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.
Given how he found success with Beats international earlier in the 90's, it makes sense that Fatboy slim would achieve instant success with his solo debut in his homeland as opposed to it becoming a sleeper hit here in Australia and NZ. It also spawned a bunch of hits for him in the UK that were mere radio staples in the southern hemisphere.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
The rockafella skank #6
Gangster tripping #3
Praise you #1
Right here right now #2
#50 for 1998
#13 for 1999
We have another entry that required more than one attempt to be a success in the UK, this time it's the third album from Gabirelle as it took the success of the title track over there for this to finally rise up to the success of her debut single from seven years prior.
Peak position #1x3 (originally #25)
Hit singles
Rise #1
#15 for 2000
They may have lucked out with the singles in their homeland, however Genesis more than made up for that by having their fourteenth album be a massive success in the UK likely due to the success that frontman Phil Collins was seeing throughout the world with his solo material.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Invisible touch #15
In too deep #19
Land of confusion #14
Tonight tonight tonight #18
#14 for 1986
#18 for 1987
If you're wondering what took this album from Cat Stevens so long to make it on this list, it turns out his fellow Brits weren't as impressed with his catalogue as we Aussies (and presumably kiwis) were back in the day given how much of a failure Tea for the tillerman was in his homeland. Thankfully this isn't his only appearance on this list.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Morning has broken #9
#11 for 1971
#12 for 1972
Honestly, I'm more surprised this underperformed here in Australia more than anything given how it contains some of the most well-known 80's songs that were indeed hits back in the day. The Brits allowed this to make A-ha a household name over there just like the kiwis did in NZ.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Take on me #2
The sun always shines on TV #1
Train of thought #8
Hunting high and low #5
#7 for 1986
In a bit of a twist, it turns out that this debut album from Wham was the bigger hit for the duo than their magnum opus Make it big (which is still to come on this list.) I guess their fellow Brits preferred their white boy rapping on here over the more respectful callback to 60's soul they displayed on their second album.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Young guns #3
Wham rap #8
Bad boys #2
Club tropicana #4
#5 for 1983
It's no surprise that this was a massive hit for Robbie Williams upon its initial release in the UK, what is surprising is that "Better man" wasn't released as a single over there despite it being a huge hit in NZ when it was chosen as the third single there. This would explain why it took so long for that to be released here in Australia.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Rock DJ #1
Kids #2
Supreme #4
Let love be your energy #10
#2 for 2000
Of all the albums Sting could've had as his biggest success as a solo artist, I wasn't expecting this to be it as I always associate him as an 80's artist due to his work with the Police. This obviously isn't the case in his native UK where this was his biggest solo success and second to only his album with the Police from earlier as his biggest success overall.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
It's probably me #30
If I ever lose my faith in you #14
Fields of gold #16
#12 for 1993
This feels like it was meant to be the UK's best kept secret of 1981 given how long it took to find an international release despite it being an instant bestseller upon its initial release over there. It of course eventually found an international market including in America where it's often credited for sparking the second British invasion on the Billboard charts.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Love action #3
Open your heart #6
Don't you want me #1
#3 for 1981
#8 for 1982
Whereas this was at least a moderate success in Australia and NZ prior to the success of "Saving all my love for you," this was completely ignored in the UK until the Brits decided to make that a number one hit for Whitney Houston which encouraged them to check out what else was on the album that spawned the hit.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Saving all my love for you #1
How will I know #5
Greatest love of all #8
#5 for 1986
I'm kind of torn with this being the Eurythmics's biggest album in their homeland, on the one hand it makes sense given how it spawned their biggest hit in the form of its second single but on the other, I would've thought Revenge would be their biggest success given how it is here in Australia and NZ.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Would I lie to you #17
There must be an angel #1
Sisters are doing it for themselves #9
It's alright #12
#15 for 1985
#30 for 1986
Rod Stewart was certainly on a roll with his early solo material as his second album managed to outrank many of his other albums throughout his career, in fact it's only third in his biggest album in his homeland as opposed to fifth or sixth here in Australia.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
You wear it well #1
#4 for 1972
Although they had success earlier in the 80's with their debut album in their homeland (stay tuned for it in a bit) it was Spandau ballet's third album which made them a household name despite having a slow start to its success. It was when the title track hit number one over there that it became a true success for the band not just locally but throughout the whole world.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Lifeline #7
Communication #12
True #1
Gold #2
#6 for 1983
Much like Wet wet wet from before, this went largely ignored internationally for almost a year despite it being a massive success for T'pau upon its initial release in their native UK. Again, the kiwis eventually bit the bullet and checked out what else they had to offer other than their debut single, and let's just say they were impressed but not the extent the band's fellow Brits were.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Heart and soul #4
China in your hand #1
#8 for 1987
#25 for 1988
You knew these guys were bound to show up eventually given how I've featured the likes of Oasis and the Verve already on this list, indeed this critically acclaimed third album from Radiohead was a massive hit for them in their homeland and ushered in a new age of critically acclaimed Britpop in time for the new millennium.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Paranoid android #3
Karma police #8
No surprises #4
#8 for 1997
#41 for 1998
Surprised it's taken us this long to get to Supertramp? It turns out that not only was this not as big in their native UK as it was here in Australia and NZ, but the band also failed to get to number one on the UK charts with their entire discography. Again, that doesn't take away from how successful they were over there.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
The logical song #7
#4 for 1979
We have another entry on this list whose album cycle in the UK is slightly different from the rest of the world, I guess it paid off as "Thorn in my side" was among their biggest hits in their homeland as opposed to it being a modest success at best in Australia and NZ for the Eurythmics.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
When tomorrow comes #30
Thorn in my side #5
Miracle of love #23
Missionary man #31
#10 for 1986
Unlike in her native America where she was a borderline one hit wonder for almost a full decade with her debut single, Britney Spears was much more beloved in the UK which explains her international success with the rest of her pre meltdown era. This had a UK exclusive release with "Born to make you happy" that gave her a second chart topper over there in place of the actual fourth single "From the bottom of my broken heart."
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Baby one more time #1
Sometimes #3
Crazy #5
#14 for 1999
#36 for 2000
Even though they had just released their biggest album, Boyzone decided to call it quits in 1999 which compelled them to release a greatest hits album which also served as the launching pad for Ronan Keating's solo career. Suffice to say, their fellow Brits made this an inescapable success as a result of these turn of events.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
You needed me #1
When you say nothing at all #1
#2 for 1999
I skipped quite a few opera tracks on my UK singles lists from a while back, so I would've been dumbstruck if the biggest live album from the genre of all time was a flop in the UK given how several singles came from these three men.
Peak position #1x5
#3 for 1990
#40 for 1991
Thought that Boyzone was inescapable in the UK throughout the 90's? At least they didn't have all their songs go to number one over there like their main rivals Westlife which quickly got on the nerves of those disinterested in the boy band wars from back in the day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Swear it again #1
If I let you go #1
Flying without wings #1
I have a dream #1
#9 for 1999
#32 for 2000
Elton John was back on top of the world when he released this greatest hits package in 1990, even then, I'm a bit surprised that he didn't see the level of success in his homeland with his two earlier entries on this list throughout the second half of the 70's and all throughout the 80's.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
You gotta love somebody #33
#4 for 1990
#15 for 1991
Unlike in the southern hemisphere where this was considered a dip in ELO's winning streak, it was their biggest album in their homeland likely due to refusing to die on the UK charts throughout the late 70's. It even spawned a few hits for them on the UK charts, although several of them failed to chart in the southern hemisphere.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Turn to stone #18
Sweet talking woman #6
#40 for 1977
#7 for 1978
#26 for 1979
This is the final album from Phil Collins to see any success worldwide, naturally it was a huge hit for his band Genesis in his homeland given how he had come off a string of massive hits from the 80's when this came out. I guess his 1993 effort Both sides failing miserably is what convinced him to stick to Disney soundtracks moving forward.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
No son of mine #6
I can't dance #7
Jesus he knows me #20
#13 for 1991
#9 for 1992
I wasn't expecting this to become a success in the UK as the reason for why it became a worldwide hit for ZZ Top, admittedly it took its sweet time finding success over there to the point where the big hit "Legs" was released in 1985 as opposed to 1984 like the rest of the world.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Legs #16
#17 for 1984
#21 for 1985
So, the public found out that George Michael was gay and it's the late 90's, well the gay community was well and truly accepted by this point in time, so this "controversy" proved to be a nothing burger which was confirmed by the success of his greatest hits album he released at the time which was a massive worldwide hit.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
Outside #2
As #4
#2 for 1998
#22 for 1999
You can rest assure that we'll be looking at every entry from Led Zeppelin that has appeared on this site so far on this list, except their post breakup material as their fellow Brits were truly done with the band once and for all after their 1980 breakup. This was their second biggest success in their homeland likely due to its failure to spawn a hit for them (as is the case for all their albums.)
Peak position #1x4
#13 for 1971
Even though Bob Marley saw most of his international success in NZ due to the kiwis love for reggae, he did considerably well in the UK which explains why his greatest hits album spent an impressive twelve weeks at number one upon its initial release over there (even with competition from compilation albums.)
Peak position #1x12
Hit singles
One love #5
Waiting in vain #31
#3 for 1984
As this was the final album from the fab four, it's only natural that it would be a chart-topping success for them in their homeland just like it was internationally. That said, the singles didn't do as well over there as they did internationally, suggest the Brits were beginning to grow tired of their brand of psychedelia.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Let it be #2
The long and winding road #8
#7 for 1970
The Brits were a bit late to the party when it came to Crowded house, so much so that I'm sure they consider them a 90's band as Woodface was the first album that was released in the UK. They probably got a bit of a shock when they bought this album and realised there was two albums worth of material they never knew about.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Instinct #12
Not the girl you think you are #20
#12 for 1996
It may have costed him success on the singles chart in his homeland, however this mature side of George Michael wound up being more successful in his homeland than anywhere else in the world which I guess means the criticism he received for making shallow pop music came from his fellow Brits back in the day.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Praying for time #6
Waiting for that day #23
Freedom #28
#10 for 1990
#30 for 1991
This was another shoe in for this list given how well-loved Bros was here in Australia when they dropped their debut album, admittedly it wasn't as inescapable here as it was in their homeland, although that's because there was a noticeable backlash against non-rock music in the late 80's here from rock snobs.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
When will I be famous #2
Drop the boy #2
I owe you nothing #1
I quit #4
Cat among pigeons #2
#4 for 1988
If you're confused as to how Bobby Brown saw instant success with his solo debut in the UK, I should probably remind you that it was the Brits that gave him his first hit with New edition six years prior to his solo success. As this was a hit on time over there, I still don't know why we Aussies were so late to the party in making it a success.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
My prerogative #6
Don't be cruel #13
Every little step #6
Rock witcha #33
Roni #21
#11 for 1989
We have another predictable entry for this list, although it wound up being slightly less successful in the UK than it was in Australia and NZ as Culture club didn't release "Miss me blind" as a single like they did internationally over there. I guess they wanted to retain their winning streak of having all their singles crack the UK top five this album maintained from their debut.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Church of the poison mind #2
Karma chameleon #1
Victims #3
It's a miracle #4
#3 for 1983
#35 for 1984
Much like the rest of the world, Wings were on a winning streak in their homeland when they released this album during the midpoint of the 70's. It had equal success as an album and with the singles as opposed to the southern hemisphere where we Aussies and kiwis passed up the singles to make the album a hit.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Silly love songs #2
Let em in #2
#4 for 1976
Much like the rest of the world, Santana saw moderate success in the 70's in the UK, meaning that this comeback of theirs felt like a trip down memory lane more than anything when it became a massive success over there. Also, like the rest of the world, their comeback was short lived in the UK.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Smooth #3
Maria Maria #6
#18 for 2000
While this didn't hog the top of the charts in the UK like it did here in Australia and NZ, John Wayne's concept album of the War of the worlds made up for that by sticking to the UK charts for quite some time following its release. It ranks lower only because it charted lower longer than it charted higher.
Peak position #5
#8 for 1978
#22 for 1979
#49 for 1980
We haven't seen a lot of disco so far on this list, here's one of the bigger entries in the UK as ELO dabbled in the genre to massive success over there just like it was internationally. Much like the rest of the world, their popularity would die out in their homeland once the MTV era launched.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Shine a little love #6
Don't bring me down #3
Confusion #8
#2 for 1979
While they didn't see as much success in the UK as they did worldwide, at least the Eagles were able to score the odd hit here and there as opposed to here in Australia where they were strictly an album band. I guess them scoring hits in the UK is what costed them success with their albums in the long run.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
New in town #20
Hotel California #8
#8 for 1977
Although it came close, A funk odyssey ultimately would've failed to dethrone this album as Jamiroquai's biggest album in their homeland like it is here in Australia. We still have one more entry to look at from them, although it would've been two had their debut been a success outside their native UK.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Cosmic girl #6
#15 for 1996
#16 for 1997
It's a bit odd that this wasn't Barbra Streisand's biggest hit in the UK like it was internationally, although I guess this just means that the Brits were big fans of her version of A star is born to allow that to be her biggest success over there. Like the rest of the world, her career stalled moving into the 80's after this.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Woman in love #1
Guilty #34
#4 for 1980
#26 for 1981
Although this was a predictable success for John Lennon in his homeland given how this was released less than two years after the demise of his band the Beatles, I should bring up the fact that the title track wasn't even released as a single over there until three years after this came out. As such, I won't be including its stats here given how its success had nothing to do with this album.
Peak position #1x2
#13 for 1971
For whatever reason, this was released in the UK slightly earlier than it was here in Australia despite Natalie Imbruglia being you know, Australian. Granted this took off over there due to her role in Neighbours which was still a reliable way to launch your music career if you're an Aussie, however the fact the Brits got a hold of this sooner than we Aussies did is bizarre to me.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Torn #2
Big mistake #2
Wishing I was there #19
Smoke #5
#41 for 1997
#19 for 1998
It appears the Brits were prepared to right these guys off as one of the many failures of the British soul revival of the 80's when this initially came out in 1985, however they finally recognised their genius when "Holding back the years" became a surprise chart topper on Billboard which boosted this albums success in their homeland.
Peak position #2 (originally #33)
Hit singles
Money's too tight #13
Holding back the years #2
#20 for 1986
Even though this is the first entry from David Bowie on this list, I should point out that had they been a success here in Australia, we would've looked at his two iconic albums Aladdin sane and The rise and fall of Ziggy Stardust on this list already, meaning that his fellow Brits simply lost interest in his music over time rather than ignoring him over the years save for his this album which was his biggest international success.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Cat people #26
Let's dance #1
China girl #2
Modern love #2
#4 for 1983
You've likely noticed that many of the albums from the 70's I've featured so far on this list have failed to get to number one, I guess the top spot meant nothing to the Brits back then as there's little surprise that this album from 10cc would appear this high on the list despite barely cracking their top five.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Life is a minestrone #7
I'm not in love #1
#17 for 1975
This was meant to be a mere sequel to Queen's earlier greatest hits album given how it came out ten years after that album, however it has the distinction of being the final release from the band prior to the death of Freddie Mercury, making it a sentimental release from their catalogue.
Peak position #1x5
#3 for 1991
#19 for 1992
For whatever reason, I wasn't expecting Whitney Houston to have a successful career in the UK like she did in her native America. As we go further down the list however, you can see why it makes sense that her 2000 greatest hits album was a hit for her over there.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
If I told you that #9
#9 for 2000
This entry is as confusing on this list as it was on the NZ side of my site as from what I can gather, Bread wasn't that popular in the UK despite their greatest hits album from 1977 suggesting otherwise. This would've made more sense if it were a hit here in Australia where they were decently successful.
Peak position #1x3
#6 for 1977
#17 for 1978
This is another album that took a while to take off in the UK for M People given how it had a different lead single in their homeland to what would be their debut single internationally. Admittedly the band had a bunch of duds from earlier in the decade prior to the singles on here taking off for them.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
One night in heaven 6
Moving on up #2
Don't look any further #9
Renaissance #5
#14 for 1993
#20 for 1994
This entry from Abba gold covers its original release in the UK, heck it only ranked so high on the Australian side of my site due to it sticking around on our charts when Muriel's wedding was released which was the first signs of the mainstream reevaluating the Swedish quartet's back catalogue.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Dancing queen (re release) #16
#12 for 1992
#36 for 1993
In a bizarre twist, it turns out that Fine young cannibals saw more success internationally than they did in their homeland as their second album is their only appearance on this list. Heck even the singles did better internationally as none of them reached the dizzying heights they achieved in Australia and on Billboard.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Ever fallen in love #9
She drives me crazy #5
Good thing #7
Don't look back #34
#7 for 1989
Every band has to begin somewhere, however what's surprising about this debut from the Police is that it was less popular in their homeland than it was in NZ where it found instant success for the trio. Heck, it took a rerelease of its lead single to nearly top the charts for this album to finally see success among their fellow Brits.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Roxanne #12
Can't stand losing you #2
#14 for 1979
#18 for 1980
We finally have a soundtrack from the 80's to make it on the list, although for what it's worth, the absence of 90's soundtrack so far is due to them being shunted off to the UK compilation charts in 1989 (I'll feature the biggest entries later down this list.) It's little surprise that Dirty dancing has the biggest soundtrack of the decade in the UK given how well received the movie and its music is to this day.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I've had the time of my life #6
She's like the wind #17
#14 for 1988
There were no signs of Abba slowing down in the UK as their final album of the 70's proved to be a massive success for the Swedish quartet just like their previous two entries were. Heck their popularity would continue to the bitter end over there as even their final album the Visitors was a strong candidate for this list.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Chiquitita #2
Does your mother know #4
#5 for 1979
It looks like the Brits weren't too interested in carrying Elton John into the 90's given how this was initially a flop for the English piano man during the dying months of the 80's over there. For some reason, the first two singles were bundled together as a double release over there which became a surprise hit for him, thus making the album a success in the 90's.
Peak position #1x5 (originally #6)
Hit singles
Healing hands #1
Sacrifice #1
#8 for 1990
Given how Seal managed to become one of the biggest names in RNB throughout the 90's in America, it makes sense that his debut album would be a huge success in his homeland upon its initial release. What's surprising is that his second album proved to be less popular in his homeland than it was internationally (don't worry it's still to come on this list.)
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Crazy #2
Future love paradise #12
Killer on the loose #8
#11 for 1991
#49 for 1992
Although she had a hit in the UK with "It might as well rain until September" nine years prior to when she released this magnum opus, this was still the only successful album that Carole King had over there given how inescapable it was worldwide upon its initial release.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
It's too late #6
#10 for 1971
As this was Madness's only successful album in the southern hemisphere, it's the only entry from them on this list despite having a few other candidates for this list. They were one of the many British bands who failed to find international success throughout the 80's (apart from this album that is.)
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
It must be love #4
House of fun #1
#3 for 1982
As this was an instant success for Soul II soul in their homeland upon its initial release, there was no need for this to become a hit twice which means it didn't last as long on their charts as it did over in NZ. It was such a success in the UK that it even crossed over to America despite its failure here in Australia.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Keep on moving #5
Back to life #1
#10 for 1989
I have no idea how we Aussies came across this debut album from the Corrs as this didn't become a success in their homeland until three years after its release when their earlier entry became a surprise for them a year after its initial release. Moral of the story kids, cover Fleetwood Mac if you want success in the UK.
Peak position #2 (originally #36)
Hit singles
Runaway #2
#19 for 1999
Ten weeks at number one for an album that looks over the biggest hit of the Beach boys, not that it's placement on this list isn't impressive (it is) but considering how many albums outrank it that didn't get to number one, this is just further proof that number one didn't use to mean anything to the Brits.
Peak position #1x10
#2 for 1976
Whereas the rest of the world was unimpressed with the news Queen performed in Sun City (a hotel resort that was run by slavery) their fellow Brits didn't hold this against them and allowed the album the released after this controversy to be a massive success for them in their homeland.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
One vision #7
A kind of magic #3
Friends will be friends #14
#8 for 1986
This was originally released in 1974 in the UK for Demis Roussos; however, it took him two years to find success over there which prompted its success internationally at different points in the 70's. It took a further three years for it to become a hit here in Australia, meaning I'm technically cheating by allowing it on here.
Peak position #2
#3 for 1976
It took us a while, but we've finally featured an entry from the Rolling stones as this was their biggest success in their homeland despite it being one of their weaker efforts internationally. Something you'll come to notice is how many rock and roll legends got sidelined in the UK over less endearing albums of the day.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Brown sugar #2
#3 for 1971
Unlike here in Australia where this became a hit for Roxy music due to it coming out just before their touching tribute to John Lennon, this was an instant success in their homeland given how they were on a winning streak from their previous album which was a comeback after a four-year hiatus.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Over you #5
Same old scene #12
#7 for 1980
Unlike in the southern hemisphere where Hotter than July was Stevie Wonder's biggest hit (it's still to come on this list) this was the RNB legend's biggest hit in the UK given how the singles managed to become hits for him over there as opposed to Australia and NZ where we Aussies and kiwis passed them up in favour of the album.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I wish #5
Sir duke #2
#21 for 1976
#18 for 1977
Get used to seeing entries that have alternate titles in the UK to the ones they had in the southern hemisphere, Barbra Streisand is up first as her 1981 greatest hits album Memories was titled Love songs in the UK which doesn't make sense given how the original title was tied to the west end shot Cats which premiered upon its initial release.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Memory #34
#1 for 1982
This was only slightly less popular than Paul's final album with the Beatles in his homeland as opposed to being a disappointment for him here in Australia, that should tell you how much his fellow Brits loved him going into the 70's which is more than I can say for the other two members of the fab four I've yet to feature on this list.
Peak position #2
#9 for 1970
They were in the music scene for a decade by the time they released this album, most bands would struggle to find mid-levels of success by this point in their career, simply red not only retained the popularity they had from a decade prior, but they scored their first and only chart topping single in their homeland with this album's lead single.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Fairground #1
Remembering the first time #22
Never never love #18
#4 for 1995
#44 for 1996
It turns out this album from Stevie Wonder wasn't that much less popular in the UK (although I did skip a few entries on this list between this and his previous entry.) Again, the singles proved to be much more lucrative over there than they were in the southern hemisphere despite the album's overwhelming success.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Master blaster #2
I ain't gonna stand for it 10
Lately #3
Happy birthday #2
#43 for 1980
#14 for 1981
OK it turns out this was a massive hit upon its initial release for the Shadows in their homeland as opposed to sitting on shelves ignored for seven years before finally taking off here in Australia in 1984. Why we Aussies needed so long to make this a success is anyone's guess.
Peak position #1x6
#2 for 1977
This was Leo Sayer's biggest album in his homeland, although he still has three more entries to come on this list, proving that his fellow Brits weren't simply not as impressed with his output as the rest of the world was. Indeed this album spawned his only chart topper on the singles charts with the second single.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
You make me feel like dancing #2
When I need you #1
How much love #10
#10 for 1977
Even though they were nowhere near as successful in the UK as they were internationally, the Carpenters were still able to achieve massive success with this album over there due to TOTP (the UK equivalent of Countdown) not pushing their music aside during the midpoint of the decade in favour of local talent.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Please Mr. postman #2
Only yesterday #7
Solitaire #32
#4 for 1975
Unlike throughout the rest of the world where this was John Lennon's biggest solo album by a landslide, it was ever so slightly beaten out by his earlier entry on this list given how much his fellow Brits wanted to hear more from him following the demise of the Beatles in 1970.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Just like starting over #1
Woman #1
Walking on thin ice #35
Watching the wheels #30
#12 for 1980
#10 for 1981
Whereas this was a mere sleeper hit in most parts of the world upon its 1993 release, this didn't even touch the UK charts until it became a modest success in America for the Cranberries which finally compelled their fellow Brits to make it and their earlier entry on this list a success for them in their homeland.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Linger #14
Dreams #27
#17 for 1994
I have to say, it's refreshing to see Rod Stewart not hog up the upper entries of this list even if there's a perfectly logical explanation as to why his fellow Brits didn't buy his albums as much as we Aussies and kiwis did. The reason is they balanced out his album success with his singles success given how they each spawned multiple hits for him back in the day.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Tonight's the night #5
Killing of Georgie #2
Get back #11
The first cut is the deepest #1
#5 for 1976
This is another predictable entry for this list given how big this was here in Australia and especially NZ for ABC, naturally their fellow Brits passed up on the singles in favour of making the album a massive success as opposed to us Aussies and kiwis who fell in love with the singles and made the album a success more as an afterthought.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Poison arrow #6
The look of love #4
All of my heart #5
#4 for 1982
Unlike in the southern hemisphere where this was only a hit following the news that Gloria Estefan survived a potentially fatal accident in her tour bus, this solo debut of hers was a hit upon its initial release in her native America and interestingly enough, in the UK.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Don't wanna lose you #6
Get on your feet #23
Here we are #23
#5 for 1989
#37 for 1990
Given how their earlier entry was a massive success for Slade here in Australia and their homeland, it makes sense that their third album would finally make them a household name in both countries despite their first two albums failing to chart in either country. This would usher in the glam rock era which surprisingly had a short shelf life even in the UK.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Mama weer all crazee now #1
Gudbye j'jane #2
#19 for 1973
From what I can gather, the Eagles didn't see much success anywhere in the world prior to the release of One of these nights (which we'll get to later down this list.) This means this greatest hits album was more of a gateway for the band's back catalogue rather than a celebration of their career at the point of its release.
Peak position #2
#8 for 1976
#23 for 1977
We have another predictable entry on this list, this time it's from the Thompson twins who took the world by storm with their second album due to how much of a runaway hit the lead single was (despite failing to get to number one anywhere in the world.) Their debut is still to come on this list; however their third album was a massive dud for them in their homeland.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Hold me now #4
Doctor doctor #3
You take me up #2
#12 for 1984
Their first album was a bit of a dud for them in their homeland, however Sky managed to achieve massive success with their second album at the start of the 80's due to it spawning a massive hit for them among their fellow Brits.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Toccata #5
#11 for 1980
There were no signs of Simply red slowing down not just in their homeland but throughout the whole world during the midpoint of the 90's, indeed had it been a success internationally, we would've just looked at their 1998 effort Blue just a moment ago.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Angel #4
#9 for 1996
Much like the kiwis, Big country's fellow Brits passed up on the singles to their debut album in favour of making said album a massive success for them. They had minor success in their homeland with their subsequent releases, however only their greatest hits album from 1990 was a candidate for this list.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Fields of fire #10
In a big country #17
#23 for 1983
#40 for 1984
Well, how about this? We finally have a rock album from a non-British band or artist on this list. Admittedly this was more of a success for the Spin doctors due to the surprise success of "Two princes" over there, however plenty of novelty hits that got big in the UK failed to translate the artists success to their albums.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Two prince #3
Little miss can't be wrong #23
Jimmy Olsen's blues #40
#11 for 1993
It's becoming a surefire bet that if an album spawned multiple chart toppers in the UK, then it didn't reach the full potential of success it could've had if its singles were mere top five hits. This is the case for Wham as despite spawning some of the biggest hits of the 80's, this album was less popular than their earlier entry as an album in their homeland.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Wake me up before you go go #1
Careless whisper #1
Freedom #1
Everything she wants #2
#4 for 1984
#18 for 1985
In a bizarre twist, this proved to be the more popular album for the Pet shop boys in their homeland than their debut (which is still to come on this list.) This might be due to the album rebounding on the UK charts when its final single was released given how the album cycle was delayed making room for their tribute to Elvis Presley.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
It's a sin #1
What have I done to deserve this #2
Rent #8
Heart #1
#15 for 1987
#35 for 1988
File these guys in the category of a band finding massive success in the UK without ever getting to number one with any of their entries, I don't think they minded not having a chart topper given how their second album was almost as successful as their debut locally and a bigger hit for them internationally.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Sight for sore eyes #6
Open your heart #9
Search for the hero #9
#25 for 1994
As this was a Wings album released during the midpoint of the 70's, you can imagine that their fellow Brits would make it an instant success in the UK just like it was throughout the rest of the world. They've still got plenty to come on this list as you'd imagine.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Listen to what the man said #6
#9 for 1975
Given how this was a massive success here in Australia right at the very beginning of the 70's, you can imagine Tom Jones's fellow Brits also being impressed with this live album from his Vegas tour from 1969 as it was a massive success in his homeland as well. This and his earlier entry was the best he could do over there throughout the years.
Peak position #2
#17 for 1970
Paul McCartney was on a roll in his homeland as he scored massive success with this collaboration album with his wife Linda, although curiously it didn't spawn any hits for the couple in their homeland like it did internationally likely to allow the album to flourish upon its initial release.
Peak position #1x2
#9 for 1971
This was a hit twice for Seal in his homeland just like it was throughout the rest of the world, I've decided to rank both runs on the UK charts on this list with this being the album's initial run as it was a massive success over there following the success of his earlier entry on this list.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Prayer for the dying #14
Kiss from a rose #20
#37 for 1994
We have another album that took more than one attempt to make it big in the UK, this time it's the debut album from Ace of base as the Swedish quartet were initially seen as little more than a novelty act by the Brits when it was originally released in 1993. It was given a second chance a year later when the album took off in America.
Peak position #1x2 (originally #21)
Hit singles
All that she wants #1
The sign #2
Don't turn around #5
Happy nation #40
#19 for 1994
Unlike in Australia and NZ, this was an instant hit for Bjork in the UK likely due to the Brits having some familiarity with her from her time with the Sugacubes. Of course, most people likely don't realise she was part of a band prior to her breakthrough given how her solo material has eclipsed her earlier work.
Peak position #3
#21 for 1993
#30 for 1994
Was there any doubt this was going to make the cut? Although considering this was a massive success in America for Rick Astley, it's a bit surprising to see it this low on the list even if the singles were all massive hits in his homeland. Even with how big his debut was, it's still his only candidate for this list.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Never gonna give you up #1
Whenever you need somebody #3
When I fall in love #2
Together forever #2
#7 for 1987
#39 for 1988
I wasn't expecting to feature Tracy Chapman's debut album this early on the list given how she's a literal one hit wonder in the UK with its lead single, however it appears the Brits passed up on giving her another other charting single in her career for allowing her first two albums to become massive hits over there.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Fast car #5
#7 for 1988
We're this high up on the list and we've already come across the final entry from Slade, although they would've had two more entries to come had their next two albums Old new borrowed and blue and Slade in flame found success here in Australia like they did in their homeland.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Cum on feel the noize #1
Skweeze me pleaze me #1
Hit in 1973
Bon Jovi were the rare exception to American rock bands finding no success in the UK over the years, that said, it's odd that their first appearance on this list is with their 1994 greatest hits album given how this was released during their sellout period which fans don't tend to look back on fondly.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Always #2
Someday I'll be Saturday night #7
#1 for 1994
#37 for 1995
Much like the rest of the world, this was Don McLean's only success in the UK given how it spawned two of his biggest hits in his catalogue over there. In a bizarre twist, the second single proved to be more popular than the title track over there, although both were inescapable following the albums release.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
American pie #2
Vincent #1
#10 for 1972
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