I've decided to make a list going over the biggest albums of all time in the UK that have become a success in the southern hemisphere, that is, rank the albums that have appeared on this site based on how well they did over there (as of 2000 for the sake of my sanity.) I feel this is pretty self-explanatory as I'll of course update my commentary and album stats for each entry to reflect how well they did with the Brits during the twentieth century.
OK I contemplated disqualifying entries from the earlier 70's on this list as much like the rest of the world, they tended to flood the UK album charts due to the sheer lack of competition there was. Indeed, this is by far has the lengthiest run at number one over there as 33 WEEKS!!!!!! Who knew the Brits loved this duo that much.
Peak position #1x33
Hit singles
The boxer #6
Bridge over troubled water #1
#1 for 1970
#1 for 1971
#6 for 1972
#14 for 1973
#26 for 1974
#36 for 1975
It wasn't even a close call between this entry and the top entry as although Mike Oldfield lasted an impressive four years on their charts, it was pitiful compared to the half-decade that Simon and Garfunkel lasted throughout the 70's. At least a Brit was able to come in second place in this ranking.
Peak position #1x1
#3 for 1974
#7 for 1975
#27 for 1976
#49 for 1977
Given how this wasn't even in the top five biggest albums of all time in Australia or NZ, it may be a bit of a surprise to see this at second place on this list which goes to show how much the Brits loved MJ throughout the 80's. Indeed, the Brits couldn't get enough of this album from MJ just like his fellow Americans couldn't.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
The girl is mine #8
Billie jean #1
Beat it #3
Wanna be starting something #8
Thriller #10
PYT #11
#1 for 1983
#6 for 1984
Back in the day, this was declared the biggest album of the 80's in the UK given how long it lasted on at their top spot. It's easy to see why given how Dire straits were indeed the biggest band of the decade worldwide even prior to releasing their magnum opus during the midpoint of the decade.
Peak position #1x14
Hit singles
So far away #20
Money for nothing #4
Brothers in arms #16
Walk of life #2
Your latest trick #26
#1 for 1985
#2 for 1986
This was originally a dud for the Coors in their homeland given how their fellow Brits weren't as in love with their brand of Celtic rock as we Aussies and kiwis were, however, it was given a second chance when the deluxe edition was released to coincide with their cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" which helped it become the biggest album of the 90's over there.
Peak position #1x10 (originally #7)
Hit singles
Dreams #6
#1 for 1998
#8 for 1999
The fact this was easily one of the most successful albums of all time in the UK despite it never reaching the number one spot over there should tell you just how directionless the album charts were during the first half of the 70's over there. This was by far Pink Floyd's biggest success in their homeland, although their subsequent releases were more popular internationally for them.
Peak position #2
#6 for 1973
#5 for 1974
#19 for 1975
#37 for 1976
#36 for 1977
This came close to being declared the biggest album of the 90's for Simply red in their homeland, in fact were it not for the Corrs previous entry, it would've been given how it broke records by being the biggest album for two consecutive years in the UK.
Peak position #1x12
Hit singles
Something got me started #11
Stars #8
For your babies #9
#1 for 1991
#1 for 1992
#38 for 1993
There won't be a lot of rock and roll on this list, however the Brits made a massive exception to their bias against the genre for Oasis as if we're going by sales, this was the biggest hit of the decade in their homeland. It's little wonder they found international success even if the Americans mocked them even back in the day.
Peak position #1x10
Hit singles
Roll with it #2
Wonderwall #2
Don't look back in anger #1
#2 for 1995
#2 for 1996
#35 for 1997
Just like the rest of the world, Abba were inescapable in the 70's in the UK which means their greatest hits package was a shoe in for this list this early on. Also much like the singles lists from a few months back, I'm including alternate art for these entries whenever I come across them.
Peak position #1x11
#1 for 1976
#9 for 1977
This is one of the oldest albums on this list given how it's a carryover from the 60's, however it proved to be a massive success in Led Zeppelin's homeland given how high it appears on this list. Interestingly enough, the band never spawned a charting single in their homeland like they did internationally.
Peak position #1x1
#2 for 1970
This is another album that required two attempts to become a hit in the UK, although the Brits were just following suit to us Aussies and Kiwis as the original country version was a dud over there just like it was in NZ (it did decently well here in Australia.) Once it received its pop makeover, the album really took off with the Brits for Shania.
Peak position #1x11 (originally #15)
Hit singles
You're still the one #10
From this moment on #9
That don't impress me much #3
Man I feel like a woman #3
Don't be stupid #5
#1 for 1999
#20 for 2000
Given how Travis was a British band, they were able to connect with their fellow Brits instantly with this album which is a bit of a surprise given how long it took for this to take off here in Australia with the help of Triple J. I guess the Brits were kinder to their local indie scene in the rock sphere.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Why does it always rain on me #10
Turn #8
#3 for 1999
#14 for 2000
Get used to seeing these guys on the list as they naturally did quite well in their homeland throughout the 70's just like they did throughout the rest of the world. This was their biggest success in the UK despite none of the singles going to number one over there like they did on the Billboard charts.
Peak position #1x7
#2 for 1974
#24 for 1975
Wanted to know how this 50's crooner managed to score a massive hit in the 70's here in Australia with this album? It turns out it was an even bigger deal for him in the UK as the Brits must have had nostalgic love for his music from twenty years prior to make it a success over there.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
And I love you so #3
For the good times #7
#10 for 1973
#7 for 1974
#40 for 1975
Much like the rest of the world, the Brits weren't too impressed with Lionel's solo debut (so much so it won't be appearing on this list.) They were quickly won over with his second album again much like the rest of the world due to how well the singles stood out amongst the competition.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
All night long #2
Running with the night #9
Hello #1
Stuck on you #12
Penny lover #18
#10 for 1983
#1 for 1984
Much like the rest of the world, this took a while to connect with the Brits given how Alanis Morrissette was previously a teen pop sensation in her native Canada prior to releasing her magnum opus. Eventually it connected with audiences worldwide thanks to how anthemic the singles remain to this day.
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
You oughta know #22
Hand in my pocket #26
You learn #24
Ironic #11
Head over feet #7
#49 for 1995
#1 for 1996
#46 for 1997
There's going to be a few surprises on this list, the biggest one is how well R.E.M did in the UK given how this magnum opus of theirs ranks so high on this list. The truly bizarre thing is that these guys didn't do so well in their native America despite this coming out during the height of the alternative scene on Billboard.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Drive #11
Man on the moon #18
The sidewinder sleeps tonight #17
Everybody hurts #7
Nightswimming #27
#17 for 1992
#2 for 1993
Again, don't get too comfortable with seeing rock bands on this list as they'll begin to get scarce the further down we go, here's one of the bigger entries which comes to us from the Verve who took the world by storm in the late 90's with their third album only to fade into obscurity due to a bogus lawsuit from the Rolling stones of all people.
Peak position #1x12
Hit singles
Bitter sweet symphony #2
The drugs don't work #1
Lucky man #7
#2 for 1997
#6 for 1998
You know I really wanted this to be the biggest album of the 70's in the UK, however as we've already seen on this list, the first half of the decade seemed like a complete dead zone for their album charts, meaning this iconic album from Fleetwood Mac will have to settle for merely being a top ten entry from the decade.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Go your own way #38
Don't stop #32
Dreams #24
#4 for 1977
#6 for 1978
You knew these girls would appear high on this list; they were at one point deemed a national treasure in their homeland after all even if they got a ton of flack for their music. What's surprising is that their second album wasn't anywhere near as successful over there as we won't be revisiting it for quite some time on this list.
Peak position #1x15
Hit singles
Wannabe #1
Say you'll be there #1
2 become 1 #1
Who do you think you are #1
#3 for 1996
#3 for 1997
It was both the final chart topper of the 80's as well as the first of the 90's worldwide, so it makes sense the Brits would uphold this albums accolades even if it proved to be Phil Collin's final successful solo album over there just like it was internationally. Of course, he still found success with Genesis after this came out.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
Another day in paradise #2
I wish it would rain down #7
#3 for 1989
#1 for 1990
Again, I don't know why this wasn't as big a hit here in Australia as it was internationally as even the Brits made this one of the biggest albums of the 80's for MJ back in the day. That said, he didn't do too well with the singles in the UK, better than here in Australia but still a far cry from his success in NZ and Billboard.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
I just can't stop loving you #1
Bad #3
The way you make me feel #3
Man in the mirror #21
Dirty Diana #4
Just another part of me #15
Smooth criminal #8
Leave me alone #2
Liberian girl #13
#1 for 1987
#3 for 1988
Bet you're surprised to see this as Madonna's biggest album in the UK, it turns out the Brits weren't as impressed with her first two albums as we Aussies were given how she wasn't a household name over there until her role in Desperately seeking Susan which was released during the album cycle of Like a virgin.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Live to tell #2
Papa don't preach #1
True blue #1
Open your heart #4
La isla bonita #1
#1 for 1986
#21 for 1987
Mariah Carey's success in the UK is similar to what she achieved here in Australia, namely that the Brits largely dismissed her first two album but came around for her on her third album where she finally became a household name. This of course led to her seeing massive success for the remainder of the 90's.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Dreamlover #9
Hero #7
Without you #1
Anytime you need a friend #8
#10 for 1993
#3 for 1994
These guys had a bit of a stumble with Mirage in their native UK (don't worry, it's still to come on this list) so this was a major comeback for them in their homeland which I'm sure felt like it came from nowhere given how Stevie Nicks saw no solo success during the band's downtime period over there.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Big love #9
Little lies #5
Everywhere #4
#6 for 1987
#8 for 1988
This was just as successful in the UK as it was internationally, it confirmed Celine Dion as the hot new diva of the moment given how well loved it was among the Brits. It unfortunately was where the backlash against her began as her detractors didn't appreciate her covers of oldies on the album.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Falling into you #10
Because you loved me #5
All by myself #6
It's all coming back to me now #3
#4 for 1996
#27 for 1997
Although it was a success for them in the UK, Abba's self-titled was too much of a sleeper hit to appear on this list which means that this was their breakthrough over there. I guess this means that we have us Aussies to thank for why the Swedish foursome managed to find international success after their win on Eurovision in 1974.
Peak position #1x10
Hit singles
Dancing queen #1
Money money money #3
Knowing me knowing you #1
#41 for 1976
#1 for 1977
#41 for 1978
Given how they saw their major breakthrough in the UK with Plastic letters (an album which got cut from this list due to it bombing in the southern hemisphere) it allowed the band to find instant success with their third album over there which finally translated to mainstream success in their native America.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Hanging on the telephone #5
Heart of glass #1
#38 for 1978
#1 for 1979
#42 for 1980
This entry covers the 1999 rerelease of the album following the premiere of the Mamma Mia stage musical, we'll look over its original 1992 release over there in due time as it was a success multiple times in the UK just like it was internationally for Abba.
Peak position #1x5
#4 for 1999
#41 for 2000
What he lacked in singles success, Phil Collins more than made up for in album sales back in the day. This was the case throughout most of the world including his native UK as his grammy award winning album was a massive commercial success despite the singles underperforming on the UK charts.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Sussudio #12
One more night #4
#2 for 1985
#22 for 1986
I wasn't expecting the overnight success of Eminem to be a result of the Brits love of the rapper, sure he had moderate success on the Billboard charts prior to this album, however this really took off in the UK which resulted in its international success which persists to this day.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
The real slim shady #1
The way I am #8
Stan #1
#3 for 2000
File this in the category of an album making the cut due to its refusal to die on the charts, this was originally released in 1979 where it was an instant success for Barry Manilow in the UK only for it to forever linger on their charts for whatever reason. It was a success here in Australia in 1982 due to the success of his single "Let's hang on" which curiously flopped over there.
Peak position #3
#10 for 1979
#8 for 1980
#20 for 1981
Much like the rest of the world, the Brits made George Michael's third solo album an instant success as if no time had passed since he released his second solo album six years prior. Again, it wasn't like he had sat out the 90's by any means as he was working with Queen following the tragic death of Freddie Mercury in 1991.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Jesus to a child #1
Fastlove #1
The spinning wheel #2
#5 for 1996
#13 for 1997
This was a massive flop for Celine Dion in the UK upon its initial release, heck as least it was a decent success here in Australia and NZ thanks to the lead single being a massive hit in both countries. It got its second chance when "Think twice" became a surprise hit for her over there which led to the album taking off.
Peak position #1x7 (originally #10)
Hit singles
The power of love #4
Misled #40
Think twice #1
Only one road #8
#3 for 1995
This will be only one of two entries from Billy Joel on this list given how he was never that successful in the UK like he was internationally, I'm not even sure why this took off over there given how it's not really out of line with the rest of his discography. Rumour has it Princess Diana did a seductive dance to "Uptown girl" at an event which caused it to take off on their charts.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Uptown girl #1
Tell her about it #4
An innocent man #8
The longest time #25
Leave a tender moment alone #29
#25 for 1983
#9 for 1984
We have another album that was an instant success in the UK that took its sweet time translating that success internationally, although in this case it was due to the lead single flopping for Adam and the Ants internationally as the album only took off due to the success of the much more lucrative second single from the album.
Peak position #1x12
Hit singles
Dog eat dog #4
Antmusic #2
#48 for 1980
#1 for 1981
This was a bit of a dud for Bruce Springsteen upon its initial release in the UK, likely because the Brits don't care much for heartland rock like the rest of the world does. It was given a boost in popularity in early 1985 when the lead single suddenly rose in popularity for some reason which compelled the Brits to make an exception for this album in their bias against heartland rock.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Dancing in the dark #28
Cover me #38
Dancing in the dark (rerelease) #4
Cover me (rerelease) #16
Born in the USA #5
I'm on fire #5
Glory days #17
My hometown #9
#37 for 1984
#4 for 1985
Given how this was released on time in the UK for the Bay city rollers, this means that it's their biggest success in their homeland even if none of the singles it spawned became a success here in Australia (I only include hit singles if they charted in Australia OR NZ AND the UK.)
Peak position #1x4
#8 for 1974
#16 for 1975
Although this was a massive hit for Paul Simon in his native America, it was when the lead single became a surprise hit for him in the UK that encouraged audiences around the world to treat this as a comeback rather than a novelty release from an artist from yesteryear.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
You can call me al #4
Boy in the bubble #26
#4 for 1986
#14 for 1987
This is another carryover from the 60's given how the film was released in the dying days of 1969 worldwide, again I have to watch this movie at some point to see if it lives up to the expectations of it being one of the best movies ever made as I haven't watched many movies from the golden age (just the Disney classics and Jerry Lewis's filmography.)
Peak position #2
#3 for 1970
This is the most successful soundtrack of all time in the UK given how long it spent at number one over there, although interestingly it was only the fourth single that spawned a chart topper from the film as "Staying alive" wasn't the biggest hit from the album for whatever reason.
Peak position #1x18
Hit singles
How deep is your love #3
Staying alive #4
If I can't have you #4
Night fever #1
#1 for 1978
It was inevitable that we would see Madonna's first greatest hits album this high up on the list given its refusal to die on the charts during the height of her blonde ambition tour. This is less a greatest hits album and more a remix album since there's new renditions of several of her back catalogue on here.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Justify my love #2
Rescue me #3
#2 for 1990
#8 for 1991
Much like Travis, Coldplay saw instant success in their homeland with their breakthrough as opposed to it being lapped up by the alternative scene like it was here in Australia and NZ. I guess this means their appeal over Travis was inevitable regardless of where in the world you're from.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Yellow #4
Trouble #10
#8 for 2000
We have the kiwis to thank for how this album made the list given how we Aussies weren't ready to make Robbie Williams a household name until the start of the 00's. Of course, its success in NZ was pitiful compared to what it achieved back at home given how much the Brits loved his work with Take that.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Millennium #1
No regrets #4
Strong #4
She's the one #1
#5 for 1998
#6 for 1999
Even though he had been charting in the UK since 1991, it took Moby two attempts for this to be a success over there as it bombed upon its initial release just like it did worldwide. From what I can gather, this only took off due to the songs being featured in every commercial of the moment.
Peak position #1x5 (originally #33)
Hit singles
Bodyrock #38
Why does my heart feel so bad #16
Porcelain #11
#5 for 2000
This is the earlier success that Deep Purple had in their homeland, I guess it's safe to say that none of their earlier albums would've been big here in Australia if this was the introduction to their music that their fellow Brits got back in the day. That said, be prepared for a ton of entries from these guys moving forward.
Peak position #4
#8 for 1970
Although they had to wait an entire decade for that elusive chart topper in their homeland, I doubt Simply red minded given how A: they had two chart toppers on the Billboard charts and B: their albums were inescapable in their native UK including their third album which was their biggest from the 80's.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
It's only love #13
If you don't know me by now #2
A new flame #17
#2 for 1989
Although the kiwis were quick to make this guy a household name (quicker than us Aussies at least) his success over there still pales in comparison to what he achieved in his homeland as this was easily one of the biggest albums of the 80's in the UK thanks to nostalgic love the Brits had for the songs he covered on the album.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Wherever I lay my hat #1
Come back and stay #4
Love of the common people #2
#2 for 1983
#24 for 1984
Had it been a hit anywhere outside their native UK, Lighthouse family would've had two entries on this list given that Ocean drive was a massive hit for them a year prior to releasing their magnum opus. Even in their homeland, their third album was a massive failure for the duo which led to them calling it quits in 2003.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Raincloud #6
High #4
#14 for 1997
#11 for 1998
While the Brits didn't seem to love them film as much as we Aussies and kiwis did, it didn't prevent the soundtrack from being a massive success for Grease over there upon its initial release. It was due to their love of the soundtrack that a DJ did a mashup of three of its singles in 1990 which became a surprise hit due to nostalgic love for the film.
Peak position #1x13
Hit singles
You're the one that I want #1
Grease #3
Summer nights #1
Hopelessly devoted to you #2
Greased lightning #11
#2 for 1978
Well, this is a surprise, if there's one genre that's less represented on this list than rock and roll, it's hip hop and yet we're already featuring the Fugees this high on the list. Admittedly there wasn't any tampering with their album cycle in the UK like there was in their native America, which is the best proof I have that not releasing songs as singles did little to incentivise album sales.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Fugalee #21
Killing me softly #1
Ready or not #1
No woman no cry #2
Rumble in the jungle #3
#7 for 1996
This is one of the luckier albums on this list as despite this being a huge success upon its initial release in the UK for Wet wet wet, it sat on shelves largely ignored for almost a full year until the kiwis finally decided to see what all the fuss was about and promptly made it a success for the Scottish quartet.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Wishing I was lucky #6
Sweet little mystery #5
Angel eyes #5
Temptation #12
#37 for 1987
#6 for 1988
In a bit of a surprising twist, this proved to be the bigger hit for Whitney Houston in the UK than her debut (which will come in just a bit) likely due to the Brits already knowing who she was by the time it dropped. Like the rest of the world, they were a bit sceptical of her as a household name when her debut came out two years prior.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
I wanna dance with somebody #1
Didn't we almost have it all #14
So emotional #5
Where do broken hearts go #14
#3 for 1987
#17 for 1988
As I said earlier, it took a while for the Brits to make Madonna a household name given how her carer only took off over there due to the critical acclaim she received for her role in Desperately seeking Susan which was released during the middle of this album's cycle. In a unique turn of events, her label worked out a release schedule for this album and the soundtrack hits she was having where the singles didn't compete with each other like they did internationally.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Like a virgin #3
Material girl #3
Angel #5
Dress you up #5
#3 for 1985
#28 for 1986
If I constructed this list based on the Australian charts, I would've had to heavily contemplate putting this album on the list given how it was only a sleeper hit at best here. Fortunately, it was a mainstream success in NZ, meaning this debut album from Oasis was a shoe in for this list.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Supersonic #31
Live forever #10
Whatever #3
#21 for 1994
#17 for 1995
#21 for 1996
Even though this is a release from an Australian artist, you can consider this a British release as Kylie recorded this album in the UK following the success of her debut single here in Australia. As such, this was far more a success for her over there than it was here in Australia and NZ.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
I should be so lucky #1
Got to be certain #2
The locomotion #2
I still love you #2
#1 for 1988
#32 for 1989
Much like his onscreen wife, Jason Donovan also moved to the UK to record his debut album where it too found more success with the Brits than it did with us Aussies and kiwis back in the day. Unlike Kylie, his continued success was confided in the UK as his second album bombed in the southern hemisphere.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Nothing can divide us #5
Especially for you #1
Too many broken hearts #1
Sealed with a kiss #1
Every day #2
#1 for 1989
I wasn't expecting this greatest hits album from Elton John to be the best he did in his homeland, however the fact that he's appeared so high on this list is a sign that his fellow Brits did love his music early on in his career. That said, don't except a comprehensive list of all his albums on here.
Peak position #1x11
#17 for 1974
#8 for 1975
Even though their first two albums were massive hits in their homeland (and thus candidates for this list) it was Boyzone's third and final album (at least during their first run together) that not only became their most successful but also the one that finally made them a household name internationally.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Baby can I hold you #2
No matter what #1
I love the way you love me #2
#3 for 1998
#46 for 1999
He may have still been the lead singer of the Faces (a band who's still to come on this list) however that didn't prevent Rod Stewart from finding massive success with his second solo album due to how inescapably popular the lead single was.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Maggie may #1
#2 for 1971
Even though Elton's greatest hits album from earlier outranked his magnum opus on this list, it's obvious his fellow Brits were impressed with this double album upon its initial release just like the rest of the world was. I should also mention that the Brits had an unusual habit of not handing out chart topping singles to albums that did this well for the most part over the years.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Saturday night's alright for fighting #7
Goodbye yellow brick road #6
Candle in the wind #11
#6 for 1974
Celine Dion was on a roll in the UK just like she was throughout the rest of the world when she released this album, again it benefited from having one of its tracks win an academy awards for it being included on the Titanic soundtrack which from what I can gather, was the final straw for her detractors as they tore it apart for well over a decade after its release.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Tell him #3
My heart will go on #1
Immortality #5
#7 for 1997
#8 for 1998
Given how Sade saw massive worldwide success, it makes sense that the album where it all began would be a massive success for the jazz band in their homeland. Interestingly, their big hit in NZ was also as such in the UK, meaning that "Smooth operator" was only a hit in America as well as a sleeper hit here in Australia.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Your love is king #6
Smooth operator #19
#7 for 1984
#19 for 1985
There were no signs of Madonna slowing down entering the new millennium as this managed to pick up the slack of her earlier material from the 90's (which are all still to come on this list.) This was a return to her indie roots given how there was much more emphasis on the atmosphere of the album rather than the singles themselves.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Frozen #1
Ray of light #2
Drowned world #10
The power of goodbye #6
Nothing really matters #7
#7 for 1998
#29 for 1999
You'd think this album would've been more successful in the UK given how U2's fellow Brits already knew about them by the time the released their grammy winning album, alas it was more popular in America give how it spawned not one but two chart toppers for the Irish band as well as outperforming it sales wise over there.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
With or without you #4
I still haven't found what I'm looking for #6
Where the streets have no name #4
#2 for 1987
#10 for 1988
We're not even fifty entries into this list and we already have two albums from R.E.M looked at; this one was their mainstream breakthrough which did well in their native America and gangbusters in the UK for some reason. I guess the Brits really loved their brand of alt rock more so than their fellow Americans.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Losing my religion #19
Shiny happy people #6
#6 for 1991
#40 for 1992
This was Tears for fears biggest album in their homeland despite it not being their highest charting, that honour goes to their debut which would've been a shoe in for this list had it been a success anywhere else in the world back in the day. Fortunately, their third album also went to number in their homeland, meaning they will finally have a chart topper on this site.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Mothers talk #14
Shout #4
Everybody wants to rule the world #2
Head over heels #12
I believe #23
#5 for 1985
For whatever reason, the Brits went nuts for this greatest hits album from Lionel Richie which ensured it a high placement on this list. I guess you can make the argument that they wanted to hear more from the former Commodores frontman except his third solo album flopped over there when it finally dropped in 1996.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Do it to me #33
My destiny #7
#2 for 1992
This had a slightly different release schedule in the UK than it did internationally as the title track was the second single released over there rather than the Billboard chart topper "Rock with you." This costed the album from getting to number one or even spawning a number one hit, however it didn't impact its overall success over there.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Don't stop till you get enough #3
Off the wall #7
Rock with you #7
She's out of my life #3
#45 for 1979
#9 for 1980
For the most part, Annie Lennox had become a mere indie darling following the demise of the Eurythmics internationally. This wasn't the case in her homeland as her first solo album saw more success with her fellow Brit than anything she released up until this point, proving they felt that David Stewart was holding her back during their time together.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Why #5
Walking on broken glass #8
Little bird #3
#6 for 1992
#26 for 1993
You knew these guys would also appear high on the list; here they are with their debut album which was such a phenomenon during the transition from the 90's to the 00's that it makes you wonder why their time in the spotlight was so brief. Interestingly, this was deemed to be inessential listening from the A.V club back in the day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Bring it all back #1
S club party #2
Two in a million #2
#21 for 1999
Even though this was Duran Duran's biggest album in their homeland, it curiously failed to spawn a chart topper for them (due to the Brits having an even more lucrative compilation series than we Aussies did.) That didn't prevent the album from being a massive success in America thanks to its stylish music videos.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
My own way #14
Hungry like the wolf #5
Save a prayer #2
#5 for 1982
#20 for 1983
Thought that the kiwis love for the Fame TV series was a bit much? It's nothing compared to how much the Brits loved the show despite also failing to make the film a box office hit (from what I can gather) much like the kiwis did.
Peak position #1x12
Hit singles
Hi fidelity #5
Starmaker #3
#30 for 1982
Unlike here in Australia where Tom Jones saw success with his 1994 album The way and how to lead it, his fellow Brits dismissed him as yesterday's news until the very end of the decade where this became a surprise hit for the Welsh crooner over a decade after his final hit over there (his cover of Prince's "Kiss.")
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Burning down the house #7
Mama told me not to come #4
Sex bomb #3
#23 for 1999
#13 for 2000
It's hard to say why this didn't do as well in the UK as it did here in Australia given how the world already knew who the Cranberries were due to the success of their debut album. Indeed, they didn't even score a hit in their homeland despite the lead single being one of the biggest hits of the 90's down under.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Zombie #14
Ode to my family #38
I can't be with you #23
Ridiculous thoughts #20
#34 for 1994
#22 for 1995
I honestly would've been shocked if these girls appeared any lower on this list given how inescapable their debut album was internationally, heck even the Americans gravitated towards it at a time where they were becoming increasingly hostile towards non north American artists.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I know where it's at #4
Never ever #1
Under the bridge #1
Lady marmalade #1
#20 for 1997
#9 for 1998
They may have been slow in recognising this foursome as the next best thing, however the Brits wound up giving Abba more success in the long run than we Aussies did given how much more popular this album was for the Swedish quartet over there compared to over here.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
The name of the game #1
Take a chance on me #1
#3 for 1978
The Brits came through once more for an American artist as Macy Gray was all set to flop in her native America until she scored a surprise hit in the UK with "I try" (which wasn't even the album's lead single.) This encouraged us Aussies and kiwis to make it a chart topper in the southern hemisphere, which in turn finally made it a success for her on the Billboard charts.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
I try #7
Still #18
Why didn't you call me #38
#10 for 1999
#28 for 2000
I bet you weren't expecting to find out that this was Queen's biggest album in their homeland, indeed it was despite it failing to get to number one on the UK charts (due to those pesky compilation albums.) It makes sense this was their biggest album given how it spawned the most hits for them over there.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Radio gaga #3
I want to break free #4
It's a hard life #6
#14 for 1984
Much like the rest of the world, fans of the Eurythmics from the UK were sad to see them go which compelled them to make their greatest hits album a success two years after they called it quits. They would reunite by the end of the 90's due to the overwhelming success of Annie Lennox's solo career.
Peak position #1x10
#2 for 1991
It feels weird to see this album lower on the list given how well it did in Australia and NZ for MJ, I guess the Brits were beginning to grow tired of his media frenzy but not enough to not make it one of the most successful of all time over there.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Black or white #1
Remember the time #3
In the closet #8
Who is it #10
Jam #13
Heal the world #2
Give in to me #2
Will you be there #9
Gone too soon #33
#5 for 1991
#5 for 1992
#34 for 1993
Even in the UK, this was Boney M's only successful album as the Brits didn't care much for their debut from two years prior despite spawning multiple hits for them over there. Indeed, I get the feeling this was only a success due to the lead single being by far the biggest hit of the 70's over there.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Rivers of Babylon #1
Rasputin #2
#4 for 1978
#42 for 1979
You know that Queen's earlier entry was a massive hit in their homeland when it managed to outrank their highlight lucrative greatest hits package, indeed their fellow Brits really livened up to their pivot towards early hair metal given how this was released during a media frenzy they were in at the time.
Peak position #1x4
#2 for 1981
#27 for 1982
This was technically a hit twice for Terence Trent D'arby in the UK as it was an instant hit upon its initial release and a hit again when it saw the light of day in his native America. It's success in the UK was similar to what it achieved here in Australia, the main difference being that the lead single didn't flop upon its initial release.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
If you let me stay #7
Wishing well #4
Dance little sister #20
Sign your name #2
#16 for 1987
#8 for 1988
Although it was a massive success for him upon its initial release in the UK (to the point where it's still to come on this list) the first edition of the Bat out of hell saga was more of a sleeper hit for Meat loaf over there as opposed to it being an immediate success. This is why the second volume appears so high on the list even though it's technically less successful over there than the first volume.
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
I'd do anything for love #1
Rock and roll dreams come through #11
Objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are #26
#1 for 1993
#38 for 1994
Although their debut album was a massive success for them in their homeland (it's still to come on this list after all) it was the Police's second album that made them a household name in the UK given how it spawned not one but two chart toppers over there which was highly uncommon back in the day for an album to do so.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Message to a bottle #1
Walking on the moon #1
#9 for 1979
#6 for 1980
I get the feeling you can thank us Aussies for why these guys were so huge in their homeland during the late 90's and early 00's given how their debut single underperformed on the UK charts but was a massive chart topper on ours. This of course led to the album being made which led to its international success for the teen heartthrobs.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
5 6 7 8 #14
Last thing on my mind #6
One for sorrow #2
Heartbeat #1
#13 for 1998
#16 for 1999
There'll be plenty of representation from Barbra Streisand on this list, although by far her most successful album was her collaboration with Kris Kristofferson which she co started with in her adaptation of A star is born. The album is said to be the reason why the film was a critical and commercial success.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Evergreen #3
#5 for 1977
Although they had decent success prior to this album with their singles in the UK, it appears that this was the album from the Carpenters that finally convinced the Brits to make them a household name among the likes of Deep Purple and Elton John. Heck we've already skipped a greatest hits album from them they released following this album's success over there.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Yesterday once more #2
#12 for 1973
#25 for 1974
Given how his earlier album was the biggest hit of his career in his homeland, it meant that this magnum opus from Rod Stewart has to settle for being his second biggest hit in his homeland which I don't think he minds too much given how it spawned not one but two chart toppers for him on the UK charts.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Sailing #1
This old heart of mine #4
I don't want to talk about it #1
#3 for 1975
#22 for 1976
I wasn't expecting to discover that this was Tina Turner's biggest album in the UK, however it appears the Brits loved the lead single so much that they made it a bigger success than her comeback Private dancer from five years prior (it's still to come on this list.) This would explain why it did so well here in Australia even if we Aussies have adopted "The best" as a song for ourselves.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
The best #5
Steamy windows #13
#8 for 1989
#13 for 1990
We've not even featured 100 albums on this list, and we've already seen all of MJ's eligible albums for this list, this of course was his greatest hits hybrid he released in the mid 90's which was at the height of his media frenzy due to the multiple allegations that were levied towards him.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Scream #3
You are not alone #1
Earth song #1
They don't care about us #4
Stranger in Moscow #4
#5 for 1995
#35 for 1996
Although she achieved massive success with Yazoo earlier in her career (stay tuned for those albums) it was when she went solo that she became a mega superstar in her homeland which was also the case for her in NZ. That said, the singles did far better in NZ in exchange for the album being much more lucrative in the UK.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Love resurrection #10
All cried out #8
Invisible #21
#15 for 1984
#11 for 1985
This is one of the more recent entries on this list, I decided to make 2000 be the cutoff point due to me not wanting to revisit the 00's and validify all the reality show nonsense that was going on in the UK that decade. That out of the way, we have the debut album from Craig David which was such a success in his homeland that it even became a hit in America which was unusual for a British artist in the 21st century.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Fill me in #1
7 days #1
Walking away #3
Rendezvous #8
#6 for 2000
This was a hit twice for Wet wet wet in their homeland, the first time it was only a modest hit due to the band finding success from their first three albums whilst the second was when their cover of a 60's staple was chosen as the theme song to the highly successful chick flick Four weddings and a funeral.
Peak position #1x5 (originally #4)
Hit singles
Love is all around #1
#13 for 1993
#6 for 1994
He may have never made it to number one in the UK (the first artist on this list where that's the case) however that didn't prevent Michael Bolton from being a household name over there even if his reign began with this album and not his 80's material. That said, he only had one hit prior to releasing this even in his native America.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
How am I supposed to live without you #3
How can we be lovers #10
#5 for 1990
In a way, it makes sense this was a massive hit in the UK given how it saw most of its production over there. True it was America where this saw the most success, however it was the Brits (specifically Heaven 17) that set her up for the comeback of a lifetime given how well the lead single did there.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Let's stay together #6
What's love got to do with it #3
Private dancer #26
#18 for 1984
#16 for 1985
From all the kafuffle that their release schedule has caused throughout the 70's, it's easy to forget that this was Bay city roller's second album in their homeland as well as the album which put them on the map here in Australia. Given how their earlier entry was released on time in their homeland, it means it wasn't their biggest success over there like it was over here.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Bye bye baby #1
#2 for 1975
If you can believe it, this is the first album from Slade to chart in their homeland as they didn't find any success among their fellow Brits prior to this live album of theirs. They have a few more entries to come on this list including several that topped the British charts despite their biggest success failing to do so.
Peak position #2
#9 for 1972
Much like in the southern hemisphere, Tina Turner had become royalty in the UK music scene which allowed her greatest hits album named after her (then) most recent hit "The best" to be a massive success upon its initial release. Her popularity would begin to dwindle as the decade went on just like it did internationally.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Nutbush city limits remix #23
#4 for 1991
#21 for 1992
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