This is a live album that Jimmy Barnes released that was a huge success for two reasons, the first was that it has a cover of a Motown classic and the second was that Jimmy Barnes was known for his live shows back in the day. These two factors led to him thriving throughout the 90's as he continued to put on killer live shows as well as release an album where he did covers of Motown classics.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x4 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
When a man loves a woman #4 (ARIA #3)
Last frontier #28
(POPULAR IN 1988, 1989)
Bob Seger was certainly off to a good start this decade when this became a huge success for him, although unfortunately for him it appears that he wasn't able to adapt to MTV's rise in popularity as his next album wouldn't see anywhere near the level of success he had from around this time.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 1980)
Named after the second single from his 1971 album Teaser and the firecat, this greatest hits package was released a decade after that album where it became a huge success for Cat Stevens likely from fans who were already feeling nostalgic for his work. It's worth noting that while he saw massive success during the first half of the 70's, the second half saw his popularity dwindle quite a bit here in Australia.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 1982)
This was the last album that had Elton John working exclusively with Bernie Taupin until their reunion in 1983, it was a massive success for the pair, suggesting they wanted to end their relationship on a high note but changed their minds when they both saw diminishing returns throughout the rest of the decade.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Sorry seems to be the hardest word #19
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
This was another highly successful album to come from Bob Dylan, although he wasn't among the biggest names in music during the second half of the decade in Australia, he did manage to find a loyal fanbase which helped him succeed along the likes of Fleetwood Mac Pink Floyd.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 1978)
Well, he might not have had the level of success he had with his partner in crime Bernie Taupin during their time apart, however that doesn't mean that Elton John wasn't among the more popular artists during this period as evidence by this album being a huge success for him worldwide. Indeed, had he had the magic of Bernie during this period, it would've seemed like his popularity never decreased from the mid 70's.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Little Jeannie #9
(POPULAR IN 1980)
It looked like Cheap trick weren't going to find any crossover success here in Australia given how their live album At Budokan failed to become a success for them over here like it was throughout the rest of the world, however due to a rather memorable Countdown performance with the title track of this album, they were able to finally score mainstream success here which set them up for much success throughout the 80's.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Dream police #5
(POPULAR IN 1979, 1980)
One of the most popular shows during the last stretch of the decade was Packed to the rafters, so much so that it managed to spawn a hit exclusively in the southern hemisphere from an American artist who never had any success in his homeland due to it appearing on the soundtrack.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Rock and roll #9
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
Oh, that poor puppy! I guess these guys wanted to dedicate their fourth album to this helpless canine on the cover which admittedly must have compelled their fans to make this a success for them as the album sadly didn't receive the same love that their previous album got from Triple J. This was the last successful album from the band as their subsequent follow ups failed to find an audience for them.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Just a man #39
Anybody but you #49
(POPULAR IN 1995)
While Bob Dylan did indeed have success during the first half of the decade here in Australia, I get the feeling that he was one of many artists to greatly benefit from the Countdown era despite (as far as I can tell at least) never appearing on the show to promote his music. Indeed, his next album would spawn his biggest hit here only a year after the shows launch.
Peak position #4
(POPULAR IN 1975)
What better way to cap off the twentieth century and begin the 21st century than with an album collecting all of your biggest hits in your career? We have this greatest hits package that set Cher up for a four decade of success given how productive she was throughout the 90's with her singing and acting careers. Sadly, this would be her final success here even with a greatest hits album.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 1999, 2000)
We have another live album to become successful here in Australia during our summer period, this time it's from Billy Joel who was on a roll throughout the decade here as just about all of his albums managed to become a success here during the 80's.
Peak position #9
(POPULAR IN 1981)
It looked like the Cure would be stuck in the 80's as far as us Aussies were concerned, even their American breakthrough from 1989 wasn't enough to have us convinced that they had any place in our music scene now that the Countdown era was well and truly over. They won us over with this album likely due to it being a much brighter look at their catalogue as well as the success it had in America.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
High #5 (AMR #10)
Friday I'm in love #39
(POPULAR IN 1992)
This is the last taste of success that Slim Dusty had in his lifetime, it was one of his final studio albums that became of note due to it being his hundredth album in his catalogue. Coincidentally, he had a similar celebration to his career twenty years prior when his fiftieth album spawned his biggest hit "Duncan," although that was more due to a memorable performance on Countdown than anything.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 2000)
Santana were one of the more popular bands during the first half of the decade, so it stands to reason that they were able to retain their popularity during the second half even if it they didn't have the same level of buzz they had earlier in their career. This was the first of three successful albums they achieved in Australia during the latter half of the decade, with the other two being more successful.
Peak position #9
(POPULAR IN 1976)
This was released the previous year to deafening silence, this is despite the fact that this greatest hits album was different depending on where in the world you're from in order to capitalise off of MJ's fiftieth birthday. It became a success this year the same reason why his other appearances did, the fact that he was no longer with us and people were celebrating his life's work.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 2009)
They managed to score a massive hit with their most recent album Ghost nation, so it only seems appropriate that these guys would release a greatest hits package to detail a new chapter in their discography given how it was also the start of a new decade in their career. Indeed, they would see success this decade as their next album Cut would spawn their biggest hit with "Holy grail."
Peak position #6
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Throw your arms around me #34
(POPULAR IN 1991)
I'm guessing the novelty of there not being a year of the cat was what allowed this album to be a success worldwide, either that or there was a ton of love for adult contemporary artists such as Al Stewart back in the day that I didn't realise was a thing.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Year of the cat #13
(POPULAR IN 1977)
Given how he was now one of the biggest artists in the music industry, it feels natural that this album from Andrea Bocelli would be a huge success for him worldwide. Indeed, he would continue to find massive success well into the new millennium, proving that there were plenty of fans of what many would consider to be music for soccer mums.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This will be the only appearance from Jethro Tull on this site, they're a band that's become highly controversial over the years not for their music but rather for an infamous blunder at the 1989 grammy awards where they won best metal performance over the likes of Metallica and other well-beloved bands.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Bungle in the jungle #32
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
Well, the 80's was coming to an end, so what better way for these guys to end it with one final album in their catalogue? This was more of a last hurrah for the duo as their last album Savage wasn't a huge success for them, this is despite the fact that was the album they released after their biggest album Revenge which was only three years old by this point.
Peak position #8
Peak position #7 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Revival #14 (ARIA #14)
Don't ask me why #28
(POPULAR IN 1989)
There was this popular Australian country artist who tragically passed away the previous year before he found any success in his career both solo and with his band the Stars, to commemorate his legacy, a concert was held in his honour which was apparently so well received that its live album was a huge success for him posthumously.
Peak position #8
(POPULAR IN 1981)
This seems like a shoe in for this list given how immensely popular that Gnarls Barkley were back in the day thanks to the lead single of this album, indeed even us Aussies couldn't resist the funk grooves this album had to offer from the duo as it became a massive hit on our charts this year. Sadly, this love didn't stick around for their second album which was a massive flop for them worldwide.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Crazy #2
Smiley faces #38
(POPULAR IN 2006)
It appears that KD Lang found her niche as the perfect gift for Mother's Day as this album was all set to flop here in Australia only for it to rebound on the charts when the special occasion rolled around. As such, KD Lang decided to market her music from here on out as the perfect gift for our mothers and releasing her albums during the early to mid-months of the year.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1997)
Bob Dylan was among the most popular artists of the 70's in Australia when it came to his albums, sure his singles were something to be desired success wise (barring "Hurricane" of course) but that didn't mean he wasn't able to find success with this greatest hits package this year.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 1978)
It had been over ten years since John Fogerty last troubled the charts with his solo debut album where he credited himself as Blue Ridge Rangers, so here we are all these years later with his third album which came a decade after his second that became a success due to this being an excellent time for artists from highly established bands (regardless of how long ago they had a hit) finding success as a solo act.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
The old man down the road #10
Rock and roll girls #26
(POPULAR IN 1985)
Following the failure of two bands, one here in Australia and one in her native NZ, Jenny Morris decided to go solo on this album which had a bit of a slow start to it due to her not having that big crossover upon its initial release. That came when she released the second single which was a perfect display of her vocal talents and thus helped it and the album become a success here but not in her homeland.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
You're gonna get hurt #24
You I know #13
(POPULAR IN 1987)
It had been nearly a decade since Deborah Harry last had a huge album in her catalogue, although her previous album did spawn a huge hit for her three years prior so it's not like this was a comeback for her or anything. This was a massive flop for her in her native America, making this a true return to her Blondie days as this managed to find more success internationally for her entering the 90's.
Peak position #10
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I want that man #2 (AMR #2)
Sweet and low #30
(POPULAR IN 1990)
This is the final Motown album that Rod Stewart found success with, rather coincidentally, it was his final album of the decade, which meant that going forward he needed to come up with new ways of retaining his fanbase which he of course managed to do.
Peak position #11
(POPULAR IN 2009)
One of the funniest movies to ever be made was the Life of Brian, a satire about the story of Jesus Christ (or perhaps more accurately Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ superstar) that was infamously banned in several religious countries for its depictions of blasphemy. This serves as both a soundtrack and comedy album as while there were songs in the film, it's largely known for its sketches that still resonate with audiences to this day.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Always look on the bright side of life #9
(POPULAR IN 1980)
You have no idea how inescapable the Hampsterdance craze was here in Australia, it was so unavoidable that the album it spawned from managed to be a massive success here and that doesn't even surprise me giving how it managed to spawn a second hit down under to boot.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
The hampsterdance song #5
Thank god I'm a country boy #12
The hampsterdance party #44
(POPULAR IN 2001)
Although their popularity was beginning to fade during this phase of their career, Pearl jam was still able to find massive success with their albums as evidence by this being a huge success for them two years after the demise of their main rivals Nirvana. They would release one more album later in the decade that was a massive success before they shifted their sound to a more mainstream market.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Who you are #5 (AMR #7)
Hail hail #31
Off he goes #46
(POPULAR IN 1996)
Well, her second album might have costed her a career over in America, however at least the rest of the world was able to enjoy Kylie's catalogue throughout the 90's which was kicked off with her third album which did away with those standards tracks which likely alienated her earlier fans. This was the last album to be produced by Stock Aiken and Waterman as they would go their separate ways after this was released.
Peak position #10
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Better the devil you know #4 (AMR #5)
Step back in time #5 (AMR #5)
What do I have to do #11 (AMR #8)
Shocked #7 (AMR #6)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
It's a bit of a shock how much less successful this album was for Bruce Springsteen compared to even his pre-Born in the U.S.A work, although the fact that this was what he followed up that magnum opus with should speak volumes to how fickle his time in the spotlight truly was even if that can partly be blamed on John Cougar Mellencamp from earlier on this list.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Brilliant disguise #17
Tunnel of love #41
(POPULAR IN 1987)
I wouldn't have thought that there was any nostalgic love for Garth Brooks here in Australia given how he only had one successful album thirteen years prior to this greatest hits package, it turns out there was plenty of nostalgia for his work given how successful this was years after his popularity faded here.
Peak position #11
(POPULAR IN 2007)
It had been five years since Toni had troubled the charts anywhere in the world with her second album House of hope, in fact I'm guessing she only released this greatest hits package to see if anyone truly cared about her music much like how other has been have done over the years. It turns out that we Aussies loved her music (well her first two albums at least) as this was one of the biggest hits of the decade down under.
Peak position #1x6
Peak position #1x7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Many rivers to cross #12 (AMR #13)
(POPULAR IN 1996, 1997)
One of the more critically acclaimed films of the decade was the Boat that rocked, a film that looks over the issues of radio piracy back in the 60's in the UK which resulted in the music industry facing a serious decline due to how much money the artists were losing from the practice. Naturally the film featured a who's who of 60's legends, which explains why it was a massive hit this year.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This is the second greatest hits package Cher released since her (then) most recent album Believe, it's a bit of a surprise that this found any success given how big her last greatest hits album was as well as the lack of new material she released since 1998.
Peak position #12
(POPULAR IN 2003)
This is the final appearance from Andrea Bocelli on this site, mainly because the opera singer got outclassed by many other classical artists throughout the decade such as Michael Bublé and Il Divo despite him still putting out new music to this day to a minimal fanbase.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
Following the success of his soundtrack to Chariots of fire, Vangelis decided to team up with Yes member Jon Anderson to create a prog album that was a huge hit for the pair this year. It even spawned a sleeper hit with the lead single which was rare for a prog track back in the day, although as this was a novelty, it didn't lead to any further success for either man in the music scene.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
I'll find my way home #22
(POPULAR IN 1982)
It seems strange that these guys managed to score a successful album here in Australia but not the Wiggles (no their time as the Cockroaches doesn't count) I guess there was more of a market for these guys when it came to their music rather than their fellow children's band who began life as a rock band in the 80's before switching their target audience with their material.
Peak position #4
(POPULAR IN 2000)
Much like his previous album, the success of this album largely came from its lead single which was a duet Paul McCartney had with one of the biggest musicians of colour of the day. This would be his final successful album here in Australia given how his next project was the soundtrack to his first film as a leading actor which was the critically panned flick Give my regards to Broad Street.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Say say say #4
Pipes of peace #36
(POPULAR IN 1983, 1984)
It took them fourteen years to break through to the mainstream worldwide, however the alternative duo Everything but the girl (named after an ad they saw) managed to take the world by storm thanks to a remix of one of their ballads from two years prior. They leaned into the EDM scene with this album which proved to be a massive success for them, however they quickly ran out of steam which costed them their popularity.
Peak position #11
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Missing #2 (AMR #1)
Walking wounded #30 (AMR #19)
Wrong #36
(POPULAR IN 1996)
Although this album didn't spawn a huge hit here in Australia like it did in NZ and other countries with a strong alternative scene, at least the album itself managed to become a success here even if it was a year after its initial release. I'm not sure what took us Aussies so long to make this a success here other than maybe the songs appearing on Triple J's year end list for 2004 and the mainstream checking out what the fuss was about.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Take your mama #40
Filthy #29
(POPULAR IN 2005)
This was the only album that Wendy Matthews made with the members of the Models, technically this was a comeback album for the band as they replaced James Freud with Wendy fresh off the success she has with the Rockmelons and Kate Ceberano from two years prior. The success of this album led to her releasing her solo album later in the year which would become a massive hit for her the following year.
Peak position #7
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Hullabaloo #46
I don't want to be with nobody but you #4 (AMR #4)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
This was where it all began for one of the most unconventional artists of all time, originally part of a band known as the Sugacubes, Bjork released this album the previous year to deafening silence likely due to audiences feeling it was too much of a knock off to Kate Bush when it first came out. They naturally changed their minds this year when it was given a second chance for some reason.
Peak position #10
Peak position #14 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
This was the first solo album from the heartland rocker as he temporarily disbanded the Heartbreakers around this time, this was mainly due to his work with the Traveling wilburys which perhaps explains the success of this album here in Australia given how inescapable their earlier entry on this list was back in the day. Unfortunately, this revived interest in his career was temporary as his 90's work flopped here.
Peak position #15
Peak position #13 (ARIA)
Hit singles
I won't back down #15 (ARIA #16)
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This is the only other album that Gerry Rafferty had success with here in Australia following the success of his first solo album City to city, it failed to produce a hit single here despite being able to do so in his native UK which is perhaps why the album overall didn't do as well here as it did internationally.
Peak position #18
(POPULAR IN 1979)
This was the only success that the husband-and-wife duo Womack and Womack had worldwide, mainly for the lead single which was one of the biggest songs of the decade despite it (to me) sounding like something that was made in the 90's. I'm not sure why these two faded into obscurity once the album had finished its cycle, perhaps the world wasn't interested in their brand of RNB once the new decade rolled around.
Peak position #8
Peak position #11 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Teardrops #1 (ARIA #2)
Celebrate the world #38
(POPULAR IN 1989)
This was a bit of a commercial disappointment for John Williamson compared to his previous album, although he would bounce back by the end of the decade with his next album, which suggests this was more of a dud than his popularity fading as quickly as it came around this time.
Peak position #10
(POPULAR IN 1988)
It's a bit of a surprise that this wasn't as big as their earlier entry on this list, mainly because this contains the band's biggest hit not just here in Australia but throughout the world as its lead single which you'd think would boost the sales and popularity of this album but alas it didn't.
Peak position #16
Hit singles
Y.M.C.A #1
(POPULAR IN 1979)
Given how they managed to score one of the biggest hits of the year with the lead single on this album, it makes sense that Jack Black and Kyle Gass managed to achieve sound success with said album even if they largely remain a one hit wonder here in Australia with said single. Naturally, the project would take a back seat to the former's acting career which had taken off by this point in time.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Tribute #4
Wonderboy #48
(POPULAR IN 2002)
This is the soundtrack to the biopic of the Doors, the film was a massive critical and commercial success due to it coming out on the twentieth anniversary of the death of Jim Morrison as well as treating the trials and tribulations that he and the band experienced with the upmost care, making it far ahead of its time.
Peak position #11
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
The title of this album may be a bit misleading given how this was the second album Genesis released as a trio following the departure of Peter Gabriel from earlier in the decade, however the real triumph this album had was spawning a genuine hit for the band given how the lead single managed to connect with audiences upon its initial release and has only become more popular with age.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Follow you follow me #16
(POPULAR IN 1978)
It seems a little odd that this debut album from Wham wasn't more of a success here in Australia, I guess there was only so much we could take from George Michael rapping before it became too much of a novelty for us (it might even explain why hip hop took so long to become a success here.) Naturally they would achieve more success with their second album the following year as they dropped the rapping on that release.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Young guns #4
Wham rap #9
Bad boys #9
(POPULAR IN 1983)
It had been a while since Robert Plant had last troubled the charts anywhere in the world, however he was able to come back with this album likely due to this being a good time for lead singers of highly successful bands to find success on their own. Like many of these singers, he didn't find much success going into the 90's.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Heaven knows #32
Tall cool one #37
(POPULAR IN 1988)
It looks like Jordin Sparks was the real deal when she won her season of American idol given how she was one of the rare contestants to find international success following her victory on the show, indeed she saw quite a bit of success here in Australia thanks to the singles from her debut being quite popular in our music scene.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Tattoo #5
No air #1
One step at a time #12
(POPULAR IN 2008)
Much like their debut album from two years prior, this was also set to flop here in Australia for Living colour upon its initial release the previous year likely due to us Aussies not being into their brand of funk rock (this was prior to RHCP's big breakthrough after all.) It was given a second chance when one of the songs became a surprise hit from the album, although it had to be the one that grossly misrepresented their sound.
Peak position #15
Peak position #16 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Love rears its ugly head #10 (AMR #12)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Even though they only have two successful albums under their belt here in Australia, they were influential enough for fans to check out the back catalogue of Def Leppard this year as this became a modest success for the band long after the death of hair metal.
Peak position #9
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
When love and hate collide #22 (AMR #17)
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
Although Pink Floyd had called it quits by this point, that didn't mean the world was quite ready to say goodbye to their music as this live album from the band managed to become a massive hit for them less than a year after they broke up.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1995)
For my American readers, this will be your introduction to the Motels catalogue given how their first two albums were complete failures in the northern hemisphere due to a lack of exposure the band had for them. This also shows a more bombastic side from the band which lined up with the bombast that MTV was known for, which perhaps explains why it was far less successful here in Australia.
Peak position #20
Hit singles
Only the lonely #20
Take the l #21
(POPULAR IN 1982)
This was all set to become a flop here like it was worldwide for Fuel upon its release the previous year, however it became a sleeper hit due to the surprise success of the title track as it was bundled up with "Shimmer" which allowed them to tear up our charts this year for the post grunge band. Naturally their luck ran out with their next album as that was a complete flop for them.
Peak position #16
Hit singles
Shimmer #16 (AMR #19)
Sunburn #16 (AMR #19)
(POPULAR IN 1999)
From what I can gather, Jamie Cullum is a jazz singer who scored massive worldwide success with this album of his that was originally released the previous year throughout Europe. It wasn't that big of a success here likely due to it being pushed aside for the Australian Idol camp as was the case for many other entries on here.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2004)
This album's title is a bit misleading as it implies that it includes Ronan's work with Boyzone among the track listing, while some of the tracks on here were those he made with his old band, they were rerecorded to be solo outings which perhaps explains why this wasn't that big of a hit despite the success of his previous two albums here.
Peak position #13
(POPULAR IN 2004)
Although they had issues with finding success with their debut album from earlier in the decade here in Australia, this wasn't the case for Portishead for their second album (at least on the AMR charts) likely due to them having the full endorsement of Triple J when it was released. Even though they were becoming critical and commercial darlings, they would sadly call it quits by the end of the decade.
Peak position #2
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
All mine #36
(POPULAR IN 1997, 1998)
This will be the only album from Aretha Franklin to appear on my site, although that shouldn't surprise anyone when you consider that I'm not going over the 60's and early 70's on this site which was the heyday for her popularity. This was an impressive comeback for the 60's soul legend even in her native America given how she hadn't touched a chart anywhere in the world for over a decade when it came out.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Freeway of love #6
Sisters are doing it for themselves #15
(POPULAR IN 1985)
These guys emerged from the punk rock scene of the late 70's, meaning that this had an uphill battle from the get-go considering that not only was this past the peak of punk rock but also that punk rock was never that big here in Australia to begin with. Fortunately, the band moved more towards a pub rock sound with this album which explains its success.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
We can't be beaten #28
(POPULAR IN 1983)
From what I can gather, Honey was another attempt for Hollywood to cash in off the nostalgia of Flashdance this decade given how it had a similar formular to that of Save the last dance from earlier in the decade. It was panned by critics for how formulaic the story was; however, the soundtrack went over a lot better given that it had a more urban feel to it than the new wave of the film it was ripping off.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
I'm good #28
(POPULAR IN 2004)
From what I can gather, the movie this is a soundtrack for is one of those multi story films where the plots are interwoven with each other, kind of like Love actually or Crash but set in a disco setting. The film wasn't well revived likely due to the stories not amounting to anything; however, the soundtrack was a massive success and even won the film an Oscar for Donna Summer's big hit from the film.
Peak position #21
(POPULAR IN 1978)
This was the first taste of success that Dragon had here in Australia, even then it was more due to the second single becoming a big hit for the band likely due to a memorable performance they gave of it on Countdown. Naturally this would be overshadowed by their earlier entry on this list by the end of the year, however it remains a decent breakthrough album for the NZ band.
Peak position #24
Hit singles
This time #26
Get that jive #13
Sunshine #36
(POPULAR IN 1977)
This was the final album that Led zeppelin released in their career, OK so technically that honour goes to Coda in 1982, however that album was only released due to contractual obligations and by their label as the band had broken up by that stage. I'm not even sure why they called it quits the following year as there weren't any behind the scenes drama that I'm aware of, it could be to allow Robert Plant to have a successful solo career.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 1979)
This was released on the second-year anniversary of John Lennon's death; I suppose this was delayed avoiding coming off as a cheap cash grab off his legacy like so many Beatles compilations that came out at the time. It's up to you whether or not this should've been released given the obvious circumstances of its success.
Peak position #1x5
(POPULAR IN 1983)
This is another album that was a breakthrough and not a debut this decade given how Ross Ryan saw very limited success during the first half of the decade here before the lead single became a massive success for him this year. He's also another Australian singer/songwriter from this year that strangely didn't benefit from Countdown, I guess the series was detrimental to certain local artists here.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
I am Pegasus #2
(POPULAR IN 1974)
Well, this was an album that was released exclusively in Australia and NZ following the surprise success of Willie Nelson's album Stardust the previous year, I'm guessing to help us Aussies and kiwis discover the back catalogue of the country legend which we absolutely did because this was a huge hit in the southern hemisphere for him.
Peak position #4
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
These guys had a massive run throughout the 80's here in Australia and over in NZ, so much so that it makes sense they would close out the decade with a greatest hits package in both countries which would unfortunately explain the lack of success they would achieve in both countries going into the 90's.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Touch the fire #15 (ARIA #13)
Jimmy Dean #47
(POPULAR IN 1989, 1990)
For whatever reason, Australian Idol decided to only release live albums of the contestants from here on out which is why we have this collection of songs that Damien Leith sung during his run on the fourth season of the show. His debut album is still to come on this site; however, it didn't bring in the numbers like his time on the show would suggest.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Night of my life #1
(POPULAR IN 20006, 2007)
Blondie were on a roll when they released this greatest hits package, so much so that it was an instant success for them even though there were talks that the band would break up due to behind-the-scenes drama. Indeed, that was the case as the band would be no more by the end of the year, in fact we wouldn't hear from Debbie Harry again until later in the decade when she released her second album.
Peak position #1x2
(POPULAR IN 1982)
This was the second greatest hits album that Sherbet released in as many years, I know they released two albums since their previous effort, but this was still getting out of hand as fans likely would've bought these two albums given that they were huge successes for them back in the day.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Rock me gently #6
(POPULAR IN 1976, 1977)
There weren't any signs of the Rolling stones slowing down in the mainstream, even with the fact that they were still incorporating disco into their sound during what was meant to be the dark ages of disco. Of course, their next album would be even bigger as that was a return to form with their sound, indeed it even spawned their biggest hit here in Australia to give you an idea of how much we loved their original work.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Emotional rescue #8
She's so cold #49
(POPULAR IN 1980)
This was the final successful album that 10cc had here in Australia, I'm guessing because we Aussies were a bit too confused with their direction towards reggae with the lead single but could also be due to us not wanting them around in the 80's for some reason. They admittedly had a good run in the mainstream here so it's not like they went largely unheard of unlike in America.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Dreadlock holiday #2
(POPULAR IN 1978, 1979)
There's a version of this album which doesn't include Art Garfunkel's theme to Watership down on the track listing, I'm guessing he wanted the album to stand on its own but changed his mind when he realised that his popularity only revived this year because of his affiliation with the animated film. The next time he would trouble the charts was with his reunion tour with his former partner in crime Paul Simon.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Bright eyes #2
(POPULAR IN 1979)
Following the success of his live album, Peter Frampton had little issues with finding an audience with his next studio album which is why it was a huge success for him. Unfortunately, this success was short lived as none of his subsequent material managed to find much of an audience for him after these two albums.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I'm in you #9
(POPULAR IN 1979)
Autumn of this year was an interesting time for the Australian music scene if this album is anything to go by, after all it collected some of the biggest hits of the year and was able to become a huge success in its own right.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Centerfold #1
Just can’t get enough #4
Homosapien #4
Make a move on me #8
My own way #11
Dirty creature #6
Almost with you #21
Why do fools fall in love #15
The lion sleeps tonight #11
What about me #1
Cambodia #7
Beserk warriors #30
Golden brown #10
Let’s hang on #4
Mickey #1
Come back Suzanne #12
Body and soul #5
Daddy’s home #8
(POPULAR IN 1982)
Even though he had a massive hit with his E.P It's just not cricket earlier in the decade, it took three years for Billy Birmingham AKA the 12th man to finally release an album which is essentially a longer version of his skit from 1984. This proved to be a massive success for him and set him up as the definitive Australian comedian of the 90's according to the music scene.
Peak position #1x3
(POPULAR IN 1988)
Another Australian entry for this list, this time it's for the Models who saw massive success this year with their two big hits from the album. They already had buzz from their previous album due to it spawning the hit "I hear motion," however it was this album which allowed that buzz to expand internationally which resulted in them having minor success throughout the world.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Big on love #24
Barbados #2
Out of mind out of sight #1
Cold fever #36
(POPULAR IN 1985)
This was the only notable album that Kim Carnes had in her career, mainly due to the lead single becoming one of the biggest hits of the decade and inspiring people to check out her catalogue. She did have more success in her native America with other material not found on this album, but none of it crossed over internationally.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Bette Davis eyes #1
(POPULAR IN 1981)
There have been quite a number of ballads to make it big from Madonna over the years, she certainly noticed how many of them were successful which is why she released a greatest hits packaged themed around them that was a huge success for her worldwide. As far as I can tell, she's yet to do the same for her more upbeat material as those songs can only be found on albums that has her ballads on them.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You'll see #9 (AMR #10)
One more chance #35
Love don't live here anymore #27
(POPULAR IN 1995, 1996)
This was the final album to be released from Dire straits before they broke up for good later in the decade, heck this was only made due to them needing to fulfill their contractual obligation as they needed to release one more album in their career. Even with this in mind, the album was still a massive critical and commercial success proving that they were still professionals when making their music.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Calling Elvis #8 (AMR #7)
Heavy fuel #26
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Following the success of their previous album, Wendy Matthews decided to leave the group in order to pursue a solo career which led them to replacing her with Deni Hines who is the daughter of 70's icon Marcia Hines. Deni's presence took the band more towards reggae and RNB which proved to be more of a winning formula for the band as this album was more successful than their previous effort.
Peak position #3
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Ain't no sunshine #5 (AMR #4)
That word #4 (AMR #4)
It's not over #15 (AMR #13)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
Although Queen was struggling to recapture the success of their breakthrough album A night at the opera during the second half of the decade, they did manage to continue to find massive success with their attempts which is why this album and its iconic lead single managed to find success here and remain popular to this day. They would hit a dry spell after this with their jazz album titled Jazz.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
We are the champions #8
(POPULAR IN 1978)
Neil Diamond was on a roll this year as he managed to score success with his second live album he released this decade, although considering the first one is the BIGGEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME, I guess this album's success was a bit limited in comparison despite it being a well-remembered concert at the Greek theatre in Los Angeles.
Peak position #7
(POPULAR IN 1977)
This was the debut album from the first winners of a reality show from Australia, although unlike future victory albums, this comes off more like something that would fit in with the times rather than it being little more than a bunch of "thank yous" put to song form (that's my biggest issue with reality show albums if I'm being honest.) It's because of this that the album still retains a fanbase to this day long after Bardot broke up.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Poison #1
I should've never let you go #14
These days #19
(POPULAR IN 2000)
One of the more compelling films to come out this decade was Good morning, Vietnam, it tells the story of a radio DJ played by Robin Williams and how he copes with providing entertainment to not only the troops occupying the district but also the locals who quickly grow to hate these troops. The film is fantastic mainly for Robin's performance but also for the way it incorporates its soundtrack throughout its runtime.
Peak position #1x4
Peak position #1x2 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
What a wonderful world #1 (ARIA #1)
(POPULAR IN 1988)
It seems odd that both this guy and his American counterpart Eric Clapton wouldn't see much success this decade in Australia, perhaps due to both men having success earlier in their careers and thus seeming like they were out of touch by the time the Countdown era rolled around. In any case, we have this album from JJ Cale which was indeed his fifth album and one that was a huge hit for him here.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 1979)
While this wasn't as inescapable as the two albums it was sandwiched between, it was a huge hit for Leo Sayer back in the day proving how much we Aussies loved the British crooner among the likes of all the glam rock and disco of the moment. Naturally he would adopt some of the sounds of the moment on his next album which would prove to be equally as successful as his earlier entry on this list.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Moonlighting #13
(POPULAR IN 1975)
This was the penultimate album that John Lennon released in his career before retiring throughout the second half of the decade, suffice to say it was a huge success for him as was anything released by him and his former bandmates this decade.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Whatever gets you through the night #34
(POPULAR IN 1974, 1975)
The Eagles might have been no more going into the 80's, however their fans were clearly shocked at their sudden breakup enough to make this live album from their final tour at the time a success months after it came to an end.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
It appears that Kenny Roger's popularity was stronger than ever thanks to him having a highly successful album in the form of Eyes that see in the dark, as a result we have the third greatest hits package from him to be a huge success in Australia in under half a decade.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 1984)
This is the closest to an album from Jay-z that will be appearing on this site, it was a live recording of both artists appearance on MTV where they would mash up their respective catalogues to create a concert that was well received on the program. As such, the album (really E.P if we're being honest) was a massive hit for them and likely continued the popularity of Linkin Park into the second half of the decade.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Numb/Encore #3
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
This was the final album to be released from Stevie Nicks this decade, I guess its success is proof that we Aussies were into her music regardless of all the drama that went on behind the scenes of her career. That said she wouldn't find much success going into the 90's, so I guess this was a hit due to her tumultuous relationship with Lindsey Buckingham which officially came to an end during its production.
Peak position #9
Peak position #8 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Rooms on fire #22
(POPULAR IN 1989)
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