Seeing as though I've covered the most popular albums of the twentieth century in the UK a while back, it only seems fitting to do the same for the most popular albums of the twentieth century on Billboard which should complete my run for overlooking the most popular music of all time in the English-speaking side of the world. Again, I'm only including albums on here that were a success in Australia and/or NZ to avoid making a fool of myself talking about successful albums in America that I've never heard of.
Although Aerosmith saw moderate success in their homeland prior to their international breakthrough, it was this album that made them a household name despite none of the singles performing well on Billboard. This makes the success of the second single here in Australia somewhat puzzling as it was a chart topper for them here.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Love in an elevator #5
Janie's got a gun #4
What it takes #9
#31 for 1989 (cash box)
#4 for 1990 (#8 cash box)
This is another album that missed out on becoming a chart topper due to stiff competition from earlier on this list, although I don't think Van Halen minds given how the lead single was a massive worldwide hit for them as well as a Billboard chart topper. All of their albums were candidates for this list, however only those that found success in the southern hemisphere will be appearing on here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Jump #1
#6 for 1984 (#11 cash box)
#73 for 1985
Get used to seeing a bunch of albums that were only barely a success here in Australia from the 70's on this list, I can't stress enough how well Countdown did in preventing American bands from finding success down under back in the day. One such band was Foreigner as despite being one of the earliest non-Australian guest stars, they did far worse here than they did in their homeland.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Hot blooded #3
#78 for 1978 (#5 cash box)
#25 for 1979 (#35 cash box)
Unlike here in Australia where Billy Joel did quite well with his earlier material in his catalogue, this was his introduction to his fellow Americans as the lead single managed to become a surprise hit for him on Billboard upon its initial release. I guess Countdown was a bit of a mixed bag when it came to American artists here in Australia after all.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Just the way you are #3
Moving out #17
#4 for 1978 (#2 cash box)
#18 for 1979
This was another hair metal album that missed out from going to number one on Billboard due to earlier entries hogging the top spot back in the day, although it was a success upon its initial release in Poison's homeland likely due to them already having buzz from their debut album from two years prior. At least this was also an immediate success here in Australia due to the lead single becoming a hit here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Nothing but a good time #6
Fallen angel #12
Every rose has its thorn #1
Your mama don't dance #10
#23 for 1988 (#10 cash box)
#20 for 1989 (#36 cash box)
It's nice to see a bunch of rock and roll albums on this list, this one comes to us from Live which also had a slow rise to its success in their homeland much like it did here in Australia and NZ. It appears that "Lighting crashes" is what got it off the ground worldwide which of course meant it was never released as a single in their homeland.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Selling the drama #43
Lightning crashes #12 (airplay)
#8 for 1995 (#4 cash box)
#95 for 1996
You'd think that Britney Spears would have more success with her singles on Billboard given how well they did internationally, at least her fellow Americans made her albums a success given how both candidates for this list have already made their appearance on here. Had I included her 21st century releases, they would all be appearing as we go further down.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Ooops I did it again #9 (#8 airplay)
Lucky #23
Stronger #11
#4 for 2000
#28 for 2001
This was Wham's debut album in America, I guess their label had no idea how to market their actual debut given how it's about eight years ahead of the curve when it comes to white boy hip hop. Much like Tears for fears earlier entry, this too had a slightly different album cycle on Billboard as the fourth single internationally was its third single in America.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Wake me up before you go go #1
Careless whisper #1
Freedom #3
Everything she wants #1
#83 for 1984 (cash box)
#4 for 1985 (#5 cash box)
From what I can gather, this was a bit of a slow burn for Leann Rimes in her homeland which is odd considering it had more immediate success here in Australia back in the day. I guess her fellow Americans didn't know what to think of this album until her label released her back catalogue when she won a Grammy for best new artist.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Blue #26
#33 for 1996
#6 for 1997
#135 for 1998
While this wasn't the earliest success INXS has in America (stay tuned for that later down this list) this was the album that confirmed them as the real deal given how it spawned their only Billboard chart topper with a song that didn't get to number one in Australia or NZ no less. They had sound success in the 90's in America, however it was the UK where they shined the brightest that decade.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Need you tonight #1
New sensation #3
Devil inside #2
Never tear us apart #5
#4 for 1988 (#5 cash box)
#68 for 1989
We have another album that was only a minor success here in Australia this high up on the list, this definitely explains how Asia, a band that's been reduced to a meme on the internet, managed to find their way on a ton of oldies stations given how inescapable this was in America.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Heat of the moment #4
#1 for 1982 (#1 cash box)
We're two entries into Phil Collins representation on this list and we've still yet to come across an entry from his band Genesis, I guess this goes to show that Americans preferred his solo material over his prog material from his band which if you looked at my UK list, you'll know that was the opposite for his fellow Brits.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Another day in paradise #1
I wish it would rain down #3
#2 for 1990 (#2 cash box)
Whereas some people feel this was a sellout for Billy Joel given how he had caved and released a rock album from a discography made up of crooner ballads at this point, the change up paid off as this managed to be a strong contender for his most successful album in his homeland behind his two earlier entries on this list.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
You may be right #7
It's still rock and roll to me #1
#4 for 1980 (#3 cash box)
#60 for 1981
OK I guess I can see how this managed to be such a game changer back in the day given how well this did in Nirvana's homeland upon its initial release. Admittedly the band lucked out with the singles on Billboard, however who cares about that when you outrank so much of the mainstream fluff on this list that you set out to criticise on this album?
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Smells like teen spirit #6
Come as you are #32
Lithium #64
#3 for 1992 (#4 cash box)
Ever wanted to know why this cheesy but ultimately enjoyable film has received so much hate over the years? Well, the fact its soundtrack ranks so high on this list in addition to the film being a massive box office hit back in the day should serve as a satisfying answer both outrank so many 80's projects that have received much more love in the internet age.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
What a feeling #1
Maniac #1
#20 for 1983 (#4 cash box)
#32 for 1984
Ever wanted to know why the Offspring didn't have a charting single in their homeland, that's because their label didn't release any of their catalogue as such which means they had to rely on the radio in order to promote their albums. Naturally the singles bombed on the airwaves, however that didn't prevent their debut album from being a huge success in their homeland like it was in Australia and NZ.
Peak position #4
#37 for 1994 (#16 cash box)
#11 for 1995 (#9 cash box)
No sooner do I comment on Phil Collins having more success in America with his solo material than he did with Genesis do I feature his biggest success with Genesis on this list. Again, this is another album where all the singles did fairly well on the Billboard charts, it was mainly due to airplay, however that doesn't stop this from receiving backlash on the internet.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Invisible touch #1
In too deep #3
Land of confusion #4
Tonight tonight tonight #3
#40 for 1986 (#11 cash box)
#10 for 1987 (#12 cash box)
From what I can gather, Toni Braxton's family band didn't see much success in her homeland prior to the release of her solo debut. This means that this was an immediate success for her on Billboard despite having no prior hype to it, although this does explain why the rest of the world took so long to catch on to its appeal.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Another sad love song #7 (#8 airplay)
Breathe again #3 (#1 airplay)
You mean the world to me #7 (#3 airplay)
#69 for 1993
#7 for 1994 (#9 cash box)
#172 for 1995
It's a bit weird how one of the most successful hip hop albums of the twentieth century in America comes from these two (at the time) minors, although they did see worldwide success with the lead single which does explain how this managed to be a huge success on Billboard and even a decent success here in Australia.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Jump #1 (#4 airplay)
Warm it up #13
I missed the buss #63
#10 for 1992 (#5 cash box)
#62 for 1993
Unlike in NZ where this only took off due to the success of the huge chart topper this spawned for Bone thugs n harmony, this was an instant success for the quartet in their homeland with it rebounding on the Billboard charts being a bonus for the rappers. It's also the first entry on this list that was a complete dud here in Australia but a massive success in NZ.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
1st of tha month #14
East 1999 #62
Tha crossroads #1 (#8 airplay)
#35 for 1995 (#18 cash box)
#16 for 1996
#113 for 1997
It's been a while since we looked at a Celine Dion album on this list, time now for her second entry which curiously was the follow-up to her earlier entry on this list and not the previous album in her discography (we'll get to it eventually.) If her earlier entry didn't set in the backlash to her popularity, this album did, well more specifically it's Oscar winning ballad.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
My heart will go on #1 (#1 airplay)
#2 for 1998
#101 for 1999
Unlike the rest of the world where this was a sleeper hit for Christina Aguilera; it appears her fellow Americans made this a success upon its initial release which made it a worthy rival to Britney's two earlier entries on this list. At least Christina won as far as the singles were concerned, three chart toppers from one album as opposed to one chart topper across two.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Genie in a bottle #1 (#1 airplay)
What a girl wants #1 (#2 airplay)
I turn to you #3 (#14 airplay)
Come on over baby #1 (#6 airplay)
#39 for 1999
#8 for 2000
#96 for 2001
Here's a movie that really suffered on the internet thanks to how inescapable it and its Oscar winning ballad was back in the day, add the success of its soundtrack to that hype and you begin to see why it was popular to dunk on this film for the longest time until recently when objectively terrible media (looking at you Disney+) became mainstream.
Peak position #1x16
Hit singles
My heart will go on #1 (#1 airplay)
#1 for 1998
#194 for 1999
File this in the quickly growing category of a 90's rock album finding success despite the label refusing to release any of the songs as singles in America. As we looked at on the Australian side of this site, there was no reason to deny the existence of the songs as physical singles in America as this album thrived on our charts despite the success the lead single achieved here.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Push #5 (airplay)
3am #3 (airplay)
Real world #38 (#9 airplay)
#22 for 1997
#6 for 1998
#87 for 1999
I have no idea how the Americans came across this album from AC/DC given how the Australian band saw very little success prior to the release of this album, it's less that it doesn't fit in on this list (it clearly does based on what we've seen so far) and more that it's the rare exception to a band that was far from the biggest in their homeland finding massive success on Billboard.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
You shook me all night long #35
#21 for 1980 (cash box)
#7 for 1981 (#23 cash box)
It may be surprising that these guys aren't even higher on this list, however the fact they appear early on regardless is proof that they were indeed inescapable in their homeland back in the day. I'm not sure if they were planning on this being the final album in their original run, however it was a good note to end on success wise which is more than I can say for other bands on this list.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Heartache tonight #1
The long run #8
I can't tell you why #8
#22 for 1979 (cash box)
#2 for 1980 (#6 cash box)
It appears we Aussies were following the lead of the Americans when we made this the Rolling stones biggest success as that's also the case on Billboard for the British band. This is curious as this was among their least popular in their homeland, likely because the lead single didn't tickle the fancy of their fellow Brits like it did for us Aussies and Americans.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Start me up #2
Waiting on a friend #13
#22 for 1981 (#10 cash box)
#11 for 1982 (#24 cash box)
Whereas this was the peak in popularity for John Mellencamp everywhere else in the world, this appeared to be the beginning of his downward spiral in popularity in his native America. That's not to say it was unpopular on Billboard, rather that it appears this high up due to it sticking around rather than making a huge splash at any given moment.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Paper in fire #9
Cherry bomb #8
Check it out #14
Rooy toot toot #61
#27 for 1987 (cash box)
#14 for 1988 (#21 cash box)
Unlike in their homeland where their fellow Brits were less impressed with each new album from these guys, it appears the Americans had the opposite effect where each new album from the Police was more popular than the last on Billboard. As such, they only have one more entry on this list with the album that proceeded this entry.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Every little thing she does is magic #3
Spirits in the material world #11
#32 for 1981 (cash box)
#10 for 1982 (#12 cash box)
There's no surprise that this would be a shoe in for this list given how it's success will forever be tied into the shocking assassination of John Lennon, indeed this had the exact road to success in America as it did internationally as it was only a decent success upon its initial release only to then skyrocket to best seller status when John was taken from the world.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
Just like starting over #1
Woman #2
Walking on thin ice #58
Watching the wheels #10
#83 for 1980 (cash box)
#2 for 1981 (#5 cash box)
Even though Waiting to exhale didn't light up the box office or win over many critics, this soundtrack nonetheless became a juggernaut on the Billboard charts due to it spawning multiple hits following the film's release. In a bizarre twist, the soundtrack did well here in Australia, but the singles didn't, this was the complete inverse to what it achieved over in NZ.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Exhale #1 (#4 airplay)
Sitting up in my room #2 (#8 airplay)
Not gon cry #2
Count on me #8
#4 for 1996
You knew this album was going to make the cut for this list, although it may surprise you to learn that it wasn't as popular in Eminem's homeland as it was internationally. This is because the signature piece of the album "Stan" bombed on the Billboard charts, which meant it had no incentive to rebound on the album charts like it did in Australia, NZ and the UK.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
The real slim shady #4 (#3 airplay)
The way I am #58
Stan #51
#3 for 2000
#72 for 2001
Given how their earlier entry managed to make them a household name worldwide, it only makes sense that Huey Lewis and company would also see massive success with this album in their homeland. What's truly surprising is how well this did in the UK, mainly because the Brits weren't into any type of rock and roll even if this isn't as heavy as the likes of Van Halen or Poison.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Stuck with you #1
Hip to be square #3
Jacob's ladder #1
#16 for 1986 (cash box)
#7 for 1987
Although he had a hit with "I need a lover" in Australia and his homeland, it wasn't until he released this album that John Cougar (now John Mellencamp) had any success with one of his albums throughout his career. Indeed, he was all but dismissed as a one hit wonder with that track by the time this hit the shelves four years after the fact.
Peak position #1x9
Hit singles
Hurts so good #2
Jack and Diane #1
#4 for 1982 (#2 cash box)
#32 for 1983 (#75 cash box)
Limp Bizkit are another band whose label didn't release their material as singles in their homeland, as such, they had pitiful stats on the Billboard singles chart (mainly due to decent airplay) which may confuse chart historians for how this album did so well in their homeland. Believe me, these guys were inescapable throughout the rest of the world with the big hit off here.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Rolling #65
My way #75
#34 for 2000
#5 for 2001
It's a bit odd that this was Bob Seger's biggest success in his homeland given how that honour goes to Stranger in town internationally, although I get the feeling this manages to outrank that album more due to the lack of competition 1980 had to offer given how this was during the height of the supposed disco backlash.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Fire lake #6
#6 for 1980 (#4 cash box)
#48 for 1981
Unlike in Australia and NZ where this was a comeback album for the B52's, this was the introduction their fellow Americans had to their catalogue given how their first two albums were complete failures in their homeland. This naturally meant that the album and its singles were far less popular on Billboard than they were in the southern hemisphere.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Love shack #3
Roam #3
Deadbeat club #30
#46 for 1989 (cash box)
#9 for 1990 (#13 cash box)
It seems odd that the one crossover album Garth Brooks had internationally was among his least popular in his homeland (it's still to come on this list) although at least this greatest hits album managed to be a huge success on the Billboard charts even if it was half a year before we Aussies got our hands on it.
Peak position #1x8
#2 for 1995 (#7 cash box)
#46 for 1996
I'm glad I've come up with my theory about how many of these cheesy but harmless films from the 80's and 90's became so despised on the internet, I doubt the backlash towards Footloose would be anywhere near as potent as it's been over the years had it found the level of success in America it achieved throughout the rest of the world.
Peak position #1x10
Hit singles
Footloose #1
Holding out for a hero #34
Dancing in the sheets #17
Let's hear it for the boy #1
#9 for 1984 (#5 cash box)
Although her rival Debbie Gibson managed to outperform Tiffany in the long run, the (then) teen idol was able to have the initial laugh when her debut album managed to become a massive worldwide success for her. Even then, I feel this only took off outside of America due to the surprise success of her debut single in the UK of all places.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
I think we're alone now #1
Could've been #1
I saw him standing there #7
#9 for 1988 (#11 cash box)
It's a good thing this was a huge hit for Bonnie Raitt in NZ, otherwise we wouldn't be looking at her magnum opus in her catalogue on this list. Her other album that appeared on that side of my list is still to come, and she even had a third candidate for this list proving how big she was in her homeland.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Something to talk about #5
I can't make you love me #18
#36 for 1991 (#8 cash box)
#16 for 1992 (#26 cash box)
It's taken a while, but we've finally got to our first entry from Wings (and Paul McCartney for that matter) proving that the Americans loved these guys back in the day just like the rest of the world did. If I bother to include their early 70's catalogue, rest assured we would've seen a couple of their albums already on this list.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Silly love songs #1
Let em in #3
#3 for 1976 (#6 cash box)
I would exclaim at how long it's taken to feature a Queen album on this list, but I'll refrain from doing that as they are a British band, and British artists are at an inherent disadvantage when it comes to the Billboard charts. Besides, this album spawned not one but two Billboard chart toppers for the band which is where the bulk of its success comes from anyway.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Crazy little thing called love #1
Another one bites the dust #1
#18 for 1980 (#5 cash box)
#55 for 1981 (#61 cash box)
I'm glad Beverly Hills cop hasn't received much flak from the internet given how inescapable the film and soundtrack were in America back in the day, perhaps it's because the soundtrack was only barely a success here in Australia (hence why it's on this list officially) despite how big the singles were worldwide.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Neutron dance #6
The heat is on #2
New attitude #17
Axel f #3
#7 for 1985 (#11 cash box)
This was edged out ever so slightly by Limp Bizkit's earlier entry on this list as their most successful in their native America, again their label didn't release any of the songs as singles, meaning their pitiful stats on the Billboard singles charts is due to the limited airplay they received on mainstream radio stations.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Nookie #80
Re arranged #88
#9 for 1999
#22 for 2000
#192 for 2001
It's a bit weird to see this third album from Lionel Richie considerably lower than his two earlier entries on this list, although at least we've cleared all of his major solo releases on this list which have all done much better than anything he released with the Commodores. Much like the rest of the world, his fellow Americans got bored waiting for his fourth studio album.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Say you say me #1
Dancing on the ceiling #2
Love will conquer all #9
Deep river woman #71
#99 for 1986 (#42 cash box)
#18 for 1987
Even in their native America, these guys didn't achieve much success until they released this magnum opus during the midpoint of the 70's. Unlike the rest of the world, their fellow Americans weren't as intrigued about looking up their back catalogue as their greatest hits package won't be appearing on this list for quite some time.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
One of these nights #1
Lying eyes #2
Take it to the limit #4
#25 for 1975 (#6 cash box)
#29 for 1976
Given how much these guys dominated the UK album charts, you may be surprised to learn that their popularity in their homeland wasn't anywhere near as potent as it was internationally as this will be their only entry on the list for quite some time. This definitely explains why they only have the one hit on Billboard from this album compared to the multiple hits they had on the UK charts.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Losing my religion #4 (#8 airplay)
Shiny happy people #10
#11 for 1991 (#2 cash box)
#50 for 1992
Although this album did quite well in America, I'm a bit shocked to see that it was despite the singles bombing on the Billboard charts. This is because they were massive hits here in Australia and the lead single was a massive hit in NZ also, I guess this was a hit then more because of its star power rather than the quality of the music in America.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Handle with care #45
End of the line #63
#8 for 1989 (#9 cash box)
It's getting predictable at this point saying that this was Barbra Streisand's most successful album regardless of where in the world you're from, although I was wondering if one of her other albums or even soundtracks to one of her films would overtake this as her biggest success on Billboard. Turns out that wasn't the case.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Woman in love #1
Guilty #3
#17 for 1980 (cash box)
#12 for 1981 (#15 cash box)
OK I have a bit of egg on my face for saying these guys weren't successful in their homeland when we looked at this album on the NZ side of my site, that's only the case when you examine the success of their singles which were pitiful on Billboard. This on the other hand lasted for quite some time on their album charts, more than justifying why it was a success in NZ.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
She talks to angels #30
#86 for 1990
#3 for 1991 (#4 cash box)
#87 for 1992
While he didn't rise up to the level of success that fellow heartland rockers Bruce Springsteen or John Mellencamp did in his homeland, there was little doubt that this debut album from Bruce Hornsby would be a success on the Billboard charts given how the title track was an instant chart topper for him back in the day.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
The way it is #1
#4 for 1987
This album came seven years after Dr Dre's solo debut the Chronic (a strong contender for this list I had to let go of due to the failure it had outside of his native America.) It's tempting to say his slow output is due to laziness, except the more likely reason is due to him being busy producing every west coast rapper of the 90's and bringing victory to the east coast/west coast rivalry of that decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Forgot about dre #25
#5 for 2000
#154 for 2001
For the longest time, Top gun was another film that got a ton of flack in internet circles likely due to how successful it and its soundtrack was back in the day. It's thankfully gotten off people's shit lists thanks to the legacy sequel from 2022 which retained the quality of its predecessor at a time where media seems to pander to the lowest common denominator that simply didn't exist in the twentieth century.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Danger zone #2
Take my breath away #1
#21 for 1986 (#3 cash box)
#30 for 1987
We're powering through Billy Joel's catalogue on this list, a stark contrast to his minimal representation on the UK equivalent if I do say so myself. This was his first chart topping album anywhere in the world given how his earlier work were sleeper hits which made it impossible for them to get to number one in the overcrowded 70's market.
Peak position #1x8
Hit singles
My life #3
Big shot #14
Honesty #24
#39 for 1978 (cash box)
#1 for 1979 (#4 cash box)
You should know the drill by now when it comes to rock albums from American bands from the 90's, they may have been a success in their homeland, but it was seemingly at the expense of said album not releasing any singles on Billboard which didn't hamper its international success where the physical singles were allowed to exist. The Wallflowers are no exception to this rule we've established on this list.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
One headlight #2 (airplay)
#7 for 1997
#137 for 1998
It looks like this album saw most of its success in Australia and NZ for RHCP, I'm guessing because the band gave both countries a bonus single in the form of "Suck my kiss" which wasn't available anywhere else in the world back in the day. The lack of physical singles didn't seem to hurt the album's success in their homeland, although it didn't help it go the extra mile like it did in the southern hemisphere either.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Give it away #73
Under the bridge #2 (#3 airplay)
#14 for 1992 (#6 cash box)
If you read my 1999 album list on the Australian side of my site, you'll quickly realise I had to improvise which albums deserved to be on there to fill out the list as I had very little to work on when constructing it (ARIA's year end lists for the 90's are notoriously dodge and AMR ceased publication in 1998.) I bring this up to say that I may or may not be cheating by including the Dixie chicks debut album on this list as I don't definitely know how well it did here.
Peak position #4
#56 for 1998
#8 for 1999
#68 for 2000
Much like the rest of the world, this second album from Guns n roses had a bit of a delay to its success in their homeland due to the delayed success of their earlier entry on this list. They took the next two years off to release their biggest project which we'll be looking at further down this list.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Patience #4
#7 for 1989 (#8 cash box)
It shouldn't be a surprise that Led Zeppelin did far better in America than they did in their homeland given how hard rock didn't see that much success in the UK with rare exceptions. As such, their final album comfortably makes the list fairly early on which promised a bunch of success in the 80's they threw away by going their separate ways.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Fool in the rain #21
#26 for 1979 (#10 cash box)
#9 for 1980 (#48 cash box)
You'd think that these guys would have other candidates for this list given how we've established that Americans tended to look out for their local talent over the rest of the world, it turns out this was a fluke for J Geils and company as the rest of their catalogue was a huge failure even on the Billboard charts. Heck this was their penultimate album as their next album was such a failure they called it quits after it came out.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Centerfold #1
Freeze frame #4
#5 for 1982 (#3 cash box)
Again, it looks like us Aussies and kiwis were taking a page out of the Americans books rather than the Brits when it came to determining the success of the Rolling stones over the years. That said, the fact that the lead single was only a chart topper on Billboard suggests that the Americans loved this phase of the band more than anyone else at the time.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Miss you #1
#43 for 1978 (#4 cash box)
#22 for 1979
From what I can gather, this album only took off in America due to the surprise success it received in the UK and even in Australia and NZ given how only the second single saw any success on the Billboard charts. It's less a case of how this was a success in their homeland so much as how we Aussies, kiwis and Brits got a hold of this album from the Spin doctors in the first place.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Little miss can't be wrong #17
Two princes #7 (#6 airplay)
Jimmy Olsen's blues #78
#7 for 1993 (#5 cash box)
OK here's my slam dunk proof that not releasing a song as a physical single harmed album sales in America back in the day, this was inescapable in Australia largely thanks to how big the singles were (Triple J also helped out as the station loved these guys.) Compared that to how well it did on Billboard and..... yeah, this should be so much higher on this list but isn't due to a flawed system.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Pretty fly #53
Why don't you get a job #74
#7 for 1999
As far as his fellow Americans were concerned, this was the only greatest hits album that Kenny Rogers released from the late 70's/early 80's given how his 1979 package was released exclusively in the southern hemisphere back in the day. It's also worth noting we're approaching the top 200 albums of the twentieth century on this list and the only two greatest hits albums we've looked at have been from country legends.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Lady #1
#9 for 1980 (cash box)
#3 for 1981 (#3 cash box)
#46 for 1982
Unlike other films we've looked at on this list which were well received back in the day but had its reception ruined by internet snobs, Barbra Streisand's adaptation of A star is born was panned even back then and likely only got its foot off the ground due to the Golden globes showering it with accolades in 1977. Indeed, most people now think of its tie in soundtrack as a duet album between its two stars more than as a soundtrack nowadays.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Evergreen #1
#3 for 1977 (#7 cash box)
Although they never saw the dizzying heights of success in America as they did throughout the rest of the world, there was still little doubt that this would rank high on the list for U2 given how this was their follow-up to their earlier entry on this list which won them a Grammy for album of the year in 1987.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
The fly #61
Mysterious ways #9 (#11 airplay)
One #10 (#7 airplay)
Even better than the real thing #32
Who's gonna ride your wild horses #35
#5 for 1992 (#7 cash box)
#82 for 1993
Considering I had to cheat in order to get this on the Australian side of my site, I've had some mileage with Whitney's third album on this site as it did quite well in America and the UK for the pop diva of colour. That said, it's still considered a huge disappointment worldwide given how unavoidable her earlier entries were on this list back in the day.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
I'm your baby tonight #1 (#3 airplay)
All the man I need #1 (#4 airplay)
#10 for 1991 (#9 cash box)
Given how Miami Vice was one of the most successful shows of the 80's, it makes sense that its soundtrack would be one of the most successful of the decade in America which is certainly was. Admittedly I'm not big on crime shows, so I don't know how I should feel about the internet's disdain for its popularity nowadays.
Peak position #1x11
Hit singles
Miami vice theme #1
You belong to the city #2
#26 for 1985 (cash box)
#25 for 1986 (#27 cash box)
This is the final entry from the Police on this list, or it would be had their greatest hits album from 1986 not also been a success for them in America two years after their breakup. While there were attempts to get these guys noticed in America given how big their first two albums were internationally, they were futile given how they failed to produce any hits for them on Billboard.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Don't stand so close to me #10
De do do do do da da da #10
#77 for 1980 (cash box)
#9 for 1981 (#21 cash box)
#58 for 1982
Unlike in the rest of the world where this was Fleetwood Mac's weakest effort with Lindsay and Stevie among their lineup, this was their second biggest success in America which is a bit odd considering how we've yet to look at Tusk on this list which is what they released between their two entries so far.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Hold me #4
Gypsy #12
#24 for 1982 (#4 cash box)
#88 for 1983
Much like in NZ, this was an instant success for Toto in their homeland largely due to their fellow Americans being more into rock and roll than the rest of the world was (even if this is far from the heaviest album we've seen on this list.) Unlike in NZ, this rebounded on the Billboard charts when it was crowned album of the year at the 1983 Grammies.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Rosanna #2
Africa #1
#41 for 1982 (#26 cash box)
#11 for 1983 (#25 cash box)
I'm a bit confused with this entry, mainly at the fact that this was far more successful here in Australia than it was in Hanson's homeland back in the day. It's one thing if the album did better down under, however the fact the singles were much here to the point where two more of them saw the light of day on our charts over the Billboard charts is what's messing with my mind.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Mmmbop #1 (#1 airplay)
I will come to you #9
#13 for 1997
#41 for 1998
Even though there's no surprise that this album from Tom Petty and company did well in their homeland, I am surprised that the singles weren't more popular on Billboard especially the second single which was a massive hit in NZ of all places. You can perhaps chalk this up to airplay not being a factor when it came out which is the case for all albums released prior to 1984.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Don't do me like that #10
Refugee #15
Here comes my girl #49
#5 for 1980 (#10 cash box)
Now that we've finally featured an Elton John album on this list, you're probably expecting him to flood this list like he's done throughout the rest of my site. I'm sorry to say that won't be the case as I'm not including his albums from pre 1975 on here and it turns out the Americans weren't a fan of his post-retirement material like the rest of the world was.
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Someone saved my life tonight #4
#6 for 1975 (#2 cash box)
Much like the rest of the world, the demise of the Police did nothing to deter fans from allowing Sting to embark on a solo career in America. He was off to a fantastic start over there with this entry (not as fantastic as it was here in Australia) and indeed it his good fortunes would carry him well into the 90's on Billboard just like they did for him internationally.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
If you love somebody set them free #3
Love in the seventh wave #17
Fortress around your heart #8
Russians #16
#50 for 1985 (#12 cash box)
#33 for 1986 (#32 cash box)
Well, the film may have been torn apart by critics to the point where it along with Xanadu and Can't stop the music birthed the Razzies, however there's no denying that this remake of the Jazz singer was a massive success for Neil Diamond back in the day even in his homeland. He had a ton of hits on Billboard which I would include had they charted in either Australia or NZ.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Love on the rocks #2
#78 for 1980 (cash box)
#14 for 1981 (#7 cash box)
You knew this was coming, no way this list would be complete if it didn't include this umpteenth greatest hits album from the fab four which their label released on the twentieth anniversary of John Lennon's death. Much like my UK list, this is the most recent entry on this list due to my cutoff date for these lists being Christmas 2000.
Peak position #1x8
#1 for 2001
While many will tell you that City of angels is a weak remake of a French film from the 70's known as Wings of desire, there's no denying that it was a popular film back in the day that retains a strong fanbase due to the chemistry it has between its two stars. Given how the theme song was inescapable on the radio (despite lacking a physical release in America) there was little chance of the soundtrack failing in America.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Iris #9 (#1 airplay)
#7 for 1998
#55 for 1999
Given how much American rock from the 70's missed out on finding an audience here in Australia, I'm surprised that the Doobie brothers wasn't among the casualties given how they had one of the bigger albums of the decade here. Naturally its success didn't hold a candle to watch it achieved in the band's homeland, however it was more notable than the likes of Foreigner or Boston.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
What a fool believes #1
Minute by minute #14
#3 for 1979 (#3 cash box)
Whereas this was seen as a disappointment here in Australia for Billy Joel, it was actually a comeback for him in his homeland given how his previous entry the Bridge was a huge disappointment for him on Billboard (it's still to come on this list.) The album is most well-known for its lead single, specifically how it's just a list of events that happened throughout the twentieth century in vaguely chronological order.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
We didn't start the fire #1
I go to extremes #6
#10 for 1990 (#19 cash box)
If you thought the absence of disco on the UK list was puzzling, wait till you realise how much scarcer it is on this list as even during its glory days, the Americans weren't too impressed with the genre outside of a few staple hits. Three of those hits came from this album, meaning it was guaranteed to be a huge success for the brothers Gibb on Billboard.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Too much heaven #1
Tragedy #1
Love you inside out #1
#2 for 1979 (#6 cash box)
It's a good thing this snuck onto my 1980 list on the Australian side of my site, otherwise I would've had to skip over Diana Ross's biggest success in her homeland as per the rules I've established for making it. There was little doubt this was going to be a hit for her in America despite it being a massive flop everywhere else in the world.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Upside down #1
I'm coming out #5
#95 for 1980 (#11 cash box)
Given how this not only spawned their biggest hit in America but was also popular enough to be a success in the UK, it only makes sense that this album from Heart would be a shoe in for this list. I have no idea why the kiwis turned their backs on this album back in the day, even we Aussies allowed it and "Alone" to be a success here even though we generally didn't like this type of arena rock.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Alone #1
#35 for 1987 (#8 cash box)
#66 for 1988
Even though this was a massive hit for Ricky Martin in America just like it was internationally, you kind of have to wonder why as his earlier work failed to appeal to the American market who was all about the Latin craze of the 90's. The biggest head scratcher is the failure of Vuelve given how that was a massive hit here in Australia due to his anthem for the 1998 FIFA world cup.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Living la vida loca #1 (#1 airplay)
She's all I ever had #2 (#7 airplay)
Shake your bon bon #22
Private emotion #67
#5 for 1999
#42 for 2000
Given how even the Brits couldn't get enough of this guy back in the day, it makes sense that Michael Bolton would find the bulk of his success in his native America with each of his albums. Even so, we're close to featuring all of his entries on this list with just his 1993 effort to come.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
To love somebody #11 (#13 airplay)
#11 for 1993
Thank you, ARIA, for having this album be far more successful in Australia than it likely was given how the AMR charts would have you think it was a huge flop among us Aussies from the late 90's. In any case, its success here is what allows me to feature it on this list which is good because we get to see just how inescapable Leann Rimes was in her homeland thanks to her theme to Con air which can be found on this album.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
How do I live #2 (#3 airplay)
#31 for 1997
#14 for 1998
Much like the Jazz singer, Cocktail was panned by critics to the point where it was in contention as one of the worst films of its year at the Razzies. Unlike the Jazz singer, it actually won best picture which (in my opinion) is well deserved as it's just an hour and half of watching Tom Cruise bar tending with nothing else of substance. OK there is something of substance, the soundtrack which was a huge hit in America as it was internationally.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Don't worry be happy #1
Kokomo #1
#74 for 1988 (#19 cash box)
#32 for 1989 (#50 cash box)
In a way, it's refreshing that we haven't had much representation from Madonna on this site (yet) as it proves that she was way more popular internationally than she was in her homeland. Heck, we haven't even looked at anything she released in the 90's which we absolutely would've done by now on my Australian, NZ and UK lists.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Like a prayer #1
Express yourself #2
Cherish #2
#12 for 1989 (#7 cash box)
#94 for 1990
In addition to this list cataloguing the biggest albums of the twentieth century in America, I feel this is mostly for the rock purists out there given how many classic rock albums have appeared so far on this list. Throw Steely Dan into the mix as they too got sidelined here in Australia back in the day due to Countdown promoting local talent at their and other American bands expense.
Peak position #3
#49 for 1977 (cash box)
#5 for 1978 (#12 cash box)
If you're hoping for better representation from Donna Summer on this list compared to my UK list, I'm afraid that's not going to happen as like the Brits, her fellow Americans only gave her success to one of her albums and a greatest hits package. Also like the Brits the greatest hits release proved more popular than her studio album.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
No more tears #1
On the radio #5
#44 for 1979 (cash box)
#14 for 1980 (#16 cash box)
Unlike the rest of the world where the first instalment of the Bat out of hell trilogy was a massive success upon its initial release, this wasn't the case in America for Meat Loaf meaning this second entry was the best he could do on Billboard which likely confused his fellow Americans back in the day. If anything, this felt like a success over there more due to how well it did internationally than anything.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
I'd do anything for love #1 (#4 airplay)
Rock and roll dreams come through #13
Objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are #38
#50 for 1993
#9 for 1994 (#25 cash box)
Linda Ronstadt is another artist I'm surprised has taken me this long to get to on this list, so much so that she's the rare exception to an American artist finding more success here in Australia than she did on Billboard back in the day. In any case, we have her magnum opus which was as such in her homeland despite the album failing to spawn a chart topper on Billboard like some of her other albums did.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Blue bayou #3
It's so easy #5
Poor poor pitiful me #31
#30 for 1977 (cash box)
#8 for 1978 (#20 cash box)
Even with a different lead vocalist, there was simply no stopping Van Halen in their homeland as this picked up right where their earlier entry on this list left off for them. The rest of the world wasn't as impressed with Sammy Hager as their fellow Americans were, however, we Aussies actually preferred him over David Lee Roth given that this was the bigger hit on our charts.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Why can't this be love #3
#14 for 1986 (#4 cash box)
In a reverse of Leann Rime's previous entry, we have Puff Daddy/P Diddy/whatever he calls himself these days debut album which was a huge hit on the AMR charts but not on the ARIA charts here in Australia. This allows me to include the album on this list which is good because it allows me to finally feature an east coast hip hop album on here.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Can't nobody hold me down #1
I'll be missing you #1 (#4 airplay)
Been around the world #2
#10 for 1997
#23 for 1998
Whereas these guys struggled to survive the transition from the 80's to the 90's internationally, it appears they had little issues doing so in their homeland as Aerosmith managed to comfortably make it onto the list this early on with this album. This is their final appearance on the main list, however I'll bring up their other candidates for this list in my bonus section as we go further down.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Living on the edge #18
#14 for 1993 (#12 cash box)
#21 for 1994
Even though this is the only album from Styx to achieve any success outside their homeland, it wasn't even their most popular album on Billboard as that honour goes to the album that immediately succeeded this Paradise theatre. Even then, it was mainly the lead single that helped them find an international audience as this was barely a success here in Australia for them.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Babe #1
#25 for 1979 (cash box)
#13 for 1980 (#28 cash box)
You would think this guy would have all three of his albums I've already featured on this site appear on this list already, it turns out that his fellow Americans somewhat consider him a singles artist given how he only has one other entry on this list. That said, this is still an impressive spot for Richard Marx even if you'd think it would be higher due to the two Billboard chart toppers it spawned for him.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Satisfied #1
Right here waiting #1
Angelia #4
#26 for 1989 (#20 cash box)
#37 for 1990
Of all the albums in Prince's catalogue to claim as the runner up to his earlier entry as the most successful in America, I don't think many people expected this to be it even though it's what he immediately followed up Purple rain with. I think it's the fact this was a mere sleeper hit for him in Australia and NZ that's tripping me up here.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Raspberry beret #2
Pop life #7
#26 for 1985 (#8 cash box)
Much like the rest of the world, Billy Joel was able to end his career on a high note in his homeland given how this was a massive success for the piano man on Billboard just like it was internationally. The more I expand this site, the more I appreciate it when artists end things on a high note as too many times I've seen their contemporaries try and fail to recapture their former glory to dismal results.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
The river of dreams #3 (#2 airplay)
All about soul #29
Lullaby #77
#23 for 1993
#34 for 1994
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