I guess it was only a matter of time before Guy Sebastian made a covers album consisting of Motown tunes, it may have failed to produce a hit single for him like his earlier work, but it at least was a huge success for him which was able to pick up the slack from his previous two albums.
Peak position #3
(POPULAR IN 2007)
This was the final album from Pearl jam that fans would consider to be part of their classic period, mainly because this was the last album of theirs to have any trace of grunge as they would move on to adult contemporary with their subsequent albums. Admittedly I feel that they wanted to make the move here but didn't fully commit to it so that they could ease their fans through the transition.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Given to fly #13 (AMR #9)
Wishlist #48
(POPULAR IN 1998)
This was the debut album for Screaming jets, an Australian band who made it big with a song that wouldn't feel out of place with the rising grunge movement that would take over the world by the end of the year. While this album was an immediate success for the band, their second album would have to wait a year and a half to become a success likely suggesting Nirvana stole their success from them.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Better #4 (AMR #3)
Stop the world #33
Shine on #36
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Now that they had international success from their previous album, Icehouse decided to experiment with their sound in an attempt to keep up with the trends of MTV. While this and their next album were a success for the band in Australia and NZ, they aren't fondly remembered due to them moving away from the sound which made them iconic on their first two albums and especially their fifth album.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Taking the town #29
Don't believe anymore #31
(POPULAR IN 1984)
This feels like a greatest hits collection from the KLF given how it collected all of their big hits during the early 90's, indeed it likely launched the EDM craze here in Australia given how huge each of these songs were in Australia in comparison to the album itself. Despite how much success they had with this album, the duo decided to go their separate ways after the album cycle was done the following year.
Peak position #5
Peak position #4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
3AM eternal #3 (AMR #1)
Last train to trancentral #5 (AMR #5)
Justified and ancient #3 (AMR #3)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
I guess Tour of duty was such a cultural phenomenon in Australia that the second season also managed to spawn a successful soundtrack months after the success of the first season's soundtrack from earlier on this list. The third season also had a soundtrack to it which sadly wasn't a huge success here.
Peak position #4
Peak position #5 (ARIA charts)
(POPULAR IN 1988)
Want to know what happened to Dire straits when they briefly called it quits in 1988? Well lead singer Mark Knopfler formed a side band known as the Notting hillbillies who released a country album this year that achieved massive success for them. They were only a side project which means they broke up once they were done promoting the album so that Mark could reform Dire straits the following year.
Peak position #6
Peak position #6 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Your own sweet way #28
(POPULAR IN 1990)
People have complained over the years that this second solo album was where Stevie began to abandon her roots in folk music, I feel it was for the best as it helped her stand out from Fleetwood mac as well as explore different genres to experiment with her voice. It wasn't among her most successful albums; however, it did serve as a warmup to her next album which remains her biggest solo effort to date in Australia.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Stand back #20
(POPULAR IN 1983)
The spring of 1982 was a hectic time for Australia, as such this compilation album billed as a summer release became hit during the early months of this year due to choosing some noteworthy songs to appear on the album.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Shy boy #2
Winners #12
Don’t go #6
You should hear how she talks about you #4
Real men #6
Do you wanna touch me #18
Hot in the city #18
Down on the border #7
All touch #40
Sweet little woman #42
Maneater #4
I know there’s something going on #5
Words #12
You can do magic #30
Voyeur #30
Taxi Mary #11
Heart attack #22
House of fun #5
I’m so excited #9
We can’t be beaten #28
(POPULAR IN 1983)
This was originally released twenty years prior, as such it was given a CD release this year which allowed it to be a massive success worldwide for the fab four. They also rereleased the sister album this year which we'll look at in a bit.
Peak position #9
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1993)
This was the third and final High school music soundtrack to the third and final film of the franchise, it's worth noting that the film was the only one out of the trilogy to be released in cinemas given how popular the other two were as Disney channel originals (the pre streaming equivalent of Disney +.) Although these were massive hits for Disney, they were torn apart by critics for their weak acting and storylines.
Peak position #4
(POPULAR IN 2008)
This was the last album to be released from Crowded house during their initial run together, it was a massive hit here in Australia and an even bigger hit in Neil's native NZ proving they too were able to survive the transition from the 80's to the 90's and even the purge of Australian music from this year in particular thanks to how much more timeless their music was compared to their contemporaries.
Peak position #2
Peak position #3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Distant sun #23
Nails in my feet #34
Private universe #46
(POPULAR IN 1993, 1994)
This was the only big album that Elton John released during the second half of the 80's, it was a live album that he recorded with the Melbourne symphony orchestra during his umpteenth tour here in Australia.
Peak position #5
(POPULAR IN 1987)
This was the second greatest hits album that Kenny Rogers had success with in as many years in Australia and NZ, although this time it was the one he released in his native America so it makes sense why it would be a success in the southern hemisphere as it contained his first Billboard chart topper as a bonus track.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Lady #16
(POPULAR IN 1980, 1981)
This was the only successful album to come from Dr Hook in Australia, even then I get the feeling this was only big here due to the success of their greatest hits package from earlier on this list. This did spawn one of their biggest hits in the form of its lead single, and they did release a track exclusively here in Australia that became a hit, so its success does makes sense for them.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Girls can get it #3
(POPULAR IN 1981)
This was the penultimate album that Smashing pumpkins released in their career before they called it quits the first time, it was another successful album from the alternative scene which proved why they wanted to keep making music even though they couldn't handle the fame very well.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x2 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Ava adore #19 (AMR #18)
(POPULAR IN 1998)
This was the only other success that Margaret Urlich was able to achieve here in Australia given how successful her solo debut was from the start of the decade, although it's worth noting that this too underperformed in her homeland, suggesting that the kiwis had grown tired of her music by this point.
Peak position #5
Peak position #5 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Boy in the moon #21
Burnt Sienna #33
(POPULAR IN 1992, 1993)
In 1978, the members of Kiss each released a solo album which went largely ignored due to them being best known as a unit even at the time, however thanks to the success of their earlier entries on this list, their label decided to commission this album which pulled the best tracks from their individual releases which proved to be a modest success here in Australia for the band.
Peak position #13
(POPULAR IN 1980)
Much like his previous album, this also had a different title here in Australia compared to what it was in the UK (it was called Shaky for the record) this was named after the second single of the album here which curiously was only the fourth biggest hit he had down under.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
You drive me crazy #1
Green day #8
(POPULAR IN 1982)
Mark Vincent was the winner of this year's season of Australia's got talent, as such his debut album proved to be a massive success for the tenor opera singer which makes it yet another opera album to appear on this list alone.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Given how inescapably popular Sherbet was throughout the decade, it only makes sense that this live album managed to be a success for them even though they weren't particularly known for being among the best live bands of their time, hence why it wasn't more of a success here.
Peak position #11
(POPULAR IN 1975)
I'm not sure why this album sat on shelves largely ignored for over a year in Australia, however once MJ was able to make it big with his album from earlier on the list his family had little issues with following suit in making it big with this album. Like MJ, the band had continued success into the 80's, making this the second album on here to be a comeback for his career.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Blame it on the boogie #4
(POPULAR IN 1980)
This is another album that came out two years prior to deafening silence that only saw success this year, although this was mostly the case in Australia as its success wasn't as tardy in the band's native America given how the singles on here managed to become massive hits on Billboard the previous year. I guess the wait was worth it as it became their biggest success here in Australia as did one of the singles.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Here without you #2
(POPULAR IN 2004)
There were no signs of these guys slowing down here in Australia, OK there were some signs given how this was nowhere near as successful as their previous two albums here, however it was obvious they still had a massive fanbase who likely comprised of a lot of the other entries on this list given how popular classical music had become at this point in time.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2006)
This was another successful album to come from George Benson back in the day, although it didn't have that big crossover hit that his next album had likely due to his work from the 70's being more in line with jazz rather than disco like that album was.
Peak position #14
(POPULAR IN 1979)
I guess Neil Finn wanted to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Tim by releasing this solo album following the demise of his band Crowded house, he was off to a good start in his solo career as this was a huge success for him upon its immediate release both here and in his native NZ. He would struggle to retain his popularity going into the new millennium much like his contemporaries.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x3 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Sinner #40
(POPULAR IN 1998)
This was the penultimate album that Split enz released before they called it quits, their final album coming when they broke up later in the year which is why it wasn't a success since they weren't even together to promote it. I guess Tim wanted to focus on his solo career while Neil would go on to form Crowded house after their final album.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Strait old line #42
Message to my girl #12
(POPULAR IN 1984)
This is the only appearance that Andre Rieu will be making on this site, I bring this up because the Dutch violinist was inescapably popular during the last stretch of the decade thanks to appealing to the classical music scene of the day. Here he recruits Australian opera singer Mirusia to provide vocals for his classical pieces which would explain its popularity here in Australia.
Peak position #1x2
(POPULAR IN 2008)
This was the penultimate album to be released from Rage against the machine as they would break up this year once they released their final album to allow the members to form a side project with Chris Cornell of Soundgarden known as Audioslave, basically it was an album about the state of Los Angeles at the end of the 90's which many people found a lot of solace in given how righteous the band was on the album.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 1999)
Richard Clayderman was one of the most popular classical artists to make it big this decade, this was one of only two albums to find success here in Australia but believe me, the French pianist was inescapable worldwide back in the 80's. I'm guessing this live performance really impressed us Aussies if it was the most successful album of his catalogue down under.
Peak position #8
(POPULAR IN 1987)
These guys were on a roll when they released their second album of the 80's, although it didn't spawn a huge hit for them which is perhaps why it wasn't as big as the two albums it was sandwiched between. Still, this did make them one of the more popular Australian bands of the early 80's which was a great time for the Australian music scene both locally and internationally.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
No time #11
The queen and me #40
(POPULAR IN 1982)
I really believe that these guys were done dirty by with the digital piracy throughout the 00's as I refuse to believe that they didn't have much success with their earlier material throughout the decade given how much airplay it all received back in the day. In any case, we have this album from Living end which won't be qualifying for my comeback list due to my stance that their popularity didn't fade away where it counted.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
White noise #12
(POPULAR IN 2008)
This will be the only appearance from Marilyn Manson on this side of my site, I guess we Aussies weren't that interested in the shock factor he offered up in his music as many will tell you (me included) that his music was rather standard when divorced from the context of his stage antics.
Peak position #1x1
Peak position #1x1 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The dope show #20 (AMR #15)
I don't like the drugs #45
(POPULAR IN 1998, 1999)
This was a bit more successful than their previous album, I guess because this was their attempt at becoming the likes of Rage against the machine or other heavier rock bands with a political edge to their lyricism. Indeed, this saw the band take a stance against politics which was a common troupe that the decade would become known for, although they weren't the biggest success stories in this regard.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
I am mine #12
Love boat captain #29
(POPULAR IN 2002, 2003)
This was all set to be a flop upon its initial release here in Australia, in fact the only reason why it saw any success was due to the band's earlier entry on this list becoming a surprise hit for them which encouraged audiences to check out this greatest hits package from the band.
Peak position #9
Peak position #17 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1994)
This was the only notable success that Canadian pop rocker Amanda Marshall had anywhere in the world, even then she was fairly late to the party when it came to what's known as the Lilith Fair crowd which consists of women in rock from the 90's finding massive success such as Sheryl crow and Jewel, hence why she did fare as well as those women did.
Also, for whatever reason, this was a moderate hit according to ARIA but a huge flop according to AMR, to give you an idea of how different the charts had become by this point in time.
Peak position #15
Peak position #43 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Let it rain #30
(POPULAR IN 1997)
I guess all you need to make it big here in Australia is to have a huge hit on Billboard (even if it's on the airplay charts) take this album from the Wallflowers who likely wouldn't have had any success here if the lead single didn't tear up the radio in America upon its initial release. Like many alternative bands of the late 90's, these guys as a one album wonder due to them failing to have any other radio fodder in America.
Peak position #9
Peak position #7 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
One headlight #14 (AMR #10)
(POPULAR IN 1997)
While this wasn't as inescapable for Mariah Carey as her earlier entry on this list was even in her native America, it was a nice tie over for her fans while she gained the confidence to develop her own personality on her albums which she would use to great effect on her later material. This was also the album where she was accused of lip synching in her music, accusations that went away once she appeared on MTV unplugged.
Peak position #8
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Emotions #11 (AMR #12)
Make it happen #35
(POPULAR IN 1991)
This was the only successful album that Wilson Phillips had here in Australia and indeed anywhere in the world outside of their native America, I'm guessing the rest of the world wasn't too interested in the fact that these were the daughters of some of the biggest names in music from the 60's and 70's even though they did admittedly have much better voices than some of the pop divas of the era.
Peak position #7
Peak position #15 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Hold on #2 (AMR #2)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
This was a live album from 10cc during the height of their popularity, they may have never released two albums that were the same as each other, however that didn't prevent them from putting on cohesive live shows throughout their career as evidence by how well this resonated with audiences back in the day.
Peak position #13
(POPULAR IN 1978)
Well, these guys had to start somewhere in their career if they were going to dominate the international market by the start of the 80's, so here we are with their debut album whose success came more from the lead single being a huge hit for the band which encouraged us Aussies to check out what else they had to offer from said album.
Peak position #17
Hit singles
Love and other bruises #6
Empty pages #43
(POPULAR IN 1977)
This was a massive flop the previous year for Diana Ross given how her heyday had long since passed even in her native America at this point, however it was given a second chance when "Chain reaction" became a surprise hit for her internationally likely due to the presence of the Bee gees who even by this point, felt like a cheat code for mainstream success.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Chain reaction #1
(POPULAR IN 1986)
While her previous album was a largely personal release from Kelly Clarkson, it did have some restraint from her label which this third entry of hers didn't which resulted in a much more polarising reception from her fanbase. Whilst enough people appreciated her willingness to go even darker than she had previously gone, the rest of the public felt it was too alienating to be appealing which resulted in its disappointing reception.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Never again #5
One minute #36
(POPULAR IN 2007)
This was the first successful album that Bob Seger managed to have here in Australia, I'm not sure why he struggled for mainstream relevancy here as you'd think he'd have little issue with finding an audience with his brand of heartland rock. I guess we Aussies realised our mistake for sleeping on his music as his greatest hits package from the end of the decade would be a massive success for him.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Night moves #25
(POPULAR IN 1977)
This was a bit of a mini comeback for the Backstreet boys, although it was their first album since their 2000 effort Black and blue, so perhaps they wanted to wait things out to see where they could go now that they had won the boy band wars of the 90's. Naturally they went the Michael Bublé route of maturing their sound and lyrics to appeal to likely the same fanbase that made them a success in the 90's.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Incomplete #1
Just want you to know #22
I still #16
(POPULAR IN 2005)
The last time Joe Jackson troubled the charts here was six years prior when he scored a massive breakthrough with his album Night and day (there were a few artists from 1982 having big hits this year for some reason.) Here Joe managed to return with a live album containing several key moments from his shows throughout the decade, hence the name of the album and why it was likely a success.
Peak position #13
Peak position #17 (ARIA charts)
(POPULAR IN 1988)
This is to date the only album that Max Sharam has released in her career, I'm not sure why she didn't try to release another album given that this did quite well for one that came from a female indie artist. Indeed, she has Triple J to thank for this being so successful given how the lead single was quite popular on the station for her, once again this was during a time where female indie artists weren't doing so well here.
Peak position #9
Peak position #9 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Coma #14 (AMR #13)
Be firm #25
Lay down #36
(POPULAR IN 1995)
Whitney just came off a highly successful decade when it came to her music career, as such it makes sense she would release a greatest hits album which came out around the same time as her duet with Enrique Iglesias to help promote the album. Sadly, this would be the final album to find success for her during her lifetime as nothing she released would be a hit for the next twelve years.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
If I told you that #37
(POPULAR IN 2000)
I guess it would've been strange if these guys faded into obscurity with their follow up album to A funk odyssey, even then, this proved to be a massive disappointment compared to that work which is perhaps why they haven't seen much success since this came out.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Feels just like it should #27
(POPULAR IN 2005)
This was a massive hit for French pianist Richard Clayderman here in Australia, although it pales in comparison to what he achieved over in NZ where he was completely inescapable throughout the 80's.
Peak position #12
(POPULAR IN 1985)
This is the only notable success that La roux had not just here in Australia but anywhere in the world including their native UK, even then it came from the success of its second single which took the world by storm thanks to how much it heavily reminded people of the mid to late 80's. The rest of the album is a throwback to that period in time, however it appears the world only had enough love for one of these tracks.
Peak position #22
Hit singles
In for the kill #36
Bulletproof #5
(POPULAR IN 2009)
Following the success of her previous album Fever, Kylie decided to embrace her new seductive image by channelling it further into this album which was still a huge success albeit one that was pushed aside in our mainstream due to it being released during the height of Australian Idol's dominance in our music scene. This is primarily why it and its singles didn't seem as inescapable on our charts as they felt back in the day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Slow #1
Red blooded woman #4
Chocolate #14
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
It's a bit strange that this managed to be a success here in Australia for Wet wet wet considering how much of a failure their debut album from two years ago was, I guess we Aussies were amused by the lead single's bizarre music video to finally allow these guys to be a worthy contemporary of Simply red even if they wouldn't find any more success until their appearance on the Four weddings and a funeral soundtrack.
Peak position #12
Peak position #8 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Sweet surrender #7 (AMR #6)
(POPULAR IN 1990)
It turns out that Joe Jackson was able to find success from the very beginning here in Australia as the lead single to his debut album was enough of a hit here to encourage us Aussies to check out what else he had to offer from the album. Of course, his true peak in popularity wouldn't come until he scored a massive hit with "Real men" three years later, impressive considering how out of touch that is from the MTV era.
Peak position #20
Hit singles
Is she really going out with him #15
(POPULAR IN 1979)
While this wasn't as popular as their previous entry on this site, the fact that it did spawn a massive hit for Thirsty merc with its lead single did allow it to retain some of the success that their earlier work had achieved throughout the decade. This would sadly be the band's final success as their 2010's work would flop due to that decades seeming allergic reaction to rock and its many sub genres.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
20 good reasons #4
(POPULAR IN 2007)
This is the soundtrack to a concert film that Bette Midler made following the success of her theatrical debut film the Rose from the previous year, it was a moderate success for her here in Australia likely because she already had her big breakthrough here with her debut album from seven years prior.
Peak position #20
(POPULAR IN 1981)
This was a bit of a commercial disappointment for the Divinyls given the success of their previous two albums, although it was enough of a success to qualify for this site of mine even if it was obvious that they needed a change in musical direction for their next project. That of course would result in their international breakthrough which is impressive given the lack of international success that had in the 80's.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Back to the wall #33
Hey little boy #27
(POPULAR IN 1988)
Staind are another band that received a ton of backlash at the time for what rock snobs coined as "butt rock," this would explain why they managed to achieve massive worldwide success with this breakthrough album of theirs despite the critical backlash it received much like Nickelback and Limp bizkit from around this time. Australia was where it found the least amount of success from what I can gather.
Peak position #18
Hit singles
It's been awhile #24
(POPULAR IN 2001)
This was the only album that Lloyd Cole and the Commotions found success with anywhere in the world, it's another indie album from the UK that flew under the radar back in the day due to it being a little ahead of its time as it would've thrived later in the decade with the rest of the sophistopop that dominated the charts worldwide.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Lost weekend #49
(POPULAR IN 1986)
It makes sense that Keith Urban would want to release a greatest hits package around this time given how he had finally been given mainstream exposure due to his marriage to Nicole Kidman worldwide. It was at this point his most successful release here in Australia, although the best was yet to come in the 2010's.
Peak position #7
(POPULAR IN 2007)
Andre Bocelli had a good run in the mainstream while it lasted, as such it makes sense he would find success with a greatest hits package just as his popularity was coming to an end in favour for the likes of Andre Rieu and Paul Potts worldwide.
Peak position #11
(POPULAR IN 2007)
This is another album I would've thought would've been bigger here in Australia back in the day, although it turns out its success mainly stems from Enrique's collaboration with Whitney Houston as that was the only big hit to come from the album even though the other three singles were inescapable internationally. He would find much more success with his next album due to its connections to 9/11.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Bailamos #13
Rhythm divine #36
Be with you #36
Could I have this kiss forever #12
(POPULAR IN 2000)
Given how Miley Cyrus was quickly becoming one of the biggest names in music worldwide, it makes sense that this live album from her Best of both worlds concert would be a moderate success here in Australia even if it was largely overshadowed by her earlier album on this list given they were released around the same time as each other.
Peak position #16
(POPULAR IN 2008)
It was clear that we Aussies didn't support the disco backlash that was taking place in America around this time, so much so that the Village people were able to achieve sound success with this greatest hits package that they seemingly released here exclusively due to how far into obscurity it's since fallen into.
Peak position #15
(POPULAR IN 1983)
Although he didn't reach the dizzying heights he achieved in the 90's, it appears that we Aussies were interested in hearing a more traditional soul album from Seal around this time which is how it managed to become a minor sleeper hit years after his heyday had come to an end.
Peak position #16
(POPULAR IN 2008, 2009)
This is the second greatest hits package that Bryan Adams released throughout the 90's, although given how the two albums he released since the previous one didn't take over the world like his albums from 1985 and 1991 respectively did, it's easy to see why this failed to live up to the standards of So far so good when it finally came out.
Peak position #18
(POPULAR IN 2000)
Although he wasn't able to retain the popularity he acquired earlier in the decade with his hit single "Real men" here in Australia, that didn't mean that Joe Jackson no longer had any success with his albums as indeed he managed to achieve moderate success with his albums including this entry.
Peak position #22
(POPULAR IN 1986)
It really is a shame that Tom Petty didn't achieve much success here in Australia with his albums as he's been widely regarded as one of the greatest rock and roll artists of his time if his constant presence on oldies stations is anything to go by. This was only barely a success here in Australia, or more accurately it stuck around long enough to qualify for this list of mine.
Peak position #21
Hit singles
The waiting #38
(POPULAR IN 1981)
OK I'm really not sure if this is the correct entry as the entry listed when going through the charts suggests that Smokie had a self-titled album, the problem of course is that they never had a self-titled album, meaning that from what I can gather, this position should go to an album that never existed or at the very least has been literally erased from history.
Peak position #26
(POPULAR IN 1977)
Given how the title track was one of the biggest hits of the year here in Australia, it only makes sense that this album from Fox would be a moderate success as naturally we Aussies wanted to see what else Noosha Fox and company had to offer from an album that spawned such a massive hit.
Peak position #22
Hit singles
S s s single bed #1
(POPULAR IN 1976)
I get the feeling this was a success mainly for how long it stuck around for on our charts, you probably noticed that there wasn't that many inescapable albums this year the further down this list we go, meaning that this was more a success due to a lack of competition rather than we Aussies being interested in Bowie's work by this point.
Peak position #19
Hit singles
Day in day out #33
(POPULAR IN 1987)
This was an E.P that was released three years prior from Demis Roussos, although it was only barely a success here, the fact that an E.P from an artist who found success with an album he released much earlier in the decade being this successful is quite an accomplishment in its own right.
Peak position #25
(POPULAR IN 1979)
This is the only notable success that Leonardo's bride had here in Australia, even then it mainly comes from the lead single becoming a surprise hit as it feels out of place with everything else on this list. I guess if this had of been released five years earlier it would've been much bigger as this feels like something that Frente would've made if they dialled back their personality.
Peak position #25
Peak position #22 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Even when I'm sleeping #4 (AMR #5)
Buddha baby #40
(POPULAR IN 1997)
These guys got a bit lost in the shuffle when it came to the early post grunge boom that Matchbox 20 would popularise around this time, however they did have an endorsement from Triple J which is perhaps why they were able to linger around our charts with this album and its lead single for quite some time back in the day.
Peak position #18
Peak position #13 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Place your hands #28
(POPULAR IN 1997)
This album was all set to be a massive flop here in Australia despite it spawning multiple hit singles in the band's native America, however due to one of the tracks being plagiarised by Ray Parker, detractors of that song (yes there were people who dislike the Ghostbusters theme) decided to show their support towards Huey and company by making this a minor sleeper hit around this time.
Peak position #22
Hit singles
Heart of rock and roll #25
I want a new drug #27
If this is it #20
(POPULAR IN 1985)
It's staggering to think that the former cast member of Good times would release two albums to deafening silence before making it big by working with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, indeed her luck did change once she teamed up with the duo for this album given how it even rivalled that of her older brother's work in terms of success in her native America even if it wasn't that big here in Australia.
Peak position #25
Hit singles
What have you done for me lately #6
Nasty #17
Let's wait awhile #21
The pleasure principle #50
(POPULAR IN 1986)
This was the first of only two albums that Shakespeare's sister released together, the duo of course comprising of Siobahn Fahay from Bananarama and Marcella Detroit of "I believe" fame. It was a modest success for the duo due to the surprise success of its lead single, although their true popularity would come with their next album.
Peak position #22
Peak position #22 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
You're history #20 (AMR #19)
Run silent #47
(POPULAR IN 1990)
This was initially released to minimal success worldwide, likely because audiences felt that Snap wasn't worth more than the two catchy lead singles similar to how Black box initially struggled to find success with their album around this time. It was eventually won over by us Aussies and kiwis a year after its release likely due to a successful tour the band had that was well received in both countries.
Peak position #25
Peak position #25 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
The power #13 (AMR #13)
Ooops up #4 (AMR #3)
Cult of snap #27
Mary had a little boy #18 (AMR #14)
(POPULAR IN 1991)
Although they only have one hit single to their name here in Australia (that being "Chanson d'amour") it appears we Aussies were curious enough to check out the back catalogue of Manhattan transfer this year to make this a minor sleeper success here.
Peak position #27
(POPULAR IN 1982)
This is one of those albums that refused to leave the lower half of our charts back in the day, although it wouldn't be until their next album that Korn would finally take over our mainstream as they were a little bit early to the nu metal party that would explode by the end of the decade.
Peak position #26
Peak position #29 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
A.D.I.D.A.S. #45
(POPULAR IN 1997)
This is the final successful album that Jack Johnson has had in his career, although this hasn't been for a lack of trying as he's released plenty of new music in the new decade which is on the same level of quality as his work throughout the 00's.
Peak position #1x6
(POPULAR IN 2008)
This was the follow up to Status quo's biggest album On the level, and while it didn't spawn a huge hit for them like that album did, it didn't prevent the album from being any less successful here in Australia proving how well loved these guys were. Sadly, that love began to fade after this album as though they continued to have his, none of their other albums saw the level of success these two did in their catalogue.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Rain #40
(POPULAR IN 1976)
We were still five years off from album number four from Lionel Richie, although I guess he noticed how long his fans had been waiting and as such released this greatest hits package to help tie them over to his eventual album. Unfortunately, while this album was a huge success for him, said fans grew tired of waiting and didn't flock over to his album when it dropped in 1996.
Peak position #1x6
Peak position #1x4 (AMR charts)
Hit singles
Do it to me #45
(POPULAR IN 1992)
These guys saw a lot of hype with their debut album, so much so that they were declared to be the American equivalent of the Beatles before it even dropped. Fortunately for them, the album was a huge success thanks to the strength of its lead single. Unfortunately for them, this made them a one album wonder as their subsequent releases failed to find much of an audience for them.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
My Sharona #1
(POPULAR IN 1979)
It was only inevitable that John Farnham would release a live album that would see massive success for him, it comes around the time he had his collaboration with Jimmy Barnes on his Soul deep project from earlier on this list to remind audiences of what a phenomenal talent he was this far into his career.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1991, 1992)
They may not have had much success with their albums in Australia (at least at this point they didn't) however the success of this greatest hits package ensured that Salt n Pepa had a very devoted fanbase here regardless based on their singles alone. Indeed, their popularity here would eventually lead to them having major success with their next album Very necessary both with the singles and the album itself.
Peak position #2
Peak position #2 (AMR charts)
(POPULAR IN 1992)
This was the penultimate album that Abba released in their catalogue, although it was their final successful album in Australia as their next album the Visitors would be a huge flop here for some reason. I guess if the band members weren't going through highly publicised divorces at the time, they could've found a lot of success throughout the 80's given how well they began the decade.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
The winner takes it all #7
On and on and on #9
(POPULAR IN 1981)
Sherbet was on a roll when they released this album a year into the Countdown era, so much so that it led to their biggest hit worldwide "Howzat" shortly after the album cycle finish and made them an international household name.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Life #4
Matter of time #5
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
This was the victory album that Guy Sebastian released following his win on Australian idol, it also serves as his debut album which of course meant that it was less a journey to how he came to be and more him competing with the already established artists of the moment. He would rush a follow up less than a year later which wasn't nearly as successful.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Angels brought me here #1
All I need is you #1
(POPULAR IN 2003, 2004)
Although their previous album was a huge flop for them, that didn't mean that fans of the Offspring were no longer fans of them as the success of this greatest hits album proves. Like many artists who appeared on these lists with these albums, it just simply meant that fans no longer wanted any new material from them and wanted to enjoy the classics.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2005)
One of the first noteworthy films to come out of the 80's was Fame, a film centering around a group of musically gifted students looking navigating their day to day lives in the (then) modern day New York. It led to a TV show that's been described as the 80's version of Glee which became a cultural juggernaut throughout the decade, although in Australia it began with the film as its soundtrack as a success this year.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Fame #3
(POPULAR IN 1980)
The autumn of this year was a hectic time for the charts as this compilation album was a massive success here in Australia when it came out during our winter period. The choices on here were very good which explains why it was a huge success.
Peak position #1x2
Peak position #1x4 (ARIA charts)
Hit singles
Get out of my dreams get into my car #1 (ARIA #1)
Groove #13 (ARIA #13)
Boys #15 (ARIA #11)
When will I be famous #5 (ARIA #5)
My arms keep missing you #5 (ARIA #5)
Sweet little mystery #33
Shake your love #27
Sign your name #3 (ARIA #3)
Underneath the radar #9 (ARIA #5)
Tell it to my heart #10 (ARIA #10)
The flame #1 (ARIA #1)
I want you back #3 (ARIA #3)
Love is a bridge #6 (ARIA #6)
Could’ve been #8 (ARIA #8)
The dock of the bay #3 (ARIA #3)
Where do broken hearts go #48
(POPULAR IN 1988)
Well, this album might have left a bad taste in people's mouths back in the day, mainly for its lead single which while it was a massive hit, has been left forgotten in Elton's catalogue for being one of the more insensitive tracks in his catalogue. This would be the start of a very dark period for him as he ran into troubles with his partner in crime Bernie Taupin.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Island girl #12
(POPULAR IN 1975, 1976)
This seemed like a good time to release a greatest hits album from Powderfinger given how they just came off three of the biggest albums of all time here in Australia, as such it somewhat affected their popularity moving forward, however not enough for it to matter as their next two albums also proved to be a massive success for them.
Peak position #2
(POPULAR IN 2004, 2005)
This was the penultimate album to be released from Wings before they went their separate ways in 1980, it was another huge success for them likely due to it being released immediately after their biggest hit "Mull of kintyre" which strangely neither appears on this album nor was it ever released in America.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
With a little luck #11
(POPULAR IN 1978)
This was an album from Elton John I'm pretty sure was only a success back in the day due to his artist momentum, I know that not everything with his name on it was an instant success throughout his career, however unless it was infamously terrible like his 1979 effort, chances are audiences would make his work a success.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Nobody wins #46
(POPULAR IN 1981)
Sherbet was still able to find massive success this far into the decade due to how much love they were receiving on Countdown, although it was noticeably less success than they had earlier in the decade given how it wasn't as inescapable as their earlier work (the cover might have had something to do with it.)
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Magazine Madonna #2
High rolling #33
(POPULAR IN 1977)
This was proving to be a highly successful year for metal given how Disturbed were able to make an appearance on this list despite having three albums throughout the decade that found very minimal success worldwide for them. It would be their penultimate album during their first run together as their final album was only a modest success in 2010, however they reformed five years later where they found massive success again.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Inside the fire #43
(POPULAR IN 2008)
Jon English had begun to see massive worldwide success this year due to the popularity of his miniseries Against the wind, as such he released this greatest hits package to help fans navigate through his back catalogue that proved to be a success for him just as the decade was coming to an end. He would struggle to retain his popularity in the 80's as did many of his contemporaries from the 70's.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Get your love right #27
(POPULAR IN 1979)
I'm a bit surprised this guy didn't see much success here in Australia back in the day, mainly because of how fondly remembered he remains in the music industry if his presence on oldies stations is anything to go by. This was his biggest album here, likely suggesting that the 80's was going to be the decade he becomes a mainstream megastar but didn't due to the rise of MTV.
Peak position #6
(POPULAR IN 1980)
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