It had been six years since Dragon had released an album in their catalogue, this was because the band had briefly broken up so that lead singer Marc Hunter could pursue a solo career that was a complete failure for him. He reformed the band who released this album, which was a huge success for them, proving that the band were only special as a unit and also that they could age well into the 80's.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Rain #2
Magic #33
Cry #17
Wilderworld #42
(POPULAR IN 1984)
Even though this is the soundtrack to the critically panned film Even cowgirls get the blues, really, it's an album from KD Lang who managed to score her initial breakthrough this year likely due to the infamy the film received this year for its plot and possibly homophobic portrayal of lesbian cowgirls, although it couldn't have been that bad if the openly gay singer agreed to do its soundtrack.
Peak position #10
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Hush sweet lover #28
(POPULAR IN 1994)
While this wasn't James Blundell's debut album, it was the album that broke him through thanks to his collaboration with James Reyne serving as its lead single which almost got both men a chart topper for them in Australia. Unfortunately, through a combination of country music not being popular in Australia and local artists struggling throughout the 90's, this was the only success he managed to have in his career.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Way out west #2 (AMR #2)
This road #26
(POPULAR IN 1992)
This was originally released as Enya's debut album back in 1986 to deafening silence, I'm guessing because it was a bit ahead of its time seeing as though new age music wouldn't become a thing until her second album Watermark. It was rereleased under this title in 1992 where it didn't make much of a splash, however it did three years later for some reason which led to the success of her next album.
Peak position #7
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1995)
This was a direct sequel to Paul McCartney's solo debut album from a decade prior, technically it is his second solo album as Ram was a collaboration he made with his wife Linda and the rest of his output from the 70's was with her band Wings. Indeed, most of Paul's solo material would be duets with other people, notably people of colour as both Stevie Wonder and MJ collaborated with him multiple times in the 80's.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Coming up #2
Waterfalls #31
(POPULAR IN 1980)
Well, this was back in the day where sequels to soundtracks were a thing, and to be fair the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack from earlier didn't have every song that was included in the film so it makes sense this edition would also be a success here in Australia.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
When dove's cry #3 (AMR #1)
(POPULAR IN 1997)
This was an album that was originally released six years prior to deafening silence for the Greek pop artist, it was given a second chance this year for reasons I can't seem to fathom which allowed him to close out the decade with a successful album here in Australia. He was a one album wonder here of course, although I have heard him described as the Greek Bob Dylan over the years.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
My friend the wind #21
(POPULAR IN 1979)
This was the debut album for a band who would see many ups and downs in their career here in Australia, indeed they wouldn't trouble the charts again for eight years after this album and it would be another two years after that before they would find a second successful album in their career. I guess the girls needed to find the right sound to pair their vocals with in order to connect to us Aussies.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Magic man #6
(POPULAR IN 1977)
It may be hard to believe in this day and age, but Vanilla Ice was one of the most popular rappers of his day and it's all due to the success he achieved with this album and its lead single. Naturally this led to a ton of backlash from the hip hop community as while Google didn't exist back then, it was obvious that everything he said about himself was about as believable as Milli Vanilli's American accents.
Peak position #9
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Ice ice baby #1 (AMR #1)
Play that funky music #13 (AMR #12)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Following the success of their earlier entry on this list, it appears that Chicago decided to double down with their change in music direction as they released their eleventh album which was a huge success compared to many of their pre sellout entries from earlier in the decade.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Baby what a big surprise #14
(POPULAR IN 1977)
This was the first album the Doobie brothers released to have Michael McDonald on lead vocals following the departure of Tom Johnson from their previous album due to personal antics. As such the band went in a more adult contemporary direction compared to their southern rock roots from earlier in the decade, this in turn helped them find success along the likes of Eagles and Steve Miller band.
Peak position #7
(POPULAR IN 1976)
This was the only album from Renee Geyer to see notable success in her career, although it didn't contain her biggest hit "Say I love you" as that wouldn't come for another four years for the experimental singer. Renee had been active since the start of the decade, meaning she needed some heavy promotion from Countdown before she could rise up to the ranks of Marcia Hines and others.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Stares and whispers #17
(POPULAR IN 1977)
This was the other album that the Beatles released twenty years prior that became a success this year due to it finally being available on CD's, naturally it was a success even if audiences were more interested in their earlier work as evidence by this predecessor success on this list.
Peak position #8
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
This was the only successful album that Redgum had in their career, although they were described as a killer live band and the bonus track did become a massive hit this year due to it being a heartfelt tribute to the Anzacs who served in Vietnam war. They may be a one hit wonder with the song, but at least the band are still fondly remembered to this day.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
I was only 19 #1
(POPULAR IN 1983)
They did manage to have one of the biggest albums of the decade with their debut, so it's only natural that Baby animals would follow up that success with this album even if it was a mere fraction of what their earlier work achieved. I'm guessing this would've been even bigger had there not been a suddenly resistance to supporting local artists this year as is the case with many Australian entries on this list.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR #2)
Hit singles
Impossible to fly #48
Don't tell me what to do #24
(POPULAR IN 1993)
It may have been a while since Tracy Chapman had troubled the charts anywhere in the world, however it appears that audiences had fond memories of her work as this greatest hits album managed to become a huge success for her worldwide despite only two (maybe three depending on where you're from) of her albums having any impact on the mainstream back in her day.
Peak position #10
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
Although he only ever achieved two hits in his career as a lead artist, Peter Allen was nonetheless able to score a modest hit with this greatest hits album this year proving how well loved he was during his lifetime.
Peak position #9
(POPULAR IN 1982)
This was released along with the film as a compromise to fans who were hyped to see the This is it tour that had plenty of rehearsals for that never wound up coming to be, it became a massive hit worldwide due to the sudden death of the king of pop earlier in the year and ensured that his legacy would live on regardless of all the hearsay about who he was as a person during his lifetime.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2009)
This was the second entry in the Great American songbook franchise that Rod Stewart released this decade, it was far less popular than the first entry, however it at least was an immediate success here rather than it needing to find its audience.
Peak position #7
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
I'm as shocked as you are that this wasn't more of a success for Boston back in the day given how the lead single remains one of the most iconic of the decade to this day on oldies stations, I guess this was another example of a classic rock album being pushed aside (at least here in Australia) in favour of our local music scene which admittedly is fair if that was the case.
Peak position #16
Hit singles
More than a feeling #11
(POPULAR IN 1977)
One of the better musicals to come out of the decade was this remake of the 1988 film which tells the story of a young girl becoming an overnight sensation on a TV program whilst diving into the social climate of the 60's which the film is set in. It was a massive critical and commercial success thanks to the strong performances from its cast as well as the soundtrack resonating with audiences.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 2007)
This is a bit of a bizarre entry since Hilary Duff only began her music career two years prior with the release of the Lizzie McGuire soundtrack, however that didn't prevent it from being a huge success here in Australia likely due to the new singles being moderate hits on our charts upon the albums initial release.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Wake up #13
Beat of my heart #15
Someone's watching over me #22
(POPULAR IN 2005)
I guess this was as good as time as any to have George Benson release a greatest hits album given how he just had his biggest album at the start of the decade which even spawned him a hit single on our charts. His next album would do decently well the following year, however this would be the full extent of his popularity in the 80's down under.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Turn your love around #21
(POPULAR IN 1982)
This is the last album from the Cat Empire to find any sort of success during their career, this is because rock and alternative music become unpopular once the decade ended likely to allow the club boom to permeate during the 2010's with only the indie boom of that era surviving in these two sub genres.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
No longer there #12
(POPULAR IN 2007)
This was a surprise given how these guys closed out the 80's with one of the biggest albums of that decade, alas it appears that Ish was a fluke for them as this was only a moderate success for them going into the 90's. I guess they fell into the same trap as Icehouse as they didn't change up their sound too much which resulted in their music clashing with all of the pub rock and hair metal from this year.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Tell me a story #17 (AMR #17)
Don't forget me #42
(POPULAR IN 1990)
Given how both James Reyne and Daryl Braithwaite had just come off highly successful albums respectively, it only seems fitting that a supergroup where they both serve as a vocalist would find success this year. That supergroup is Company of strangers which combined the strengths of both men to create an album that was indeed a success, although it was a short-lived success as the band broke up soon after it came out.
Peak position #9
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Motor city #26
Sweet love #21
Daddy's gonna make you a star #35
(POPULAR IN 1993)
Whether you love it or hate it, the original theatrical adaptation of Charlie's angels was a cultural phenomenon back in the day thanks to the three leads who not only gave fun performances of the 70's icons they were based off of, but also took the time to perfect their martial arts in order to convincingly kick ass which is something modern feminist icons could take a few notes on. Oh and the soundtrack was also quite the success.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Independent women #3
(POPULAR IN 2000, 2001)
This was a modest sleeper hit for Rod Stewart, I guess I jumped the gun when I said that his 1981 effort Tonight I'm yours was his only successful album of the 80's as this was decently successful this year. That said it's easy to forget this album even exists due to it failing to have that big hit his other albums had.
Peak position #16
Hit singles
Love touch #12
Every beat of my heart #26
(POPULAR IN 1986)
Prince was coming off his magnum opus the Purple rain soundtrack when he released this follow up, it was a huge success for him worldwide even though it didn't have the huge hits that his previous album had. This would be the last album that would be a success for him here in Australia until the Batman soundtrack from the end of the decade, although he did score a few hits here and there before then.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Paisley park #38
Raspberry beret #13
(POPULAR IN 1985)
Following a string of failed singles and albums where he tried to become a teen idol, the son of Jimmy Barnes David Campbell decided to reinvent himself as a throwback artist where he covered swing tunes from the first half of the twentieth century that saw massive success for the son of the Cold chisel frontman. It was a niche that helped him find further success with his subsequent follow ups.
Peak position #7
(POPULAR IN 2006, 2007)
This is the only notable success that the Sunnyboys were able to achieve here in Australia, they're best described as a poor man's Icehouse as they copied the formula of their debut album from earlier on this list to much less successful results commercially. Still, they remain darlings on oldies stations, perhaps due to fond memories people still have for the singles even if they were huge flops back in the day.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Happy man #26
Alone with you #28
(POPULAR IN 1981)
These girls have been described as the Australian equivalent of the Spice girls, it's there as they were a five piece who specialised in dance pop with elements of RNB and hip hop thrown into the mix. As such you have to wonder what happened to their popularity given how inescapable their British counterparts would be during the second half of the decade, I guess they were too ahead of their time.
Peak position #6
Peak position #10 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Take it from me #1 (AMR #1)
Girl's life #14 (AMR #13)
Without you #18 (AMR #15)
Bad attitude #28 (AMR #20)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
Given how they had fulfilled their destiny with their final album, it makes sense that Destiny's child would release a greatest hits package this year which contains not only all of their songs they released as singles (not just the chart toppers like the name suggests) but also a brand-new single from Beyonce that would go on to be the theme to the Pink panther remake from around this time.
Peak position #10
(POPULAR IN 2005, 2006)
This was where it all began for Little river band, they certainly had humble beginnings even if they actually did far better than most early Countdown acts did all things considered. Still, it's hard to think with these stats that these guys would go on to not only dominate our local music scene but also be huge international stars by the end of the decade.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Curiosity #15
Emma #20
(POPULAR IN 1975)
This album was six years in the making given how it took that long for Peter Gabriel to follow up his magnum opus So, as you can imagine, it's a bit of a disappointment given how much lower it appears on this list than that album would have. That said, it was still a big success even if that largely came from the singles helping it rebound whenever they were released.
Peak position #3
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Digging the dirt #23 (AMR #19)
Steam #29
(POPULAR IN 1992)
Even though these guys didn't see much success with their singles like they did in NZ and their native UK, the Chimes made up for that by having the album itself be a moderate success here likely due to their cover of a U2 classic connecting with us Aussies this year. Lead singer Pauline Henry would have a hit later in the decade with "Feel like making love" before she forever faded into obscurity.
Peak position #16
Peak position #11 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
I still haven't found what I'm looking for #26
(POPULAR IN 1990)
There wasn't a lot of successful RNB here in Australia, let alone RNB from female vocalists, so you can see how this second album from Des'ree feels like a bit of an outlier on this list even if its success did come from how well its lead single did on our charts. She wouldn't have any further success with her later albums, however she did achieve massive success with her singles as the decade went on.
Peak position #14
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You gotta be #9 (AMR #8)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
So, this is an interesting album to talk about, mainly because it's a three-way collaboration between Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and fellow country singer Emmylou Harris which managed to become a huge success this year in certain parts of the world including here in Australia. I think this album is what revived the career of Linda as she would close out the decade with a comeback hit.
Peak position #12
(POPULAR IN 1987)
Given how the lead single quickly became one of the biggest hits of the decade worldwide, it only makes sense that the album it came from would also be a huge success for the band in question. Lifehouse was on a roll this year as were a lot of rock bands who took influence from Pearl jam, although like Creed, their popularity would quickly dwindle the further into the 00's we got.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Hanging by a moment #1
(POPULAR IN 2001)
This is the most recent album from Chicago to find success here in Australia (that is if we ignore their singles) suffice to say that we Aussies appeared to be growing tired of their brand of soft rock even if we briefly grew out of that fatigue with their 1982 hit "Hard to say I'm sorry."
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Alive again #37
(POPULAR IN 1979)
This was a bit of a change in direction for Joan Armatrading given how she tried to emulate the works of Kate Bush on this album which obviously alienated her fanbase following the success of her previous two albums. Still, it was enough of a sleeper hit to qualify for this list of mine even if it was a death nail in her popularity.
Peak position #18
(POPULAR IN 1985)
This was a bit of a comeback for Guy Sebastian, at least when it comes to his presence on our singles chart given how this spawned his biggest hit in his career (at least chart wise) with the title track just as the decade was coming to an end.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Like it like that #1
Art of love #8
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Although this didn't quite reach the upper echelons of our charts like most of these themed compilation albums from back in the day did, it made up for that by sticking around our charts for quite sometime likely due to the idea of having an album themed around love rocks in the rock genre being quite the winner for audiences back in the day.
Peak position #22
(POPULAR IN 1986)
This was the third album to come out from NKOTB, and one which mostly have vocals from Jordin Knight and not the other kids following criticisms that he was the only one who could sing on their previous album. Now that's to say that the other kids do provide vocals on this album, but that didn't prevent their haters from noticing how much more airtime Jordan has and thus accused them of lip synching on the album.
Peak position #4
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Step by step #8 (AMR #6)
Tonight #16 (AMR #18)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
Well, this was one way to begin the 80's, here we have a live album from Little river band which I would've thought had done better considering how inescapable they were not just here but throughout the rest of the world throughout the previous decade.
Peak position #18
(POPULAR IN 1980)
This is a remix album from the Cure that you would think would be a massive flop for the band given how they're best known for their darker more brooding work; you'd be wrong as this sound like something the Pet shop boys would've made around this time which likely prevented it from alienating their fanbase who were also huge fans of the English duo.
Peak position #12
Peak position #12 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Never enough #22
(POPULAR IN 1991)
It seems a bit strange that one of the most popular albums from Queen's catalogue would be such a sleeper hit back in the day considering how it contains two of their biggest hits, indeed this only became a hit down under once the fourth single from the album became a surprise hit which allowed it to rebound on our charts in order to make it a success for them.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Crazy little thing called love #1
Another one bites the dust #5
(POPULAR IN 1980)
Of the big four from the grunge scene, Alice in chains achieved the least amount of success even though they weren't the last of them to achieve success here in Australia (that would be Soundgarden.) Here they are with their big breakthrough which was enough of a sleeper hit here in Australia to qualify for this list despite it failing to produce a hit single like all the other breakthrough grunge albums.
Peak position #13
Peak position #15 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
As you can tell from the name of this album, this is a greatest hits package looking over the first ten years of Neil Young's solo career (as none of his work with CSNY appears on here) which was a modest sleeper hit here in Australia back in the day hence how it managed to appear on this list of mine.
Peak position #21
(POPULAR IN 1978)
This was released three years prior to deafening silence, likely because no one had cared about Roy Orbison since his 1969 hit "Penny arcade" anywhere in the world. It was given a second chance this year due to the success of his earlier entries both solo and with the Traveling wilburys as well as his tragic passing prior to either of their releases.
Peak position #20
Peak position #20 (ARIA charts)
(POPULAR IN 1989)
I think these guys are the only EDM artists to have more than one successful album in Australia throughout the 90's, although admittedly neither of their albums were as big as any of their contemporaries so perhaps this all balances out. In any case, the Dutch duo was able to double their success the following year by releasing more of their irresistibly catchy dance tracks on their next album.
Peak position #10
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Get ready for this #2 (AMR #3)
Twilight zone #11 (AMR #12)
Workaholic #35
The magic friend #16 (AMR #14)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
This was released on the fifth anniversary of Michael Hutchence's death to remind audiences of the back catalogue of his band's work, it's a fairly comprehensive album as it collects every song they released on two discs which explains its success back in the day.
Peak position #8
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
Sharon O'Neill was a rising star in her native NZ when she began the 80's, although I don't think anyone was expecting her to find success here in Australia considering that she wasn't among the most popular pop stars in her homeland (then again, their music scene was noticeably lacking women at the time.) She found success here when the second single became a sleeper hit due to its haunting tale about a fallen friend of hers.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Losing you #26
Maxine #16
(POPULAR IN 1983)
I'm a little surprised this wasn't more of a hit back in the day even if dance albums generally didn't do as well here in Australia as the likes of rock and pop music, mainly because the lead single was inescapable back in the day as well as it being a mainstay on oldies stations as well as it spawning a second hit for the Irish band.
Peak position #12
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Things can only get better #9 (AMR #8)
U R the best thing #9 (AMR #8)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
This was a bit of a comeback for Lou Reed who hadn't bothered our charts since the mid 70's, then again this was quite a good year for rock legends who emerged from that decade if you couldn't tell from the other entries on this list.
Peak position #20
Peak position #25 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Dirty blvd #42
(POPULAR IN 1989)
Given how Elvis Presley was still able to achieve success with his singles this far into his career, it only makes sense that he would find success around this time with a greatest hits package even if this is the sequel to a previous album which didn't see as much success here in Australia.
Peak position #8
(POPULAR IN 1975)
This album feels like a bit of a lie as although all three members on the cover would eventually become Shalamar (as opposed to the case with Milli Vanilli from over a decade later) it was originally recorded by a bunch of session musicians with the members being hired to promote the album rather than perform on it. I guess this these guys did prove to be the real deal on their subsequent releases.
Peak position #27
Hit singles
Uptown festival #20
(POPULAR IN 1978)
I guess there was enough room for more than one Superjesus/Killing Heidi after all as these guys managed to achieve sound success with their second album largely thanks to it rebounding whenever one of the singles was released, although it was clear that most audiences had moved onto the younger band by this point in time even if they had a similar sound and lineup to each other.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Gravity #35
Secret agent man #43
Enough to know #42
(POPULAR IN 2001)
Before there was Wild cherry, we have Average white band (I can't even with that name) mixing funk with classic rock and roll which was a formula that worked wonders for the Scottish band in America as the lead single went straight to number one on Billboard this year. We Aussies passed this up in favour of many of the other entries on this list for the most part.
Peak position #22
Hit singles
Pick up the pieces #38
(POPULAR IN 1975)
Of all the sophistopop I was expecting to find success here in Australia back in the day, Black wasn't among them as I always felt the band was too morose for us Aussies compared to the likes of Johnny hates jazz and Swing out sister. Indeed, this was more of a sleeper hit due to the surprise success the lead single had this year on our charts, although it did last for quite some time hence its placement on this list.
Peak position #22
Hit singles
Wonderful life #7
(POPULAR IN 1988)
These guys really didn't have much success with their albums here in Australia, did they? Fortunately, the lead single to this album was a huge hit here which allowed it to find an audience with us Aussies. This is the only work of theirs that became a success without the assistance of Countdown (at least to my knowledge as there are admittedly a ton of missing episodes from this time period.)
Peak position #23
Hit singles
Rich girl #6
(POPULAR IN 1978)
This managed to make it on here purely based on how long it charted for, as you can tell, there wasn't as many compilation albums taking up our charts as there were throughout the decade by this point which means that outliers such as this managed to sneak their way onto our charts.
Peak position #29
(POPULAR IN 1988)
This was only barely a success here in Australia due to how long it lasted on our charts, even then I get the feeling it only connected with audiences thanks to the surprise success of its lead single which in turn benefitted from being favourably compared to the likes of Melissa Etheridge and Tracy Chapman from this list.
Peak position #30
Peak position #31 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
What I am #14 (ARIA #18)
(POPULAR IN 1989)
What better way to end the decade than with an album overlooking the success you achieved throughout it? Rod Stewart decided not to release a new studio album once the 70's ended which might have costed him his success throughout the 80's as he wouldn't have a bestselling album again until 1991's Vagabond heart.
Peak position #1x5
(POPULAR IN 1979, 1980)
This was released at the tail end of the 70's to commemorate how far the Brothers Gibb had come from their previous greatest hits album from a decade prior, they made a habit of doing this once a decade as they would release another greatest hits package in 1990 despite not having much success in the 80's.
Peak position #1x3
(POPULAR IN 1979, 1980)
Reality bites seems to be a film you either love or hate, although the consensus on both sides of the argument is unanimous as it's a film about how being from gen x is hard and it is exploring why people in this generation feels that way. While the film wasn't a box office success, the soundtrack was highly successful likely due to it launching the careers of several artists who appear on the track listing.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Baby I love your way #4 (AMR #4)
Stay #6 (AMR #5)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
This was a compilation album which collected some of the biggest hits in Australia during our winter, it was a massive success back in the day as were the majority of these albums.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Beat it #2
Der kommissar #17
I’m still standing #3
Buffalo gals #19
Whap rap #9
Little red corvette #8
Black and white #24
Overkill #5
Solitaire #5
The walls came down #21
Stand back #20
Let’s go to bed #15
Mad world #12
Speak like a child #29
Candy girl #10
It’s raining men #16
Total eclipse of the heart #1
(POPULAR IN 1983)
Well I think this is as good as time as any to point out that in addition to having more greatest hits packages than any other act combined, some of these albums had themes to them such as this one which was built around their rock track from their catalogue. Anything with the name Beatles on it is going to be an instant success worldwide, so we shouldn't be surprised that this was a success when it came out.
Peak position #4
(POPULAR IN 1976)
The panel was a talk show that was quite popular during the late 90's and early 00's, mainly for its musical segment where a popular artist of the moment (usually a guest) would perform on the show (basically it was like the Ellen DeGeneres show only with multiple guests and less behind the scenes drama.) This third instalment from the soundtrack series proved to be quite a success back in the day.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
This was an album released exclusively in Australia likely due to how much love and support we Aussies gave Billy Joel; OK it was because of how big his previous two albums were here compared to the rest of the world that he released this exclusively for us. It's a reissue of his greatest hits package from five years earlier plus a live album as well as having a bonus disco containing interviews he gave here.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
This was the final album to be released from Wings before they went their separate ways in the new decade, it's worth noting that every one of their albums was a huge success here in Australia proving how much we Aussies loved Paul McCartney back in the day as he didn't start to feel irrelevant until the mid 80's.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 1979)
It looked like this was going to flop here in Australia just like their previous album did in their native UK given how the lead single didn't even chart here, fortunately the second single was a runaway success which allowed the album to become a huge success following the hype that song gave their music. This hype continued with their next album they released later in the year, which apparently led to them breaking up the following year.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Antmusic #1
Dog eat dog #22
(POPULAR IN 1981)
This was the album where Alice Cooper had sold out, at least he partially sold out as the lead single from this album was an adult contemporary ballad that became his biggest hit here in Australia. There are a few glam rock tracks on here to reassure his fans he wasn't a total sellout; however, they feel out of place with the more contemporary sounding songs on here which is why it wasn't as successful as his earlier work.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
You and me #2
(POPULAR IN 1977)
There weren't any signs of these guys slowing down when they released their penultimate album this year, although it wasn't quite as successful as their other albums given how it only spawned one hit and didn't last as long on the charts as the rest of their catalogue. It was a very good run they had but unfortunately there was too much behind the scenes drama for them to cope with each other for long.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Every little thing she does is magic #2
Spirits in the material world #50
(POPULAR IN 1981, 1982)
Well, this is a surprise, I didn't think that audiences were ready for new material from Neil Diamond this decade, however this album proved me wrong as it was indeed a huge success for the 70's crooner. I guess the 90's brought back another trend from the 70's, aging pop stars from two decades prior having a second wind two decades after their breakthrough.
Peak position #2
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1996)
This was a compilation album that collected the biggest hits in Australia during the winter of 1984, these albums were all the rage here back in the day and indeed were popular enough to get their own rankings once ARIA took over the charts later in the decade.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Wake me up before you go go #1
Miss me blind #26
Sad songs #4
What is love #31
I send a message #3
Breaking there’s no stopping us #25
Breakdance #19
Holiday #4
No more words #23
Big girls #18
Taking the town #29
Cry #17
Wouldn’t it be good #5
Oh Sherrie #5
Heaven #2
Dance hall days #7
I’ve been to Bali too #16
Time after time #6
(POPULAR IN 1984)
This was a seasonal compilation that collected the biggest hits of spring in Australia for 1986 just in time for our summer season, it got caught between two years due to how late it was released in the year which allows it to appear on more than one list on this site.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Dancing on the ceiling #2
Don’t leave me this way #2
Heartache all over the world #7
Missionary man #9
What’s the colour of money #23
Stay #30
I could make you love me #5
Two of hearts #7
True colors #3
Walk this way #9
Danger zone #14
Dreams of ordinary men #17
You give love a bad name #32
You’re gonna get hurt #24
Mad about you #9
A matter of trust #3
Take my breath away #2
You’re the voice #1
(POPULAR IN 1986, 1987)
ELO was another band who released a greatest hits package just as the 70's was coming to an end, this really was a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the biggest names of the decade given how many of them found success with these albums. They also managed to gain some mileage going into the 80's thanks to their sustained popularity.
Peak position #1x4
(POPULAR IN 1980)
One of the most prominent shows of the early 90's was Twin peaks, even with the cliffhanger ending it was well beloved by critics and audiences alike to the point where the soundtrack became a massive success around the world. The true surprise is that the theme song was a number one hit here in Australia (at least on the ARIA charts) which further secured the shows legacy down under.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Falling #1 (AMR #3)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
This was the last successful album that Little river band had in Australia for nearly ten years, I'm guessing it's because they were more interested in chasing their international appeal that they seemed to have forgotten to make music for us Aussies during the 80's. They would have a surprise comeback in 1988 with Monsoon when Glenn Shorrock rejoined the band after John Farnham's brief stint as the lead singer.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Lonesome loser #19
(POPULAR IN 1979)
Given how inexplicably popular Eminem was at the start of the decade, he was able to find success with his posse D12 who were a bit more on the vulgar side of hip hop as opposed to Eminem who was much more serious with his material (at least with his more popular albums he was.) Although neither of their albums reached the dizzying heights of Eminem's own material, they were nonetheless quite popular back in the day.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Purple pills #3
Fight music #27
(POPULAR IN 2001)
It took them three years to make this album following the success of their fourth album from earlier in the decade, it looks like it was worth the wait as not only was this another successful album for Foreigner, but it also spawned their biggest hit worldwide in the form of its lead single. Sadly, this was the last successful album from the band, although they did score one more hit in Australia later in the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I want to know what love is #1
(POPULAR IN 1985)
While the band had moderate success with their debut album the previous year, this was the album which made them a household name as it convinced us Aussies they were among the likes of the Eagles and Doobie brothers in the realms of soft rock. Their popularity would continue to grow with their next album which would lead to them taking the world by storm by the end of the decade.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Everyday of my life #29
(POPULAR IN 1976)
Well at least David Bowie was able to achieve some degree of success here in Australia during the height of the Countdown era, although it may surprise you to learn that Bowie didn't achieve that much success here save for his Pin ups album from 1973 as well as his Let's dance album from a decade after that.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Heroes #11
(POPULAR IN 1978)
Following the success of the Grease soundtrack from earlier on this list, Olivia Newton John doubled down on her sex appeal she displayed in the film with this album which naturally went over well with her fanbase given how this was her first album to be a success outside of its singles here in Australia. It's a bit of a prototype to her next album which seemed to be tailor made for the launch of MTV.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
A little more love #9
(POPULAR IN 1979)
This is another band I would've thought would've been more inescapable here in Australia back in the day, at least their second album proved to be a massive hit here thanks to the strength of its lead single on our charts. Something I noticed about these guys is that they have a fascination with doctors in their music, it likely explains their level of success as they were a legitimate new wave band but on the sillier side.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Hold me now #3
Doctor doctor #14
You take me up #47
(POPULAR IN 1984)
Given how Mariah Carey and Eric Clapton had two of the biggest albums of the decade with their respective live albums from MTV unplugged, it makes sense that Rod Stewart would join in on the fun by releasing his album recorded at his unplugged concert which was also a massive success for him and the show.
Peak position #4
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Have I told you lately #12 (AMR #11)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
You'd think that a man who swept the Grammys at the start of the decade would have a much bigger follow up to his debut album, it turns out that even back then Christopher Cross's sweep of the awards ceremony was harshly criticised due to the competition he won over that year. In any case we have his second album which was a decent success back in the day but has since been largely forgotten in recent years.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
All right #30
(POPULAR IN 1983)
Named after the Breakfast club track, we have this compilation album which collects some of the biggest hits of winter for this year that became a success during our spring due to the good choices that were found on the album.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Love and devotion #9
Male stripper #3
Boom boom #1
One and one #19
Right on track #4
Lean on me #5
Showing out #12
Let’s go #14
Slice of heaven #1
What’s my scene #3
Midnight blue #8
Hymn to her #7
At this moment #11
Looking for a new love #13
Nothing’s gonna stop us now #3
Rock the night #22
Holiday rap #11
(POPULAR IN 1987)
This was a greatest hits album that was released exclusively in Australia and NZ mere months prior to the death of Karen Carpenter, meaning we have another successful album to become as such due to the death of an artist involved with its creation. I'm guessing this was planned on having an international release back in the day but was cancelled out of respect for Karen's passing.
Peak position #1x1
(POPULAR IN 1983)
The legends are true, Metallica did indeed once go on tour with a symphony orchestra which was so well received that they decided to release a live recording of the best parts of the tour which was an instant success just as the 90's had come to an end. It would lead to a very rocky decade which had its highs (Death magnetic) and its lows (St anger.)
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Nothing else matters #28
No leaf clover #41
(POPULAR IN 1999)
This was unfortunately the final successful album that AC/DC had with Bon Scott on lead vocals, for some reason their popularity just fell off a cliff after this album became a success for them which is odd because it's not like they were overexposed this decade like many other artists whose popularity declined throughout the 70's.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Jailbreak #10
Dirty deeds done dirt cheap #29
(POPULAR IN 1976)
This was the final album that Pink Floyd released this decade, it's also the first of a few albums I'll be featuring on these lists that the A.V club declared as one of the least essential albums of the decade despite what a massive success it was. I'm guessing this was due to the album failing to live up to their earlier work as it's one of the less universally acclaimed albums from their catalogue.
Peak position #1x3
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
This was an excellent year for Faith Hill given how we're still yet to get to her breakthrough album she had here in Australia, following its success, she released a greatest hits package which helped fans discover her 90's material (given how Breathe was released in 1999) which also became a massive hit for her before she unfortunately faded into obscurity down under.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
There you'll be #24
(POPULAR IN 2001, 2002)
While this was a huge success for the Cranberries this year, their fans have said that their change in sound did alienate them back in the day which is why this wasn't as inescapable as their sophomore album from two years prior. That said it was still a notable success for them which is more than I can say for their next album which failed to find any sort of audience due to them further changing their sound.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Salvation #8 (AMR #8)
Free to decide #43
When you're gone #40
(POPULAR IN 1996)
You'd think this would be the moment when Split enz called it quits given what they named their greatest hits package, alas this was more a way of letting their fans know that Tim Finn would be going solo this year as he would release his solo album to massive success shortly after this came out. For what it's worth, it was the end of an era as the band would struggle for success after this came out.
Peak position #8
(POPULAR IN 1983)
Following the success of their greatest hits package from earlier on this list, America was able to score one more successful album to their name in Australia with this album. I'm not sure why they didn't find more success back in the day as they are known better for their novelty track "A horse with no name" even to this day.
Peak position #12
(POPULAR IN 1976)
The last time anyone seemed to care about James Taylor in the music industry was with his duet with his (then) wife Carly Simon on "Mockingbird," that was three years prior which should give you an idea of how jarring this albums success was this year for the singer/songwriter. Admittedly this came due to him scoring a hit this year with its lead single, and he has seen middling success over the years since.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Handy man #13
(POPULAR IN 1977)
With word that these two would reunite for a one-off concert in New York's Central Park, there was naturally a rush to check out their back catalogue which resulted in the success of this greatest hits package for the duo months prior to when they gave the show of a lifetime.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 1981, 1982)
This was a very successful decade for AC/DC here in Australia even if they only spawned a total of four hits throughout the 80's, they made for that by having some of the more popular albums of the moment such as this follow up to their biggest album Back in Black.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 1982)
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