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.
It looks like the kiwis were more impressed with Alison Moyet in the long run given how her second album proved to be more popular in NZ than it was in her native UK. Indeed, she would struggle for success with her third album in both countries, meaning this was the last time anyone cared for her music.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Is this love #3
Weak in the presence of beauty #6
#13 for 1987
Well at least David Bowie had more success with this greatest hits album back in the day among his fellow Brits than he had internationally, although it's still surprising that he wasn't among the biggest names in music even in his homeland during the height of his creative genius.
Peak position #2
#17 for 1976
The three tenors return following the success of their earlier entry on this list, again it wasn't as popular as that entry, however it proved to be much more lucrative in the UK due to the Brits allowing for classical music in the mainstream during the 90's.
Peak position #1x1
#11 for 1994
As it turns out, Take that only had three albums in their career with their international breakthrough being the weakest of the bunch in their homeland. Both Everything changes and Take that and party would've already been featured on this list had those two albums found an audience outside of their fellow Brits.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Sure #1
Back for good #1
Never forget #1
#16 for 1995
This is an odd entry as the UK charts decided to have a separate chart run for the deluxe edition of this greatest hits album from U2 which went to number one just before the standard edition was released. In a bizarre twist, the standard edition was the bigger hit, likely due to the deluxe edition being a limited release over there.
Peak position #4 (#1x1 for deluxe edition)
Hit singles
The sweetest thing #3
#21 for 1998
They may have lucked out with their singles in the UK; however, it appears to be a trade-off for Roxette scoring a massive hit with their third album with the Brits much more so than their breakthrough album Look Sharp (which is still to come on this list.) Again, we have proof that the Brits chose between an album and its singles when it came to giving an artist success back in the day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Joyride #4
Fading like a flower #12
The big l #21
Spending my time #22
Church of your heart #21
#21 for 1991
Even further proof that an album with massive singles suffered in this ranking, you'd think this one and only album from Mel and Kim would've been near the top of this list given how well it did internationally for the duo. Alas their fellow Brits may have loved the singles but didn't have as much love for the album overall.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Showing out #3
Respectable #1
FLM #7
#35 for 1987
You know Neil Diamond wasn't particularly popular in the UK when it makes sense why this greatest hits album being so low on this list makes complete sense. As for his earlier entry, I have to assume the Brits were big fans of his adaptation of the Jazz singer despite it being panned by critics back in the day.
Peak position #1x3
#30 for 1992
It may have been eight years since she touched the charts anywhere in the world, however it appears there was plenty of nostalgic love for Alison Moyet a decade after her solo breakthrough that her greatest hits album managed to be a huge success for her in her homeland and in NZ.
Peak position #1x1
#31 for 1995
Even though is the only entry from David Essex on this list by default due to it being his only album to see international success, it's worth noting that his second album would've appeared higher on this list if A: it was a hit in Australia (or NZ if they tracked albums pre-1975) and B: I allowed pre 1975 albums on this list.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Rolling stone #5
Hold me close #1
#29 for 1975
You know the Brits were in love with Madonna throughout the 90's when even the soundtrack to her film Evita managed to become a massive success over there, I bring this up because her fellow Americans were clearly growing tired of her music by this point in time even though we Aussies and Brits weren't.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
You must love me #10
Don't cry for me Argentina #3
#47 for 1996
#23 for 1997
It's tough to say if this album was a success in the UK (or the rest of the world for that matter) due to Madonna's artist momentum or due to the success of the film it was commissioned for as that was a box office and critical success back in the day. Either way, it was another easy shoe in from Madonna on this list.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Vogue #1
Hanky panky #2
#27 for 1990
Surprised to see this iconic album so low on this list? It turns out there's a logical explanation for why it has a low placement and indeed low peak position, that's because it was a hit upon its initial release in the UK due to the surprise success of "Living on a prayer" over there only for it to rebound on the charts when the later singles were released over there.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
You give love a bad name #14
Living on a prayer #4
Wanted dead or alive #13
Never say goodbye #21
#26 for 1986
Britney's is back with her most recent entry on this list, indeed this picked up where her debut from earlier left off in the UK just like it did everywhere in the world except her native America oddly enough. Again, I have no idea why her singles underperformed on the Billboard charts after her debut.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Ooops I did it again #1
Lucky #5
Stronger #7
#19 for 2000
This may have been Deep Purple's biggest success here in Australia, however that honour in their homeland goes to their earlier entry on this list even though this went to number one on the UK charts. The success these guys had back in the day is proof that at least once upon a time, the Brits were into heavier rock and roll.
Peak position #1x3
Hit in 1972
This is another album from a one hit wonder to make it onto this list as it was only due to the overwhelming success of the lead single worldwide that Harry Nilsson was finally able to find success with one of his albums worldwide. This was the case in the UK where it connected well with the Brits.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Without you #1
Hit in 1972
It's a bit odd that Bryan Ferry would combine his solo material with his band's material for a greatest hits album, however that didn't seem to affect its popularity given how he came off a highly successful solo album (which is still to come on this list) which meant he was in the spotlight of the music industry.
Peak position #1x5
#18 for 1986
We have the most recent album from U2 on this list with this entry, again they would go on to dominate their homeland as the 00's went on even if fans will tell you this is their last good album due to being a return to form from their 80's material. It's one of the more recent entries on here for what it's worth.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Beautiful day #1
Stuck in a moment you can't get out of #2
Elevation #3
Walk on #5
#30 for 2000
We're seeing a lot of surprises on this list as one of Pink Floyd's weaker efforts as far as the world is concerned was among their biggest hits in their homeland upon its initial release. The only entry from them that didn't make the cut for this list was A momentary lapse of reason for the record.
Peak position #2
#12 for 1977
Unlike in Australia and NZ where this sat on the shelves for two years ignored only to become a hit when the Prodigy's earlier entry became a smashing success, this was an instant success in the band's homeland likely due to them already seeing massive success with their debut album earlier in the 90's.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
No good #4
Voodoo people #13
#28 for 1994
You're probably wondering how well Eternal did in their homeland given how they managed to achieve massive crossover success with their singles worldwide, they did quite well actually as their debut album would've appeared towards the start of this list had it been a hit outside of their homeland. Their second and third albums was also candidates for this list that would've appeared a bit later on.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Angel of mine #4
#9 for 1997
This may be the only entry from the Faces to appear on this list, however they had two more candidates for their list as their next two albums were also massive hits for them in their homeland. I'm guessing this is due to the presence of Rod Stewart as the lead vocalist who's really racking up the appearances on this list.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Stay with me #6
Hit in 1971
Much like the kiwis, it appears the Brits weren't as impressed with Madonna's ballads as we Aussies were during the midpoint of the 90's which explains why it didn't do as well in either country as it did in ours. Something I'll bring up is that her label decided to release "Oh father" as a single over there instead of "Love don't live here anymore" for some reason.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
You'll see #5
One more chance #11
#11 for 1995
Given how they just came off a highly successful album and tour associated with it, it makes sense that Fleetwood mac would find success in their homeland with this greatest hits album just like they did throughout the rest of the world. It would spell the end for them however as Lindsay Buckingham would quit the band prior to its release.
Peak position #3
#27 for 1988
Although it is considered a disappointment from Whitney Houston, her third album was a success worldwide back in the day as well as a welcomed change of pace for her musically. It was particularly successful in the UK, further proving how well loved she was amongst the Brits during her peak in popularity.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I'm your baby tonight #5
#25 for 1990
I bet you were beginning to wonder if the Brits had any love for Enya outside of her one and only hit in her career, they did even if it wasn't as strong as the love we Aussies and kiwis had for her throughout the 90's. Her debut was her biggest hit in the UK, although it was more of a sleeper hit there.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Orinoco flow #1
Evening falls #20
#43 for 1988
#24 for 1989
I'm as surprised as you are to see ELO's magnum opus appear so low on this list, although it seems that this was a sleeper hit even in their homeland given its low peak position as well as how long it took to crack the top ten in their homeland. At least its success led to their crossover appeal in America as the 70's rolled on.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Living thing #4
Rockaria #9
Telephone line #8
#16 for 1977
Even though this finally gave the Corrs a chart topper in their homeland (something that never happened for them in the southern hemisphere) it came at the expense of their third album not bringing in the big numbers that their two earlier entries pulled in over there. Again, further proof that a big hit single is a hinderance for an album's overall success.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Radio #18
Breathless #1
Irresistible #20
Give me a reason #27
#16 for 2000
Much like here in Australia, this was originally called Marie Marie in the UK where it flopped for Shakin Stevens. He renamed it after a song that was meant as a bonus track for the deluxe edition of the album where said deluxe edition became the big success his career needed to take off.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
This ole house #1
#30 for 1981
And we have another album that spawned more than one chart topper appearing lower on this list, this time it's the third and final album from Adam and the Ants who likely wanted to end their career on a high note as they would break up shortly after this came out to allow Adam Ant to pursue a solo career.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Stand and deliver #1
Prince charming #1
Ant rap #3
#9 for 1981
Much like in Australia and NZ, it was this live album from U2 where they went from a mere critical darling to a mainstream phenomenon despite their previous album War being a huge success for them. Admittedly it was more of a success in the southern hemisphere than in their homeland much like many entries on this list.
Peak position #2
#34 for 1983
#28 for 1984
This was a hit upon its initial release in late 1989 for Nigel Kennedy in his homeland, although it appears we Aussies and kiwis needed further incentive to make it a hit in the southern hemisphere given how it didn't take off in either country until a year after its release in the UK.
Peak position #3
#12 for 1990
Given how their first two albums would've outranked their earlier entry on this list had I included them on here, this means that the greatest hits album Take that released when they first called it quits in 1996 would've been their lowest appearance on here even if I wasn't skipping entries.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
How deep is your love #1
#8 for 1996
10CC is another British band that found more success internationally than they did locally it seems, although in this case the success came from NZ given how they were on a roll over there as opposed to here in Australia where this only made the cut on that side of my site due to a lack of competition.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Art for art's sake #5
I'm Mandy fly me #6
#19 for 1976
We're starting to see more and more 70's entries on this list, I wish I could say it was because of compilation albums that many of these iconic entries are far lower on here than they would be on my Australian and NZ rankings, however it appears that wasn't the case like it was for the 80's entries.
Peak position #2
#19 for 1978
Had it been a success internationally, we would've just looked over Present arms which was UB40's second album in their catalogue. The fact that this saw the same level of success that album did should tell you just how arbitrary it was for a British artist to see crossover success internationally.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Red red wine #1
Please don't make me cry #10
Many rivers to cross #16
#12 for 1983
#45 for 1984
I would say that this album's placement is a bit low on this list given how much the Brits loved teen pop during the second half of the 90's, but then I remember that these guys were from America and had to compete with the entries we've looked at already on this list from the British boy bands of the day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Everybody #3
As long as you love me #3
All I have to give #2
#12 for 1997
This saw a massive improvement in the rankings if we were to compare it to the Australian and NZ equivalent for this list, although I get the feeling that's due to the UK charts including the mini album from 1985 named after this release in its chart run as opposed to it being separate in both charts from the southern hemisphere.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Pride #3
The unforgettable fire #6
#21 for 1984
#30 for 1985
Another album that made the cut more due to its refusal to die on the UK charts rather than being a juggernaut in their upper echelons, this time it's this novelty album from the Vengaboys which spawned multiple hits for the Dutch band just as the 90's was beginning to wind down. Their second album didn't quite make the cut despite it doing decently well over there.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Up and down #4
We like to party #3
Boom boom boom boom #1
We're going to Ibiza #1
Kiss #3
#20 for 1999
Much like the rest of the world, I like to think that the Brits made this album a success for Prince more for their love of the film it was commissioned for as he was really struggling to remain relevant during the second half of the 80's outside of NZ and his native America.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Batdance #2
Partyman #14
The arms of Orion #27
#30 for 1989
I wasn't expecting it to take this long to feature one of Enigma's albums on this list, although admittedly it took quite some time before we had an entry from Enya on here, so perhaps this is just proof that the Brits weren't too excited about the new age genre that took off in the 90's like we Aussies and kiwis were.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Return to innocence #3
The eyes of truth #21
#14 for 1994
The 90's was very kind to Celine Dion regardless of where in the world you're from, so naturally her greatest hits album she released just before it came to an end was a shoe in for this list even if the big hit it spawned worldwide wasn't as such in the UK.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
That's the way it is #12
#12 for 1999
I guess George Harrison's fellow Brits weren't that impressed with his solo debut like the rest of the world was, in fact he only had one other candidate for this list which we'll get to in a bit as opposed to the multiple successes he had both as a solo act and with the Traveling wilburys.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
My sweet lord #1
Hit in 1971
We're seeing a lot of sleeper hits this early on, aren't we? Here's Elton John's final relevant album from the 70's (we don't talk about his foray into disco on this site) which had a fairly low peak position despite lasting for quite some time on the UK charts likely due to how popular the singles were over there.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Part time love #15
Song for guy #4
#49 for 1978
Although it had a bit of a climb to its success in its homeland, Duran Duran were able to find an audience with their debut album locally as well as internationally thanks to its second single having one of the most provocative videos ever created. That said, the lead single being a hit here in Australia and not in their homeland was a bit of a shocking discovery for me.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Planet earth #12
Girls on film #5
#27 for 1981
There had to be some reason why the kiwis lapped this album up back in the day, although why we Aussies passed up on this album from the London symphony orchestra only to then make the works from the Royal philharmonic orchestra a success three years later is beyond me.
Peak position #3
#13 for 1978
Given how they were on a roll worldwide with their earlier entry, it makes sense that this third album from NKOTB would be a huge success for them in the UK even though there was barely any time for the Brits to prepare themselves for its album cycle like there was internationally.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Step by step #2
Tonight #3
Let's try it again #8
Games #14
Call it what you want #12
#20 for 1990
I'm not sure why Eric Clapton's MTV unplugged album didn't do as well in his native UK as it did throughout the rest of the world, I can't even say his fellow Brits didn't want to hear a live acoustic album from a British legend as they made Rod Stewart's album a huge success mere months later.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Have I told you lately #5
#27 for 1993
Unlike in Australia where this was only a hit when word got out that the Beach boys would release their critically panned Summer in paradise, the Brits made this a success upon its initial release in 1990 likely due to the success they had with "Kokomo" from the Cocktail soundtrack (not so much their then most recent album Still cruising.)
Peak position #2
#33 for 1990
This is another album that needed two attempts to become a hit in Ultravox's homeland as it was a massive flop for them upon its initial release in 1980. It was only when the title track nearly became their one and only chart topper in the UK that this album finally took off among their fellow Brits.
Peak position #3 (originally #14)
Hit singles
Vienna #2
#15 for 1981
In an interesting twist, the debut album from Shakespeare's sister was a complete dud in their homeland despite seeing minor success here in Australia due to its lead single "You're history." Their second album did much better in their homeland due to the overwhelming success the lead single had on their charts.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Stay #1
I don't care #7
#14 for 1992
This proved to be more popular in the UK than anywhere else in the world for Bon Jovi, this might be because it's considered their sellout album as they traded the hair metal that made them iconic in the 80's and early 90's for a more adult contemporary sound which appealed to the Brits at the time of its release.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
This ain't a love song #6
Something for the pain #8
Lie to me #10
These days #7
#20 for 1995
Much like in NZ, this was an instant hit for the brothers Gibb in the UK upon its initial release. Although hilariously, the album recharted when it finally found its audience here in Australia about six months after its initial release, I just thought I'd ad that to this album's commentary.
Peak position #4
#17 for 1998
We have another album that is among the most recent to make it on this list, this time it's the second album from Westlife which seemingly had less singles released in their homeland than it did in NZ likely due to one of them failing to get to number one which no doubt was a blow to their egos.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
My love #1
Uptown girl #1 (deluxe edition)
#4 for 2000
We haven't seen a lot of prog on this list so far, so it's interesting to see that this was one of the biggest albums in that genre in the UK especially given how it was a total bomb here in Australia for Jean Michel Jarre. It may have been more of a hit over there, however the kiwis allowed snippets of this album to chart on their singles chart.
Peak position #2
#19 for 1977
To think that Joan Armatrading's fellow Brits consider her a one album wonder with this entry, it wasn't even her biggest success in Australia or NZ as the Key would claim that honour three years after its release due to the surprise success of its lead single "Drop the pilot" in the southern hemisphere.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Me myself I #21
#34 for 1980
I have no idea what's going on with this album's success in the UK, the third single was the lead single over there which despite this being INXS's debut album as far as the Brits were concerned, meaning "New sensation" was their first impression of the band as opposed to "Original sin" or "What you need" in NZ and America respectively. It eventually became a hit for the band over there when the true lead single nearly topped their charts a year after its international release.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
New sensation #25
Never tear us apart #24
Need you tonight #2
#15 for 1988
#35 for 1989
Even in the UK, "The last farewell" was a surprise success in the midpoint of the 70's despite Roger Whittaker being a British singer/songwriter who previously had a massive hit in his homeland with "I don't believe in if anymore." I guess this means he had the exact same career trajectory in the UK as he did in NZ.
Peak position #5
#30 for 1975
If you thought this album only being a sleeper hit here in Australia was a bit strange, at least it was a genuine success for Chic in the UK at the expense of its big hit single worldwide not being as such on their charts. I guess this was an either-or situation for the American band as they couldn't have success both ways it seems.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Le freak #7
#18 for 1979
Given how Chariots of fire was a British film, it makes sense that its soundtrack would find all of its success in the UK long before it was considered Oscar bait when it was released in late 1981 in America. As such, none of its success over there had anything to do with it being a contender for the academy awards.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Chariots of fire #12
#22 for 1982
Much like in NZ, this was the first hip hop album to be a massive success in the UK, so much for women never being welcome in the hip hop scene until recently (unless of course we're talking about the American hip hop scene.) This was her only success in the UK as far as her albums were concerned, although she did score a few hit singles over there after this.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Buffalo stance #3
Manchild #5
Kisses in the wind 20
Inna city mama #31
#22 for 1989
I didn't realise this took its sweet time in finding an international release for Michael Crawford given how well it did upon its initial release in 1991 in his homeland, I guess its release was delayed in Australia and NZ to coincide with the premiere of Phantom of the opera in the southern hemisphere which he starred in as the titular phantom.
Peak position #3
#17 for 1991
#41 for 1992
It looks like the kiwis were a bit ahead of the curb when making this a success for Dean Martin four years after his death given how it wasn't released in the UK until 1999 which was five years after his death in 1995. He did decently well in the UK during his lifetime, not to the same level as he achieved here in Australia, but it's clear the Brits were fans of his movies and music alike.
Peak position #5
#42 for 1999
Was there any doubt this would be a hit for Queen in the mid 90's in their homeland? Having George Michael take over from Freddie after his death is one thing but releasing a collection of demos he left lying around for this cash grab didn't seem to faze audiences back in the day.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Heaven for everyone #2
#6 for 1995
I may have jumped the gun when I said Both sides was a flop for Phil Collins in his homeland given how we've already skipped over it this far into the list, I bring this up to say that this was always meant to be his final entry on this list as it served more as a reminder of his back catalogue at a time where he no longer found success.
Peak position #1x1
#15 for 1998
There were no signs of David Bowie slowing down during the first half of the 70's in his homeland, so much so that when he finally saw crossover success in America with his first Billboard chart topper "Fame," it came as a complete shock when his next album underperformed on the UK charts.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Rebel rebel #5
#14 for 1974
I'm not sure if this is the same album to get big in the UK in 1983 as the one that got big here in Australia in 1985, either way, there was clearly a nostalgia bug both countries had for their back catalogue in the 80's which this album managed to scratch albeit at different points in time.
Peak position #1x3
#21 for 1983
It's a bit surprising to see this debut album from Brosnki beat so low on this list given how well it did internationally (well more so NZ as it was a dud here in Australia.) I guess audiences were a bit put off by the blatant LGBT themes on the album to buy it in droves but still supported the album due to the singles being catchy.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Smalltown boy #3
Why #6
It ain't necessarily so #16
I feel love #3
#50 for 1984
#34 for 1985
This is Cyndi Lauper's only entry on this list, that's right, an album which bombed here in Australia and was only a decent hit at best in NZ was the best Cyndi could do with the Brits as far as her albums were concerned. I guess this means the Brits considered her to be a singles artist like Kim Wilde or Bananarama.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Hey now #4
#16 for 1994
While this managed to peak higher in their homeland than their earlier entry, the trade-off was that it didn't last as long on the UK charts which is why this second album from Sade appears much lower on this list. They only have one more appearance on this list as they were considered yesterday's news by the 90's among their fellow Brits.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
The sweetest taboo #31
#17 for 1985
Whereas this was only barely a hit here in Australia due to the success of its lead single, it was a massive success in Fairground attraction's homeland due to sophistopop being more common on the UK charts upon its release. It was their only success over there likely due to the trends changing against their favour too quickly.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Perfect #1
#30 for 1988
In a bizarre twist, this was Donna Summer's only success in the UK to the point where the Brits consider her a one album wonder with this entry. She did have another candidate for this list; however it was a greatest hits package she released in 1978 that was different from the one that became a hit globally by the end of the 70's.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
I feel love #1
#26 for 1977
Just like the rest of the world, Barbra Streisand was on a roll moving from the 70's to the 80's in the UK as her second greatest hits album managed to be a massive success over there just like it was internationally. Heck it's widely believed to be the reason why her collaboration with Neil Diamond was a hit over there.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
You don't bring me flowers #5
#6 for 1979
How has it taken me this long to feature and album from the Pretenders on this list? Even though this was an instant chart topper for the band in their homeland, it quickly fell off their charts likely because their fellow Brits felt them to be a novelty act even though the album is more in line with punk than the singles would suggest.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Stop your sobbing #34
Brass in pocket #1
#5 for 1980
Not only am I surprised at how low this album is for Elton John on this list, but I'm actually shocked to discover it was a sleeper hit in his homeland rather than an instant success like it was in Australia and NZ. Again, we can chalk this up to the Brits prioritising success for its singles over the album itself as they did well on their charts.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
I guess that's why they call it the blues #5
I'm still standing #4
Kiss the bride #20
Crystal #33
#16 for 1983
It looks like the Brits were completely unimpressed with Sting's debut solo album upon its initial release, so much so that it only became a success over there due to it rebounding on their charts when the third single "Russians" became a moderate success on their charts. Naturally it was much better received internationally for the Police frontman.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
If you love somebody set them free #26
Russians #12
#37 for 1985
#41 for 1986
File TLC in the increasing category of a band or artist that saw massive success in the UK despite never topping their charts with a single or an album, this was their third and finally album which was more of a sleeper hit as the Brits prioritised making the singles a success over the album itself.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
No scrubs #3
Unpretty #6
Dear lie #31
#28 for 1999
It's a bit surprising to see Bryan Ferry so low on this list as a solo artist, although admittedly he did have a candidate I skipped over due to his second album bombing here in Australia. It turns out he had two solo albums prior to putting Roxy music on hiatus in 1976 he released in his homeland.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Slave to love #10
Don't stop the dance #21
#23 for 1985
It took us long enough, but we finally have the magnum opus from the Police appearing on this list. From what I can gather, the album didn't rebound on the UK charts like it did internationally when the Police embarked on their farewell tour, which is the best explanation for why this didn't do as well in their homeland.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Every breath you take #1
Wrapped around your finger #7
King of pain #17
#11 for 1983
This is another album that suffered in the rankings on this list due to it lasting nowhere near as long on the UK charts as it did internationally, I guess the Brits were fed up with the album by the time it saw the light of day in America even though it kept spawning singles on their charts as recently as 1989.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Animal #6
Pour some sugar on me #18
Armageddon it #20
Love bites #11
Rocket #15
#34 for 1987
As low as this appeared on the Australian and NZ sides of my site, at least it wasn't a sleeper hit in the southern hemisphere as opposed to in the UK where the Brits really struggled to decide if it was worth making a success for Nirvana over there or not. It eventually became a success, although it didn't rechart when Kurt Cobain died in 1994 like it did internationally.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Smells like teen spirit #7
Come as you are #9
Lithium #11
Bloom #28
#20 for 1992
Much like here in Australia, this album didn't take off for TLC in the UK until the third single became a surprise hit for the trio over there. It was due to its success in the UK that it was finally given a chance here in Australia despite it being more of an immediate success in NZ for the girls.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Creep #22
Red light special #18
Waterfalls #4
Digging on you #18
Creep (rerelease) #6
#33 for 1995
Unlike in Australia where this was released to cap off the success Cliff Richard achieved in the 80's, it was an instant hit upon its initial release in his homeland due to how much better his singles did in his homeland. Although he continued to have hits in the 90's over there, his most recent studio album on this list is Always guaranteed.
Peak position #1x2
#2 for 1988
It was smooth sailing for Queen during the second half of the 80's in their homeland, almost as if them breaking international laws to perform in a hotel run by slave traders had no impact on their fellow Brits. It could also be the quality of their music hadn't faltered from their heyday given how well the singles were doing.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
I want it all #3
Breakthru #7
The invisible man #12
#17 for 1989
This was a bit of a commercial disappointment for U2 in their homeland as opposed to it being another easy bestseller like it was internationally, I guess their fellow Brits were a bit alienated by the band experimenting with their sound on this album which resulted in only one of its singles charting over there.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Stay #4
#9 for 1993
Well, it took us a while, but we finally got to the most iconic album from Pink Floyd on this list. Again, we have to consider the fact that it spawned a massive chart topper for them in their homeland as to why it didn't even get to number one on the UK album charts like it did everywhere else in the world.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Another brick in the wall #1
#28 for 1980
Given how well Belinda Carlisle was doing in the UK, it makes sense that her greatest hits album would be a massive success over there much like it was in NZ of all places. Again, I don't know why this didn't crossover here in Australia where she was also doing well.
Peak position #1x1
#28 for 1992
Given how this was a decent success here in Australia, it makes sense that the soundtrack to David Essex's debut film role would be a huge success in the UK for him and everyone else that appears in the film. It appears his fellow Brits weren't as impressed with his second film Stardust as we Aussies were.
Peak position #1x7
Hit in 1973
I would say that I'm surprised that this album from Iron maiden is so low on this list, but then I remember that rock and roll struggled to find success in the UK and then scoff at the idea that a heavy metal album got to number one on the UK charts even if it was from a British band.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Run to the hills #7
#19 for 1982
Again, we need to consider the fact that the Brits weren't as kind to albums that spawned huge hits on their singles charts as those that didn't. That said, it's possible this underperformed (comparative to their earlier entries) due to the title track being the lead single rather than "Love is a stranger" over there just like it was in America.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Sweet dreams #2
Love is a stranger #6
#15 for 1983
Unlike in NZ where Clannad scored a massive hit with their soundtrack to the TV series Legend, this was the only success they achieved in their homeland which no doubt explains why it didn't do as well in the UK as it did in NZ. It could also be that the kiwis were bigger fans of Celtic music than the Brits.
Peak position #5
#31 for 1989
I need to remember my readers that when I say an album underperformed in the UK on this list, it's only by comparison to how well it did internationally as every album on here was a massive success over there regardless of how low they appear on this list. That said, it really does surprise me how this underperformed for Enya in her homeland.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Caribbean blue #13
How can I keep from singing #32
#20 for 1991
#36 for 1992
Given how Phil Collins saw a massive success with his own live album from earlier on this list, it makes sense that his band would also see success in their homeland following the success of their (then) most recent album which they named said live album after.
Peak position #3
#18 for 1992
If this album feels a bit off to you compared to the rest of the entries on this list, it's success in the UK is largely due to it spawning a surprise chart topper for John Denver over there in the form of its lead single. That said, he's a one hit wonder over there despite having other candidates and even entries on this list.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Annie's song #1
Much like the rest of the world, this was initially a flop for the Bangles in the UK despite its lead single almost topping the UK charts for the girl band. Unlike the rest of the world, it didn't take too long for its second chance to arrive over there as it reached its peak in 1986 as opposed to 1987 globally.
Peak position #3 (originally #30)
Hit singles
Manic Monday #2
If she knew what she wants #31
Walk like an Egyptian #3
Walking down your street #16
#36 for 1986
I'm not sure how well this album would've done here in Australia had Countdown not shut down Shirley Bassey's popularity shortly before its release, however I'd like to think it would've been a massive hit for her here given how well it did in NZ and her native UK as well as her scoring a massive hit two years prior with "Never never never."
Peak position #2
#23 for 1975
It's been a while since we looked at one of Paul McCartney's solo albums on this list, here he is with his first solo entry in his discography since his collaboration with his wife Linda from earlier on this list which was a nine-year gap between both entries. Suffice to say, his 80's output was far less successful in his homeland that his 70's output.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Coming up #2
Waterfalls #9
#36 for 1980
If you're wondering if I skipped over a Status quo album on this list so far, the answer is yes as their 1990 greatest hits album was a much bigger success than the one they released a decade prior in their homeland. We'll get to their 70's material in a bit, but suffice to say, they were considered a singles band by their fellow Brits.
Peak position #3
#14 for 1980
Even though these guys are from the UK, it's a bit odd to have a heavy metal band this far on the list even if we've already seen two entries from Deep purple so far. Indeed, this was the breakthrough album from Ozzy Osbourne and company which their fellow Brits lapped up back in the day.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Paranoid #4
#14 for 1970
Surprised to see this album so low on the list? It turns out the Brits considered these guys to be a singles artist as this was the bigger album from their first two albums over there by far despite both spawning a massive chart topper on their singles charts. Again, the Brits didn't allow albums with huge chart toppers of them to have that much success it seems.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Come on Eileen #1
#11 for 1982
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