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.
Even though this was a massive hit for Roxette worldwide when it saw the light of day outside their native Sweden, it appears the Brits were willing to write the duo off as a novelty act due to how they got their international success in the first place. They gave them a second chance following their appearance on the Pretty woman soundtrack and allowed the album cycle to play out a year after it began.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
The look #7
Listen to your heart #6
Dangerous #6
Dressed for success #18
#34 for 1990
This is the final entry from Status quo on this list, although they did have one final candidate for this list with a greatest hits album they released in the 90's. It appears that even their fellow Brits were beginning to grow tired of the band moving into the 80's however their love for them rejuvenated in that decade where it didn't here in Australia.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Rocking all over the world #3
Hit in 1978
This was one of the many albums featured on my 70's albums lists that only made the cut due to the lack of competition there was for candidates for those lists, so colour me shocked when I discovered this was one of David Bowie's bigger albums in his homeland that decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Sound and vision #3
#43 for 1977
Much like here in Australia, 10CC were able to cap off the 70's in their homeland with a successful greatest hits album which overlooked the big hits they achieved around the world during their first eight years together. Sadly, this would activate the greatest hits curse for them as they would fail throughout the 80's.
Peak position #5
Hit in 1979
This is the only entry from Cat Stevens following his decline in popularity which began in 1975 worldwide, admittedly I did skip over a highly lucrative greatest hits album from him that year given how the Brits saw it as a last hurrah for his career before moving on with the fresher talent of the moment.
Peak position #4
Hit in 1990
At least Foreigner's earlier entry on this list had the benefit of spawning a chart-topping hit for the band in the UK, why the Brits made an exception for these guys when it came to their no American rock bands policy is beyond me as you'd be surprised at how many of their contemporaries never saw any success over there over the years.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Waiting for a girl like you #8
#29 for 1982
For an album that from what I can gather was never even released in NZ, this did quite well internationally for Heart even in the UK where it finally gave them a hit single after over a decade of success they had in Australia and in America. This set them up for success with their earlier entry on this list only for them to fade into obscurity in the 90's.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Alone #3
#46 for 1987
This is the other entry from Billy Ocean on this list, what were you expecting one of his other big albums from the 80's? It turns out his fellow Brits had the same mindset as the kiwis did as they only gave him success with his singles, his entry from earlier on this list and this greatest hits album.
Peak position #4
#47 for 1989
We have the final entry from UB40 on this list, it's coincidentally their first entry in their catalogue as their fellow Brits were a bit put off by their brand of reggae rock in a way that didn't alienate the kiwis at the start of the 80's. Naturally they would gradually see success worldwide as the decade went on.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Food for thought #4
I think it's going to rain today #6
#26 for 1980
#50 for 1981
There were so many greatest hits album from the king of rock and roll following his passing in 1977, this is one of the few to be a success in the UK as well as in the southern hemisphere given how there was nostalgia specifically for his love ballads from the early 90's when this came out.
Peak position #4
Hit in 1992
It seems oddly fitting that this would also be a massive success for Larry Adler in the UK just like it was here in Australia and NZ, he was based in the UK during the final years of his life after all and this album does contain royalty in the British music scene among its track listing.
Peak position #2
Hit in 1994
Much like many albums that appear lower on this list than they would on my Australian or NZ lists, this third album from the Backstreet boys didn't rebound on the UK charts like it did on ours whenever a new single was released over there, meaning it didn't last as long on their charts as it did on ours.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I want it that way #1
Larger than life #5
Show me the meaning of being lonely #3
The one #8
#37 for 1999
Oh wow has it been a while since we looked at Bob Marley on this lists, even though this wasn't his first successful album in the UK (that honour goes to Exodus) it was the album which convinced us Aussies and kiwis to check out what all the fuss was about even if it wound up doing better in the southern hemisphere than it did in the UK.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Is this love #9
#36 for 1978
This was the only album from Duran Duran to top the British charts, it's also the only album to spawn a chart topping single for the band as "Is there something I should know" wasn't included on an album over there like it was in America. If this isn't proof that going to number one is a curse for certain artists, I don't know what is.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Union of the snake #3
New moon on Monday #9
The reflex #1
#24 for 1983
Talk about a technicality to get around the bullshit soundtrack conundrum the UK charts created in the 90's, this soundtrack to the Doors biopic managed to be eligible for the album charts due to it being credited to the Doors which is technically accurate since it's by all accounts a greatest hits album with their catalogue used in the film.
Peak position #11
Hit in 1991
Want to know why this was randomly one of the biggest albums of the 90's in Australia and NZ? It turns out it was the only success that Kenny G had in the UK as the Brits were randomly enamoured by the tunes on this album in a way they weren't for his other releases.
Peak position #4
Hit in 1993
Although her success in the UK was pitiful compared to how well she did throughout the rest of the world during the 90's, it was still substantial enough for Mariah Carey to find success with this greatest hits album over there even though she only had one chart topper to her name (which interestingly wasn't a chart topper on Billboard.)
Peak position #10
Hit singles
When you believe #4
#30 for 1998
Want further proof that the Brits aren't that into rock and roll? How about the fact that this loved themed greatest hits album from the Beatles was a big hit for them over there and not the rock and roll themed album that was a big hit for them in Australia and NZ.
Peak position #7
Hit in 1978
This is the final entry from Cliff Richard on this list, although this took forever in a day to become a success for him here in Australia, it was an instant success for him in his homeland which goes to show we Aussies did briefly lose our love for him we had during the first half of the 80's.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Some people #3
#28 for 1987
Hey just because this was a hit upon its initial release in the UK, doesn't mean it wasn't a hit later on in the 90's like it was in the southern hemisphere. This entry covers its rerelease in 1997 to coincide with the trio's album at the time Still waters (which is still to come on this list.)
Peak position #6
#50 for 1997
Had it been a hit in the southern hemisphere, the Beastie boys debut album would've appeared much higher on this list as it was a surprise hit for the trio in the UK back in the day. It took them well over a decade to release an album as successful as their debut over there, although they eventually made it with this entry.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Intergalactic #5
Body moving #15
Hit in 1998
Even though she continued to have success with her singles in the UK, it appears the Brits weren't impressed with Kylie's album output as this greatest hits album of hers was her only candidate for this list from the 90's and beyond. Even Light years wasn't a candidate for her on here, proving her status as a singles artist over there.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
What kind of fool #14
Celebration #20
Hit in 1992
We have another entry from Bob Dylan on this list, hey at least we're going to revisit all of his successful albums from the second half of the 70's even if none of them reached the dizzying heights of success in the UK they achieved worldwide. I guess the Brits just weren't that into his singing style.
Peak position #2
Hit in 1979
Not counting her appearance on the Grease and Xanadu soundtracks from earlier, this was the best that Olivia Newton John could do for this list as this was released a year after the failure of her magnum opus Physical in her homeland. Rather curiously, the Two of a kind soundtrack was another candidate for this list despite "Twist of fate" failing to chart in the UK.
Peak position #8
Hit in 1983
If you're wondering if I skipped an album from Mike and the Mechanics on this list, the answer is yes as their fellow Brits had a ton of nostalgia for the band in the mid 90's and made their greatest hits album from 1996 a massive hit over there where it flopped everywhere else in the world. As for their initial run, this is the best they could do on the UK charts.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
The living years #2
Hit in 1989
This is another album where I had to cheat to feature on the Australian side of my site, naturally it was a genuine success for Eternal in their homeland even if it was the weakest of their three studio albums as well as their earlier greatest hits album over there. I guess because their fellow Brits needed to get used to the absence of the one white girl in their group.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Power of a woman #5
I am blessed #7
#32 for 1995
If you're wondering why it's taken me this long to feature Supergrass on this list, that's because their 1995 magnum opus I should coco was a massive flop everywhere in the world except their homeland. Heck their second album only appears on here due to the success it achieved over in NZ as we Aussies weren't impressed with their brand of Britpop in the slightest.
Peak position #2
Hit in 1997
It feels like forever since I featured the Chemical brothers on this list, although we once again have the issue of an album spawning more than one chart topper in the UK which more than explains why this didn't do as well in their homeland as you would've otherwise thought it should.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Setting sun #1
Block rocking beats #1
Elektronik #17
#49 for 1997
Much like the rest of the world, this became a massive success for the Moody blues in the UK around the time the rerelease of "The nights in white satin," although it appears their fellow Brits chose that song over this album when it came to making only one of them a massive chart topper on their charts.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
I'm just a singer #36
Hit in 1972
The successful albums just kept on coming for Black sabbath even if that success in their homeland wasn't anywhere near the levels they achieved here in Australia. This is their final entry on this list, although they would've had two more had those albums done better here in Australia.
Peak position #8
Hit in 1972
Although their success in the UK was pitiful compared to what they achieved here in Australia, Santana was at least a decently successful band over there during their heyday in the 70's given how some of their earlier material would've made the list had I included early 70's albums. That said, this was their only success during the second half of the decade over there.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
She's not there #11
Hit in 1977
Much like in NZ, this was a decent success for A-ha in the UK and further proof that the Norwegian band were the furthest thing from a one hit wonder everywhere outside the Billboard charts. Sadly, this would be it for them even in the UK as their Bond theme from the Living daylights would kill their English-speaking career.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I've been losing you #8
Cry wolf #5
#31 for 1986
This is the final entry from Led Zeppelin on this list, it's only fitting that the soundtrack they made for a long-forgotten film would rank the lowest of the four albums they saw success with during the second half of the 70's in them homeland. Like I said, their material from the first half of the decade would've swarmed this list had they been eligible to do so.
Peak position #1x1
Hit in 1976
Even though he didn't achieve much success as a solo artist in his homeland like he did here in Australia, Bryan Ferry's fellow Brits did give his band one final hit with this live album before he made the decision to make it on his own. It was a mixed blessing to say the least as at least we Aussies appreciated this venture.
Peak position #6
Hit in 1976
Even though he was finding more success in America by this point in his career, Steve Winwood's fellow Brits were curious enough to check out this album of his when it spawned him his first Billboard chart topper back in the day. That curiosity didn't come back for his next album which spawned his second Billboard chart topper.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Higher love #13
Hit in 1986
Even though his second album spawned a massive hit for him in the UK, Richard Marx only had one candidate for this list and that's with his third album which spawned arguably his biggest hit over there in the form of "Hazard." The Brits didn't even pay attention to this album until that unexpectedly became a hit for him over there despite it not being among his bigger hits on Billboard.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Hazard #3
Take this heart #13
Hit in 1992
This entry covers the twentieth anniversary release of the album from 1998, as nostalgia has played a massive part in determining what was a success in the UK over the years, it's little surprise this album would return to the list give how well it did in the southern hemisphere around this time.
Peak position #2
Hit in 1998
It may have seemed that Robert Plant was off to a good start with his solo career in his homeland given how it entered the UK charts quite high upon its initial release, however as we've already seen, he wasn't that popular in their mainstream over there meaning the album's high debut was more out of novelty than anything else.
Peak position #2
Hit in 1982
We've had one entry from the Shadows on this list, let's go for two with the only greatest hits album they saw success in NZ as this was also a big hit for them in their native UK back in the day. I think I've featured more entries from these guys than any other instrumental band on this site.
Peak position #6
Hit in 1986
Given how she was far from the most popular artist of the moment in the UK, you can understand why the Brits weren't as in love with this live album from Mariah Carey's appearance on MTV unplugged as the rest of the world was even if they did make it a decent success for her over there.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
I'll be there #2
Hit in 1992
Here's another album that needed two attempts to become a success in the UK, this time it's the breakthrough album Crowded house had over there given how their first two albums were a complete dud for them as far as the Brits were concerned. Even then, this had to work its way up to its success.
Peak position #6 (#36 originally)
Hit singles
Fall at your feet #17
Weather with you #7
Four seasons in one day #26
It's only natural #24
#37 for 1992
Given how she ended the 90's with not one but two big hits in NZ, you'd think that Sarah Brightman would repeat that success in her homeland given how she's best known for playing Christine Daae in Andrew Lloyd Weber's Phantom of the opera. Alas she didn't end the decade with two big hits over there as one of them was a hit two years prior over there (this one) whereas the other bombed.
Peak position #2
Hit in 1997
It took us a while to revisit this debut album from Five, however rest assured that it was a candidate for this list even though it struggled to compete with all the other teeny bopper music that was prevalent in the late 90's in their homeland. Again, the album and singles were much more lucrative in Australia and NZ for some reason.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Slam dunk #10
When the lights go out #4
Got the feeling #3
Everybody get up #2
Until the time is through #2
#25 for 1998
This is Jethro Tull's final entry on this list, it's their oldest entry given how like the rest of the world, their popularity only took off from the start of the 70's in their homeland despite having a few albums released in the 60's over there.
Peak position #3
Hit in 1970
Given how their debut single became one of the biggest hits of the 90's in the world, it makes sense that CMB's debut album was a massive hit for them over there just like it was throughout the rest of the world. Even then, it only made the cut on here due to being a decent success here in Australia and not in NZ where you'd think it would be inescapable.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
I wanna sex you up #1
All 4 love #5
Hit in 1991
It took us a while, but we've finally looking at Bjork's second album and the one which began to spawn massive hit singles for her throughout the world. This was obviously the case in the UK which is perhaps why it didn't do as well over there as it did here in Australia, OK it was also because it didn't rebound on their charts like it did on ours.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Army of me #10
Isobel #23
It's oh so quiet #4
Hyperballad #8
#36 for 1995
I've only skipped one entry from New order on this list, that being their second greatest hits album they released in 1994 which proved to be more successful than their first entry we're looking at here. This means that none of their studio albums were even candidates for this list of mine.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
True faith #4
Hit in 1987
If you were expecting multiple candidates from Sam Brown for this list, then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed to learn that this was the full extent of her success in her homeland just like it was in Australia and NZ. I'm not sure why everyone turned against her second album but that's what happened.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Stop #4
Can I get a witness #15
Hit in 1989
We've finally gotten to the album from 10CC which spawned their biggest hit worldwide, naturally it would be their final entry on this list given how chart-topping singles seemed to rob albums of their overall success in the UK. At least all their iconic albums from post 1974 are accounted for here.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Dreadlock holiday #1
#50 for 1978
This is the final entry from the Eagles on this list, it's another album that struggled with the Christmas period of 1979 given how it was a last hurrah for many of the biggest names in music for that decade. I'm sure the Brits were just as shocked as the rest of the world when they called it quits during their world tour in 1980.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Heartache tonight #40
Hit in 1980
OK you're probably wondering how on earth this debut album from Jennifer Rush made it on here when I've yet to feature it on this site, it turns out it was a decent success here in Australia but got caught between two years to feature on a year end list which is how I determined what appeared on my albums lists for that side of my site.
That out of the way, this was a massive success for Jennifer Rush in the UK due to it spawning one of the biggest hits of the 80's over there, although she would be a one album wonder even in her homeland as none of her subsequent releases brought in the success she saw early on in her career.
(Yes, I took the opportunity to feature both artworks for her album by explaining its absence up until know as well as what I would've said had I already included it on my site.)
Peak position #7 (#10 in Australia)
Hit singles
The power of love #1
Hit in 1985
I'm not sure how the Brits came across this album from husband-and-wife duo Womack and Womack given how much of a failure it was in their homeland, however the fact that it spawned one of the biggest hits of the 80's over there ensured it would be a massive success in Australia and NZ as well as in the UK.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Teardrops #3
Celebrate the world #19
Hit in 1988
It looks like we have another entry from Simon and Garfunkel on this list, although it comes to us in the form of this greatest hits album they released a decade after their earlier entry which was able to be a hit on time in the UK as opposed to three years later like it was here in Australia.
Peak position #8
#35 for 1991
Both volumes of Prince's Hits albums were a success in the UK, although given how only volume two was a success in the southern hemisphere, it's the only entry from the pair that will be featuring on this list from the Purple one. Hey at least he had one of his entries find more success over there than it did over here.
Peak position #5
#39 for 1993
Given how this was the album that put their name on the map here in Australia, it's fitting that Roxy music would close out their appearances on this list with this album even though they did have success with their earlier material during the first half of the 70's in their homeland.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Love is the drug #2
Hit in 1975
This is the final entry from Wings on this list, naturally it's their live album from their Wings at the speed of sound album which was a massive hit for them worldwide. They came so close to having complete representation on this list with their discography (that was eligible to be here of course.)
Peak position #8
#48 for 1977
This is the final entry from Stevie Wonder on this list, again its lower placement on here is due to the album not rebounding on the UK charts like it did here in Australia and NZ. It also managed to spawn a minor hit for him over there just like it did in NZ, meaning Australia was the only place where it didn't have singles success.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
That girl #39
Do I do #10
Hit in 1982
Given how this was a surprise hit for Black here in Australia (well more so the title track) it's fitting that this breakthrough album for the British band was a huge success in their homeland even if the singles weren't so much. Again, I'm not sure why the title track crossed over when it did down under.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Sweetest smile #8
Wonderful life #8
Hit in 1987
You knew this Anthology from the Beatles was coming, although it curiously didn't get to number one on the UK charts like it did worldwide, meaning that its brief run on their charts would look bizarre to chart historians who assume albums with a weak run have their success given to them it its first week.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Free as a bird #2
#19 for 1995
This is the only other candidate I have for Bad company on this list as the supergroup failed to find further success in their homeland just like they did throughout the rest of the world. At least it was a mainstream success in their homeland as opposed to it being a sleeper hit here in Australia.
Peak position #4
Hit in 1976
Even though this was released on time in the UK for John Denver, it didn't become a success over there for two years despite it never leaving the charts and thus me not being able to give an original peak position like I have for other albums with separate chart runs on the UK charts. It also had a different title in the UK compared to everywhere else in the world.
Peak position #7
#50 for 1976
This is the final entry from Bob Dylan on this list, it's fitting he would finish up his appearance on here with his live album from Budokan given how he had to compete with Cheap trick's live album from the same venue the year it came out. He wouldn't have any further success in the UK going into the 80's.
Peak position #4
#49 for 1979
It may have failed to spawn a single hit for them in the UK like their previous album did, however this final entry from Bon Jovi on this list does make up for that by being their first chart topper over there which I guess counts for something. Again, this didn't rebound on the charts over there like it did everywhere else in the world.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Bad medicine #17
Born to be my baby #22
I'll be there for you #18
Lay your hands on me #18
Hit in 1988
This is Cher's final entry on this list, naturally it she would cap off her appearance on this list with her most iconic album even if it was more of a sleeper hit for her in the UK like it was here in Australia. It turns out the Brits were quick to make this a hit as it cracked their top ten long before the title track even touched the Billboard charts.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Believe #1
Strong enough #5
All or nothing #12
Dove l'amoure #21
#32 for 1998
Given how this was an instant success for Bruce Springsteen upon its initial release in the UK, I have to wonder what took his top entry on this list so long to find an audience with the Brits back in the day. Maybe they felt he was destined to be a one album wonder and needed that album's international success to change their minds.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Hungry heart #35
#45 for 1981
Much like Howard Jones, Nik Kershaw also saw a massive decline in popularity between his first and second albums in his homeland back in the day. Also, like Howard, said second album became eligible for this list due to being a hit in only one country from the southern hemisphere, although in this case it was NZ rather than Australia.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
The riddle #3
Wide boy #9
Don Quixote #10
#42 for 1984
This is the final entry from the Rolling stones on this list as we're really starting to scrap the bottom of the barrel when it comes to entries on here. After all I've skipped over hundreds of compilation albums that have polluted the UK charts before they were given their own charts in 1989 for this list.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
It's only rock n roll #10
Hit in 1974
Now if you're wondering if I skipped over an entry from the Who on this list, I did as their 1976 greatest hits album The story of the who was a massive hit for them in their homeland which failed to see crossover success for some reason. Other than that, I haven't skipped over any other candidates from the band for this list.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Who are you #23
Hit in 1978
Given how this was a massive success in America, I bet you're surprised that this breakthrough album from Jesus Jones (I can't even with that name) is this far down the list even if it went to number one in their homeland. What's more surprising is that the singles didn't do much to liven up their charts like they did on Billboard.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Real real real #19
Right here right now #31
International bright young thing #7
Who where why #21
Hit in 1991
Even if Stevie Wonder had any success with his earlier albums here in Australia, this would still be his oldest entry on this list as nothing he released prior was a success in the UK. Heck this was only barely a hit here in Australia, meaning it was more of a success in the UK for the RNB legend.
Peak position #5
Hit in 1974
How has it taken me so long to feature an album from the Style council on this list? In case you're wondering, no I haven't skipped over any of their entries and no, their magnum opus Our favourite shop won't be appearing on this list despite that topping the UK charts and this entry failing to do so.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
My ever changing moods #5
You're the best thing #5
#36 for 1984
File this in the category of American bands finding surprise success in the UK despite having international success, I guess the Brits were impressed enough with the lead single to this album from Mr Mister that they allowed the album to be a hit over there despite many of their contemporaries failing to achieve even a fraction of what this got over there.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Broken wings #4
Kyrie #11
Hit in 1986
You thought we Aussies were sceptical towards this album's success; it appears the Brits had to be tricked into making it a hit as it was rebranded as 2X2 where it officially became a success for the duo over there. One thing I will say in the Brits favour is that when the gig was up, they stopped handing success to the act.
Peak position #6 (originally #37)
Hit singles
Girl you know it's true #3
Baby don't forget my number #16
Girl I'm gonna miss you #2
#40 for 1989
This is the most recent entry from INXS on this list given how the band's popularity had fully declined by the midpoint of the 90's regardless of where in the world you're from. That said, this didn't rechart following the tragic death of Michael Hutchence over there like it did internationally.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
The strangest party #15
#29 for 1994
As we've seen on this list, Eric Clapton has had plenty of ups and downs in his homeland over the years, as such it makes sense this often-forgotten album he released at the start of the 80's was a success in his homeland just like it was for him over in NZ. I guess we Aussies weren't too impressed with it back in the day.
Peak position #3
Hit in 1980
This is the other big hit that Ultravox had in their homeland as well as in NZ, although it proved to be way less popular than their two earlier entries in both countries likely due to failing to produce a huge hit to help the kiwis and their fellow Brits gravitate towards its existence.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
The voice #16
Hit in 1981
We have one final entry from Madonna on this list, this one being her venture towards RNB which seemed to divide audiences back in the day hence why it was her least successful release of the twentieth century. That said, it did a hell of a lot better than anything she's released since 2008.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Secret #5
Take a bow #16
Bedtime story #4
Human nature #8
#24 for 1994
You know Toni Braxton was the diva of the moment throughout the 90's when even the Brits managed to allow her signature album to be a massive success in the UK, although it's worth noting this was a sleeper hit for her over there just like it was here in Australia hence why it has a low placement on this list.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
You're making me high #7
Unbreak my heart #2
#28 for 1996
#28 for 1997
We have our final entry from the brothers Gibb on this list, although E.S.P was also a candidate for this list given how it spawned their final UK chart topper "You win again" exactly a decade prior to this album. Had I included 00's albums on this list, they would've had some more entries on here than they already do.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Alone #5
Hit in 1997
This is another album where I had to cheat to get it featured on this site, it makes sense it was a success in the UK given how Charlotte Church is British, and that opera music was all the rage during the second half of the 90's over there.
Peak position #4
#28 for 1998
Oh look, another album that needed more than one attempt to make it big in the UK. This time it's the second album from Jon and Vangelis given how this flopped over there initially due to it competition with Vangelis entry from earlier on this list. It was given a second chance when the second single became a hit for the duo over there.
Peak position #6 (originally #17)
Hit singles
I'll find my way home #6
Hit in 1982
Here's another album that only made it on my site due to me cheating when I created my albums list on the Australian side of it, this means I'm able to feature an album from Neil Young on this list as nothing else he released since 1974 was a candidate for this list other than his live album from MTV unplugged.
Peak position #4
Hit in 1993
You'd think this debut album from Suede would've been much higher on this list given how it managed to become a success in NZ for them, alas it appears their fellow Brits weren't that impressed with their breakthrough or indeed the rest of their catalogue as they only had one other candidate for this list we haven't skipped over.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Animal nitrate #7
#45 for 1993
This is the final entry from Eric Clapton on this list, it's also by far his most recent as his career saw a sharp decline during the second half of the 90's for whatever reason. At least he had plenty of representation on this list which is more than I can say for other blues legends.
Peak position #6
Hit in 1994
It feels like forever ago that we looked at Tracy Chapman's debut album on this list, here she is again with her second album which may not have reached the dizzying heights of success that her earlier entry achieved in the UK (or what it achieved globally for that matter) but was regardless a chart topper for her over there.
Peak position #1x1
#44 for 1989
Again, it feels like forever since we last looked at this duo on this list, although to be fair, that's because we skipped over both their debut album (which was also a number one hit in the UK) and their greatest hits album their label released when they parted ways with each other and Roland Orizabal became a solo act under the name.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Sowing the seeds of love #5
Woman in chains #26
#21 for 1989
This is the only other appearance from Elvis Costello on this list, even then I sort of cheated when I featured it on the Australian side of my site as I included entries that appeared on ARIA's year end list for 1989 to fill up the top 100 with non compilation albums. As such, this is another entry that was a hit in the UK that by all accounts shouldn't be on here.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Veronica #31
Hit in 1989
We may have featured all of Dire strait's albums on this list already, however we still have one more entry to look at from Mark Knopfler which it this album he released with his side project the Notting Hillbillies. It was as successful in his homeland as it was internationally, that is to say, it was a decent success at best.
Peak position #2
Hit in 1990
OK when I first found out that literal monks were able to find success in the mainstream throughout the 90's, I didn't think it was due to the Brits that this trend took off worldwide. It appears to be the case here as the kiwis were clearly enamoured by this album which was a huge success in the UK.
Peak position #7
Hit in 1994
This came close to missing out on the list due to how chaotic the late 90's was in the UK (as you've no doubt noticed from this list alone) however Portishead's fellow Brits were able to ensure that their second album was at least as big a success over there as it was here in Australia even if it was a powerhouse for them in NZ.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
All mine #8
Only you #35
Hit in 1997
This is the final entry from Bob Dylan on this list, we've had quite a rollercoaster when it comes to featuring his discography on this site given how some of his more notable work never saws much success anywhere in the world back in the day.
Peak position #1x1
Hit in 1970
This is the most recent candidate for David Bowie on this list that isn't a greatest hits album, yes, he saw minor success in his homeland after this effort, however nothing he released was impactful enough to qualify for this list of mine. That said, many will tell you this is his final album from the peak of his career.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Blue jean #6
Loving the alien #19
Hit in 1984
I'm 700 albums into this list and only now featuring an entry from the Cure, I guess their fellow Brits were completely unimpressed with their catalogue save for this entry which made the cut despite failing to spawn any hit singles for them in their homeland. Naturally this was more of a success here in Australia given how well received they were here prior to its release.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
In between days #15
Close to me #24
Hit in 1985
While it's tempting to say that this was a hit for Chris De Burgh in his homeland for the same reason it was here in Australia, I should point out that it was a success over there upon its initial release, meaning that this was the introduction to his career his fellow Brits got as opposed to a recap of his career for us Aussies.
Peak position #6
Hit in 1985
This is the final entry from Mariah Carey on this list, it seems oddly fitting that she would cap off her appearance on here with her debut album given how this was a proof of concept to what was to come in her career worldwide. Indeed, the Brits didn't seem to be particularly impressed with this album despite its placement on this list.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Vision of love #9
Love takes time #37
Someday #38
I don't wanna cry #17
Hit in 1990
We're near the bottom of this list and we've finally gotten to this live album covering the iconic concert that Simon and Garfunkel held in Central Park New York twelve years after they first went their separate ways. Like I said earlier, it appears the Brits weren't as impressed with this concert as the rest of the world was.
Peak position #6
#43 for 1982
We have one final entry from the Pet shop boys on this list, it just so happens to be their greatest hits album which proved to be a death note for their popularity moving forward as their subsequent releases all failed to become candidates for this list like their two earlier entries were.
Peak position #3
#36 for 1991
If you're shocked to see this third and final album from Nirvana so low on this list, need I remind you of how many other bands and artists from the 90's alt scene that failed to even become potential candidates for this list, let alone scrap by onto it like this entry did. That said, we're still not done with these guys just yet.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Heart shaped box #5
All apologies #32
#46 for 1993
This is the final album from the Who to make it onto this list, again it was barely successful enough in their homeland to do so which suggests that their fellow Brits had long grown tired of their brand of music by the time this was released right at the cusp of the launch of the MTV era.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
You better you bet #9
Hit in 1981
This is the final entry from Prince on this list, it's curious that of all the albums to make it on here, it would be the first he released under his new identity as an unpronounceable love symbol. This is where UK journalists began to refer to him as the Artist formerly known as Prince for the record.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Sexy MF #4
My name is prince #7
7 #27
#48 for 1992
This is the final entry from INXS on this list, it's the only album from them to go to number one on the UK charts which is bizarre given how it was the beginning of their decline here in Australia. They may have lucked out with the Brits throughout the 80's, however they more than made up for it with their 90's run.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Heaven sent #31
Baby don't cry #20
Taste it #21
Beautiful girl #23
Hit in 1992
Given how well received the movie was both critically and commercially, it makes sense that the Brits would make the soundtrack to Men in black a success just like it was internationally. You can even argue it made Will Smith's solo debut a success over there as it was a candidate for this list.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Men in black #1
We just wanna party with you #21
Hit in 1997
This is the earliest success that John Lennon had in his solo career as well as Yoko Ono in her career overall in their homeland, although it's worth noting that it was more of a success here in Australia for the couple likely due to us Aussies not buying into the conspiracy that Yoko broke the Beatles up (she didn't.)
Peak position #8
Hit in 1971
This was one of the most successful albums of all time here in Australia, so to see this soundtrack to Andrew Lloyd Webber's magnum opus Jesus Christ superstar so low on this list is a bit of a shock to me. I think it only charted in the UK once the show premiered as opposed to it charting before hand down under.
Peak position #6
Hit in 1972
I bet you forgot when I said that Leo Sayer had a third entry on this list, indeed it appears his fellow Brits weren't too impressed with his early material which makes his crossover success here in Australia all the more puzzling even when you consider the fact he was heavily promoted by Countdown.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Moonlighting #2
Hit in 1975
We're quickly coming to the end of this list, and we've still got more entries from David Bowie to look at, again you'd think his fellow Brits would elevate his music given how they've proven how patriotic they are for their local music scene throughout this list.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Golden years #8
Hit in 1976
We've finally come across Nirvana's live album from their appearance on MTV unplugged, again it was only a success in the UK due to it being released around the time Kurt Cobain tragically took his own life thus making it a cash grab following his death. I guess the Brits saw this in bad taste which would explain its low placement on this list.
Peak position #1x1
#31 for 1994
For the most part, we haven't had many entries on this list from American artists who found no success on the Billboard charts, Adeva is one of the lucky few in this category as despite being based in her homeland, she only found success in the UK and eventually here in Australia with her debut album.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Warning #17
I thank you #17
Hit in 1989
It's been a while since we looked at Alice Cooper on this list, however he manages to squeeze onto it with his comeback album from 1989 even if most of its success in the UK is attributed to how well the lead single did over there. Still at least it was a success with the Brits as opposed to his fellow Americans who ignored this.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Poison #2
Bed of nails #38
Hit in 1989
This is the final entry from Jon Bon Jovi on this list, although it's also his only solo album which also serves as the soundtrack to the second Young guns movie from the start of the 90's. Even though it was a success for him in the UK, the singles weren't which is odd because the lead single was a chart topper in most parts of the world.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Blaze of glory #13
Miracle #29
Hit in 1990
You can argue that releasing this live album five years after the concert it was recorded at following the death of Freddie Mercury is in poor taste, we Aussies certainly thought it was which is why it was a complete flop for Queen here in Australia. It wasn't the case for the kiwis or their fellow Brits as it was a massive success in both countries.
Peak position #3
Hit in 1992
This is the only success that the Clash had in their homeland, how one of the most iconic punk bands of all time managed to only barely make it onto this list about the biggest albums in their homeland is beyond me, however it appears its moderate success in the UK was enough for us Aussies and kiwis to make it a bigger success in the southern hemisphere.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
London calling #11
Hit in 1979
I'm a bit surprised that this didn't do even better in the UK given how inescapable it was over in NZ for Stray cats, although at least it was a huge success in both countries upon its initial release and even spawned a decent hit for them here in Australia which is far more than I can say about its success in their native America.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Runaway boys #9
Rock this town #9
Stray cat strut #11
Hit in 1981
Even though we're near the bottom of the list, this isn't the final entry from Deep purple as we'll be getting to that entry in a minute. Again, you have to remember that the Brits didn't seem to like heavy rock and roll for the most part, so the fact these guys have had such a healthy representation on this list is impressive.
Peak position #4
Hit in 1973
It may have barely qualified for this list, however this second album from Men at work did prove to be a big enough success in the UK for it to be considered one of the bigger albums of the decade over there. Of course, its success there pales in comparison to what it achieved here and over in America.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Overkill #21
It's a mistake #33
Dr heckyl and Mr jive #31
Hit in 1983
It turns out a bunch of albums from the Beatles were rereleased in 1987 as CD's worldwide, the only reason why this was a success for them that year was the CD release was marketed as the album's twentieth anniversary which it absolutely was.
Peak position #3
Hit in 1987
It looks like Yes were able to score a second entry on this list given how this was a decent hit for them here in Australia as well as their homeland, for what it's worth, I did skip a ton of their entries from the early 70's on here.
Peak position #4
Hit in 1974
We've finally come to the final entry from David Bowie on this list, it's coincidentally his oldest album on this list as well as the album that finally spawned a chart topper for him on Billboard in the form of "Fame."
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Young Americans #18
Hit in 1975
This was barely a success for Tina Turner in the UK given how close we are to the end of this list, indeed this was only a hit over there due to her artist momentum which obviously dipped with its release but picked back up with her top entry on this list by the end of the 80's.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Typical male #33
What you get is what you see #30
#48 for 1986
This was only barely able to make it onto this list despite being a huge success here in Australia for Gary Glitter, again it spawned a massive hit for him in his homeland which by now should tell you that his fellow Brits prioritised his singles over his albums which we've already seen on this list.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Rock and roll #2
I didn't know I loved you #4
Hit in 1972
This is the final entry from Deep Purple on this list, granted it's at the very bottom of said list; however, this means that they only have two albums I've featured on this site absent here, those being Made in Japan which curiously bombed in their homeland and Come taste the band which got lost in the shuffle.
Peak position #3
#46 for 1974
If you're wondering if I skipped over any entries from the Smiths, the answer is yes as I skipped over their self-titled album from 1984 as well as their 1992 greatest hits album. This was another sleeper hit here in Australia from 1987, meaning by all accounts, this album cheated to get on here.
Peak position #2
Hit in 1987
If only Whitney Houston credited this soundtrack to herself, she would've had it chart on the UK album charts as opposed to it being relegated to the compilation charts due to their bullshit rules that forced soundtracks to chart along the likes of the Now that's what I call music series. I had to include this album on here otherwise I'd get a million comments saying, "where is the Bodyguard soundtrack?"
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
I will always love you #1
I'm every woman #4
I have nothing #3
#1 for 1993 (on compilation charts)
As it was the biggest British film of the 90's, it makes sense that the soundtrack to Four weddings and a funeral was a massive success in the UK just like it was here in Australia. It also made Wet wet wet an international household name given how their theme song to the flick became a massive worldwide char topper.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Love is all around #1
#10 for 1994 (on compilation charts)
You have no idea how much of a cultural juggernaut Pulp fiction was back in the day, even the Brits were able to recognise how awesome the soundtrack was given how it ranked fairly high on the year end compilation charts (despite peaking rather low on there) which is unusual for a soundtrack comprised of oldies music.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Girl you'll be a woman soon #37
#7 for 1995 (on compilation charts)
Trainspotting was another cultural juggernaut in the land of cinema to come out of the UK, as such it's fitting that its soundtrack would be a huge hit in the UK even if it's filled with industrial rock and roll that makes you wonder why the Brits didn't hand success to Marilyn Manson back in the day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Born slippy #2
#3 for 1996 (on compilation charts)
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