Named after his breakthrough album from 1973, this admittedly took a while to become a success here in Australia as it was originally released two years prior to deafening silence for the piano man. I'm guessing it did take off due to the nostalgia circuit becoming a thing for the first time this year as we'll see for the remainder of these lists from the 00's.
Peak position #14
(POPULAR IN 2006)
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)
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 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 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)
Following the success of the Kanye west track that sampled one of their more iconic songs, Daft punk were suddenly able to find massive worldwide success with this live album which was a sign of the return of their popularity even if they didn't release another album for another six years after this came out.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Harder better faster stronger #43
(POPULAR IN 2008)
This was a success twice here in Australia, or rather it had two peak points given how it was more of a sleeper hit than a genuine success. The first time was when the second single became a surprise hit in the UK which allowed it and the lead single to reach the upper echelons of our charts, the second was when "Neutron dance" was featured in Beverly hills cop which allowed it to become the third single due to how well received its inclusion in the film was.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Automatic #15
Jump #8
Neutron dance #4
Baby come and get it #29
(POPULAR IN 1984, 1985)
This was originally released earlier in the decade to deafening silence for Billy Idol, although I'm not sure why given how immensely popular he was here in Australia with his singles. It was given a second chance when "Mony mony" became a Billboard chart topper which compelled his label to reissue the album worldwide where it became a massive success for him.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Mony mony #8
(POPULAR IN 1988)
At this stage, these were two women from highly successful bands collaborating together to make a soundtrack for an Australian miniseries known as Stringer. This serves mainly as a platform for both women to launch their respective solo careers as indeed both Kate Ceberano and Wendy Matthews would go on to have massive success on their own after this collaboration.
Peak position #8
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
(POPULAR IN 1988)
This is a bit of a surprise success for Spiderbait, well more specifically the lead single was which fuelled the album's success as it likely reminded fans of the band's heyday from the mid to late 90's. This was a bit of a short-lived comeback for the band as they didn't have any other gimmicks up their sleeves once the novelty of their cover of the Ram jam classic wore off.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Black betty #1
F**ken awesome #30
(POPULAR IN 2004)
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)
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)
Stevie Wonder always had some form of success here in Australia, however it's worth noting he only became a massive household name once he released his greatest hits package the following year which allowed his albums to see the massive success they had in his native America.
Peak position #19
(POPULAR IN 1974)
From what I can gather, the film adaptation to the Beatles album this serves as a soundtrack to is considered to be one of the worst films of all time thanks to bad acting from the cast which consists of musicians with limited acting experience as well as the plot being strung together solely through the lyrics of the songs from the soundtrack. Even the soundtrack was poorly received save for the covers from Aerosmith and Earth wind and fire.
Peak position #13
(POPULAR IN 1978)
This was more of a sleeper hit here in Australia thanks to the two lead singles being among the more popular going into the new decade, although neither of them was compelling enough for us Aussies to check out the rest of the album in droves unlike some of the other EDM releases that found way more success as the decade went on.
Peak position #22
Peak position #19 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Pump up the jam #4 (AMR #4)
Get up #7 (AMR #5)
This beat is technotronic #27
(POPULAR IN 1990)
This may surprise you to see how low it is on my list considering how many hits it managed to spawn here in Australia back in the day, let alone how this is the album which broke Air supply into the American market after the title track became a surprise international hit for them at the start of the decade. Alas, we Aussies weren't that interested in this album as was the case for the rest of their catalogue.
Peak position #21
Hit singles
Lost in love #13
All out of love #9
Every woman in the world #8
(POPULAR IN 1980)
We have another entry from Andre Bocelli to appear on this site, this time it's with an album that was more of a sleeper hit which suggests that his time in the spotlight was coming to an end when that wouldn't end up being the case.
Peak position #17
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
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)
Following the success of the film Fame, a TV show was commissioned which brought in a brand-new cast to replace the one from the film which proved to be a massive success back in the day. It was kind of like the 80's equivalent of Glee only with far less gossip drama and with mostly original songs sung each week (also just a better show all around in my opinion) which made the soundtrack a success as well.
Peak position #34
(POPULAR IN 1983)
This only barely makes the cut for this list due to its sheer length on our charts this year rather than it being a genuine hit for the band in question, although I am surprised that this was only barely a sleeper hit here given how A: the singles remain on heavy rotation on oldies stations to this day and B: it was the band's huge comeback in their native America after a decade of obscurity over there.
Peak position #37
Hit singles
What about love #28
Never #48
These dreams #27
(POPULAR IN 1986)
Given how he had won an academy award the previous year for his work on the Philadelphia soundtrack, this seemed as good as time as any for Bruce Springsteen to remind fans of his back catalogue with his greatest hits package which allowed the album to become a huge success for him.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1995)
Following the success of their debut album from earlier on this list, Skyhooks struck while the iron was hot with their sophomore album which further proved that they had more insightful things to say about the state of the world than their main rivals Sherbet. I should point out that while they weren't strictly a political band, all of their best-known songs did have something to say about the political climate of the decade.
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
Ego is not a dirty word #2
All my friends are getting married #2
(POPULAR IN 1975)
This albums name changes depending on where you're from, although considering both Corroboree and Waiata roughly translates to a traditional owner of a land, I think it's safe to say that this album was dedicated to the indigenous groups of both countries even though the album has nothing to do with either group it named after thematically. This political push didn't seem to hamper or enhance the albums popularity.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
One step ahead #5
History never repeats #4
(POPULAR IN 1981)
This is the final successful album to come from Pete Murray, at least it was a hit upon immediate release as it was unfortunately unable to spawn a massive hit like his previous two albums from earlier in the decade. Like many artists on this list, he's continued to try and recreate the success of what he achieved this decade to minimal results in the 2010's.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
You pick me up #36
Saving grace #44
(POPULAR IN 2008)
This was a bit of a disappointment from Billy Joel considering how inescapable (at least in Australia) his previous album was, although it did spawn arguably his biggest hit in the form of its lead single which in turn translated to the album's success worldwide. His next album would be even bigger, although it would also be his final album as he would spend the rest of his life as a touring act.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
We didn't start the fire #3 (ARIA #2)
I go to extremes #48
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
There didn't seem to be any signs of Neil's popularity slowing down in the mainstream given how he released this album around the time Countdown launched and swept away many of his earlier contemporaries from the decade. Such as the power of his popularity if he could thrive while the likes of Tony or Orlando and Harry Nilsson couldn't.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Longfellow serenade #7
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
David Bowie has seen plenty of ups and downs throughout his career, however this album did help those ups remain as such for at least half a decade as his next album would be the more pop friendly Let's dance which was his most successful in his career. I'm guessing this connected with audiences due to the lead single, specifically the video where he cosplays as the Tinman from the Wizard of Oz.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Ashes to ashes #3
Fashion #28
(POPULAR IN 1980)
There weren't any signs of these guys slowing down now that they were receiving international success with their material, indeed this album might not have been as successful as their previous album, however it more than made up for that by spawning multiple hits on Billboard and in other countries. These guys would continue to have success until Glenn Shorrock left the band and was replaced with John Farnham.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Shut down turn off #16
Reminiscing #35
Lady #46
(POPULAR IN 1978)
Livie was at the height of her popularity when she released the third volume of her greatest hits series, although it's worth noting that internationally this was only her second volume given how First impressions was released exclusively in Australia and NZ. Her career would come to a crashing halt when she starred opposite John Travolta for the second time in the critically panned Two of a kind.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Heart attack #22
(POPULAR IN 1983)
Bob Dylan was certainly on a roll when he released this album as it showed promise that he would thrive throughout the 80's, alas since he wasn't what would be marketable for the MTV era, this promise proved to be empty as he struggled to find mainstream success that decade. He did eventually return to the mainstream as a member of the Traveling wilburys, so it's not like this was the last people heard from him.
Peak position #1x2
(POPULAR IN 1979)
Named after a song Sting rerecorded for this greatest hits package, this album was a success following the confirmation that the trio had broken up for good to allow Sting to pursue his solo career that saw many highs and lows over the years. Indeed, the new version of the title track was a modest success for him proving that fans wanted to hear more from the trio but had to accept that wasn't going to happen.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Don't stand so close to me 86 #33
(POPULAR IN 1987)
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)
This is the earliest entry from Deep Purple I'll be featuring on this site, it was a massive hit this year and likely would've been as such had Countdown premiered earlier in the year due to how well their final two albums (from their initial run that is) did during the shows launch.
Peak position #7
(POPULAR IN 1974)
While the first film only had a successful theme song in the music scene, the second Mission impossible flick had a soundtrack so captivating to audiences of this year that it became a massive hit worldwide for the franchise. I've never been a fan of the franchise (or Tom Cruise for that matter) so I'm not among those that keep demanding a new film every few years.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Take a look around #28
(POPULAR IN 2000)
Even though this was a massive success for Donna Summer and is often considered to be the quintessential disco record from a musician of colour, it unfortunately led to her developing resentment for her previous work as the marketing depicted her as a sex worker which she felt sent her audience the wrong message. As a result, she became a devoted feminist after this album cycle was finished and changed her image going into the 80's.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Hot stuff #1
Bad girls #14
(POPULAR IN 1979)
This was the first of only two albums to come from Chocolate Starfish, an Australian band who were known for their campy onstage antics who nonetheless were able to see massive success thanks to how well their music connected with audiences. I'm not sure why they didn't find any success with their second album the following year, it unfortunately led to them breaking up later in the decade.
Peak position #2
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You're so vain #11 (AMR #12)
All over me #33
Mountain #12 (AMR #11)
4 letter word #41
(POPULAR IN 1994)
This album was named after his duet with Barbra Streisand which happened to be one of the biggest hits from both artists careers, so of course this was going to be a huge success for Neil Diamond just like most of his albums this decade. His popularity would continue to flourish in the 80's thanks to his performance in the Jazz singer, although it would quickly dwindle once the MTV era launched.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
You don't bring me flowers #4
Forever in blue jeans #41
(POPULAR IN 1979)
This was by far the biggest success that the Alan Parson's project had in their career, likely due to the title track being a huge success throughout certain parts of the world which proved to be a first for the duo. Like many prog bands from the 70's, these guys weren't able to sustain a career once MTV had taken over the music landscape, although they certainly tried throughout the rest of the decade.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Eye in the sky #22
(POPULAR IN 1982)
This is another album that sat on shelves largely ignored until the singles were discovered on the digital storefronts this year, well actually they were discovered the previous year but didn't become a success here in Australia until this year. Although this was the Fray's biggest album down under, they did score a chart topper with the lead single to their next album right when the decade was coming to an end.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Over my head #22
How to save a life #2
(POPULAR IN 2007)
It had been seventeen years since these guys had last troubled the charts anywhere in the world, mainly because they only released two albums due to the death of one of their key members Roy Orbison during their short time together. As compensation for them never getting back together (given that George Harrison was also dead by this point) the surviving members released their two albums together with this entry.
Peak position #1x2
(POPULAR IN 2007)
Although Dragon did achieve minor success earlier in the decade here in Australia, this was the album which finally made them a household name here to the point where they were able to take their success back home as the lead single managed to become a huge success over there. They were one of the earliest acts to achieve success in NZ thanks to appearing on Countdown for what it's worth.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
April sun in Cuba #2
(POPULAR IN 1977, 1978)
This was the final album to have the original singer for the Doobie brothers Tom Johnson on the lead, the band would be replaced with Michael McDonald after this album who would take the band in a more adult contemporary direction throughout the second half of the decade. This would lead to their biggest album Minute by minute which helped break them into a more mainstream audience.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Take me in your arms #34
(POPULAR IN 1975)
Paul Young was on a roll when he released his second album internationally, although it wasn't quite as huge as his debut album from two years prior due to it not having a string of hits like that album did. It didn't really matter though as he scored a Billboard chart topper from this album with a cover of a Hall and Oates track, thus making him one of the biggest British artists of the second invasion this decade over there.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
I'm gonna tear your playhouse down #25
Everything must change #27
Everytime you go away #20
Tomb of memories #44
(POPULAR IN 1985)
From what I can gather, the two Young guns movies from back in the day are among the more popular spaghetti westerns to this day thanks to its cast consisting of several members of the 80's Brat pack scene as well as them being lighthearted innocent fun. The second film had a soundtrack that served as a solo debut album for Jon Bon Jovi at the height of his popularity with his band.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Blaze of glory #1 (AMR #1)
Miracle #8 (AMR #11)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
This will be the earliest entry from Rod Stewart I'll be featuring on this site, suffice to say the crooner heavily benefitted from the Countdown era despite already having plenty of success during the first half of the decade with his earlier work here.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Farewell #47
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
This was the first successful album that Rihanna had anywhere in the world, although I'm not sure why her debut from the previous year was a flop worldwide given how it spawned two of the bigger hits of the midpoint of the decade. In any case, this was the first stepping stone towards her eventual chart dominance she would acquire by the end of the decade thanks to how inescapable the singles were.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
SOS #1
Unfaithful #2
We ride #24
(POPULAR IN 2006)
It appears that Eminem wanted to call it quits from the music industry, as such he released this greatest hits package to remind fans of the good times they had from his catalogue which included some new tracks that had a mixed reception upon their initial releases. His retirement would come to an end by the end of the decade where he released Relapse which many feel was worse than Encore (me included.)
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
When I'm gone #1
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
Although she had moderate success throughout the 70's in Australia, this was the first album that we Aussies took notice of from Joan Armatrading likely due to her voice finally clicking with us this year. Of course, she would find even bigger success later in the decade where she was finally able to score a hit single here, but this was a good introducing to her in the mainstream and for the 80's.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Me myself I #24
(POPULAR IN 1980)
This was so much less successful than Tracy's previous album here in Australia, although it was nonetheless a success for her likely due to it connecting with an audience even if said audience wasn't as vast as her debut album on this release. Still, it would be wrong to say that she only had two successful albums throughout her career given how this did leave a mark back in the day.
Peak position #5
Peak position #4 (ARIA charts)
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
This is the final successful album that the Killer's had in their career, again this was due to rock music taking a massive back seat to the likes of the club boom and indie pop going into the 2010's which sadly didn't have much room for the likes of these guys and many other bands on these last few lists of mine.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Human #28
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
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)
It took five years for them to follow up American idiot, however Green day was able to retain some of their success as the decade was coming to an end with this entry proving that their fanbase hadn't abandoned them despite how long they had to wait for another album from them. It's lucky they didn't delay this album to the new decade considering how rock music became poison to the mainstream in the 2010's.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Know your enemy #20
21 guns #14
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This was the last successful album that Brian Cadd had here in Australia, mainly because the lead single was among his more popular songs in his solo catalogue given how we already looked at it earlier on this list. I guess what I said about him earlier still stands given how many of his former bandmates went on to have massive success as the decade went on with their new projects whilst he didn't.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Let go #10
(POPULAR IN 1974)
While he wouldn't have any more success further in the decade, Michael Bolton was able to find success with this greatest hits package overlooking the first ten years of his career. Granted most of his success came from the previous five years, however I guess this was a good way of fans discovering his mid 80's work which wasn't a success for him at the time.
Peak position #6
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Can I touch you there #18 (AMR #16)
(POPULAR IN 1995)
This was the second solo album to come from Sting this decade, it wasn't quite as inescapable as his previous entry likely due to the success of the greatest hits album he released from his band the Police reminding audiences of their older material. Even so, this was a massive hit for the former frontman of one of the most popular bands of the decade, although his popularity would dwindle after this.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
We'll be together #13
(POPULAR IN 1987, 1988)
We have another successful entry from the Great American songbook franchise, this is the third volume which just like the second volume, was an instant success upon its release and even lasted quite a while on our charts albeit on the lower half of them hence why it appears so low on this list below albums that it was far more successful than back in the day.
Peak position #8
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
They may have never found success in their native America with their debut album; however, it became a huge success here in Australia and in NZ thanks to the band being discovered by Countdown presenter Molly Meldrum while overseas trying to interview bigger celebrities at the time. They were invited to appear on the show which they did which resulted in this and the lead single becoming a huge success.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Total control #7
(POPULAR IN 1980)
I'm not even sure what to make of this album, I guess these guys were among the first Australian bands to benefit from appearing on Countdown as this was a success for them even with that hilariously awful name, but they haven't had much of a legacy in the music industry.
Peak position #14
(POPULAR IN 1975)
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)
I'm not exactly sure how this third album from Concrete blonde managed to be a success here in Australia as they had yet to make it big in their native America, I'm guessing this had some assistance from Triple J before they would dominate our alternative scene which admittedly would make sense given how this is the type of alternative rock that would dominate their airwaves later in the decade.
Peak position #8
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Joey #2 (AMR #2)
Caroline #39
(POPULAR IN 1990)
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)
I guess this album was released to overlook the full career of the Eagles given how they had only previously released greatest hits albums during their career in stages, even so I have to wonder how this managed to become a success for a band who had been broken up for six years at this point.
Peak position #7
(POPULAR IN 1986)
There seemed to be many contemporaries of Norah Jones that managed to score success throughout the decade, one of the more prominent examples coming from Katie Melua who is a Georgian musician who achieved massive success this year including in Australia even though it's yet another album that was pushed aside in our mainstream in favour of all the commotion from Australian idol.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
The closest thing to crazy #45
(POPULAR IN 2004)
This is one of many greatest hits albums that the Rolling Stones released throughout their career, it was a decent success here in Australia due to how much they achieved since their last album that they released in this vein.
Peak position #12
(POPULAR IN 1976)
Although he had a massive hit with "Girls on the avenue" two years prior, this was the first album from Richard Clapton to achieve any sort of success likely due to his continual presence on Countdown even if it failed to spawn a genuine hit for him. He would have one more successful album in the 80's before his time in the spotlight was up, this is despite the fact he continued to be a regular on the show.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Deep water #43
(POPULAR IN 1977, 1978)
Boney M indeed were one of the biggest bands of the 70's, as such it was inevitable that their greatest hits package would be a success given how it serves as yet another reminder from this year of all the biggest success that came in the music industry from the previous decade.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 1980)
Elvis was indeed one of the biggest stars of Hollywood throughout the 60's, as such his label put together a compilation album of all of the songs from his films which became a success following his tragic death the previous year.
Peak position #15
(POPULAR IN 1978)
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)
These guys had an impressive run throughout the 70's, however they decided to call it quits after one failed album throughout the 80's which likely failed to them preemptively releasing a greatest hits package going into the new decade to overlook their success from the previous decade.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Over the border #32
(POPULAR IN 1980)
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)
Well, it was inevitable that we have at least one album from N sync to appear on this site, although given that this was apparently the bestselling album in America for the decade (something I find incredibly hard to believe but whatever) it would've been embarrassing if this was a complete flop here in Australia for the main rivals of Backstreet boys. For what it's worth, at least JT would have massive success as a solo artist.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Bye bye bye #1
It's gonna be me #11
This I promise you #42
(POPULAR IN 2000)
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)
Given that this album came a year after the tragic death of his former bandmate, Dave Grohl had little issues with this finding an audiences worldwide back in the day which retains the spirit of Nirvana with his new band the Foo fighters with this album. An interesting note is that each of their albums would see more success than the last in their catalogue, culminating with their 2010's release which was their most popular work.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
This is a call #9 (AMR #12)
(POPULAR IN 1995)
Given how he scored a surprise hit with the lead single to this album via Triple J of all places here in Australia, it makes sense that this album would be a huge sleeper hit on our charts which no doubt set up the full comeback for Tom Jones he would have at the end of the decade with his duets album Reload.
Peak position #19
Peak position #18 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
If I only knew #5 (AMR #6)
I wanna get back with you #30
(POPULAR IN 1995)
This is the debut album from Sophie Ellis Bextor, an album that was a flop upon its initial release due to the lead single failing to connect with audiences here in Australia. It was given a second chance when the deluxe edition was released following the success of her second single which spawned a second hit for her worldwide as a result, although all of this led to her being a one album wonder.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Murder on the dancefloor #3
Get over you #4
Music gets the best of me #28
(POPULAR IN 2002)
I haven't seen Duets, however from what I can gather, it serves as a back door album for Gwyneth Paltrow as it depicts her journey into becoming a professional singer with the assistance of Huey Lewis. It's little surprise the soundtrack was a success here in Australia given how it spawned two big hits for Gwyneth on our charts, one with her co-star and the other covering an 80's classic.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Cruising #1
Bette Davis eyes #3
(POPULAR IN 2001)
I never understood why these guys gave them a name like The the, I guess as a statement that all of the good band names had been taken when they formed at the start of the decade. In any case, we have this second album from the band that managed to become as such thanks to the rising popularity of sophistopop which was a genre of music that was taking the world by storm this year.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Infected #24
(POPULAR IN 1987)
This is one of the only entries from Pat Benatar's albums to appear on this side of my site, she did have more success over in NZ with her albums at the cost of her not having a giant hit over there like she did over here, however it's safe to say that her work wasn't very much appreciated back in the day like it is in recent years.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Fire and ice #30
(POPULAR IN 1981)
This managed to be a success here in Australia thanks to Heart's earlier entry on this list, that and the lead single was enough of a success back in the day to help it stand out from its contemporaries and remains a favourite on oldies stations to this day. Like I said before, the band wouldn't trouble our charts again for eight years with their comeback album they had in their native America.
Peak position #22
Hit singles
Barracuda #15
(POPULAR IN 1977)
It's a bit hard to believe that this album was a huge flop upon its initial release the previous year here in Australia, that is until you remember that the lead single was also the theme to City of angels which meant that it propelled the soundtrack's success over this album from the Goo goo dolls. It eventually won us Aussies over when "Slide" became a massive radio staple worldwide for the band.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Iris #1
Slide #29
Dizzy #50
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This is one of many critically acclaimed albums that became a success this decade thanks to promotion on Triple J, although I get the feeling I would've gotten a lot of questions as to where this album was if I didn't include it on this list even if it was a flop given that it came from the Strokes. These guys were the kings of the alternative rock scene this decade with this album being what broke them onto the map.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Last nite #47
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
Although none of their albums achieved major success here in Australia barring their (then) most recent album (due to behind-the-scenes drama involving the departure of Sioban Fahay) they nonetheless managed to achieve massive success with some of their singles which more than justifies the success of their greatest hits package this year even if it was merely a sleeper success for them.
Peak position #23
Peak position #21 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Love truth and honesty #24
Help #30
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This is the only notable success that prog rock group Pavlov's dog was able to achieve here in Australia and indeed anywhere in the world, likely due to them being named after a psychological treatment which involves conditioning one (usually an animal) to behave the way one should which I'm sure caused quite the controversy back in the day outside of their fanbase.
Peak position #23
(POPULAR IN 1975)
From what I can gather, Rita MacNeil was a Canadian country singer looking to become the (then) new version of Anne Murray which I guess we Aussies indulged her with this album given how it was a modest success here and a huge flop everywhere else in the world.
Peak position #17
Peak position #34 (AMR charts)
(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)
This became a success here in Australia this year due to a live rendition of a track that originally charted upon the albums initial release back in 1988, it was a minor success but enough of one for the album to finally appear on my site.
Peak position #16
Peak position #19 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
Given how Linda Ronstadt had received massive success with her album Simple dreams at the start of the year, it only makes sense that this greatest hits album she released two years prior would finally receive some modicum of success this year here in Australia in order to help fans discover her back catalogue up until this point in her career.
Peak position #22
(POPULAR IN 1978)
I honestly don't know how to make of this album's mediocre success here in Australia, mainly because it was enough of a success that we Aussies knew about it back in the day but too much of a flop for it to be seen as the classic that it's since become nowadays.
Peak position #25
Hit singles
Once in a lifetime #23
(POPULAR IN 1981)
This was the solo album from Talking heads guitarist Jerry Harrison who released this album around the same time that the band released their album Naked which was a massive flop for the band worldwide. It's success largely came from the lead single which was a huge hit here in Australia as well as on the international alternative scene which I'm sure made him proud of this venture.
Peak position #18
Peak position #18 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Rev it up #3
Man with a gun #16 (ARIA #17)
(POPULAR IN 1988)
This is another album that found success here in Australia due to its heavy promotion on Triple J, this time it's from the alternative rock band Augie March who had their mainstream breakthrough with this album's lead single which charted for quite some time here albeit on the lower half of our charts hence why it won't appear on this site.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
One crowded house #29
(POPULAR IN 2006)
Ever thought that 70's music was lame and overrated? If so then this is the album for you as we have a bunch of comedians parodying the likes of the Bee gees, Status quo and Paul McCartney to questionable taste which found enough of an audience here in Australia back in the day for it to be a minor success.
Peak position #23
(POPULAR IN 1982)
This was the first album from the Dixie Chicks (now simply known as the Chicks) to find success outside of their native America likely due to the rise in popularity that female centric country was having as the decade was coming to an end. Their popularity would skyrocket here in Australia with their next album, specifically due to the stance they took against the American president at the time.
Peak position #35
(POPULAR IN 1999)
Following the success of his tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber, Michael Crawford decided to release another album which was meant to showcase him as a more contemporary crooner in the music scene. It was a success here in Australia due to Phantom of the opera being on tour here, however it flopped everywhere else due to crooners being pushed aside for the likes of more modern music trends.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
This greatest hits package was commissioned following the success of their album Slipstream, meaning that these guys didn't need the assistance of Countdown to become one of the biggest names in music this decade, although the show certainly didn't harm their prospects of being a huge band from Australia.
Peak position #1x1
(POPULAR IN 1975)
This was the first solo album from Stevie Nicks following a string of highly successful albums with Fleetwood Mac, I've heard people refer to this as an album filled with her songs that the band weren't able to fit into their album and I can certainly see that listening to the album. It remains her biggest solo album worldwide except for here in Australia where her third album Rock a little wins that honour.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Stop dragging my heart around #10
(POPULAR IN 1981)
Although he wasn't scoring many hits during the second half of the decade in Australia, that didn't mean that Neil Diamond was yesterday's news here as his albums were still among the more popular in Australia likely due to him still retaining much of his audience that made him a household name during the first half of the 70's.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Desiree #29
(POPULAR IN 1978)
Given how this albums cycle began with a music video depicting a live action/cartoon hybrid, it only makes sense that the album it came from would be a huge success for the band even though it has received tons of critical backlash over the years. It may not have killed their career as they band kept soldiering on after this perceived misstep, however it did kill their relevancy as they never saw this level of success again.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Harlem shuffle #6
One hit to the body #34
(POPULAR IN 1986)
True to the name of the album, this is indeed more of a blues record from the Rolling stones which sadly costed them success with their singles as there didn't seem to be an obvious hit from the album. That didn't stop the album from being a huge success for them as evidence by its appearance on this list.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Fool to cry #45
(POPULAR IN 1976)
He may have failed to score a hit single anywhere in the world since the soundtrack to his version of the Jazz singer, however it's obvious that Neil Diamond has remained a welcome presence in the music industry as evidence by how frequently his 1972 live album Hot august night recharts in the mainstream. Twenty years after that album, he released this greatest hits package that detailed his success from his debut to its release.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1996)
There was an episode of South Park which was a parody of Live aid that aired in the shows second season, the episode was such an instant success that the showrunners convinced Chef's voice actor Isaac Hayes to have his label release a soundtrack to the episode which contained his covers as well as a bunch of songs that appeared in the episode. The soundtrack was a success and likely inspired the theatrical film.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Horny #13 (AMR #11)
Chocolate salty balls #14 (AMR #12)
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
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