Billboard albums

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.

People often say that this is the most successful album of all time, this is certainly the case in America where this has the longest run at number one on Billboard thanks to all the barriers it broke down during the height of the MTV era.

Peak position #1x37

Hit singles

The girl is mine #2

Billie jean #1

Beat it #1

Wanna be starting something #5

Human nature #7

PYT #10

Thriller #4

#1 for 1983 (#1 cash box)

#1 for 1984 (#3 cash box)

There'll be plenty of entries from Bruce Springsteen on this list, however it's still impressive to see this magnum opus of his so close to the top of the list given how much of an outlier it was compared to all the MTV gloss that had taken over the mainstream in America by the time it came out.

Peak position #1x7

Hit singles

Dancing in the dark #2

Cover me #7

Born in the USA #9

I'm on fire #6

Glory days #5

I'm going down #9

My hometown #6

#28 for 1984 (#4 cash box)

#1 for 1985 (#1 cash box)

#16 for 1986 (#47 cash box)

Unlike the rest of the world where denying a song a physical release did nothing to improve the sales of an album, this strategy appeared to work on the Billboard charts throughout the 90's to the point where the first two singles from this magnum opus didn't see the light of day on the Billboard singles charts despite said album being an instant success for Alanis Morissette.

Peak position #1x12

Hit singles

You oughta know #6 (#12 airplay)

You learn #6 (#1 airplay)

Ironic #4 (#2 airplay)

Head over feet #3 (airplay)

#14 for 1995 (#8 cash box)

#1 for 1996

#23 for 1997

Even though this was a massive success in Def Leppard's native UK, it only became a worldwide success for the hair metal band when it became a main stay on the Billboard charts a year after its initial release. It's strange to think that this is the clear winner when it comes to the hair metal bands of the late 80's.

Peak position #1x6

Hit singles

Animal #19

Pour some sugar on me #2

Armageddon it #3

Love bites #1

Rocket #12

#93 for 1987 (#14 cash box)

#3 for 1988 (#3 cash box)

#9 for 1989 (#32 cash box)

Remember how I said that this was a hit twice for Shania Twain? It turns out that this is what costed it from getting to number one on Billboard as despite having two very successful runs on their album charts, it couldn't quite make it to number one in America like it did internationally.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Don't be stupid #40

You're still the one #2 (#2 airplay)

From this moment on #4 (#15 airplay)

That don't impress me much #7 (#5 airplay)

Man I feel like a woman #23

You've got a way #49

#195 for 1997

#5 for 1998

#3 for 1999

#20 for 2000

Unlike the rest of the world where this debut from Paula Abdul didn't take off until the 90's with the surprise success of its final single, this was an instant success for her in her homeland even if it was only the third single that gave her the first of a string of chart toppers on the Billboard charts.

Peak position #1x10

Hit singles

The way that you love me #3

Straight up #1

Forever your girl #1

Cold hearted #1

Opposites attract #1

#3 for 1989 (#1 cash box)

#6 for 1990 (#7 cash box)

Was there any doubt this would be one of the biggest albums of the 90's in America? Granted this was the moment where Celine Dion became too successful for her haters as they began to intensify their hatred towards her, particularly when this was crowned the album of the year at the 1997 Grammies.

Peak position #1x3

Hit singles

Because you loved me #1 (#1 airplay)

It's all coming back to me now #2 (#1 airplay)

All by myself #4 (#7 airplay)

#3 for 1996

#3 for 1997

#144 for 1998

Thriller might hold the record for the longest run at number one on the Billboard album charts, however this comes in a close second as this was inescapable in America throughout the 70's just like it was internationally. You can expect to see all of Fleetwood Mac's discography as we go further down this list.

Peak position #1x31

Hit singles

Go your own way #10

Dreams #1

Don't stop #3

You make loving fun #9

#1 for 1977 (#1 cash box)

#3 for 1978 (#9 cash box)

You may have noticed me giving peak positions to Billboard's airplay charts for 90's entries, that's just to give you an idea of how much an album succeeded in America due to airplay in contrast to its success on the singles charts. This is especially noticeable for Hootie and the blowfish who thrived in their homeland thanks to heavy domination on the country's airwaves.

Peak position #1x8

Hit singles

Hold my hand #10 (#2 airplay)

Let her cry #9 (#5 airplay)

Only wanna be with you #6 (#2 airplay)

Time #14 (#4 airplay)

#1 for 1995 (#1 cash box)

#9 for 1996

One criticism when it comes to successful 80's albums is how the singles all managed to become massive hits in America, this criticism falls apart when looking at said albums success anywhere else in the world, however it's a bit staggering to see all the singles from this album do so well in Lionel Richie's homeland where they struggled internationally.

Peak position #1x3

Hit singles

All night long #1

Running with the night #7

Hello #1

Stuck on you #3

Penny lover #8

#28 for 1983 (cash box)

#3 for 1984 (#1 cash box)

#22 for 1985 (#46 cash box)

Thought it was wild that MC Hammer saw massive success with his breakthrough album internationally? Well, you'll be blind sighted by the fact that it spent nearly half a year at number one in his homeland despite the lead single being a decent hit for him on Billboard at best compared to it being a chart-topping phenomenon internationally.

Peak position #1x21

Hit singles

U can't touch this #8

Have you ever seen her #4

Pray #2

Here comes the hammer #54

#5 for 1990 (#1 cash box)

#7 for 1991 (#40 cash box)

Much like the rest of the world, this sat on shelves largely ignored in Guns n roses homeland for almost a full year before the second single became a surprise success for them on the Billboard charts. Naturally they identified why it didn't fly off shelves initially as they replaced the original album art with the one displayed here upon its release.

Peak position #1x5

Hit singles

Welcome to the jungle #7

Sweet child o mine #1

Paradise city #5

Nighttrain #93

#6 for 1988 (#4 cash box)

#5 for 1989 (#11 cash box)

Much like the rest of the world, this had a slow start to its success in America given how the lead single didn't light up the Billboard charts like so many of Whitney's discography. It eventually took off in her homeland when the second single became a surprise chart topper for her in the UK which caused it to be as such on Billboard.

Peak position #1x14

Hit singles

You give good love #3

Saving all my love for you #1

How will I know #1

Greatest love of all #1

#29 for 1985 (#13 cash box)

#1 for 1986 (#1 cash box)

#22 for 1987

This is one of several albums on this list to spawn multiple chart toppers on Billboard, again if you want to know why albums that achieved mainstream success receive flack on the internet to this day, you have to keep in mind that they had levels of success that seem unobtainable in the internet era which naturally angers the rock purists out there.

Peak position #1x12

Hit singles

I want your sex #2

Faith #1

Father figure #1

One more try #1

Monkey #1

#1 for 1988 (#1 cash box)

#43 for 1989

Oh boy, I think I understand the backlash to Dirty dancing know that I know how long it overstayed its welcome in America back in the day. If anything, making this list has helped me appreciate why there was so much hate for a lot of the albums on this list until the internet age as it really does seem like these entries were shutting out the competition from back in the day.

Peak position #1x18

Hit singles

I've had the time of my life #1

Hungry eyes #4

She's like the wind #3

#25 for 1987 (cash box)

#2 for 1988 (#2 cash box)

Here's another album that spawned multiple Billboard chart toppers back in the day, in fact it's the first to have all of its singles top the Billboard charts on this list even though the album itself took its sweet time in topping their album charts. Again, this more than explains the backlash against Mariah Carey given how it was her debut album.

Peak position #1x11

Hit singles

Vision of love #1

Love takes time #1 (#1 airplay)

Someday #1 (#1 airplay)

I don't wanna cry #1 (#4 airplay)

#32 for 1990 (#11 cash box)

#1 for 1991 (#3 cash box)

I wasn't expecting to see this album so high on the list, it's a given it would do well in America given how they love rock and roll more so than Peter Frampton's fellow Brits, however the fact this is one of the most successful albums of all time on Billboard just mystifies me.

Peak position #1x10

Hit singles

Show me the way #6

#1 for 1976 (#1 cash box)

#14 for 1977 (#5 cash box)

Whereas this album appearing so high on this list makes sense internationally given how inescapable the singles were, it's a bit puzzling to see this so high up on this list as said singles didn't do so well on the Billboard charts. That said, Britney was coming off the success she had with the new Mickey Mouse club, so perhaps her fellow Americans were more interested in supporting her endeavours than the music itself.

Peak position #1x6

Hit singles

Baby one more time #1 (#8 airplay)

Sometimes #21 (#14 airplay)

Crazy #10

From the bottom of my broken heart #14

#2 for 1999

#17 for 2000

This was an instant success for Bon Jovi upon its initial release in their homeland, although it only achieved its full success on Billboard when the second single became a surprise success for them in the UK where rock and roll took a back seat to the likes of........ whatever the heck Top of the pops was promoting in lieu of rock and roll.

Peak position #1x8

Hit singles

You give love a bad name #1

Living on a prayer #1

Wanted dead or alive #7

#26 for 1986 (cash box)

#1 for 1987 (#1 cash box)

#98 for 1988

Given how MC Hammer has the fifth longest run at number one on the Billboard album charts with his earlier entry, you can understand how this magnum opus from Wilson Phillips failed to get to number one in their homeland despite the singles all performing better on the charts than the ones found on Hammer's album.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Hold on #1

Release me #1

Impulsive #4 (#8 airplay)

#15 for 1990 (#5 cash box)

#5 for 1991 (#18 cash box)

Given how Billboard didn't banish this to a compilation albums chart like the UK charts did (likely because from what I can gather, compilation albums do poorly on the Billboard charts) this means that the soundtrack to Whitney Houston's critically panned flick the Bodyguard manages to appear high on this list rather than as a bonus entry on my UK list.

Peak position #1x20

Hit singles

I will always love you #1

I'm every woman #4

I have nothing #4

#1 for 1993 (#1 cash box)

#27 for 1994

Ever thought it strange that Billy Ray Cyrus had the biggest hit of 1992 in Australia and NZ despite said single failing to top the Billboard charts? That's because his fellow Americans passed up said single (somewhat) in favour of the album that spawned it which happens to be one of the most lucrative of all time in his homeland.

Peak position #1x17

Hit singles

Achy breaky heart #4

Could've been me #72

#4 for 1992 (#8 cash box)

#5 for 1993 (#6 cash box)

Much like the UK, it appears certain albums were rebranded in America depending on which artist we're looking at. One of the more notable examples was this one and only album from Milli Vanilli which was released as Girl you know it's true over there which happened to be the name of their debut single.

Peak position #1x7

Hit singles

Girl you know it's true #2

Baby don't forget my number #1

Girl I'm gonna miss you #1

Blame it on the rain #1

All or nothing #4

#10 for 1989 (#6 cash box)

#11 for 1990 (#16 cash box)

Even in his homeland, this took its sweet time in finding success for Bobby Brown likely because fans didn't know what to expect from a solo outing from this former child star upon its initial release. They were eventually won over when the second single topped the Billboard charts and became a hit worldwide except here in Australia.

Peak position #1x6

Hit singles

Don't be cruel #8

My prerogative #1

Roni #3

Every little step #3

Rock witcha #7

#73 for 1988 (#26 cash box)

#1 for 1989 (#3 cash box)

Unlike the rest of the world where this only took off due to one of the singles being plagiarised by Ray Parker Jr, this was an instant success for Huey Lewis and the news despite none of the singles performing that well on the Billboard charts. Admittedly this is one of the last albums released before airplay was incorporated on their charts, so perhaps the singles were far more popular than their chart runs suggest.

Peak position #1x1

Hit singles

Heart and soul #8

I want a new drug #6

Heart of rock and roll #6

If this is it #6

#2 for 1984 (#2 cash box)

#14 for 1985

This is another album that failed to get to number one on Billboard, although having two out of its four singles topping the charts over there in addition to this album lasting for quite some time on the charts does seem to be a nice compromise for that. Had it been a success, TLC's debut would also be a shoe in for this list just like their two international successes.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Creep #1 (#3 airplay)

Red light special #2 (#4 airplay)

Waterfalls #1 (#2 airplay)

Digging on you #5 (#10 airplay)

#5 for 1995 (#2 cash box)

#22 for 1996

Much like in NZ, this was a hit upon its initial release on Billboard for Creed even if it didn't see its true potential until "With arms wide open" became a chart topper for them almost a full years after the album's release. Unlike in NZ, this was a huge flop for the Christian band in their homeland, making this their introduction to their fellow Americans.

Peak position #1x2

Hit singles

Higher #7 (#6 airplay)

With arms wide open #1 (#2 airplay)

#71 for 1999

#6 for 2000

#11 for 2001

Although TLC wins the prize for the most successful RNB album of all time in America, Boyz II men comes in a close second given how their second album was a massive hit for them in their homeland. Indeed, they had three of the biggest hits of the 90's on Billboard from this album which of course led to a ton of rip-offs.

Peak position #1x5

Hit singles

I'll make love to you #1 (#1 airplay)

On bended knee #1 (#1 airplay)

Thank you #21

Water runs dry #2 (#1 airplay)

#22 for 1994 (#23 cash box)

#3 for 1995 (#3 cash box)

#110 for 1996

Whereas this was the weakest entry from the Police in their homeland, it wound up being the most successful album in America which is perhaps why it's as such here in Australia and NZ. Despite being at the height of their popularity, they decided to call it quits once they were done with their world tour in promoting it.

Peak position #1x17

Hit singles

Every breath you take #1

Wrapped around your finger #8

King of pain #3

#3 for 1983 (#3 cash box)

#8 for 1984 (#14 cash box)

Much like the rest of the world, Santana had decent success in America during their heyday in the 70's (stay tuned for those entries.) Also like the rest of the world, their biggest success came two decades later when they release this banger which spawned not one but two of the biggest hits of all time as singles.

Peak position #1x12

Hit singles

Smooth #1 (#1 airplay)

Maria Maria #1 (#1 airplay)

#20 for 1999

#2 for 2000

Even though this was a massive success for NKOTB in their homeland upon its initial release, it was only when it became a massive success here in Australia that it took off internationally despite the singles also performing better on the Billboard charts than they did on our charts.

Peak position #1x2

Hit singles

You got it #3

I'll be loving you #1

Hanging tough #1

Cover girl #2

#2 for 1989 (#4 cash box)

#13 for 1990 (#49 cash box)

I'm sort of cheating with this entry as this is technically a hybrid of Backstreet boy's first and second album, however neither album charted in America and this list would feel weird if I didn't include some representation of their second album on here, so here we are with this American exclusive entry.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Everybody #4

As long as you love me #4 (airplay)

All I have to give #5

#141 for 1997

#4 for 1998

#12 for 1999

#160 for 2000

With all the ridiculous runs at number one we've seen so far, you can expect fewer and fewer chart-topping albums as we go further down this list. One of the many near misses from the top spot was this breakthrough album from Whitesnake who took the Billboard charts by storm due to the English band fitting in nicely with the hair metal scene of the mid to late 80's.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Here I go again #1

Is this love #2

Give me all your love #48

#16 for 1987 (#3 cash box)

#19 for 1988 (#29 cash box)

Ever wanted to know how these guys won the boy band wars despite never having a Billboard chart topper in their homeland? Consider the fact that we're not even fifty entries in and we've already looked at their two mega successful albums internationally on this list. Now consider the fact that no other boy band has been featured so far on this list (unless you count Boyz II men as a boy band.)

Peak position #1x10

Hit singles

I want it that way #6 (#1 airplay)

Larger than life #25

Show me the meaning of being lonely #6 (#2 airplay)

The one #30

#1 for 1999

#9 for 2000

Much like Dirty dancing from earlier, this has also seen a decline in public reception over the years. Again, this is likely due to how inescapable this album was back in the day, meaning the internet's hatred of the film seems to be more out of misplaced nostalgia (or whatever the hate equivalent of it is) rather than the film being bad.

Peak position #1x24

Hit singles

How deep is your love #1

Staying alive #1

If I can't have you #1

Night fever #1

#1 for 1978 (#1 cash box)

#27 for 1979

People like to compare Bryan Adams to Bruce Springsteen, I'm assuming because the two men had two of the biggest albums of the 80's despite them both being in the heartland rock genre and the 80's being the height of MTV. One thing I have noticed is that the backlash towards Bryan doesn't set in until his 90's material, meaning this breakthrough album of his remains well received to this day.

Peak position #1x2

Hit singles

Run to you #6

Heaven #1

Summer of 69 #5

It's only love #15

#2 for 1985 (#6 cash box)

#66 for 1986

For the longest time, this was the only album to spawn five chart toppers for any given artist. Even now, it's the only album to do so without tampering with the singles in any way as Katy Perry only managed to match this achievement in 2011 by providing remixes to several of the tracks on her album Teenage dream.

Peak position #1x6

Hit singles

I just can't stop loving you #1

Bad #1

The way you make me feel #1

Man in the mirror #1

Dirty Diana #1

Just another part of me #11

Smooth criminal #7

#15 for 1987 (cash box)

#5 for 1988 (#6 cash box)

Even though this album saw more success in America than it did internationally, the fact that Gwen and company were able to see staggering success with this album even with its singles readily available where they weren't in their homeland just proves how reductive this method was for promoting albums in America throughout the 90's.

Peak position #1x9

Hit singles

Just a girl #23

Don't speak #1 (airplay)

#19 for 1996

#2 for 1997

For all those who thought this album was too low on the other all-time lists throughout my site, you can rest assured that it is indeed one of the most successful of all time in America for Stevie Wonder. Heck the two singles it spawned were even chart toppers on Billboard as opposed to minor hits at best in Australia, NZ and the UK.

Peak position #1x14

Hit singles

I wish #1

Sir duke #1

#4 for 1976 (cash box)

#2 for 1977 (#4 cash box)

Unlike the rest of the world, this was an instant success for Janet Jackson in her homeland given how she was riding high off the success of her previous album Control. Like many albums we've seen on this list, it spawned a bunch of hits on Billboard, some of which barely even touched the charts anywhere else in the world.

Peak position #1x4

Hit singles

Miss you much #1

Rhythm nation #2

Escapade #1

Alright #4

Black cat #1 (#2 airplay)

Love will never do #1 (#1 airplay)

#30 for 1989 (cash box)

#1 for 1990 (#3 cash box)

#43 for 1991

I know that this is the soundtrack to a popular movie from 1984, however, to see this so high on this list compared to how it did internationally is really throwing me off wack. I guess this goes to show just how omnipresent the American market has become during the internet age as I'm sure it was far less culturally relevant internationally back in the day.

Peak position #1x24

Hit singles

When doves cry #1

Let's go crazy #1

Purple rain #2

#24 for 1984 (#6 cash box)

#9 for 1985 (#19 cash box)

It's good to know that it was this album's success in America that encouraged us Aussies and kiwis to make this one of the biggest hits of the 90's rather than its success in Eric's native UK. What's interesting is that this did far better on Billboard than the likes of Mariah Carey or Nirvana which suggests this is considered the best of the Unplugged albums as far as popular consensus is concerned.

Peak position #1x3

Hit singles

Layla #12 (#12 airplay)

#36 for 1992 (#28 cash box)

#3 for 1993 (#3 cash box)

Even though this was an instant success for Michael Bolton as opposed to everywhere else in the world where it was a sleeper success, it's worth noting that it did rebound on the Billboard charts likely due to the third singing winning a Grammy which no doubt led to its international re-evaluation in 1992.

Peak position #1x1

Hit singles

Love is a wonderful thing #4 (#8 airplay)

When a man loves a woman #1 (#1 airplay)

#14 for 1991 (#7 cash box)

#8 for 1992 (#21 cash box)

#78 for 1993

It's kind of weird that the soundtrack to one of the most lucrative animated films of all time was the best Elton John could do in America, although that's less me criticising his lack of success on Billboard and more flabbergasted at just how well this album did in America compared to the rest of the world.

Peak position #1x10

Hit singles

Can you feel the love tonight #4 (#2 airplay)

Circle of life #18

#4 for 1994 (#3 cash box)

#10 for 1995 (#13 cash box)

It's bizarre that an album that barely made the cut on my site would appear so high on this list, although I'm more shocked that this bombed internationally given how much love the singles receive on oldies stations to this day. As this was Heart dabbling in with the sounds of the MTV era, you can imagine how many of their fans this alienates even to this day.

Peak position #1x1

Hit singles

What about love #10

Never #4

These dreams #1

#79 for 1985 (#21 cash box)

#2 for 1986 (#5 cash box)

Whereas Janet would only achieve massive worldwide success starting with her earlier entry on this list, it was this album which made her a household name in her homeland as well as NZ thanks to her working with the right producers. Even then, the kiwis didn't hand her hit singles like her fellow Americans did this early in her career.

Peak position #1x2

Hit singles

What have you done for me lately #4

Nasty #3

When I think of you #1

Control #5

Let's wait awhile #2

The pleasure principle #14

#6 for 1986 (#2 cash box)

#5 for 1987

Although this was a massive worldwide success for Whitney Houston (it's actually her biggest success in the UK after the Bodyguard soundtrack) it is puzzling to see four out of the five singles going to number one on Billboard (the fifth only peaked at number nine.) This is further proof as to why many popular albums of yesteryear still receive backlash given just how inescapable they were in America.

Peak position #1x11

Hit singles

I wanna dance with somebody #1

Didn't we almost have it all #1

So emotional #1

Where do broken hearts go #1

#23 for 1987 (#6 cash box)

#12 for 1988

It feels weird that this isn't Mariah Carey's biggest success in her homeland, admittedly this might be due to artist fatigue given how her first two albums were inescapable in her homeland both as album and the singles. Still the fact that the third single was a worldwide chart topper and not on Billboard does somewhat mess with my mind.

Peak position #1x8

Hit singles

Dreamlover #1 (#1 airplay)

Hero #1 (#1) airplay)

Without you #3 (#2 airplay)

Anytime you need a friend #12 (#8 airplay)

#40 for 1993 (#36 cash box)

#2 for 1994 (#7 cash box)

#124 for 1995

This might have lucked out with the singles on Billboard (given how the big hit got stuck behind one of the longest running number ones of all time back in the day) however at least the album itself managed to be a massive chart topper for Foreigner in their homeland. Heck it was so popular that even the Brits made it a success for them.

Peak position #1x10

Hit singles

Urgent #4

Waiting for a girl like you #2

#70 for 1981 (#4 cash box)

#3 for 1982 (#13 cash box)

There's no prize for guessing this would be the most successful album in U2's catalogue in America, however it's worth noting that this was their first successful album on Billboard given how their previous output had failed to connect with the Americans the way it did internationally.

Peak position #1x9

Hit singles

With or without you #1

I still haven't found what I'm looking for #1

Where the streets have no name #13

#6 for 1987 (#2 cash box)

#26 for 1988 (#44 cash box)

Again, there's no prize for predicting this would be Tina Turner's biggest success in her homeland, although the fact that Foreign affair was her biggest success in the UK is puzzling considering that album bombed on Billboard by the end of the 80's. I'll also say that aside from the big hit off this album, Tina didn't do too well in her homeland compared to what she achieved internationally.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Let's stay together #26

What's love got to do with it #1

Better be good to me #5

Private dancer #7

Show some respect #37

#39 for 1984 (#10 cash box)

#5 for 1985 (#9 cash box)

There were no signs of Janet Jackson slowing down as the 90's progressed given how her third international album (fifth overall) was a massive hit in her homeland just like it was internationally. Again, we have an album filled with hits, some of which found international success and some that were only big on the Billboard charts.

Peak position #1x6

Hit singles

That's the way love goes #1 (#1 airplay)

If #4 (#3 airplay)

Again #1 (#1 airplay)

Because of love #10 (#6 airplay)

Any time any place #2 (#3 airplay)

You want this #8 (#9 airplay)

#4 for 1993 (#8 cash box)

#8 for 1994 (#34 cash box)

#170 for 1995

Well, this feels like a downgrade, again it's worth noting that the Americans tend to be fickle when it comes to allowing international artist to chart on Billboard (more so nowadays with the rise of streaming.) That said, this did provide Dire straits with a chart topper on Billboard, something we Aussies or their fellow Brits can't brag about as none of their singles ever topped either of our charts.

Peak position #1x9

Hit singles

So far away #19

Money for nothing #1

Walk of life #7

#27 for 1985 (#7 cash box)

#5 for 1986 (#9 cash box)

We have another entry that feels like a downgrade on this list, admittedly we're still comfortably in the top 100 albums of the twentieth century in America, so it's more a downgrade of how well it did in Billy's homeland compared to the rest of the world. That said, the lead single proved to be the big hit off the album on Billboard as opposed to the second single.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Tell her about it #1

Uptown girl #3

An innocent man #10

The longest time #14

Leave a tender moment alone #27

Keeping the faith #18

#14 for 1983 (cash box)

#4 for 1984 (#12 cash box)

#67 for 1985

This was a hit twice for Tom Petty in his homeland, the first was upon its initial release and the second was when "Free falling" became a surprise hit for him six months later which caused it to rebound on the Billboard charts the same time it caught on throughout the rest of the world.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

I won't back down #12

Free falling #7

#19 for 1989 (#5 cash box)

#22 for 1990 (#21 cash box)

Well, this is a surprise, not so much that it's Pearl jam's biggest success as that's due to it rebounding on the Billboard charts when they released their second and third albums later in the 90's. No, the surprise here is that they weren't a singles band in their homeland, meaning this didn't have that big hit on the Billboard charts like it did here in Australia,

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Jeremy #79

#11 for 1992 (#2 cash box)

#8 for 1993 (#7 cash box)

#58 for 1994

If you're wondering how this managed to be a global success given its absence on my UK list from a while back, that's because the American's somehow got a hold of this album back in the day which allowed it to be a massive success on Billboard for the British band. I guess you can say it was due to the inclusion of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks except they were unknowns prior to them joining the band.

Peak position #1x1

Hit singles

Rhiannon #11

Say that you love me #11

#2 for 1976 (#3 cash box)

#10 for 1977

Well at least this had more than one charting single on the Billboard charts as opposed to the UK charts, however the fact that this and the second single "Down under" managed to be on top of the UK and Billboard charts simultaneously a year after it topped the Australian and NZ charts goes to show how well loved this was back in the day.

Peak position #1x15

Hit singles

Who can it be now #1

Down under #1

#22 for 1982 (cash box)

#2 for 1983 (#5 cash box)

Given how this managed to become a huge success in the UK, it would've been mind boggling had this breakthrough from REO Speedwagon flopped in their home country. That said, it very nearly did as it took the lead single forever in a day to top the Billboard charts despite it being an instant success for them globally once it did.

Peak position #1x15

Hit singles

Keep on loving you #1

Take it on the run #5

#1 for 1981 (#1 cash box)

#39 for 1982

Again, I need to stress just how hard it was for even the most successful albums of all time to get to number one on Billboard back in the day as this easily could've been number one for weeks on end were it not for the earlier entries on this list that blocked it from getting there. It's easily Hall and Oates biggest success in their homeland, although they still have other entries to come on this list.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Maneater #1

One on one #7

Family man #6

#59 for 1982 (cash box)

#4 for 1983 (#6 cash box)

Much like Dire straits, this feels a bit low for this list until you realise that the Spice girls are a British group and that non-American artists tend to be at a disadvantage when it comes to success on Billboard. That said, this was still a massive success for the girls in America, although the final single had to be omitted so that their second album Spiceworld could be released in time for the movie of the same name over there.

Peak position #1x5

Hit singles

Wannabe #1 (#6 airplay)

Say you'll be there #3 (#6 airplay)

2 become 1 #4 (#5 airplay)

#1 for 1997

#24 for 1998

Well, this is a surprise, mainly because I just finished saying that non-American artists rarely see more success in America than they do internationally. Tears for fears is the rare exception, well more specifically their second album which had a different release schedule on Billboard than it did internationally for some reason.

Peak position #1x5

Hit singles

Shout #1

Everybody wants to rule the world #1

Head over heels #3

Mothers talk #27

#10 for 1985 (#4 cash box)

#19 for 1986 (#45 cash box)

You knew this guy would rank high on this list, again he failed to get to number one with this entry due to an earlier entry preventing it from doing so. That of course doesn't take away from its mammoth success in Kenny G's homeland which of course translated to massive worldwide success for the Jazz musician.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Forever in love #18 (#13 airplay)

#2 for 1993 (#2 cash box)

#51 for 1994

While you knew this album from Metallica was going to make the cut for this list, I bet you weren't expecting to discover that none of the singles from the album were a success on Billboard for the band. I'm not sure why as they did manage to become massive hits here in Australia and NZ, although I guess they're not exactly radio friendly which was an issue we Aussies and kiwis didn't have on our charts.

Peak position #1x4

Hit singles

Enter sandman #16

The unforgiven #35

Nothing else matter #34

Wherever I may roam #82

Sad but true #98

#62 for 1991 (#11 cash box)

#7 for 1992 (#3 cash box)

#32 for 1993

Even though this failed to spawn a hit single for Shania Twain on the Billboard charts, at least it was a success upon its initial release over there as opposed to here in Australia where its success was a year late and the UK where it was only released due to the overwhelming success of her earlier entry on this list.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

I'm outta here #74

#19 for 1995 (#10 cash box)

#6 for 1996

#147 for 1997

If you can believe it, Toni Braxton's debut album failed to spawn a chart topping single for her on Billboard despite that album going to number one (stay tuned for it later down this list.) The opposite was the case for her follow up as this failed to get to number one despite spawning not one but two chart toppers for her on Billboard.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

You're making me high #1 (#6 airplay)

Unbreak my heart #1 (#1 airplay)

I don't want to #19

#23 for 1996

#9 for 1997

Again, there's no prize for predicting this as Phil Collins biggest hit in America, and again we have to keep in mind this is a non-American artist finding success in America which naturally somewhat puts him at a disadvantage on this list. All that said, it still manages to be one of the most succesful albums of the 80's on Billboard.

Peak position #1x7

Hit singles

Sussudio #1

One more night #1

Billy don't lose my number #4

#6 for 1985 (#3 cash box)

#9 for 1986 (#40 cash box)

Again, I'm somewhat cheating with this entry as it's a different album compared to the one that I've featured on this site, however the new tracks on here also appear on the deluxe edition of their debut album in Australia and NZ, so I'm counting this as that entry on this list.

Peak position #1x2

Hit singles

All that she wants #2 (#2 airplay)

The sign #1 (#1 airplay)

Don't turn around #4 (#1 airplay)

#1 for 1994 (#2 cash box)

#47 for 1995

It's certainly taken us a while, but we've finally come across the first disco album on this list (that isn't a soundtrack of course) courtesy of the king of pop himself. Much like the rest of the world, his fellow Americans were a bit sceptical of his solo prospects initially but were eventually won over after the second single topped the Billboard charts for him.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Don't stop till you get enough #1

Rock with you #1

Off the wall #10

She's out of my life #10

#18 for 1979 (cash box)

#3 for 1980 (#2 cash box)

It took us a while, but we finally have our first entry from the queen of pop on this list. Much like Australia, this was an instant success for her in her homeland due to the title track becoming her first chart topper in both countries. Also, like Australia, the album cycle wasn't interrupted when she released not one but two soundtracks that also containted chart topping hits.

Peak position #1x3

Hit singles

Like a virgin #1

Material girl #2

Angel #5

Dress you up #5

#53 for 1984 (cash box)

#3 for 1985 (#2 cash box)

#52 for 1986

It seems odd that this is only the second hip hop entry on this list behind MC Hammer (unless you count the sporadic rapping from TLC, Janet Jackson, Bobby Brown, Boyz II men and Mel B from the Spice girls.) Admittedly I am making 2000 the cut off year for this list like I did for the UK list, so this is by no means the most successful hip hop album from a (somewhat) respected rapper.

Peak position #1x5

Hit singles

Country grammar #7 (#3 airplay)

EI #15 (#10 airplay)

Ride wit me #3

#14 for 2000

#10 for 2001

This is one of the first albums to not release any of the songs as singles in America, this obviously wasn't the case internationally as all the singles charted in Australia and NZ (as you've seen on my 1995 lists.) Naturally this is further proof that this practice was reductive given how well this album did regardless of whether or not the singles were available.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

When I come around #6 (airplay)

#24 for 1994 (#18 cash box)

#7 for 1995 (#6 cash box)

Thought you were disappointed in the lack of representation that Supertramp had on my UK list, then I'm afraid it's not going to get any better on this list given how this was their breakthrough on the Billboard charts. Admittedly this did far better in America than it did in their homeland, however they arrived too late to the party to see the level of success they had in Australia and NZ.

Peak position #1x6

Hit singles

The logical song #6

Goodbye stranger #15

#5 for 1979 (#1 cash box)

#21 for 1980

File this in the category of a successful album taking its sweet time to find an audience even in said artists native homeland, Jewel was literally homeless following the initial failure of this album in 1994, so you can only imagine her shock when it suddenly became a success worldwide two years later thanks to one of the singles getting big on the radio.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Who will save your soul #11 (#4 airplay)

You were meant for me #2 (#1 airplay)

Foolish games #2 (#1 airplay)

#58 for 1996

#5 for 1997

#63 for 1998

They may have lost out to the Backstreet boys in the boy band wars, however N sync does win the consolation prize of having a Billboard chart topping single to their name as the second single from this album did just that in 2000. Had it been a success anywhere else in the world, their self-titled debut album would've already appeared on this list.

Peak position #1x8

Hit singles

Bye bye bye #4 (#1 airplay)

It's gonna be me #1 (#3 airplay)

This I promise you #5 (#4 airplay)

#1 for 2000

#30 for 2001

Given how it was a massive box office hit back in the day, it makes sense that the soundtrack to Grease would be a huge success in America just like it was internationally. Again, we have a highly successful album this early on this list to a film that's been panned by the internet, suggesting the backlash is due to overexposure rather than genuine hatred for the film.

Peak position #1x12

Hit singles

You're the one that I want #1

Grease #1

Hopelessly devoted to you #3

Summer nights #5

Greased lightning #47

#2 for 1978 (#3 cash box)

#20 for 1979 (#39 cash box)

To my knowledge, this is the first album to become a success in America that refused to release a highly popular song as a single over there. That single was a massive hit here in Australia, although admittedly the album did fail to crack our top ten despite it being one of the most popular albums of the 90's amongst us Aussies.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Mr. Jones #5 (airplay)

#5 for 1994 (#1 cash box)

#63 for 1995

I think this was the moment where the backlash towards Mariah Carey was put in motion, again it's less to do with the music itself and more that she was overexposed by this point. This is especially true when you consider that the first two singles debuted at number one not because they were that anticipated but rather due to Sony delaying their releases to manipulate the Billboard charts in their favour.

Peak position #1x1

Hit singles

Fantasy #1 (#1 airplay)

One sweet day #1 (#1 airplay)

Always be my baby #1 (#2 airplay)

Forever #9 (airplay)

#51 for 1995

#2 for 1996

#190 for 1997

Whilst this was a hit upon its initial release in America, it appears this too took a while for it to reach its full potential on Billboard as it only got to the upper echelons of their charts when the second single topped the charts over there. I'm actually shocked at how little success Steve Miller had here in Australia back in the day, you can blame Countdown for that by the way.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Take the money and run #11

Rock n me #1

#46 for 1976 (#17 cash box)

#11 for 1977 (#9 cash box)

We're not even 100 entries in and we're already looking at one of the most derided hip hop releases of all time, this just goes to show how inescapable Vanilla Ice was worldwide following the success of MC Hammer from earlier on this list. Unlike many entries on this list, the backlash towards this album extends past nostalgic overexposure as people have genuine grievances with its existence.

Peak position #1x16

Hit singles

Play that funky music #4

Ice ice baby #1 (#1 airplay)

I love you #52

#6 for 1991 (#13 cash box)

Given how she failed to appear on the UK equivalent of this list (barring her 1994 greatest hits album that is) it gives me great pleasure to have Cyndi Lauper this high up on this list with her debut album. Indeed, this broke records back in the day for being the first debut album to spawn four top five hits on Billboard, it probably would've done better had they incorporated airplay data during its popularity.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Girls just want to have fun #2

Time after time #1

She bop #3

All through the night #5

Money changes everything #27

#11 for 1984 (#7 cash box)

#28 for 1985 (#29 cash box)

We've looked at Bruce Springsteen and Bryan Adams already on this list, time now for the third biggest success story from the heartland rock genre in the form of John Mellencamp. Even though this was a massive hit in his homeland, it was only popular here in Australia as the rest of the world wasn't interested in letting him in on the heartland train until his next album the Lonesome jubilee.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Lonely ol night #6

Small town #6

Rock in the USA #2

Rain on the scarecrow #21

#17 for 1985 (cash box)

#3 for 1986 (#17 cash box)

Did you feel this album was too low on the UK rankings? Well, that's because the Brits were never that big when it came to rock and roll, let alone concept albums that were spread across two vinyls. This was a handicap that no one else in the world had including Americans as they allowed this magnum opus to be a massive success of the British band on the Billboard charts.

Peak position #1x15

Hit singles

Another brick in the wall #1

Run like hell #53

#1 for 1980 (#1 cash box)

I did mention this was more of a success internationally than it was on Billboard for Paul Simon, at least the album itself is a huge hit in America as opposed to its singles which all crashed and burned as opposed to being massive hits worldwide. This does mean that even in his homeland, he found more success with his partner in crime Art Garfunkel than he did alone.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

You can call me al #23

Graceland #81

Boy in the bubble #86

#41 for 1986 (cash box)

#2 for 1987 (#4 cash box)

I'm not sure how the Americans got a hold of this album from Fine young cannibals given how their debut was a dud for them over there like it was in their native UK. Perhaps it was due to the success that album had here in Australia that sparked intertest in the trio among the Americans which resulted in this follow up being massive over there like it was here.

Peak position #1x7

Hit singles

She drives me crazy #1

Good thing #1

Don't look back #11

#6 for 1989 (#2 cash box)

#91 for 1990

It's strange to think that this was Pat Benatar's biggest album in her homeland given how it only barely managed to appear on the Australian side of my site, although at least the standout track on here was a genuine hit for her on Billboard as opposed to the other singles which all bombed on there like they did everywhere else in the world.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

You better run #42

Hit me with your best shot #9

#18 for 1980 (cash box)

#5 for 1981 (#8 cash box)

I'm as surprised as you are to see this album fairly low on this list, not that it is low by any means, rather that it isn't in the top ten given how overplayed the tracks on here are on oldies stations. Much like in NZ, the singles on here managed to be a massive success on Billboard without compromising the album's success, further proving just how reductive it was for labels to not issue singles as physical releases in the 90's.

Peak position #1x8

Hit singles

New in town #1

Hotel California #1

#4 for 1977 (#2 cash box)

Given how well the artist behind every entry we've looked at so far on this list is, it's intriguing that a group as forgotten (at least on the internet) as C+C Music factory would have such a successful album to their name from back in the day. Admittedly there's not much to learn about the group other than just how unavoidable their debut album was throughout the world.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Gonna make you sweat #1 (#3 airplay)

Here we go #3 (#10 airplay)

Things that make you go hmm #4 (#10 airplay)

Just a touch of love #50

#4 for 1991 (#1 cash box)

#71 for 1992

It appears America was the only place in the world where this album stuck to the upper echelons of the charts during its full album cycle, not that it went away anywhere else in the world, rather it did drop out of the top half of the Billboard charts like it did internationally. The singles were also noticeably more popular on Billboard, particularly the third single which was their fourth chart topper over there.

Peak position #1x4

Hit singles

Bad medicine #1

Born to be my baby #3

I'll be there for you #1

Lay your hands on me #7

#25 for 1988 (cash box)

#4 for 1989 (#34 cash box)

It's too bad this wasn't able to dislodge some of the juggernauts from earlier on this list on Billboard for the number one spot, then again, the fact it spawned three massive hits for Culture club which likely would've been even bigger had airplay been a factor should tell you just how much the Americans loved the new romantic band.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Church of the poison mind #10

Karma chameleon #1

Miss me blind #5

It's a miracle #13

#51 for 1983 (cash box)

#5 for 1984 (#8 cash box)

While it makes sense why Stevie Nicks saw no success in the UK, it was a bit disappointing for me to omit her solo catalogue on that list given how well she did with Fleetwood Mac (that and I'm a huge fan of her.) This was the first of her four solo albums and the one that saw the most success in her homeland, heck she even scored a second hit off of it on Billboard.

Peak position #1x1

Hit singles

Stop dragging my heart around #3

Leather and lace #6

#12 for 1981 (cash box)

#8 for 1982 (#36 cash box)

#61 for 1983

Unlike the rest of the world where this was a huge flop for Boyz II men, this was a massive success for them upon its initial release which means it was a success twice for the RNB group on the Billboard charts. Naturally the deluxe edition boosted its popularity well after its one-year anniversary due to one of the new tracks making history when it was released as a single

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Motownphilly #3 (#3 airplay)

It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday #2 (#5 airplay)

Please don't go #49

End of the road #1 (#1 airplay)

In the still of the nite #3 (#2 airplay)

#27 for 1991 (#26 cash box)

#12 for 1992 (#15 cash box)

#53 for 1993

Here's another victim of the reductive trend of a label refusing to issue singles for an album in order for said album to be a massive success in America, this time it's from the Fugees who had all but one of their singles fail to see the light of day on American shelves in order for the album to get to number one on the album charts. While it's true it wasn't a number one hit anywhere else in the world, who cares about that when you have three massive hits internationally that weren't as such locally?

Peak position #1x4

Hit singles

Fugalee #29

Killing me softly #2 (airplay)

#5 for 1996

#193 for 1997

This is another album that saw tons of backlash upon its initial release, mainly because people have never taken kindly to artistic grave robbery which is what Natalie Cole was accused of when she released this tribute album to her late father. That of course didn't stop this from being a huge success for her given how high it appears on this list as well as in other lists on this site.

Peak position #1x5

Hit singles

Unforgettable #14

#24 for 1991 (#5 cash box)

#18 for 1992 (#13 cash box)

Michael Bolton released five albums to deafening silence before he released this breakthrough in his career, it was such a success in his homeland (despite failing to get to number one) that even the Brits picked up on the action by making it a success in the UK following its success.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

How am I supposed to live without you #1

How can we be lovers #3

When I'm back on my feet again #7

Georgia on my mind #36

#3 for 1990 (#6 cash box)

#53 for 1991

Much like in NZ, this was the Cars biggest hit in their homeland likely due to the band leaning in on the MTV trends which of course still alienates their core fans to this day who love to label this as a sellout. I think the tipping point was when the music videos rivalled that of what MJ or Duran Duran was putting out, as if that somehow affected the quality of the music.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

You might think #7

Magic #12

Drive #3

Hello again #20

#12 for 1984 (#9 cash box)

#49 for 1985

It still boggles my mind that this was Madonna's biggest success in the UK, then again it does have the highest amount of UK chart toppers from her on one studio release. That's also the case in her homeland even if two of the tracks that went to number one on Billboard weren't the ones that did so in the UK.

Peak position #1x5

Hit singles

Live to tell #1

Papa don't preach #1

True blue #3

Open your heart #1

La isla bonita #4

#37 for 1986 (#7 cash box)

#11 for 1987

Unlike the rest of the world, this was a hit upon its initial release on Billboard likely due to her fellow Americans wanting to hear more from her given how well her earlier entry with the Fugees did worldwide. It of course rebounded on the Billboard charts when it was showered with accolades from the Grammies, this of course being the incentive for the rest of the world to check it out.

Peak position #1x4

Hit singles

Doo wop #1 (#2 airplay)

Everything is everything #35

#24 for 1998

#11 for 1999

We have another album that underperformed on the Australian charts being a massive success in America, this time it's the debut album from Boston which was such a success in their homeland that it was a shoe in for success internationally. At least you'd think it was but alas, we Aussies and kiwis weren't too impressed with it.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

More than a feeling #5

#19 for 1976 (cash box)

#5 for 1977 (#3 cash box)

#98 for 1978

In an odd twist of fate, it turns out the solo debut from Lionel Richie proved to be more popular in his homeland than his third album which spawned two of the biggest hits in his catalogue worldwide. Admittedly the lead single here was also a huge success for him here in Australia, so it's not like non-Americans didn't appreciate what he had to offer here.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Truly #1

You are #4

#30 for 1982 (cash box)

#6 for 1983 (#8 cash box)

#33 for 1984 (#100 cash box)