day and spawned a soundtrack that was also a massive success.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
I guess Hoodoo gurus were in danger of not being able to transition from the 80's to the 90's given how their last album Magnum cum louder was a huge flop at the end of the previous decade. Fortunately, they were able to bounce back this year with this album lead by a song that was built on 60's nostalgia which was still a popular trend of the early 90's. This second wind didn't last long for the band I'm afraid.
Peak position #4
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Miss freelove 69 #19 (AMR #17)
1000 miles away #37
(POPULAR IN 1991)
This is the first appearance from one of the more well-respected Australian bands of the decade, again we have Triple J to thank for how Something for Kate (what a weird band name) managed to make it big in the mainstream to the point where I remember hearing their songs on the radio back in the day. Much like many other alternative bands of the decade, the trio were likely victims of digital piracy back in the day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Monsters #15
Three dimensions #32
Twenty years #43
Say something #40
(POPULAR IN 2001)
Well, this was Icehouse further experimenting with their sound from their previous album, again it was a huge success given how people were too curious to look away at what Iva Davis and company were doing at the time, but I feel people were relieved when they returned to what made them a household name on their next album. Still the fact this album was a success proved that people did genuinely like what they had to offer.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
No promises #30
Baby you're so strange #14
Mr big #18
(POPULAR IN 1986)
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)
Now that they had three hits to their name, it was inevitable that Culture beat was able to find success with their one and only album here in Australia which would start a mini trend of a European EDM group scoring three hits from an album before fading into obscurity by the end of the year. Corona would follow suit with their album the following year and La bouche the year after that.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Mr. vain #1 (AMR #2)
Got to get it #7 (AMR #4)
Anything #12 (AMR #11)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
These guys were known to be a killer live band, so it only makes sense that a live album from them would be a huge success during the height of their popularity. Of course, the real treat came when a live rendition of "Am I ever gonna see your face again" had the crowd shouting "no way get f**ked f**k off" in response which helped the song become a hit twelve years after its initial release.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Am I ever gonna see your face again #11
(POPULAR IN 1988)
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)
This was the breakthrough album that Jackson Browne had in Australia, although it was more of a sleeper hit as it didn't quite reach the upper echelons of the charts as his next two albums did. Still, this was as good an introduction to his music as anything as it does contain some of his more iconic work in his catalogue.
Peak position #18
(POPULAR IN 1977)
One of the best rom coms of the decade is easily Love actually, a Christmas film that has several stories intertwined with each other about several British citizens falling in love at a time where that seemed to be nigh impossible in modern society. As with most British films, it had a rather eclectic soundtrack which is perhaps why the soundtrack managed to be a massive success in addition to the film.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
The trouble with love is #11
(POPULAR IN 2004)
It appears that Lee Kernaghan was one of those artists who saw more success with each album he released similar to that of the Foo fighters and Keith Urban here in Australia, indeed his popularity would increase when Keith finally saw his mainstream breakthrough later in the decade.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 2002)
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)
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)
I guess it was only a matter of time before I featured a Take that album on this site, although this was their only notable success given how they were thoroughly defeated in the first round of the boy band wars by East 17 as far as we Aussies were concerned. Still, this did spawn their biggest hit even in their native UK, so I guess we cut them some slack by handing them success with this album here.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Sure #31
Back for good #1 (AMR #1)
Never forget #12 (AMR #14)
(POPULAR IN 1995)
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)
This was the second volume for the Eagles greatest hits package following their first volume from 1976, admittedly this was released more in response to the band breaking up at the start of the decade rather than it being released six years after its first volume. It was a success given how they infamously declared that hell needed to freeze over for them to reform, that of course happened in 1994.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 1983)
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)
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)
Although their (then) most recent album was a bit of a commercial disappointment, that didn't prevent Green day from releasing a greatest hits album which somewhat picked up the slack that Warning gave them. Even so, they really needed to rethink their strategy moving forward especially after they lost the master tapes of their new album they were working on, the result was their biggest album of their career.
Peak position #11
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
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 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)
This was the debut album from the Village people which naturally saw a surge in popularity once the band released their earlier entry on this list, there's not much to say about it that can't be said about their follow up aside from it spawning a moderate hit here even prior to when they took over our disco scene.
Peak position #21
Hit singles
San Francisco #15
(POPULAR IN 1978)
I guess we Aussies passed up this solo effort from Phil Collins in favour of its lead single where it became his biggest hit by this point in his career but solo and with Genesis, although it was enough of a sleeper hit for it to qualify for this list which is more than I can say for his (then) latest album with his band which was a complete flop here.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
You can't hurry love #3
(POPULAR IN 1983)
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 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)
This is the final album from Cyndi Lauper to achieve any sort of success from her career, this is mainly due to it being so far removed from her wacky persona that made her a household name earlier in the decade that fans naturally felt alienated by it. Even so, it wasn't that much of a flop here in Australia thanks to the lead single becoming a genuine hit for her here.
Peak position #23
Peak position #17 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
I drove all night #8 (ARIA #11)
My first night without you #50
(POPULAR IN 1989)
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)
I'm somewhat surprised this didn't do better here in Australia, mainly because it spawned two of the biggest hits of the decade here which was impressive given how this was an RNB album even if it was released after the heyday of Boyz II men. Still those ballads did keep this album afloat on our charts even if we Aussies weren't that interested in what else they had to offer outside of this project.
Peak position #24
Peak position #21 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Last night #2 (AMR #1)
Hard to say I'm sorry #5 (AMR #3)
(POPULAR IN 1997)
This is the final album that Bryan Ferry achieved any sort of success with in his career, it's among many albums released in the late 80's from artists of the 60's and 70's to achieve success with the (then) older crowd likely due to how mature it was compared to the bombast that the other entries on this list had to offer.
Peak position #20
Hit singles
The right stuff #23
Kiss and tell #38
(POPULAR IN 1988)
Following the success of his second solo album, Bryan Ferry struck while the iron was hot and released his third solo album which proved to be slightly more successful in exchange for it lacking that inescapable hit that "Let's stick together" became prior to its release. This led to him releasing a third album not long after this which sadly for him crashed and burned and caused him to reform Roxy music.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
This is tomorrow #6
Tokyo Joe #30
(POPULAR IN 1977)
You'd think that this album from one of the most popular artists of the decade would've been even bigger here in Australia, granted this did spawn three of the biggest hits of the decade here but that doesn't mean it couldn't have been a huge juggernaut like other pop albums of its time. In any case, this was the album which made the duo a household name over in America due to how catchy the songs are on here.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Wake me up before you go go #1
Careless whisper #1
Freedom #3
Everything she wants #7
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
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 last successful album that ELO released in their discography, I'm guessing because they weren't able to adapt with the MTV era despite making multiple attempts throughout the decade. Here they revert back to their prog roots which I'm sure many of their older fans appreciated seeing as though their last two albums saw them experiment with disco.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Hold on tight #5
(POPULAR IN 1981)
Toto began their life as a group of session musicians for other bands and artists before they decided to join the leagues of their clientele by releasing their debut album, it proved to be a worthy decision as this album was a huge success for them worldwide. They did struggle to retain their popularity with their next two albums; however, they would be back in the spotlight with their Grammy winning fourth album.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Hold the line #8
(POPULAR IN 1979)
Well, this feels like a shameless cash grab, granted the Beatles do have themed greatest hits packages and such it is possible this album was always meant to be released when it was. That said, the fact that this came out so soon after John Lennon's death just leaves a bad taste in my mouth as I doubt it would've been as successful as it was if John had lived to see this year.
Peak position #1x7
(POPULAR IN 1981)
While he wasn't able to find another hit single going into the new millennium, John Farnham nonetheless managed to retain his popularity with his albums at least during the first half of the decade. I'm not sure why he chose to title this album what it is, perhaps it's a reference to how many years he had been in the music industry as it was indeed around 33 years by this point.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Trying to live my life without you #42
(POPULAR IN 2000)
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 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)
This was the only album that Mel and Kim ever released, mainly because during its production, Mel was diagnosed with cancer which would eventually claim her life less than three years after its release. The girls tried to record new material during the final years of her life, but aside from "That's the way it is" which would eventually be included on here as a bonus track, nothing ever came into fruition.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Showing out #12
Respectable #1
FLM #19
(POPULAR IN 1987)
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 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)
Following the success of their previous album Wings at the speed of sound, the band decided to embark on an American tour which they named after said album which proved to be a massive success for them. This live album captures the highlights of the tour which the rest of the world was able to appreciate as it became a huge success for them in their catalogue.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 1977)
Dire straits had briefly broken up this year so that Mark Knopfler would work on his side project the Notting Hillbillies who would release one album in 1990 before reuniting the band in 1991, to help keep fans satisfied while he was off with this project, he released this greatest hits package which was a huge success proving they likely would've preferred it if he didn't break up the band around this time.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (ARIA charts)
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
It seems odd that these guys would be able to survive the initial onslaught that the grunge scene had with the rest of rock music, however they did just that thanks to the lead single and its music video which features some of the worst CGI to come out of this decade. This allowed the band to hang in there while many of their contemporaries struggled to find success with their respective albums.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Let's get rocked #6 (AMR #4)
Make love like a man #22
Have you ever needed someone so bad #44
Two steps behind #33
(POPULAR IN 1992)
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)
This was an album that sat on shelves for nearly two years before it finally saw mainstream success with its singles, this is going to be a recurring trend this decade as we look at albums record labels failed to promote initially only for them to randomly find success sometimes years after their initial release. This led the Spin doctors to being a one album wonder, mainly due to their second album being widely panned by critics.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Little miss can't be wrong #16 (AMR #11)
Two princes #3 (AMR #3)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
Felt like you couldn't get enough of their big hit this year? Well Stars on 45 (or Starsound if you're from the UK) have you covered as that mashup was a mere taste of what they had to offer on their debut album. Indeed, they combined many more classics throughout the album which audiences fell in love with back in the day.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Stars on 45 #1
(POPULAR IN 1981)
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)
We have another entry from an Australian artist for this list, this time it's the third album from Hoodoo gurus who were able to find massive success with this album due to it spawning their biggest hit in the form of its lead single. Even though they were quickly gaining an international audience with their albums, their popularity would dwindle after this as their next album would fail to see this level of success.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
What's my scene #3
Good times #36
(POPULAR IN 1987)
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)
Well, it looked like Elvis Presley was able to find success till the bitter end as he released this album a mere month prior to his untimely death. Much like John Lennon's album Double fantasy, it's hard to say if this album would've been as big as it was if he were to live to see the following year, it did spawn two hit singles before his passing, so I think this album did have a genuine fanbase to draw from.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Moody blue #17
Way down #6
Moody blue (post death) #29
(POPULAR IN 1977)
While this wasn't their debut album, it was the first album that Faith no more saw any success with worldwide likely due to the strength of its lead single. This was the band's only success in their native America, although here in Australia, they would release three more albums which would prove to be three of the most successful of the decade. They broke up after the fourth album likely due to frustration of their lack of success back home.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Epic #1 (AMR #1)
Falling to pieces #26
(POPULAR IN 1990)
Before it ever premiered on London's west end, Evita was a concept album based on the real-life political figure from the first half of the twentieth century. Naturally the success of this album led to the show being written for the stage which eventually saw a theatrical released twenty years after this album came out starring Madonna in the title role, it's easily considered her best performance.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Don't cry for me Argentina #1
(POPULAR IN 1977)
These guys hadn't had a successful album to their name for almost a decade when they released their greatest hits package, it's yet another example of a fanbase preferring their classics over their newer material as the band were still releasing new albums this decade to very little success.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
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)
There were no signs of these guys slowing down as they soldiered on throughout the decade with their prog rock, admittedly they weren't as inescapable as they were with their magnum opus Dark side of the moon, however that didn't mean that they were outselling the competition two to one.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 1977)
One of the more popular non-Hollywood films to emerge from this decade was Four wedding and a funeral, a British rom com about a guy is afraid of commitment falling in love with an American woman with chaos ensuing from there. The film was a huge box office and critical success thanks to the charming interactions with the characters, and as such the soundtrack which spawned one of the biggest hits of the decade was also a huge success.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Love is all around #1 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
Bad company were a hard rock band who already saw success the previous year with their self-titled album in Australia, this was the follow up to that album which was an inevitable success for them despite the lead single being a massive flop here. Their popularity would quickly fade as the decade went on as did many bands and artists that made it big prior to the launch of Countdown.
Peak position #8
(POPULAR IN 1975)
This was all set to becoming another flop for Westlife given how the Irish boy band hadn't had any success here since their cover of "Uptown girl" from earlier in the decade, however it spawned a massive hit with its lead single that for whatever reason, took its sweet time in becoming as such which finally led to this album being a success for them despite the noticeable absence of Brian McFadden.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
You raise me up #3
Amazing #34
(POPULAR IN 2006)
Deep Purple is another band who saw inescapable success here in Australia during the first half of the decade, as such they would've dominated these lists had I decided to go back further in the decade with each of their releases, making those lists rather repetitive given how little variety there was with what was successful.
Peak position #8
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
This was the only notable success that Elvis Costello had in the music industry, mainly for its lead single which remains a staple on oldies stations despite a controversial lyric where he uses a racial slur at one point (the slur is edited out on the radio.) Elvis is best known for being a punk rocker even though this album is more in line with what would eventually become new wave.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Oliver's army #24
(POPULAR IN 1979)
The Autumn of 1983 was a hectic time if this greatest hits package is anything to go by, there were plenty of big names scoring big hits for this album to choose from and it certainly delivered making it a huge success.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
White wedding #9
Don’t pay the ferryman #5
I eat cannibals #4
Shoop shoop #11
The clapping song #4
Our house #17
She blinded me with science #19
The message #21
Science fiction #13
Hooked on hooks #21
Too shy #6
Heartbreaker #2
Up where we belong #1
I could be so good for you #9
The other guy #17
Stepping out #30
It’s raining again #11
Ain’t no pleasing you #11
Wot #30
Can’t take my eyes off you #21
(POPULAR IN 1983)
The decade might have been coming to an end, however that didn't mean Abba was yesterday's news quite yet as they were able to score a massive hit with this album and even several hit singles to spawn from it. While their popularity wasn't as unavoidable as their earlier material, it was still noteworthy which is more than I can say for several other bands and artists that dominated the midpoint of the 70's.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Chiquitita #4
Does your mother know #7
(POPULAR IN 1979)
This was only one of two albums that Merril Bainbridge released in her career, the other one being so much of a commercial disaster it didn't even chart here let alone internationally. I'm guessing it was the success of this album which allowed her to see international success with its lead single despite how long it took for it to find an audience here initially, although it could also be that she was a popular female singer/songwriter.
Peak position #5
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Mouth #1 (AMR #1)
Under the water #4 (AMR #3)
Power of one #21
(POPULAR IN 1995)
Steely Dan is perhaps best known nowadays for their infamous Grammy upset at the 2000 awards ceremony, however back in the day they were a well-respected band who scored massive success in their native America throughout the 70's with their brand of adult contemporary and soft rock. This was their only massive success here in Australia which came right before they first called it quits.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Hey nineteen #48
(POPULAR IN 1981)
She saw plenty of success earlier in the decade as one half of Yazoo, however this was the big solo break that Alison Moyet had in her career which succeeded thanks to her killer vocals and relatable lyrics. It was more of a hit in NZ and her native UK, however even us Aussies couldn't deny her amazing voice on this album even if that love didn't really extend to her second album.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Love resurrection #17
All cried out #21
Invisible #15
(POPULAR IN 1985)
While this wasn't as successful as their first album from earlier in the decade, it made up for that by spawning two of D12's biggest hits which was a given as it was during the height of Eminem's popularity. I guess you can say this album eased fans into accepting Eminem's Encore album which will be appearing on the following list despite it being a critical failure for the rapper.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
My band #1
How come #4
(POPULAR IN 2004)
This was originally released the previous year to deafening silence for the Scottish band, likely because we Aussies didn't give them that much success back in the day and as such had no reason to check this greatest hits package out. That changed this year when their cover of a Mindbenders track become one of the biggest hits of the decade which incentivised us the check out their back catalogue with this album.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Love is all around #1 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
While this didn't live up to the standards set up by her previous album Jagged little pill, this album from Alanis Morissette was a huge success regardless thanks to it retaining the anger she displayed on that album as well as her exploring other facets of her life that connected with audiences. She did have one more somewhat successful album in the new millennium, but by then Avril Lavigne had taken over as the Canadian voice of a generation.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Thank u #15 (AMR #15)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
This was the big breakthrough that they Eurogliders had in their career after the mediocre reception of their debut album from two years prior, although their next album would be even bigger due to it spawning multiple hits for the Western Australian band. The album is best known for the vocal presence of lead singer Grace Knight who would have a solo album in 1990 that was a huge success.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Heaven #2
(POPULAR IN 1984)
Enya had a surprisingly good decade as she managed to rack up three successful albums in the 90's, so much so that this greatest hits package she released became a massive success for her proving how popular she was in the new age genre. Unfortunately, the new age genre was beginning to lose its popularity as less people wanted to meditate to music from the likes of her and Enigma.
Peak position #10
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
Now that these guys had a highly successful album under their belt, they had little issues with finding success with their subsequent follow ups beginning with this album which may have failed to produce a hit single for them but was a massive success regardless. The 80's would see their popularity increase as they began scoring hits from their albums as well as developing a positive reputation as a live act.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Shadow boxer #25
Out of the blue #29
(POPULAR IN 1979)
They may not have had much success here in Australia with their singles or even albums, however at least this greatest hits package from Earth wind and fire was able to become a success likely as a way of reconciling with our ignorance of their music throughout the decade. Indeed, they managed to score a major hit this year with the Emotions, proving that we were ready to make them a household name.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
September #12
(POPULAR IN 1979)
This was one of three albums that Nikki Webster released following her performance at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympics, although most Australians like to pretend that her singing career only consisted of the lead single to this album given how you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who liked her music even back in the day. I personally think it gets too much hate even though I'm not a fan of it either.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Strawberry kisses #2
Depend on me #16
The best days #21
(POPULAR IN 2001)
It had been a while since Supertramp last troubled our charts, in fact their last successful album was with Famous last words from four years prior which gives you an idea of how they failed to adjust with the MTV era like many bands from the 70's. Still, they were able to find success with this greatest hits album proving their back catalogue had secured their legacy.
Peak position #9
(POPULAR IN 1987)
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)
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 originally released three years prior under the band's original name Bjorn Benny and Agnetha Frida to deafening silence, likely because that's not a compelling band name to give yourself regardless of what language you speak. The band reissued the album under their new name this year which became a huge success here likely due to how much in love we Aussies were with their music.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Ring ring #7
(POPULAR IN 1976)
Evidently the success of that EDM cover of the signature track from the Beastie boys was all that was necessary for their latest album to find success here back in the day, although I guess the lead single would've also made a strong case for them to make it big due to how shamelessly goofy it was. This was their only success here in Australia as the rest of their catalogue was a huge flop down under.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Intergalactic #21 (AMR #16)
Body moving #28
(POPULAR IN 1998)
This was the final album that Linda Ronstadt managed to have any success with worldwide, although I'm guessing it was due to audiences resonating with the lead single about how getting old kind of sucks, but she doesn't care now that she's found the love of her life with Aaron Neville. Indeed, this is her most sombre album that I'll be featuring on this site, likely a reflection of how she's matured over the years.
Peak position #11
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Don't know much #2 (AMR #2)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
For the second year in a row, the runner up to Australian Idol managed to have a more successful album than its winner, proving that throughout the series, the show was controversial with who wound up winning the series given that Anthony Callea was the favourite to win over Casey Donovan. While I don't think it would've mattered at the time, nowadays it would've been more controversial that she won over a queer man.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
The prayer #1
Rain #1
Hurts so bad #10
Per sempre #5
(POPULAR IN 2005)
Much like their second album, this third and final album from the Bangles had a slow start to its rise of success due to the lead single not connecting with audiences at the time. Fortunately, this album also had a huge chart topper in the making as when the second single became just that worldwide and thus allowed the album to be a success for the band months prior to them calling it quits.
Peak position #13
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
In your room #42
Eternal flame #1 (ARIA #1)
Be with you #41
(POPULAR IN 1989)
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)
This had been an interesting decade for Wendy Matthews, she began as the lead singer of a supergroup before scoring two successful solo albums to her name before becoming yesterday's news by the midpoint of the 90's. Here she released a greatest hits package which became a success for her, this being the latest album of its kind to confirm that an artist's work is secured in the nostalgia circuit.
Peak position #4
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This was the first of several live albums from vh1 which captures the highlights of a concert they put together, they brought together five of the biggest female pop stars of the twentieth century (well four from the 90's and one that was already a legend by this point) which explains its success around this time.
Peak position #12
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
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)
Although they weren't able to compete with their main rivals Oasis here in Australia, Blur did achieve some moderate success starting with this album which they released the previous year to minimal success. It was able to rebound on our charts likely due to the lead single ranking quite high on their yearend list for 1995 which helped incentivise the mainstream into checking it out.
Peak position #10
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Country house #28
Charmless man #35
(POPULAR IN 1996)
Gomez was another Brit pop band that was destined for great things this decade only to have their potential stolen by Coldplay once they broke through late in the year in their native UK, indeed this was more of a success here in Australia due to our indie scene being more prominent than the one in Britain which allowed it to find an audience that it failed to achieve in their homeland.
Peak position #9
(POPULAR IN 2000)
We have one more popular EDM album to come out this year, this time it's from Swiss DJ Robert Miles who managed to score massive success with his trance tracks on this album thanks to how the lead single became a massive success with the new age crowd. He's another one album wonder to appear on this list, although this was par for the course for EDM artists by this point in the 90's.
Peak position #12
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Children #5 (AMR #5)
Fable #21 (AMR #19)
(POPULAR IN 1996)
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