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.
Whereas this was only a moderate success for Duran Duran internationally, it was a massive hit for them in America likely due to them fitting in perfectly with the MTV era which had minimal effect throughout the rest of the world. For what it's worth, these guys are another victim of internet backlash given how synonymous they are with the MTV era of music.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Union of the snake #3
New moon on Monday #10
The reflex #1
#63 for 1983 (cash box)
#10 for 1984 (#13 cash box)
This is an album that had a ton of controversy to it during its album cycle, mainly because the quartet saw a massive lineup change between the third and fourth single without the knowledge of the two members being phased out. At least this was an immediate success in their homeland upon its initial release, although the drama caused by the lineup change certainly helped it out on Billboard.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Bills bills bills #1 (#4 airplay)
Bug a boo #33
Say my name #1 (#1 airplay)
Jumping jumping #3 (#1 airplay)
#88 for 1999
#13 for 2000
#87 for 2001
I was expecting to see this album much higher on the list, in fact it's more popular in Australia and NZ than it is in Tracy's homeland based on its chart on these respective charts. While it was a huge success on Billboard, I'm willing to bet this only took off in the UK due to how inescapable it was in the southern hemisphere for her.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Fast car #6
Talking about a revolution #75
Baby can I hold you #48
#21 for 1988 (#7 cash box)
#41 for 1989
Even though this was a decent hit upon its initial release in America just like it was internationally, this third album from Poison managed to rebound on the Billboard charts due to the second single becoming a surprise hit for the band months after its initial release. Sadly, there was even less room for hair metal in America throughout the 90's than there was internationally, meaning this was their final success in their homeland.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Unskinny bop #3
Something to believe in #4 (#12 airplay)
#51 for 1990 (#25 cash box)
#30 for 1991
While this was a bit more of a sleeper hit for Foreigner in their homeland than their earlier entry, it nonetheless managed to put the band on the map for their fellow Americans and even sparked enough interest here in Australia for them to be booked as one of the earliest international guest stars of Countdown. Naturally their appearance on the show paid off as this was a decent success here as well.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Feels like the first time #4
Cold as ice #6
#25 for 1977 (#10 cash box)
#19 for 1978
Much like in their native UK, this was the highest charting album from Sade on the Billboard charts given how they'd successfully established themselves as the hot new act from the UK among the Americans with their previous album. Unlike the rest of the world, this was their biggest hit in America even though we'll be revisiting the rest of their catalogue as we go further down this list.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
The sweetest taboo #5
Never as good as the first time #20
#8 for 1986 (#8 cash box)
Given how the lead single was one of the first worldwide blockbusters of the 90's, it makes sense that this second album from Sinead O'Connor would be a massive success in America even if the album came with a bunch of controversies at the time. The biggest was just how outspoken she was from her tumultuous relationship with Prince to her opinions of the catholic church.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Nothing compares 2 u #1
The emperor's new clothes #60
#19 for 1990 (#9 cash box)
I really cheated when I included this album from the Dixie chicks on my 1999 list, however it had an appearance on my site prior to this list, so it's eligible for the list. That out of the way, this is the second album from the trio which naturally was a massive hit for them in their homeland due to how much their fellow Americans loved country music throughout the 90's.
Peak position #1x2
#52 for 1999
#11 for 2000
#42 for 2001
I have no idea how this managed to be a massive success for Steve Winwood in America, however the fact that it was allowed it to be a massive hit in Australia and his native UK which makes this a comeback for him since he hadn't had any success in his career since his 1980 effort Arc of a diver.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Higher love #1
#69 for 1986 (#10 cash box)
#14 for 1987 (#21 cash box)
If this seems a bit low to you, that's because this didn't rebound on the Billboard charts in 1993 like it did internationally which naturally affected its placement on the list. This is due to the fact that "Give in to me" wasn't released as a single in his homeland like it was internationally, nor did it do anything to tear up the airplay charts which would incentivise this album to stick around.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Black or white #1 (#1 airplay)
Remember the time #3 (#1 airplay)
In the closet #6 (#5 airplay)
Jam #26
Who is it #14
Heal the world #27
Will you be there #7 (#6 airplay)
#2 for 1992 (#10 cash box)
#38 for 1993 (#45 cash box)
Although it's success in America was pitiful compared to their earlier entry on this list, there's no denying that this third and final album from TLC was a massive success on Billboard just like it was internationally for the trio. Although they technically ended things on a high note with this release, it's obvious this wasn't meant to be the end given the tragic circumstances to their demise as a band.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
No scrubs #1 (#1 airplay)
Unpretty #1 (#2 airplay)
Dear lie #51
#10 for 1999
#147 for 2000
Although they had a few entries on my UK list, this wasn't one of them for the Moody blues as their fellow Brits weren't too interested with this album back in the day. This wasn't the case for the Americans or us Aussies as this was a massive hit on Billboard as well as here in Australia, proving both countries still had love for this aging 60's band in the 80's.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Gemini dream #12
Talking out of turn #65
#27 for 1981 (#9 cash box)
Unlike here in Australia where it took its sweet time in finding success (even then it only barely made my 1992 list) this was more of an immediate hit for CMB in their homeland and in the UK proving just how popular the RNB group was upon its initial release worldwide. They've since been compared unfavourably to Boyz II men due to the similarities this album has with Cooleyhighharmony from earlier on this list.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
I wanna sex you up #2 (#2 airplay)
I adore mi amor #1 (#1 airplay)
All 4 love #1 (#1 airplay)
#58 for 1991 (#41 cash box)
#19 for 1992 (#48 cash box)
Much like most parts of the world, this was a huge comeback for AC/DC in America given how a lot of their 80's output didn't do much to keep their brand of rock and roll alive on the Billboard charts like it did here in Australia. Unlike places like NZ however, the album failed to spawn a hit single for them on Billboard, in fact they never had a hit single in America as they consider them strictly an albums band.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Moneytalks #23
#50 for 1990 (cash box)
#12 for 1991 (#25 cash box)
Like many rock albums that only found decent success here in Australia, this was much more of a mainstay on the Billboard charts for 3 doors down especially given that it was a success upon its initial release for the band as opposed to it being late on our charts. That said, the success largely stems from the lead single being a massive mainstay on the airplay charts more than anything else.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Kryptonite #3 (#1 airplay)
Loser #55
#18 for 2000
#43 for 2001
For an entire year, this album sat on shelves completely ignored due to Sheryl Crow's label selecting one of the weakest tracks on the album as its lead single (that being "What can I do for you.") It was only when they released "All I wanna do" seemingly for shits and giggles that the album finally took off on Billboard and eventually the rest of the world.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
All I wanna do #2 (#2 airplay)
Strong enough #5 (#2 airplay)
Can't cry anymore #36
#60 for 1994 (#35 cash box)
#15 for 1995 (#12 cash box)
I hope you're not too hungry for disco because there aren't going to be many more of it as we go further down this list, although that said there was little doubt this would be a shoe in for this list given how unstoppable Donna Summer was during the height of the disco craze. This album had an interesting cycle in that her label didn't even wait for the lead single to peak in popularity before they released the title track.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Hot stuff #1
Bad girls #1
Dim all the lights #2
#8 for 1979 (#2 cash box)
#94 for 1980
If hair metal was dead, then Def Leppard obviously didn't get the memo as they managed to carry on as if it was still the 80's with this entry from 1992. That said, their fanbase did get the memo eventually given how their subsequent material failed to become a success anywhere in the world as the decade went on.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Let's get rocked #15
Make love like a man #36
Have you ever needed someone so bad #12
Two steps behind #12
#15 for 1992 (#9 cash box)
Whereas this album failed to appear on the UK list I made a while back, it was a comfortable shoe in for this list which suggests we Aussies and kiwis were following America's lead in deciding on what to do with the knowledge that Roger Waters was no longer part of Pink Floyd. That said, their fellow Brits did come around for them on their next album which was among their most successful in their homeland.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Learning to fly #70
#18 for 1987 (cash box)
#25 for 1988 (#34 cash box)
Well at least we can now feature this on the main list as opposed to it being a bonus entry on my UK list, again the real winner from this soundtrack was Roxette as their ballad confirmed them as the real deal across the world following the success of their breakthrough album (which won't be appearing on this list.) As for the film, my theory on inescapable releases rings true here as it's now despised on the internet.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Wild women do #34
It must have been love #1
The king of wishful thinking #8
#18 for 1990 (#12 cash box)
#56 for 1991
There were no signs of Mariah Carey slowing down anywhere in the world throughout the 90's, naturally this was most evident in her homeland as she no doubt would've continued her chart-topping streak from her debut had Billboard not conveniently changed their chart rulings which proved a huge detriment to albums spawning multiple chart toppers in America.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Emotions #1 (#1 airplay)
Can't let go #2 (#2 airplay)
Make it happen #5 (#2 airplay)
#32 for 1991 (cash box)
#22 for 1992 (#20 cash box)
Unlike in the rest of the world where these guys were more of a singles band, it appears the Commodores fellow Americans considered them a genuine act as we've already skipped one of their albums on this list which was a strong contender for it. Indeed, this was only a success worldwide due to how inescapable its lead single was on every known chart.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Three times a lady #1
#41 for 1978 (#10 cash box)
As this was the sellout moment for Chicago, it makes sense why this was the point where music historians determined that they went downhill artistically in exchange for mainstream success. Naturally it was a big deal in their homeland as well as it being big enough to crossover internationally unlike some other 70's rock on this list.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
If you leave me now #1
#71 for 1976 (#16 cash box)
#90 for 1977 (#84 cash box)
Of all the studio albums from Bette Midler to be a success, I'm a bit surprised that this was the one that found an audience in the mainstream even if the lead single was a perfect fit for the adult contemporary of the early 90's. Indeed, this proved to be more successful in her homeland than any of the soundtracks to her films, I guess God was watching over her when she released it.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
From a distance #2 (#10 airplay)
Night and day #62
#16 for 1991 (#35 cash box)
Given how there was no Countdown or TOTP equivalent in America to promote the more off brand music of the 70's that permeated other parts of my site, it means that the stragglers of my 70's lists had a clear shot at appearing much higher on here including this breakthrough album from George Benson which was an immediate success in his homeland.
Peak position #1x2
#19 for 1976 (#8 cash box)
#26 for 1977
As this was a massive hit everywhere else in the world for John Denver, it makes sense that his fellow Americans would also make it as such on Billboard which they did with little hassle. Again, it's odd that he was able to break through onto the mainstream despite Countdown and TOTP's best efforts back in the day, but he succeeded where so many others on this list failed.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
I'm sorry #1
Calypso #2
#8 for 1975 (cash box)
#26 for 1976
Speaking of 70's artists who struggled for mainstream success outside of their native America, we have Jackson Browne who managed to appear on the Australian side of my site with this album despite the stiff competition from all the local artists that Countdown promoted back in the day. We'll be revisiting all his entries featured on this site as we go further down this list.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Stay #20
#11 for 1978 (#6 cash box)
Even on the Billboard charts which were more receptive towards traditional pop, this feels like an outlier from the 80's which goes to show just how popular Barbra Streisand was throughout that decade when it came to her music. Sadly, her popularity would die out by the 90's and would only sporadically come back every now and then even in her homeland.
Peak position #1x3
#12 for 1986 (#13 cash box)
Here's another rock album that's a victim of the labels not releasing any of the songs as singles in America, this time it's Stone temple pilots who already saw massive success on Billboard with their debut album Core (an honourable mention on the second part of this list.) This managed to find an international audience due to how well it did in their respective alternative scenes.
Peak position #1x3
#13 for 1994 (#8 cash box)
#49 for 1995
Unlike the rest of the world, this was a decent success for Christopher Cross in his homeland upon its initial release due to the singles becoming massive hits on Billboard for him. That didn't mean the album dropped off when it was showered with every Grammy known to man in 1981, indeed that's what boosted its placement on this list for the soft rocker.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Ride like the wind #2
Sailing #1
Never be the same #15
#17 for 1980 (#7 cash box)
#4 for 1981 (#31 cash box)
Is there any point in mentioning that David Bowie wasn't among the most popular artist of the twentieth century in America? Granted he did better than you think as he's a non-American artist, however his biggest album appears much lower on this list than it does on my Australian, NZ and UK lists.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Cat people #67
Let's dance #1
China girl #10
Modern love #14
#28 for 1983 (#9 cash box)
#64 for 1984
How has it taken me this long to feature a Rod Stewart album on this list? Again, he's British, so it's not too surprising he wasn't as popular in America as he was internationally, however he does come up in conversations about overrated music icons of the twentieth century like so many others on this list.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
You're in my heart #4
Hot legs #28
I was only joking #22
#14 for 1978 (#15 cash box)
You'd think that a band that was touted as the next Beatles would find more success in their homeland back in the day, alas it appears this label trapped them as a novelty band which means this is the only album most people have heard of even in their native America. Hey at least they saw a ton of international success with this album.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
My Sharona #1
Good girls don't #11
#16 for 1979 (#8 cash box)
#72 for 1980
Given how the title track is often credited as launching the MTV era, there's little doubt that this entry from Olivia Newton John would be a shoe in for this list even if most music historians don't get the hype behind this album. Admittedly this was a change of pace for Livie given how she had shed most of her country roots with this album.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Physical #1
Make a move on me #5
#29 for 1981 (cash box)
#15 for 1982 (#11 cash box)
It's a bit weird to think that ZZ top was only popular internationally due to them finding surprise success in the UK, heck this was their biggest album in their homeland as opposed to Eliminator which was their big hit internationally. For what it's worth, the trio found no success in their homeland prior to Eliminator (which is still to come on this list) meaning few are aware of their 70's output.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Sleeping bag #8
Stages #21
Velcro fly #35
#47 for 1985 (cash box)
#4 for 1986 (#18 cash box)
By this point in their career, the Rolling stones were more popular in America than they were in their native UK. I guess their fellow Brits were beginning to grow tired of their output (not enough for any of it to bomb over there) which certainly wasn't the case internationally despite the press labelling them as "dinosaurs of rock."
Peak position #1x7
Hit singles
Emotional rescue #9
She's so cold #33
#35 for 1980 (#14 cash box)
In what's a first for my site, we have our first greatest hits/studio hybrid on this list that doesn't come from the king of pop (we'll get to that eventually.) It appears Americans felt that Celine Dion was the artist of the 90's as she manages to appear much higher than MJ with her half album half looking over what she accomplished in her career up to its release.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
That's the way it is #6 (#2 airplay)
#7 for 2000
#198 for 2001
Oh joy, another album from a 90's rock band that wasn't able to have any charting singles on Billboard due to the label withholding them from American shelves. What's strange is that the Cranberries already had a huge hit on Billboard from their previous album, although their debut won't be appearing on this list due to not racking enough points to do so.
Peak position #6
#12 for 1995 (#11 cash box)
#194 for 1996
It's been a while since we've owed an album's appearance on this list to the kiwis, hasn't it? Here we are with Cheap trick's live album from Budokan which curiously flopped here in Australia for the band despite it being a massive success for them in NZ and their homeland. It's failure here is even more puzzling as they were one of the earliest international bands to appear on Countdown.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I want you to want me #7
Ain't a shame #35
#13 for 1979 (#5 cash box)
Although their time in the spotlight was coming to an end internationally, Van Halen remained on top of the world when they released their second album with Sammy Hagar during the height of the hair metal phase of rock and roll. This was a decent hit here in Australia because of their artist momentum, however it appears no one else in the world had room for their brand of hair metal in their mainstream.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
When it's love #5
#28 for 1988 (#9 cash box)
#71 for 1989
This struggled to appear on my UK list, so it's a bit of a surprise to see it this high up on the American list even if this explains why it was such a massive hit for U2 in Australia and NZ back in the day. I'm not sure if Americans even realise this is a soundtrack to their documentary of the same name as that was a huge box office bomb over there.
Peak position #1x6
Hit singles
Desire #3
Angel of Harlem #14
When love comes to town 68
All I want is you #83
#39 for 1988 (cash box)
#29 for 1989 (#44 cash box)
Whereas this was only a decent hit at best internationally, it appears Paula's fellow Americans couldn't get enough of her brand of diva pop which helped it stand out from all the adult contemporary of the early 90's. From what I can gather, her backlash is less about her music and more the sheer number of knockoffs that emerged on Billboard following her success.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Rush rush #1 (#1 airplay)
The promise of a new day #1 (#5 airplay)
Vibeology #16
#18 for 1991 (#10 cash box)
#40 for 1992
If you can believe it, this is only the second album from Rod Stewart in his catalogue to top the Billboard charts, although given how he had multiple chart-topping singles in America, I doubt he minded that very much. We'll be getting to the rest of his catalogue in due course on this list.
Peak position #1x3
Hit singles
Do ya think I'm sexy #1
Ain't love a bitch #22
#10 for 1979 (#7 cash box)
This is another victory to the kiwis as this wouldn't have made the cut had it not been a surprise hit over there due to it bombing here in Australia for Hall and Oates. This is their final studio album to appear on this list, however they had another entry to come later down this list.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Private eyes #1
I can't go for that #1
#39 for 1981 (cash box)
#16 for 1982 (#21 cash box)
If you want an indication of how hard it was for non-American artists to make it big on Billboard, consider the fact that this entry from Oasis too this list to appear on my list despite it easily being one of the most successful albums of the 90's internationally. At least their most iconic song managed to become a hit on Billboard, a rarity for alternative bands of that decade.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Wonderwall #8 (#8 airplay)
Don't look back in anger #55
#13 for 1996
Well, this is a surprise, mainly because I wasn't expecting to feature the first volume from Use your illusions prior to the much more popular second volume on this list. Then again, this does contain the band's biggest hit in America which was part of a trilogy of videos which lit up MTV back in the day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Don't cry #10
Live and let die #33
November rain #3 (#12 airplay)
#23 for 1991 (cash box)
#17 for 1992 (#11 cash box)
Whereas this was a bit late to the party in Australia and NZ for Skid row, it was an immediate success for them in their homeland likely due to hair metal being omnipresent in America during the final stretch of the 80's. With how many hair metal entries we've looked at so far, I think I'm beginning to understand why the internet sides with Kurt Cobain about his style over substance critiques of the genre.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
18 and life #4
I remember you #6
#11 for 1989 (#24 cash box)
#38 for 1990
I would ask why Pearl Jam was more popular here in Australia and NZ back in the day than they were in their native America, but then I remember that's because we Aussies and kiwis allowed their songs to be released as singles as opposed to their native Americans who didn't. Even so, their second album was a massive hit on the album charts, hence its placement on this list.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Daughter #97
#15 for 1993
#6 for 1994 (#21 cash box)
It took us long enough, but we're finally looking at the big international breakthrough that Garth Brooks had back in the day. Admittedly this was all set to flop outside his native America just like his other albums, however it became a surprise hit almost a year later likely due to a viral moment involving one of the tracks I wasn't able to track down.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
#17 for 1993 (#39 for 1993
#29 for 1994
Tracy's career trajectory in her homeland was identical to what it was in Australia and NZ, her debut from earlier was a smashing success, her second not so much (we'll get to it in a bit) and her third was a complete dud. This leads to her fourth album which promised a resurgence in her career that sadly never came to be likely due to trends changing against her favour.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Give me one reason #3 (#2 airplay)
#18 for 1996
#119 for 1997
If I had included entries from the early 70's on this list, then you can rest assure that this list would be filled with entries from CCR which would explain why John Fogerty's fellow Americans allowed this to be a massive success for him over a decade after that band's demise. That said, there won't be any entries from their greatest hits catalogue as they were all Australia and NZ exclusives.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
The old man down the road #10
Rock and roll girls #20
#11 for 1985 (#10 cash box)
Well at least it didn't take us too long to get to the second volume of the Use your illusions era on this list, again I get the feeling the first volume edged it out (despite this peaking higher on Billboard) due to that entry spawning the band's biggest hit in their homeland as opposed to this which failed to spawn such a hit for them.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
You could be mine #29
Yesterdays #72
#94 for 1991 (#19 cash box)
#20 for 1992 (#14 cash box)
As irritating as it is to see the umpteenth internet reviewer claim that Dirty dancing is a terrible movie, you have to remember that the movie and its two soundtracks were such a cultural phenomenon that it no doubt seemed irritating to those who legitimately didn't understand its hype back in the day. Still the sooner people stop needlessly bashing on it, the better.
Peak position #3
#18 for 1988 (#14 cash box)
Again, there was no signs of these guys slowing down in America like they were internationally throughout the twentieth century. Their time in the spotlight would come to an end the same way as everybody else, namely the internet taking over and dictating what is and isn't worthy of our attention.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Mixed emotions #5
#19 for 1989 (cash box)
#50 for 1990
More hair metal this early on the list, again it's hard not to side with Kurt Cobain with how overexposed the genre was even if in retrospect its dominance on pop culture was completely harmless. As this was their only international success, it's their only appearance on the main list even though their previous album was a heavy contender to appear on it.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
Dr feelgood #6
Kickstart my fire #27
Don't go away mad #19
#25 for 1989 (cash box)
#7 for 1990 (#33 cash box)
I guess this was too heavy for Bush's fellow Brits for it to be a success in their homeland, although somehow, the Americans managed to get a hold of this album two years after its release in the UK where it became a massive hit for them. We Aussies also made it a massive hit, although that's because it was picked up by Triple J who promoted the hell out of it.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Comedown #30
Glycerine #28
#37 for 1995 (#41 cash box)
#11 for 1996
I would ask why this album is so low on this list compared to the rest of my album ranking lists, but then I remember that this didn't rebound on the Billboard charts throughout Madonna's Blonde ambition tour like it did internationally. It's basically seen as little more than a greatest hits album from her fellow Americans that contained a racy music video to promote it.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Justify my love #1 (#5 airplay)
Rescue me #9 (#6 airplay)
#8 for 1991 (#15 cash box)
#88 for 1992
Here's another victory to us Aussies and kiwis as this album wasn't among the most successful of the 90's in America like it was in the southern hemisphere. You can't even blame a lack of physical sales for this one as the Smashing pumpkin's label did allow them to exist on American shelves unlike so many other rock albums from that decade on this list.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Bullet with butterfly wings #22
1979 #12 (#9 airplay)
Tonight tonight #36
Thirty three #39
#133 for 1995
#10 for 1996
#105 for 1997
I'm a bit surprised that Bob Seger isn't any higher on this list given how he's one of the few American artists to find international success throughout the 70's, granted this was a sleeper hit in Australia and NZ, however the fact he did so well in the southern hemisphere should put him in the top 100 of this list.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Still the same #4
Hollywood nights #12
We've got tonight #13
#45 for 1978 (#13 cash box)
#14 for 1979 (#11 cash box)
It's surprising to see Rod Stewart this high up with his unplugged album given how he didn't find the level of success in America that he did internationally with his back catalogue. That said, he was enjoying a nice comeback in his career following its release, so I guess it isn't too surprising it connected with the Americans.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Have I told you lately #5 (#7 airplay)
#22 for 1993 (#13 cash box)
#66 for 1994
If there was an American artist from the 80's to miss out on mainstream success worldwide (for the most part) it would be Pat Benatar as she's another name that rose up on this ranking from the pitiful placements she had on the Australia and NZ side of this site.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Fire and ice #17
#95 for 1981 (#13 cash box)
#48 for 1982
Much like many artists from the 80's transitioning to the 90's in America, George Michael was on a roll with his second solo album even though it didn't see the same dizzying levels of success his earlier entry did on Billboard. That's less a criticism towards this album so much as just how inescapable Faith was back in the day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Praying for time #1
Waiting for that day #27
Freedom #8
#100 for 1990 (#38 cash box)
#44 for 1991
As surprising as the success of his earlier entry was, at least you can say it was following up on the success Steve Winwood had with this album which is a complete headscratcher given how it was a dud for him in his native UK. I guess we Aussies and Americans had enough nostalgic love for his 60's output to give him a second go in the mainstream as a solo artist.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
While you see a chance #7
#17 for 1981 (#18 cash box)
This was essentially filler on my 1986 album list given how it appeared on AMR's year end list, however as it was a genuine hit in America for Bob Seger and company, it would be a mistake not to include it on here even if my excuse for including it on my site previously was tenuous at best.
Peak position #3
#22 for 1986 (#15 cash box)
I'm not sure how we Aussies came across this album from Debbie Gibson given how much of a failure it was throughout the rest of the world, what I do know is that the lead single became a surprise hit for her here which makes her second album more than eligible to appear on this list. Sadly, this was it for her even in her homeland as the 90's wasn't too kind to her music.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Lost in your eyes #1
Electric youth #11
#16 for 1989 (#12 cash box)
Even though this is still a massive hit for Stevie Wonder in his homeland, it's interesting to note just how much less popular it was on Billboard compared to the rest of the world given how it's taken this long for it to appear on my list. That said, it's still well regarded in his catalogue as the backlash to his catalogue begins with his next album in his catalogue.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Master blaster #5
I ain't gonna stand for it 11
Lately #64
#57 for 1980 (cash box)
#21 for 1981 (#35 cash box)
If the kiwis were following the Brits lead in making this album a success, then we Aussies were following the American's lead as this was a hit twice on Billboard just like it was here in Australia for the Pointer sisters. The first was when it finally took off thanks to the Brits and the second was when the third single was chosen as a single from the Beverly hills cop soundtrack.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Automatic #5
Jump #3
Neutron dance #6
Baby come and get it #44
#14 for 1984 (#26 cash box)
#16 for 1985 (#49 cash box)
Not many Aussie artists have received backlash over the years, one of the few exceptions is Savage Garden mainly because of just how inescapable their debut album was back in the day. As inevitable as their international success was, it's still surprising how quickly it came given how their debut single was released internationally just as their magnum opus was topping our charts.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
I want you #4 (#3 airplay)
To the moon and back #24
Truly madly deeply #1 (#1 airplay)
#98 for 1997
#9 for 1998
While this wasn't Earth wind and fire's biggest success in their homeland, it was the album that found them international success given how this managed to appear on both sides of my site when talking about popular albums of the 70's. Again, the absence of disco on this list hasn't been lost on me, meaning that disco backlash seemed inevitable in America even if it didn't happen internationally.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Serpentine fire #13
Fantasy #32
#12 for 1978 (#17 cash box)
Here's my theory about inescapable films and music being negatively received by the internet coming back as despite this being a critical and commercial darling, people love to debate just how bad Forrest Gump is by using the flimsiest of arguments (even bringing in the dreaded culture war into the mix.) Unless it was made for Netflix or Disney+, there's typically a reason why something is beloved at any given point in time.
Peak position #2
#28 for 1994 (#19 cash box)
#31 for 1995
As it's a British film, Chariots of fire naturally didn't see the light of day in America until many months after it was a critical and commercial success in the UK. As such, the composer of the score Vangelis was able to heavily benefit from it sweeping the Oscars as both the soundtrack and title theme managed to become massive chart toppers on Billboard.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Chariots of fire #1
#9 for 1982 (#9 cash box)
He may have lucked out with his singles on the Billboard charts, however Bruce Springsteen more than made up for that with his albums which were all massive in his homeland back in the day. I'm not even including how well they did during the height of Born in the USA for this ranking, meaning this double album of his was that big at the start of the 80's.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Hungry heart #5
#30 for 1980 (cash box)
#10 for 1981 (#52 cash box)
I know this was a massive success for Linda Ronstadt regardless of where in the world you're from, however I wasn't expecting this to be her second biggest success in her homeland given how far removed from the MTV scene it was during the height of its era.
Peak position #3
#22 for 1983 (cash box)
#13 for 1984 (#36 cash box)
We haven't had many greatest hits albums on this list, so to see this one from Chicago right before they sold out is a bit of a surprise to me given what it managed to beat out from even back in the day. It's also the final collection of songs that weren't tailor made to infiltrate the charts as they never returned to their pre sellout sound following the success of their earlier entry.
Peak position #1x5
#5 for 1976 (#32 cash box)
As far as the rest of the world is concerned, this was the best Earth wind and fire could do given how it spawned multiple hits for them as well as it being their successful commercially. In their native America, it was merely a huge hit for the disco band right as the genre was reaching its apex in popularity and thus, right before the dreaded disco backlash.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Boogie wonderland #6
After the love has gone #2
In the stone #58
#65 for 1979 (#13 cash box)
Oh, you better believe that I'm including albums that didn't make it on one of my year end lists for this list, like I said, any album that has previously appeared on this site is fair game for this list even if it's an album that many feels is a low point for an artist catalogue like the fans of Stevie Wonder insist that this is.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Part time lover #1
#53 for 1985 (#27 cash box)
#18 for 1986
It's weird to think that this was the second most successful album Queen released in their discography in America given how it was a decent hit at best for them internationally, although it does have two of their more iconic tracks as a double lead single which admittedly became their first mega hit on Billboard. I should note that we won't be covering anything they released after their earlier entry on this list chronologically.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
We are the champions #4
#29 for 1978 (#13 cash box)
We have our second and final entry from the Commodores on the main list, even then, we have the kiwis to thank for this getting on here as it managed to squeeze into the 1979 album list for that side of my site. Although this had disco tunes on it, it's more in line with an RNB album which is perhaps how it did well during the supposed height of disco backlash on Billboard.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Sail on #4
Still #1
#14 for 1979 (cash box)
#22 for 1980 (#79 cash box)
In a bit of a surprising turn of events, this second album from Men at work proved to be more successful in America than it was here in Australia for the band. This is likely due to having a slightly different album cycle on Billboard as the lead single was pushed back as the third single with the other two finding more success over there as a result of this shake up.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Dr heckyl and Mr jive #28
Overkill #3
It's a mistake #6
#39 for 1983 (#10 cash box)
I'm shocked that it's taken us this long to get to an entry from Bob Dylan on this list, admittedly I am excluding his early 70's work given how I want to keep this list somewhat concise, however the fact that this was more popular here in Australia than in his homeland is telling given how Countdown was in full affect when it was released.
Peak position #1x5
Hit singles
Hurricane #33
#7 for 1976 (#24 cash box)
Billy Ocean is one of the few British artists to find more success in America than they did in his homeland, at least that's the case when we're analysing his 80's output given how this won't be the only album from him that will be appearing on this list. I have to imagine his popularity in America was due to him being compared favourably to Lionel Richie who was on top of his game throughout the decade.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
When the going gets tough the tough get going #2
There'll be sad songs #1
Love zone #10
#31 for 1986 (#23 cash box)
Whereas this merely had a slight delay to its success here in Australia due to us Aussies not being too kind to the RNB genre (even to this day sadly) this was actually delayed in Terence Trent's native America due to him being considered a German artist given that he was stranded in west Germany when he embarked on his music career. Needless to say, he was able to find his way home following this album's success.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
If you let me stay #68
Wishing well #1
Dance little sister #30
Sign your name #4
#11 for 1988 (#8 cash box)
Much like the rest of the world, this was the final successful album from Genesis given how even the Americans weren't interested in any new material with the absence of Phil Collins following its release. It's weird to think that we've already matched the amount of entries from these guys with their front man's solo outing on this list, but then I remember his earlier material was the Americans introduction to his music.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
No son of mine #12 (#10 airplay)
I can't dance #7 (#11 airplay)
Jesus he knows me #23
#13 for 1992 (#18 cash box)
I've still yet to see Dangerous minds as of this writing (I'll update this post once I have as I'll do for any movie I've yet to see) however it was a huge box office success despite having unfavourable comparisons to Dead poet's society with its setup. Nowadays the film is best known for its theme song as it was one of the biggest hits of the 90's regardless of where in the world you're from.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Gangsta's paradise #1 (#7 airplay)
Feel the funk #46
#17 for 1995 (#24 cash box)
#50 for 1996
Although this soundtrack album hybrid managed to be a massive success in America just like it was everywhere else in the world, it's worth noting that the singles were noticeably less successful on Billboard which suggests that the Americans were already feeling burnout from the Spice girls when it was released. I blame the film honestly as it's a real hot mess to watch.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Spice up your life #18
Too much #9
Stop #16
#10 for 1998
#178 for 1999
Given how Rumours from the top of this list managed to spawn genuine hits for Fleetwood Mac on Billboard, I guess this double album lost the only noteworthy achievement it had in Australia and NZ which admittedly makes the singles underperforming on Billboard from this release all the more hilarious the more I think about it.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Tusk #8
Sara #7
#33 for 1979 (cash box)
#20 for 1980 (#37 cash box)
Given how the 80's was all about the MTV era, it's rather surprising to see how well Bob Seger and company did in their homeland as they seem like the antithesis of the glam and style as perpetuated by the likes of Duran Duran and MJ. Then again, the fact they didn't sell out like so many of their peers is perhaps why they retained their popularity in their homeland and even stuck around here in Australia.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Shame on the moon #5
#17 for 1983 (#11 cash box)
One trend I didn't really go into with my commentary on from the late 80's was how so many older artists adopted the overproduced gloss of the decade, I feel that's the real reason why there's a backlash to the "80's sound" as you had tons of older artists of the day use it as a crutch including Steve Winwood. I paid off admittedly given how the title track to this album was his bigger in America.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Roll with it #1
Don't you know what the night can do #6
#34 for 1988 (#13 cash box)
#87 for 1989
Whereas it was a race to see if Peter Gabriel was more popular than his former bandmates Genesis in most parts of the world, there was no competition in Australia and America given how much less popular this album was compared to the band's earlier entry on this list in both countries. That said, he at least had a Billboard chart topper with the lead single, something he can't gloat about on our charts.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Sledgehammer #1
In your eyes #26
Don't give up #72
Big time #8
#35 for 1986 (#12 cash box)
#21 for 1987
While many people see this as a sellout for Stevie Nicks, it didn't prevent it from being a massive success in her native America which is good because many of her contemporaries from the 70's failed to transition into the MTV era by embracing the trends like she did. She has one more solo entry to come on this list and one more with Fleetwood mac.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Stand back #5
#80 for 1983 (#12 cash box)
#77 for 1984
Well, I hope you're not up for seeing a lot of Cher on this list as she only has a total of two entries on here as opposed to the dozen that became a success throughout the rest of the world. This wasn't even a hit in America initially as her fellow Americans didn't know what to make of the title track when it first came out, however they came around on it when it topped charts throughout the rest of the world.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Believe #1 (#2 airplay)
Strong enough #57
#17 for 1999
I need to confess that I'm not much of an action film fan, so I haven't seen Armageddon and thus can't confirm or deny the common consensus of it being a fun but dumb action flick. What I do know is that to this day, Aerosmith fans are still crying foul as it spawned their only chart-topping hit in America with something you'd expect from the likes of Hinder or Creed.
Peak position #1x2
Hit singles
I don't want to miss a thing #1 (#1 airplay)
#15 for 1998
#72 for 1999
I'm shocked that this wasn't a bigger hit in America for Boz Scaggs given how it's easily one of the most successful albums of all time here in Australia for the soft rocker, although admittedly it was a hit on time on Billboard as opposed to it being a slow burner down under and an even slower burning throughout the rest of the world following its success here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Lowdown #3
What can I say #42
Lido shuffle #11
#17 for 1976 (#14 cash box)
#8 for 1977 (#57 cash box)
According to sources, this is the most successful album of all time in America. Granted this includes lifetime sales, meaning that the bulk of those sales have come long after this album's peak in popularity from the mid 70's. Initially it was a success due to being the perfect gateway to the band's back catalogue which curiously bombed in their homeland.
Peak position #1x5
#4 for 1976 (#2 cash box)
#12 for 1977 (#68 cash box)
Remember how I described Steve Winwood's earlier entry on this list? That applies to this album from Bruce Springsteen which no doubt is the reason why it saw a massive drop in popularity compared to his entry from the start of this list. That said, it's still a massive success regardless of where in the world you're from as opposed to his post 80's material.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Brilliant disguise #5
Tunnel of love #9
#26 for 1987 (cash box)
#16 for 1988 (#38 cash box)
In my bonus section of this list, I've been pointing out the multiple hip hop albums that made it big in America over the years that failed to find international success. The first hip hop album to find success outside of Billboard was this entry from Tone loc who nearly topped the American charts twice with both singles it spawned, that's two botched chances of him beating Vanilla ice to the punch of a hip hop chart topper.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Wild thing #2
Funky cold medina #3
#23 for 1989 (#10 cash box)
Even though this was a massive hit for NKOTB in their homeland, it appears the boys couldn't shake off the allegations that they lip synched in their live shows despite successfully proving otherwise in an impromptu concert they put on to shake off the allegations. As such, they failed to follow-up this album even in their native America and went their separate ways.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Step by step #1
Tonight #7
Let's try it again #53
#34 for 1990 (#14 cash box)
While what I've said about this album throughout the site is still true when it comes to its popularity in America, that just means that Mariah's dwindling popularity reduced it to a massive success rather than an all-time best seller on Billboard. She was still racking up the number one hits on Billboard and the album still stuck around for quite some time.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
Honey #1 (#11 airplay)
My all #1 (#15 airplay)
#54 for 1997
#21 for 1998
Even in her homeland, this was the only successful album Kim Carnes had in her career despite her other albums spawning the odd hit on Billboard throughout the 80's. I'm not entirely sure why her subsequent follow ups crashed and burned except maybe that she was seen as yesterday's news once the MTV era rolled around shortly after its success.
Peak position #1x4
Hit singles
Bette Davis eyes #1
Draw of the cards #28
#15 for 1981 (#17 cash box)
I always wondered why there was backlash to Sleepless in Seattle on the internet given that it was a critical and commercial darling back in the day, the fact that it and the accompanying soundtrack did so well in America puts my theories to rest as it's yet another example of the internet being a contrarian to popular media of yesteryear.
Peak position #1x1
Hit singles
When I fall in love #23
#18 for 1993 (#17 cash box)
#56 for 1994
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