Billboard albums V

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.

It's a bit odd that it's taken us this long to get to a solo entry from Paul McCartney, I guess the Americans weren't as impressed with his 80's output as the rest of the world was even if this spawned his biggest solo hit on Billboard (by solo I mean without Wings or the Beatles.) Unlike the rest of the world (particularly his native UK) he didn't find much success after this album in America.

Peak position #1x3

Hit singles

Ebony and ivory #1

Take it away #10

#28 for 1982 (#14 cash box)

I know that this was America's introduction to Phil Collins given how he found no success with Genesis prior to his solo debut on Billboard, however it's messing with my mind with how low this album is on this list regardless. He wouldn't even score a hit single on Billboard until his second album which was the album which gave him his first chart topper in his native UK.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

In the air tonight #19

I missed again #19

#20 for 1981 (#33 cash box)

Well at least we have an album from Pearl jam that spawned a top twenty hit for them on Billboard, I guess by this stage it was pointless for their label to issue singles in their native America given how their fellow Americans had become accustomed to needing to buy the album in order to own any of their music. In this regard, they found more success in Australia and NZ where this conundrum was non-existent.

Peak position #1x1

Hit singles

Spin the black circle #18

#6 for 1995 (#22 cash box)

While this is the earliest entry from Bob Dylan on this list, you can rest assured that his early 70's catalogue would've flooded this list had I included entries from that period on here. It seems weird that this guy managed to retain his popularity worldwide during the second half of the decade given how many of his contemporaries failed to do so.

Peak position #1x2

#40 for 1975 (#29 cash box)

It appears that the success the Village people had in their homeland was more balanced between their singles and albums as opposed to here in Australia where they were more of a singles artist. That said, their first two albums were complete duds on Billboard, meaning the LGBT group managed to achieve far more success in Australia throughout their career than they did in their homeland.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Y.M.C.A #2

#100 for 1978 (cash box)

#12 for 1979 (#24 cash box)

So, you thought the disco backlash had an impact on the music scene in America? Well, allow me to present you with this entry from George Benson who spiced up his jazz sound from the 70's with disco elements for massive success in his homeland. Obviously, this was a bigger hit internationally, however he went against conventional wisdom and was rewarded with massive success for his efforts.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Give me the night #4

Love x love #61

#26 for 1980 (cash box)

Well at least this second solo album from Phil Collins gave him a hit on Billboard, again it wasn't as big in America as it was in his native UK, however at least its placement on here is an improvement to my Australian list where it was fairly low and my NZ list where it's completely absent.

Peak position #8

Hit singles

You can't hurry love #10

#21 for 1983 (#33 cash box)

It's a good thing this was a massive success for Living colour in NZ otherwise we'd have to slip over their debut album on this list which was indeed a massive success for them in their homeland. I'm not sure why this didn't appeal to us Aussies other than the fact that maybe it's a bit ahead of its time, this does feel like something RHCP would release during their heyday after all.

Peak position #6

Hit singles

Cult of personality #13

Glamour boys #31

Open letter #82

#13 for 1989 (#15 cash box)

Even though we've just passed the halfway mark for this list, this feels like a bit of a stumble for Sting given how it was sandwiched between his previous two entries on this list. This barely made it on the Australian side of my site, suggesting that it was only a success due to how big Sting was coming into the 90's.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

All this time #5

#46 for 1991 (#6 cash box)

I really do need to watch the Wayne's world films given how much I like Mike Myers other films, what I do know is that both of them were a cultural phenomenon back in the day due to how much money they made at the box office as well as how big the soundtrack was in America. It's possible "Bohemian rhapsody" recharted in America not because of Freddie Mercury's death but because of its usage in the film.

Peak position #1x2

#33 for 1992 (#24 cash box)

Given how Pink Floyd is a rock band, it makes sense that they did far better in America than they did in their homeland despite being a non-American artist. Again, we have the far more pleasing art style for this entry as opposed to the infamous original art which depicted a business meeting with one of the participants on fire.

Peak position #1x2

#14 for 1975 (cash box)

I'm not that big on 80's teen flicks, however even I can admit that Pretty in pink holds up remarkably well due to its coming-of-age tale about a poor girl earning the love of a rich boy at a high school. It was a massive box office success as well as spawning a massive soundtrack which put Orchestral manoeuvres in the dark on the Billboard map.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

If you leave #4

#50 for 1986 (#24 cash box)

Much like Pink Floyd, Led zeppelin is another band from the UK that found more success in America for no other reason than their fellow Brits allergic reaction to rock and roll. Here they are with this album sandwiched between their previous two entries on this list which is far higher on this list than their top entry on my UK list.

Peak position #1x2

#47 for 1976 (#35 cash box)

This was another entry that only barely made it onto the Australian side of my site, as such it was a shoe in for this list given how successful this breakthrough album was for the Average white band (I can't even with that name.) This wasn't their only successful album in their homeland; however, this was a one off for them internationally as their other candidates for this list were all flops outside of America.

Peak position #1x1

Hit singles

Pick up the pieces #1

#8 for 1975 (#7 cash box)

Even though this spawned the second hip hop track to top the Australian charts, it was a massive flop here and only makes the list due to how well it did in NZ for Young MC who gave him a different hit on their charts. Either way, we Aussies and kiwis were late to the party as he had already scored a massive hit with this album in his homeland half a year prior to when it saw the light of day here.

Peak position #9

Hit singles

Bust a move #7

Principal's office #33

I come off #75

#25 for 1990 (#40 cash box)

Although this failed to top the Billboard charts just like is also failed to top the UK charts, at least this lasted longer on the upper echelons of the former charts for it to be considerably higher on this list as opposed to my UK list from a while back. This is despite the fact the singles did rather poorly on Billboard, that's right, the infamous "Barbie girl" was only a decent hit at best in America.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

Barbie girl #7

Lollipop #23

Turn back time #49

#74 for 1997

#36 for 1998

This is the album that many credit for kickstarting the second British invasion on the Billboard charts, although what's interesting is that it only spawned one hit on the American charts even if it's their signature track which is treated as their debut single over there. Although they had other hits in America, this was their only successful album and thus their only candidate for this list.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Don't you want me #1

#29 for 1982 (#28 cash box)

Although he had some success prior to this album in his homeland, this was the earliest entry from Prince's discography to be a candidate for this list as said success was for his singles rather than his albums. This makes the cut due to it being a huge success for him in NZ, although the singles did well here in Australia which evens out what it achieved in both countries.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

1999 #12

Little red corvette #6

Delirious #8

#5 for 1983 (#18 cash box)

#22 for 1984 (#99 cash box)

Unlike in the UK where this was a minor hit at best for George Harrison, this was a massive success for him in America likely due to how big the lead single was on the Billboard charts for him. This is his final solo album in his catalogue, however he did find further success as a member of the Travelin wilburys with their earlier entry on this list.

Peak position #8

Hit singles

Got my mind set on you #1

When we was fab #23

#31 for 1988 (#24 cash box)

This was a bit late to the party when it comes to the contemporary Christian craze of the 90's in America as that was a thing during the height of Amy Grant's mainstream breakthrough (we'll get to that in a bit) however that didn't prevent this album from Bob Carlisle from finding massive success in his homeland with this number which encouraged us Aussies to check it out.

Peak position #1x2

#32 for 1997

In a bit of a bizarre twist, this had a different album cycle for Julio Iglesias in America which likely resulted in it not being as successful on Billboard as it was in Australia or NZ for the Latin crooner. I guess to try an appeal to an American market, he went with his collaboration with Diana Ross as its lead single over there as opposed to the much more lucrative collaboration he had with Willie Nelson.

Peak position #6

Hit singles

All of you #19

To all the girls I've loved before #5

#40 for 1984 (#18 cash box)

Although it appears much higher on this list compared to my Australian and NZ lists, I should point out that this soundtrack from Stevie Wonder for the 80's flick Woman in red (which I haven't seen as of this writing) shares the exact same stats on Billboard as it does in both countries from the southern hemisphere. I guess I should also point out that this was the moment internet historians decree as his "suckage period."

Peak position #4

Hit singles

I just called to say I love you #1

#27 for 1984 (cash box)

#53 for 1985

Given how he saw massive success as a solo act and with Led zeppelin, it only makes sense that this supergroup led by Robert Plant would be a huge success for him in America just like it was here in Australia. As this was a one-off project, it naturally means that the name Honeydrippers (a stupid name at that) doesn't appear at any other point on the Billboard charts.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Sea of love #3

#31 for 1984 (cash box)

#58 for 1985

Had it been an international success, we would still have Panorama to look forward to on this list as that was a decent success for the Cars in their homeland. This was also a massive hit for them in their homeland, so much so that it served as their comeback here in Australia given how much of a failure their previous album was on our charts.

Peak position #9

Hit singles

Shake it up #4

#80 for 1981 (cash box)

#34 for 1982 (#38 cash box)

Even though it was as much a critical and commercial disaster in America as it was internationally, the reception to Under the cherry moon wasn't enough to deter Prince's fellow Americans in making its soundtrack a success like it somewhat was for us Aussies and kiwis. Indeed, we Aussies and kiwis likely don't realise that this was a tie in to the infamously bad film given how much the music overshadows it.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Kiss #1

Mountains #23

Anotherloverholenyohead #63

#44 for 1986 (#21 cash box)

While there weren't a lot of non-American artists finding success on Billboard throughout the 70's, the Rolling stones was among the lucky few that did as this was another easy chart topper for the band in America just like it was internationally. Even the lead single managed to become a genuine hit for them over there where it wasn't internationally.

Peak position #1x4

Hit singles

Fool to cry #10

#35 for 1976 (#22 cash box)

Even though this was a massive success for the fictitious family in America like it was everywhere in the world (except here in Australia) it appears that the lead single "Do the Bartman" never saw the light of day on Billboard despite it being a massive worldwide chart topper for them (more specifically, Bart.) This means the second single was the only one that charted on Billboard from the album.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Deep deep trouble #69

#28 for 1991 (#31 cash box)

Given how well this did throughout the world, you'd think this debut album from Macy Gray would at least match its success on Billboard. It turns out her fellow Americans were thoroughly unimpressed with this album and likely only made it a hit due to how big the second single was in Australia, NZ and the UK despite it fitting in on Eryka Badu's album from my bonus list.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

I try #5 (#4 airplay)

#21 for 2000

Much like in the UK, this was only a success in America upon its initial release for Genesis as opposed to it lingering around for most of the 80's in NZ, likely to make up for its complete failure here in Australia. While Genesis was never that well respected in prog circles (unless we're talking about the Peter Gabriel era) many feel this is where they became a mere side project for Phil Collins rather than a prog band.

Peak position #9

Hit singles

Mama #73

#45 for 1983 (cash box)

#34 for 1984 (#23 cash box)

Much like the rest of the world, this was a comeback for the Who on the Billboard charts given how their mid 70's output didn't exactly light up their charts. Their output in America was almost identical to what they achieved in their homeland, meaning their material from the early 70's would be on here had I included albums from that time period.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Who are you #14

#25 for 1978 (cash box)

Given how Phil Collins had a massive breakthrough in America with Face value months prior to when this album from his band came out, you can imagine the sudden rise of interest Americans had for Genesis which propelled this up the Billboard charts far higher than what it achieved internationally.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

Abacab #26

#51 for 1981 (cash box)

#12 for 1982

I may have over emphasised how much of a failure this sophomore album was for Hootie and the blowfish in their native America given how it still has a fairly high placement on this list even if it's pitiful compared to what their earlier entry achieved even internationally. Even though there's a two-year gap between both entries, this was a rushed release due to how long it took their earlier album to find success.

Peak position #1x2

Hit singles

Old man and me #13 (#7 airplay)

#21 for 1996

This is another album that only appeared on my 1999 yearend list due to my insistence on filling it up with as many available candidates from that year as possible, meaning that once again we likely have an album on here that didn't do too well here in Australia back in the day. It did remarkably well however in Smash mouth's homeland given how they were on a roll with their singles on the radio.

Peak position #6

Hit singles

All star #4 (#1 airplay)

Then the morning comes #11 (#8 airplay)

#34 for 1999

#55 for 2000

Although their debut album is still to come on this list, it appears Heat wasn't as popular overall in America as they were here in Australia which makes me think they were an early international guest from a lost episode of Countdown if they achieved such success here back in the day. I guess this early success here in Australia explains why their 80's output didn't do so well with us Aussies.

Peak position #9

Hit singles

Barracuda #11

#46 for 1977 (#25 cash box)

If you thought these guys would have all their entries I've featured on this site so far appear on this list, that's only accurate for the Australian side as their 1976 effort The royal scam was only a success in NZ which means the kiwis somehow got a hold of that album from the duo despite its failure in America. Indeed, their final album from their initial run wasn't any more successful on Billboard than it was here in Australia.

Peak position #9

Hit singles

Hey nineteen #10

#29 for 1981 (#28 cash box)

Unlike here in Australia where the Prodigy had some success prior to the release of their third album, I'm not sure how the Americans got a hold of this album given how they never had any success with any of their singles or with any of their other albums on Billboard throughout the years. I guess this was a success over there purely from the media frenzy it's singles caused in their native UK.

Peak position #1x1

Hit singles

Firestarter #30

Smack my bitch up #89

#37 for 1997

#128 for 1998

This is another album I somewhat cheated to allow to be on this site, all I can say is that 1999 was a particularly strange year for albums here in Australia. This wasn't the case for Lou Bega on Billboard as despite being the definitive one hit wonder, still managed to score massive success with his debut album in America due to how inescapably popular the lead single was.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Mambo no 5 #3 (#1 airplay)

#61 for 1999

#36 for 2000

It certainly took us a while to get to this debut album from Sade, however that's more due to it being a sleeper hit in America given how it rebounded on the Billboard charts following the success of their top entry on this list. We still have one more entry to get to from the English band, meaning they have all their albums from the twentieth century on this list if we include the bonus entries.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

Your love is king #54

Smooth operator #5

Hang on to your love #14

#24 for 1985 (#16 cash box)

#61 for 1986

This is among the most recent entries on this list, in fact many consider this an album from 2001 given how the big hit wasn't released as a physical single until that year despite being played on the radio following the album's release. In fact, "Ms Jackson" isn't even the lead single, meaning this album made it big without having a charting single on Billboard initially.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Ms Jackson #1 (#4 airplay)

So fresh so clean #30

#104 for 2000

#16 for 2001

It appears that the Americans weren't as impressed with Neil Diamond's catalogue from the second half of the 70's as the rest of the world was, I guess they didn't know who Robbie Robertson was despite his band err.... the Band seeing success with Bob Dylan in America prior to this album's release. In any case, Neil seemed to be a rare exception to American artists getting pushed aside for local talent here in Australia.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

If you know what I mean #11

#80 for 1976 (#26 cash box)

Given how this album was a massive hit for Edie Brickle in NZ, it was a shoe in for this list where it did much better for the folk singer/songwriter right as the 80's was coming to an end. You may have noticed an absence of female singer/songwriters from this time period on this list, that's because they were all more popular in Australia and NZ than they were in America with Edie being a rare exception.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

What I am #7

#18 for 1989 (#18 cash box)

This is the only other entry from the Who that was a candidate for this list, again they would've had more had I included the early 70's for this ranking. It seems odd that these guys would have their final success right when the MTV era was about to launch regardless of where in the world you're from.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

You better you bet #18

#74 for 1981 (#34 cash box)

If I included entries from the early 70's on this list, then rest assured that we would've seen both entries from Alice Cooper from my early 70's list on this list already. It's true that he was a much bigger deal in the UK than he was in his homeland initially, however his fellow Americans were nonetheless impressed with his early output. Much like us Aussies, they also didn't discard him when he went in a more mainstream direction like the Brits did.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

Only women bleed #12

Department of youth #67

#23 for 1975 (#20 cash box)

I should point out that the main reason why many albums from the 70's are appearing so much lower in this list than my other all-time lists on this site is simply due to the stiffer competition they each had on Billboard compared to the rest of the world. Wings appearing lower on this list with their third album doesn't mean it was less successful on Billboard than it was internationally so much as it needing to compete with so many albums that I've skipped over so far.

Peak position #1x1

Hit singles

Listen to what the man said #1

Letting go #39

#58 for 1975 (#30 cash box)

#45 for 1976

Given how he saw massive success with the Travelin wilburys from earlier on this list, it was inevitable that Roy Orbison would see success as a solo artist in his homeland just like he did internationally with his final album. Who knows how much longer his career would've gone for had he lived to see the 90's, odds are he would've thrived in that decade given its fondness for crooners like him.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

You got it #9

#42 for 1989 (#17 cash box)

I know I've mocked the idea of music snobs hating most if not all the entries on this list due to how inescapably popular they were in America back in the day, however this is the one entry on here that feels like it was tailor made to make fun of these trolls as this was coming off an entire decade of number one hits that Mariah Carey had in her homeland.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

When you believe #15

I still believe #4

#19 for 1999

Whereas this was the most successful hip hop album here in Australia throughout the 90's, it was far from the most popular in Arrested development's homeland as evidence by what's come before it on this list. That said, it was an immediate success for them on Billboard just like it was in the UK as opposed to it being a sleeper hit in Australia and NZ.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

Tennessee #6 (#10 airplay)

People everyday #8 (#10 airplay)

Mr wendal #6 (#6 airplay)

Revolution #90

#54 for 1992

#26 for 1993 (#19 cash box)

I would say that the Americans would only allow Elton John to have success if he was working with Bernie Taupin, except that isn't the case as his next successful album in America was his 1992 effort which we won't be looking at for quite some time on this list. I guess you can say that he was a 70's artist who sporadically found success in the 80's and 90's as far as the Americans were concerned.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Sorry seems to be the hardest word #11

#44 for 1976 (cash box)

#80 for 1977 (#69 cash box)

This is one of only two entries from Eric Clapton that were candidates for my list, the other was his 1977 effort which I've already covered on the bonus section of this list as that was only a success in America for some reason. Indeed, this only makes it on here due to it being a modest success here in Australia for the troubled English blues legend.

Peak position #8

Hit singles

Promises #9

#42 for 1979 (#41 cash box)

Although this wasn't the American's introduction to Queen, it was the first taste of success the band had in America even if it was pitiful compared to what it achieved internationally. This is once again the result of Americans not being as kind to international bands and artists as they were with local talent, that and these guys had to compete with a bunch of soul albums that all bombed outside of America.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Bohemian rhapsody #9

You're my best friend #16

#8 for 1976 (#9 cash box)

It's been a while since Madonna has graced us with her presence on this list, hasn't it? Here she is with the soundtrack to her most critically acclaimed film Evita which was indeed a massive hit for her in America just like it was internationally. This is likely Americans introduction to the Andrew Lloyd Webber show given how the concept album from two decades prior was a bomb on Billboard.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

You must love me #18

Don't cry for me Argentina #8 (#5 airplay)

#26 for 1997

Regardless of where you land on this film from the Batman saga, there's no denying it was a massive hit back in the day and that it had a killer soundtrack to boot. It was a comeback of sorts for the franchise given how Batman returns didn't chart anywhere in the world, possibly because it was merely a score album which didn't have any singing on it.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

Hold me thrill me kiss me kill me #16

Kiss from a rose #1 (#1 airplay)

#48 for 1995 (#27 cash box)

We're this far into the list and we've only come across our second entry from the compilations section from the Beatles discography, I guess the Americans weren't as starry eyed about their back catalogue as the rest of the world was given how there won't be too many other albums from the fab four going down this list.

Peak position #2

#90 for 1976 (#43 cash box)

For the most part, Rita Coolidge is fairly well respected in female singer/songwriter circles. The only exception being her biggest hit from this album due to it being a cover of a Jackie Wilson classic which naturally upsets fans of the RNB legend to this day. It didn't prevent it or the album that spawned it from being a massive worldwide hit back in the day (if anything it enhanced its success.)

Peak position #6

Hit singles

Higher and higher #2

We're all alone #7

#43 for 1977 (#42 cash box)

#100 for 1978

This album is proof that good intentions mean nothing when the product you're offering is hypocritical by its very nature, after all this is a bunch of multi billionaires telling people who were struggling with financial woes from the 80's to donate to charities which turned out to be a bunch of scams meant to empower corrupt organisations. Naturally audiences fell for the charity worldwide, with Americans being the most gullible of the bunch.

Peak position #1x3

Hit singles

We are the world #1

#76 for 1985 (#20 cash box)

This is one of only two entries from the Eurythmic on this list, it makes sense they didn't see the dizzying heights of success on Billboard that they did internationally given they were a British act and all. What is interesting is that their other entry on here won't be their debut even though that spawned their biggest hit in America, I guess they were initially considered a singles artist over there.

Peak position #9

Hit singles

Would I lie to you #5

There must be an angel #22

Sisters are doing it for themselves #18

It's alright #78

#54 for 1985 (#33 cash box)

Although he saw very little success throughout the world during his time with Steelers wheel, it appears that Gerry Rafferty had no issue with finding massive success with his solo debut despite it being far from the most successful album in his homeland. It saw the bulk of its success here in Australia (likely due to a Countdown performance that's now lost media) however it was also a big hit in America for him.

Peak position #6

Hit singles

Baker street #2

Right down the line #12

#38 for 1978 (#22 cash box)

We're slowly running out of entries from Bruce Springsteen on this list given how we're not covering his output from the 21st century, that said, this did far better in his homeland than it did here in Australia throughout the 70's even though he was one of the lucky few American artists to overcome Countdown's stranglehold of our charts back then.

Peak position #5

#68 for 1978 (#38 cash box)

If he had more success with his albums here in Australia throughout the 70's, then you can rest assured this wouldn't be Barry Manilow's final entry on this list as it appears we Aussies were only interested in his singles and not so much his albums back in the day. That said, this feels like a turning point in his career as the Brits became interested in his music right when his fellow Americans began growing tired of it.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Can't smile without you #3

Copacabana #8

#16 for 1978 (#14 cash box)

In a bit of a bizarre twist, Gloria Gaynor's breakthrough album from 1975 was only as such here in Australia given how that was a massive bomb for her on Billboard for some reason. Fast forward four years and she finally manages to score that level of success at home with this album which was only a moderate hit at best down under, I guess we Aussies had moved on to Donna Summer by this point.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

I will survive #1

#40 for 1979 (#52 cash box)

Well, this certainly saw a reduction in the ranking compared to where it landed on my other all-time lists on this site, I guess Americans weren't too interested in U2 experimenting with industrial rock on this album which is odd because their fellow Brits were ecstatic about it given how high it appeared on that list and the Brits allergies to rock and roll especially in the 90's.

Peak position #1x2

Hit singles

Stay #61

#29 for 1993 (#22 cash box)

This was somewhat of a comeback for Bruce Springsteen given how his two albums from 1992 didn't exactly light up the charts anywhere in the world, it serves as a reminder of how great he was in his back catalogue and (in my opinion) would've been the perfect place to end his career on.

Peak position #1x2

#38 for 1995 (#33 cash box)

This is the only other entry from Supertramp on this list, I honestly thought they were able to find success in America throughout the 70's despite being a non-American act at a time where they usually struggled for success on Billboard. The only question left is how on earth we Aussies and especially kiwis came across their material to make it a success in the first place.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

It's raining again #11

#54 for 1982 (cash box)

#54 for 1983 (#59 cash box)

Although it's still a mystery as to how these guys managed to find massive success in America given how they were far from the most popular band here in Australia, there's no denying that Air supply had taken the Billboard charts by storm during the first stretch of the 80's which makes sense why their greatest hits album did as well over there as it did over here.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

Making love out of nothing at all #2

#36 for 1983 (cash box)

#57 for 1984 (#97 cash box)

This is the only live album from the brothers Gibb we'll be looking at on this list as their 1998 effort was a complete dud for them on Billboard (as was everything they released after the 70's.) This was at the height of their popularity as well as one of the many success stories which led to disco's dominance by the end of the decade.

Peak position #8

#51 for 1977 (#31 cash box)

#21 for 1978 (#99 cash box)

Although it's widely regarded as one of the worst movies of all time, there's a good chance that Xanadu is playing as a daytime movie somewhere in the world as you're reading this, meaning that it still has its fans to this day. It might be due to the soundtrack which while not as successful in America as it was internationally, still managed to spawn one of the biggest hits of the 80's on Billboard.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Magic #1

I'm alive #16

Xanadu #8

Suddenly #20

#20 for 1980 (cash box)

Unlike the rest of the world where there was anticipation for this final album from Elvis Presley, there's a good chance that this would've gone unnoticed in his homeland had he not tragically passed away short after its release. After combing through the Billboard charts (a task I don't recommend anyone take) I can confirm that his fellow Americans weren't too interested in keeping his memory alive with compilation albums like the rest of the world was.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Moody blue #31

Way down #18

#34 for 1977 (cash box)

This is the other successful album that Rickie Lee Jones had in her career, even in her homeland, she didn't have any further success after this likely dye to her failing to adapt to the MTV era like so many of her contemporaries from the time. At least she had international success which is more than I can say for many of those contemporaries.

Peak position #5

#43 for 1981 (cash box)

Even in her homeland, this felt like a rush release for Jewel given how long it took for her debut album to take off worldwide. That said, it did surprisingly well given how she went from literal rags to riches following the surprise success of her earlier entry, although her more polished albums from the 21st century didn't do much to sustain her popularity.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Hands #6 (#3 airplay)

Down so long #59

#63 for 1998

#13 for 1999

Given how he was one of the few artists to survive Countdown's purge of non-Australian artists throughout the 70's, you'd think that Neil Young would've had more success with his albums from that point of his career on Billboard. Apart from his magnum opus Harvest which easily would've appeared much higher on this list had it been eligible to do so, this was the best he could do in America.

Peak position #8

#43 for 1979 (cash box)

#78 for 1980

Do I even need to point out that we Aussies screwed up with the album cycle for this entry? Even the Americans got it right which is why this was more of a success on Billboard than it was here in Australia for the Pet shop boys back in the day. That said, they're a one album wonder in America as their subsequent releases each failed to become candidates for this list.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

West end girls #1

Love comes quickly #62

Opportunities #10

Suburbia #70

#39 for 1986 (#38 cash box)

From what I can gather, this was a rush release from Barbra Streisand's soundtrack with Kris Kristofferson from earlier on this list. The fact this could not only be a success in her homeland but also a decent success here in Australia should tell you just how well loved she was in both countries throughout the 70's.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

My heart belongs to me #4

#84 for 1977 (#32 for cash box)

Led zeppelin may have been no more, however that didn't prevent frontman Robert Plant from finding success on his own regardless of where in the world you're from throughout the 80's. Much like in his homeland, this was also the biggest solo hit for him in America despite that honour going to his second album here in Australia and NZ.

Peak position #5

#19 for 1982 (cash box)

If you can believe it, this wasn't David Lee Roth's biggest success in America (that honour goes to his solo debut which you can find on my bonus section of this list.) It appears we Aussies had enough love for his back catalogue with Van Halen to make this a modest success here which in turn allowed it onto the list proper for the hair metal legend.

Peak position #6

Hit singles

Just like paradise #6

#42 for 1988 (#18 cash box)

Given how non-American artists weren't that popular in America throughout the 70's, I'm afraid there won't be much of an improvement for David Bowie on this list which means he was more of a cult favourite back in the day that only got the respect he deserves once the internet declared he deserved it.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Golden years #10

#51 for 1976 (#79 cash box)

It may be considered one of the worst films of all time, however I struggle to understand how the accompanying soundtrack to the film adaptation of the Beatles classic was considered a failure given how frequently it's appeared throughout my site to suggest otherwise. While I'm sure that most Beatles fans like to pretend this never existed, the fact is that it does and at least at the time, had tons of fans.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

Got to get you into my life #9

Oh darling #15

#28 for 1978 (cash box)

Although it wasn't as well received as the first film, the second Beverly Hills cop flick was nonetheless a massive critical and commercial success back in the day which of course led to the soundtrack being a massive success in America as well as a decent success here in Australia. I even didn't mind the third entry even if the formula had long worn out its welcome by 1994.

Peak position #8

Hit singles

Shakedown #1

I want your sex #2

Cross my broken heart #7

#69 for 1987 (#32 cash box)

Both of Enigma's albums featured throughout this site will be accounted for on this list, this being the bigger of the two in America thanks to the lead single being far more popular on the Billboard charts than they one from their debut album two years prior. You may have noticed that new age wasn't as popular in America as it was internationally, don't worry, we'll be getting to those entries soon enough.

Peak position #9

Hit singles

Return to innocence #4 (#7 airplay)

#42 for 1994 (#13 cash box)

Much like the rest of the world, this was the final successful album from Duran Duran on Billboard throughout the 80's as they wouldn't have another success again until 1993 when they had a surprise hit with their second self-titled album. Also like the rest of the world, they had the occasional hit here and there between these two releases, suggesting their decline in popularity was due to them losing their flashy imagery.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

The wild boys #2

#65 for 1984 (cash box)

#61 for 1985

Well, they may have unexpectedly called it quits due to that infamous LA concert in 1980, however that didn't mean fans of the Eagles were ready to see them go as evidence by this live album being a massive worldwide success for them. If you've read my bonus list, you'll know that the band saw massive success when hell froze over in 1994 in their homeland.

Peak position #6

#61 for 1980 (cash box)

#67 for 1981 (#56 cash box)

If you can believe it, the Americans weren't too interested in the second volume of Queen's greatest hits package even when Freddie Mercury tragically passed away like the rest of the world was. They quickly changed their minds when Wayne's world honoured his legacy by playing "Bohemian rhapsody" in the film which resulted in Queen's label combining both greatest hits albums into one for an American exclusive release.

Peak position #4

#34 for 1992 (#22 cash box)

#60 for 1993

It's hard to say if this was a success in America (or throughout the world for that matter) due to Bon Jovi's popularity or the success of Young guns II at the box office, either way it was a huge success for both parties particularly on Billboard where the former scored his fifth chart topper even if it was his first as a solo artist.

Peak position #3

Hit singles

Blaze of glory #1

Miracle #12

#65 for 1990 (#28 cash box)

#92 for 1991

This is the only other entry from the Eurythmics on this list given how the rest of their catalogue was a massive failure in America, although it's worth noting this only took off on Billboard due to the success of its third and final single even though it was a dud everywhere else in the world for the duo. If you've read any other part of my site, you'll know these two ruled the 80's throughout the rest of the world.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

Who's that girl #21

Right by your side #29

Here comes the rain again #4

#27 for 1984 (#22 cash box)

I sorted cheated when I allowed this on the Australian side of my site as I felt this album was a success on the AMR charts provided you removed all those pesky compilation albums from the charts, as such it allows me to feature this debut album from Snow on this list which was a much bigger success in America due to how inescapable the lead single was throughout the world.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

Informer #1 (#4 airplay)

Girl I've been hurt #19

#41 for 1993 (#31 cash box)

It took us long enough, but we finally have our first Christmas album on this list which naturally suffered in this ranking due to how these albums tend to be pulled from shelves once the festive season is over. It's also worth mentioning that this only made the cut for this list due to it being a hit in NZ as we Aussies were thoroughly unimpressed with this festive offering from Celine.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

I'm your angel #1

#23 for 1999

If this album feels a bit low to you, that's because it actually rebounded on the Australian charts during its run here which of course boosted its popularity back in the day. This wasn't the case for the Billboard charts, although I should point out this isn't the only album from Gloria Estefan that found more success outside her homeland than it did at home.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

Coming out of the dark #1 (#12 airplay)

#40 for 1991 (#28 cash box)

I'm as shocked as you are that Neil Diamond didn't find that much success in his homeland during the second half of the decade, I always assumed we Aussies were simply more interested in our local talent than what he had to offer but upon constructing this list, it turns out we may have liked him more at this point in his career than his fellow Americans did.

Peak position #6

Hit singles

Desiree #16

#72 for 1978 (#47 cash box)

We'll we've finally looked at all through of Robert Plant's solo entries on this list, again it's crazy to think that the success he had on his own in America was the inverse of what it was here in Australia and NZ but here we are. This actually includes his work with the Honeydrippers as if you'll recall, that was featured prior to his third album on this list.

Peak position #8

Hit singles

Big log #20

In the mood #39

#20 for 1983 (cash box)

The success of this greatest hits album makes more sense in America given how much more popular Linda Ronstadt was at this point in her career on Billboard compared to here in Australia where this served more as a gateway to her back catalogue we Aussies overlooked prior to her finding success with Simple dreams here.

Peak position #6

#20 for 1977 (#19 cash box)

#66 for 1978

Given how he was back in everyone's good books due to his appearance on MTV unplugged, this allowed Eric Clapton to find instant success with the first album he released following that PR miracle. It was a short-lived comeback in America just like it was internationally as aside from scoring a huge with from the Phenomenon soundtrack, his subsequent follow ups all failed worldwide.

Peak position #1x1

#64 for 1994 (#30 cash box)

#65 for 1995

Whereas the rest of the world couldn't get enough of Madonna throughout the 90's, it appears her fellow Americans were a bit mixed on her music given how low this iconic entry from her appears on this list. We'll be getting to the rest of her 90's output as we go further down this list, however we're definitively no longer featuring albums that were inescapable in America.

Peak position #2

Hit singles

Frozen #2 (#7 airplay)

Ray of light #5

The power of goodbye #11

Nothing really matters #93

#18 for 1998

#98 for 1999

It may surprise you to learn that this was the Jackson 5's biggest success in their homeland, granted they would have a ton of entries in my bonus list had I allowed material from the early 70's on here, however this would still outrank anything else they released in their catalogue. I get the feeling this was only the case due to how inescapable Thriller was at the time of its release.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

State of shock #3

Torture #17

#74 for 1984 (#24 cash box)

Even though she had success in America prior to this magnum opus, Bonnie Tyler is a one album wonder on Billboard just like she is everywhere else in the world given how none of her other albums managed to capitalise off the surprising number of hit singles she's had over the years like this one did for what many consider to be her signature track.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Total eclipse of the heart #1

#23 for 1983 (cash box)

One trend from the 90's you may have noticed the absence of is the return of oldies, that is, artists from the midpoint of the twentieth century finding success one last time before said century came to an end. We have our first entry in that category from Frank Sinatra who scored the biggest hit in America with this duet's album.

Peak position #2

#23 for 1994

Although this is an album many feels is best forgotten in Elton John's catalogue, it isn't mainly due to how inescapable it was in American upon its initial release due to the success of its lead single. Even back then, the song was problematic despite it getting to number one on Billboard, mainly for its misguided intentions of humanising black female sex workers.

Peak position #1x3

Hit singles

Island girl #1

Grow some funk of your own #14

#5 for 1975 (cash box)

#37 for 1976 (#44 cash box)

It's tough to say if this album took off in America because the second single was so inescapable or if it was due to all the buzz it received here in Australia, either way it was a massive hit for Alannah Myles on Billboard just like it was internationally despite it having a lukewarm reception in her native Canada. Even though there's no gimmick to its success, she remains a one album wonder to this day worldwide.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

Love is #36

Black velvet #1

#39 for 1990 (#32 cash box)

Whereas this album's international success felt like a gimmick due to the runaway success of its second single, it feels more earned in the quartet's native America given how RNB had taken over the Billboard charts by the time it saw the light of day. They were all set to have further success with their second album, however that success never came to be for whatever reason.

Peak position #7

Hit singles

So much in love #5 (#6 airplay)

I swear #1 (#1 airplay)

Skillz #57

#39 for 1994 (#26 cash box)

#104 for 1995

Whereas these guys were able to score two massive hits from this album internationally, they were a true one hit wonder in America as only the lead single had any traction on the Billboard charts back in the day. I'm honestly not sure how to assess this album's success in America as you'd think the alien gimmick from the music videos would've allowed the other singles to at least chart over there.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Blue #6 (#6 airplay)

#29 for 2000

Given how the lead single was a massive worldwide success for Wild cherry, it only makes sense that their debut album would find success here in Australia where so many of their contemporaries failed to do so. That said, you'd think that they would've had further success in their homeland given how funk and disco reigned supreme throughout the 70's, these factors did the band no favours on Billboard.

Peak position #5

Hit singles

Play that funky music #1

#40 for 1976 (cash box)

Unlike here in Australia where this was only a success for Tina Turner due to the surprise success of its third single here, this was an instant success for her in NZ and her native America due to how popular the lead single was in both countries. I will say that it's interesting that her next album flopped in both countries given how well it did down under and especially in the UK.

Peak position #4

Hit singles

Typical male #2

Two people #30

What you get is what you see #13

#49 for 1986 (cash box)

#37 for 1987

Bonus Billboard albums #1

As a bonus, I'm also going to include entries I've skipped over on the main list given how we've established that internet circles revolve around American pop culture more than anything. I won't include album art here as honestly; I don't want to glorify them on this site due to their failure to connect with us Aussies and kiwis.

Garth Brooks-Ropin the wind #1x18

This is one of two entries from Garth Brooks in this section, he was inescapable in his homeland throughout the 90's due to the love his fellow Americans had for country music.

#79 for 1991 (#38 cash box)

#1 for 1992 (#1 cash box)

#68 for 1993

Garth Brooks-No fences #3

This is the other bonus entry from the country legend on here, don't worry we'll be getting to his one international crossover soon enough.

#2 for 1991

#6 for 1992 (#19 cash box)

#47 for 1993

Journey-Escape #1x1

I've mentioned them plenty of times throughout this site, however it's worth noting that these guys were never popular internationally until "Don't stop believing" (which appears on this album) was covered by Glee in 2009.

Hit singles

Open arms #2

#6 for 1981 (cash box)

#6 for 1982 (#6 cash box)

#34 for 1983

Def Leppard-Pyromania #2

It turns out Def Leppard's entry on this list wasn't their big break in America as this managed to put them on the map over there four years prior to when Hysteria took over the hair metal scene.

#8 for 1983 (#2 cash box)

#31 for 1984 (#80 cash box)

Kid Rock-Devil without a cause #4

For the uninitiated, this is the guy that brought us "All summer long" in 2008 as well as (in my opinion) one of the biggest culture war grifters of the last ten years. A wise man once said, "don't listen to Kid rock." I can't remember who said that, although he has a weird obsession with the Mars Volta if memory serves me.

Hit singles

Cowboy #82

#14 for 1999

#15 for 2000

Nsync-Nsync #2

This was slightly bigger than the boy band's earlier entry on this list, it only made a splash internationally due to the surprise hit of "I want you back" a year after its initial release.

Hit singles

I want you back #13

Tearing up my heart #59 (#15 airplay)

#22 for 1998

#4 for 1999

#93 for 2000

Eagles-Hell freezes over #1x2

This is the live album from the Eagles when hell finally froze over in 1994 to allow them to embark on their reunion tour, had I allowed entries that made the ARIA year end list for the 90's, it would've appeared on the 1995 list. It didn't because though it stuck around on the lower half of the top 100, it wasn't a hit in Australia or NZ.

#4 for 1995 (#5 cash box)

#82 for 1996

Space jam soundtrack #2

The film might've divided critics back in the day, however there's no denying that Space jam was a massive box office hit that's (rightfully) gained critical re-examination in recent years as a fun update of the Looney tunes for 90's audiences. Either way, the soundtrack was inescapable on the Billboard charts due to how many singles there were on it.

Hit singles

I believe I can fly #2 (#9 airplay)

Space jam #37

Fly like an eagle #10 (#12 airplay)

For you I will #4 (#4 airplay)

#4 for 1997

#189 for 1998

Styx-Paradise theatre #1x3

Styx may be considered a one album wonder internationally, however the pseudo prog band had plenty of success in their homeland well into the 80's with this being their best effort on Billboard.

Hit singles

The best of time #3

#6 for 1981 (#2 cash box)

Bell Biv Deveo-Poison #5

This might've made the list had I bothered to expand my NZ lists like I did for my Australian lists on this site. The kiwis passed up the album in favour of the singles as opposed to the trio's fellow American's who balanced out the success of the album with the singles upon their initial release.

Hit singles

Poison #3

Do me #3

BBD #26

#12 for 1990 (#4 cash box)

#33 for 1991

Dr dre-The chronic #3

I just had to mention this hip-hop magnum opus on this list as I know I'll get a bunch of "where's Dr Dre's the Chronic" if I didn't. Despite being one of the most successful albums of the 90's in America, this didn't make a dent on any other charts in the world, hence its official absence from my site.

Hit singles

Nuthin but a g thang #2 (#10 airplay)

Dre day #8

#6 for 1993 (#4 cash box)

Journey-Frontiers #2

For a band that was so inescapable in their homeland, you'd think Steve Perry and company would've at least dented a chart outside of Billboard with one of their albums. Ironically enough, Steve would score a huge worldwide hit with "Oh Sherrie" a year after his band released this.

#12 for 1983 (#7 cash box)

#56 for 1984

Loverboy-Get lucky #7

Get ready to see a bunch of entries from Loverboy on this list because they too had a ton of success on Billboard despite being a borderline one hit wonder internationally. Heck the one entry that will appear on this list officially will appear towards the end to showcase how the love Americans had for these guys grew as the MTV era powered on.

Hit singles

Working for the weekend #29

#35 for 1982 (#5 cash box)

#73 for 1983

Jefferson Starship-Red octopus #1x4

Ever wanted to know why Starship were considered massive sellouts in the 80's? A decade prior, they released their biggest album in their career in their homeland which is more in line with their organic sound, that of course being psychedelia which is a far cry from the hair metal they're best known for internationally.

Hit singles

Miracles #3

#63 for 1975 (#10 cash box)

#16 for 1976

Earth wind and fire-That's the way of the world #1x3

If you were disappointed in the absence of Earth wind and fire throughout my site, then I'm happy to inform you that the legendary RNB and disco band were indeed a huge success in their native America throughout their entire career and not just at the apex of the disco craze.

#2 for 1975 (#3 cash box)

Boston-Third stage #1x4

It took them eight years to follow up their second album Don't look back (which we'll revisit later down the main list) however it was as if no time had passed for Boston as far as their fellow Americans were concerned to the point where this spawned their biggest hit a decade after their magnum opus "More than a feeling" on Billboard.

Hit singles

Amanda #1

#28 for 1986 (cash box)

#17 for 1987

Beastie boys-License to ill #1x7

Here we are with our first omission from the main list that also qualified for my UK list had it been a hit in the southern hemisphere. I guess these guys were a bit too silly for us Aussies and kiwis in a way that clearly wasn't for the Brits and their fellow Americans, however we came around on them eventually in the southern hemisphere.

Hit singles

Fight for your right #7

#3 for 1987 (#5 cash box)

Jay z-Hard knock life 2 #1x5

As far as the rest of the world is concerned, Jay Z was nobody until he started his long (some might say tumultuous) relationship with Beyonce in 2000. Prior to that, he had a huge hit with this album in his homeland, making it the most successful east coast hip hop album from the twentieth century.

Hit singles

Hard knock life #15

#46 for 1998

#15 for 1999

Dixie chicks-Wide open spaces

I apologise for the copout commentary on this entry, I'll quickly comment on it here to make up for that. It's one of many albums on my list that had a slow rise to success in their native America, however once it found its audience, it took forever for it to fall off the Billboard charts.

Tim McGraw-Not a moment too soon #1x2

If you're a fan of Faith Hill, then you'll know this guy as the country diva's wife as he often appears on her videos. If you're American, then you'll know him as one of the most well-respected country artists of all time over there which is largely attributed to how well this one did during the mid 90's on Billboard.

#12 for 1994 (#6 cash box)

#30 for 1995 (#43 cash box)

Stray cats-Built for speed #2

If I were being fair, then I would include this album on the main list as I did for Backstreet boy's self-titled album. The reason why I'm not is unlike that album, this album was released two years after the rockabilly band's debut which was their big success internationally as opposed to the Backstreet boys releasing their American exclusive release in America the same time they released Backstreet's back internationally.

#14 for 1983 (#15 cash box)

Paul Simon-Still crazy after all these years #1x1

This is another album that was a candidate for my UK list, I'm not sure why we Aussies and kiwis turned our backs on Paul Simon after his second solo album from 1973 as he never went away as far as the northern hemisphere is concerned.

Hit singles

50 ways to leave your lover #1

#33 for 1975 (cash box)

#14 for 1976

Stone temple pilots-Core #3

This is another album on the list that was a success more due to its refusal to die on the Billboard charts, it was a success upon its initial release and again when these guys released their second album Purple which we'll get to later down this list.

#10 for 1993 (#10 cash box)

#50 for 1994

Run DMC-Raising hell #3

OK I may have jumped the gun when I said MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice was the American's introduction to hip hop, Run DMC did fairly well in their homeland with their breakthrough album even if it was pitiful compared to what was in store for them internationally over a decade later.

Hit singles

Walk this way #4

#34 for 1986 (#6 cash box)

#27 for 1987

Garth Brooks-The chase #1x7

We're still a way off from looking at the one international hit that this guy had (that being his 1993 effort In pieces) however that doesn't mean we're done digging through the rest of his catalogue as the album he released the year prior was a massive success for him in his homeland.

#21 for 1992

#9 for 1993 (#16 cash box)

Quiet riot-Metal health #1x1

I get the feeling this would've made it on the Australian side of my site had I bothered to disqualify all the compilation albums on AMR's year end list for the 80's like I did for the 90's lists. In any case, we have the first heavy metal album to top the Billboard charts which of course would've made it a shoe in for this list had it found success anywhere else in the world (or if David Kent disqualified compilation albums on his yearend lists.)

Hit singles

Cum on feel the noize #5

#57 for 1983 (#16 cash box)

#25 for 1984 (#35 cash box)

Anita Baker-Giving you the best that I got #1x4

And here we have an artist who I doubt anyone outside of America has even heard of, Anita Baker was a female soul singer of colour who achieved massive success on Billboard throughout the 80's. From what I've heard, she's a poor man's Whitney Houston which is perhaps why she failed to find an international audience.

Hit singles

Giving you the best I got #3

#17 for 1989 (#23 cash box)

Depeche mode-Violator #7

For whatever reason, the Americans couldn't get enough of Depeche mode in 1990 which resulted in their first album of that decade to be a massive success on Billboard. Admittedly I never understood how we Aussies and kiwis passed up on "Enjoy the silence" upon its initial release, however this album also bombed in their native UK which makes it success in America all the more puzzling.

Hit singles

Personal Jesus #13

Enjoy the silence #8

#17 for 1990 (#10 cash box)

R Kelly-12 play #2

Remember when R Kelly wasn't a disgrace to the human race? He has a few other entries for this bonus section of my list; however, his breakthrough was by far his most successful due to it spawning his biggest hit on Billboard "Bump n grind."

Hit singles

Bump n grind #1 (#7 airplay)

Your body's calling #13

#11 for 1994 (#14 cash box)

Commodores-Commodores #3

This actually outranks the entry from the Commodores we looked at on this list, it could've made it on here officially had the kiwis not passed it up in favour of its two mega hits found on here.

Hit singles

Easy #4

Brick house #5

Too hot ta trot #24

#23 for 1977 (#8 cash box)

Snoop Doggy Dogg-Doggystyle #1x3

The kiwis might've chosen the west coast as far as the singles were concerned, however that love clearly didn't extend to the albums as this was a massive failure for Snoop Dogg over there just like it was everywhere outside his native America. Like R Kelly, he was in trouble with the law for most of his career, although unlike R Kelly, he got his name cleared eventually.

Hit singles

What's my name #8

Gin and juice #8

#3 for 1994 (#5 cash box)

Poison-Look what the cat dragged in #3

Before their two entries on this list, Poison was already a massive deal in their native America as their debut album was among the earliest success stories from the hair metal genre. I get the feeling it their backlash solely stems from American enthusiasts due to how big their three albums were over there compared to the rest of the world.

Hit singles

I won't forget you #13

#13 for 1987 (#17 cash box)

#89 for 1988

Go-go's-Beauty and the beat #1x6

With how much I've talked about Belinda Carlisle on this site, it's easy to forget she began her career as the lead singer of the pop punk group the Go-go's who indeed saw massive success in their homeland. It appears we Aussies passed this up in favour of making the lead single one of the biggest hits of the decade on our charts.

Hit singles

Our lips are sealed #20

We got the beat #2

#2 for 1982 (#8 cash box)

Sisqo-Unleash the dragon #2

It's hard to think that an album containing the novelty hit "Thong song" was a success in its own right, however Sisqo did have massive success in his homeland with his group Dru hill prior to releasing that ear worm. That said, he never got himself out of novelty status, hence why no one's heard from him since 2000.

Hit singles

Got to get it #20

Thong song #3 (#1 airplay)

#12 for 2000

Cinderella-Night songs #3

If like me you're confused as to why there's such a pushback against hair metal to this day, I should point out that only the most respectable bands from the genre saw international success back in the day. Cinderella wasn't among the most respected despite their debut album being a massive success in their homeland.

#8 for 1987

Eric Clapton-Slow hand #2

Eric Clapton's another artist from the 70's I'm surprised didn't have more success internationally back in the day, although he was a publicity nightmare throughout that decade which is perhaps what scared us Aussies, kiwis and his fellow Brits off from making him a success. This fear wasn't present in America where this remains his biggest studio album.

Hit singles

Lay down sally #3

Wonderful tonight #16

#10 for 1978 (#8 cash box)

MC Hammer-Too legit to quit #2

Whereas the rest of the world considers this guy a one album wonder, MC Hammer was an unstoppable force as far as his fellow Americans were concerned in the early 90's given how big his second album was. Unfortunately for him, other rappers got jealous of his success concerned that he was watering down hip hop for commercial gain which led to him reinventing himself as a hardcore gangster that didn't pan out for him.

Hit singles

2 legit 2 quit #5

Addams groove #7

Do not pass by me #62

#9 for 1992 (#32 cash box)

Rush-Moving pictures #3

This is another entry that was a candidate for my UK list, how we Aussies and kiwis passed up on Canadian prog band Rush back in the day I'll never know but we did. I guess we were tired of the prog scene by the time the MTV era rolled around.

#18 for 1981 (#11 cash box)

Will Smith-Big willie style #3

This solo debut album from Will Smith was also a candidate for my UK list, although thankfully this was more a case of us Aussies and kiwis simply preferring the singles than the album itself back in the day. It's easy to see why this was a success given how inescapable said singles were worldwide.

Hit singles

Men in black #1 (airplay)

Gettin jiggy with it #1 (#8 airplay)

Just the two of us #20 (#6 airplay)

Miami #17 (#8 airplay)

#8 for 1998

#28 for 1999

DMX-And then there was X #1x1

If you've gone through my site and noticed the absence of hip-hop albums on here, then hopefully this bonus section will rectify that as there's a ton of hip hop that was only big in America and nowhere else. One of the more prolific names in this section is DMX who still has two more entries to come on this list.

#10 for 2000

Chicago-17 #4

As far as the world is concerned, Chicago's final success was in 1982 with their sixteenth self-titled album. This wasn't the case in their homeland as they found success as recently as 1991 with this being the most successful entry of theirs in this section of the list.

Hit singles

Hard habit to break #3

You're the inspiration #3

#62 for 1984 (#42 cash box)

#21 for 1985 (#15 cash box)

Styx-Killroy was here #3

This is probably the album that most are surprised to discover was only a hit in America and nowhere else in the world, admittedly the lead single was among the first memes the internet created given how utterly ridiculous it is even to this day. In case you didn't know, this is the album that spawned DOMO ORIGATO! MR ROBOTO! DOMO! DOMO! DOMO!

Hit singles

Mr Roboto #3

#24 for 1983 (#13 cash box)

Rick James-Street songs #3

Ever wanted to know how Eddie Murphy managed a singing career? Well, this is the guy to thank as Rick James managed to be so much more than the "Super freak" guy among his fellow Americans back in the day with this album. That said, he's a one album wonder as the rest of his catalogue was a complete failure even on Billboard.

Hit singles

Super freak #16

#36 for 1981 (#14 cash box)

#40 for 1982

LL Cool J-Bad bigger and deffer #3

It's easy to forget that LL Cool J was a rapper given how much his acting career has become synonymous with his fame. Eight years prior to his international breakthrough with "Hey lover," he had a massive hit with his second album in his homeland which no doubt ushered in the age of hip hop on Billboard.

Hit singles

I'm bad #84

#51 for 1987 (#9 cash box)

Biggie Smalls-Life after death #1x4

Another east cost hip hop album, this time it's the second and final album from Notorious BIG which came out immediately after he was murdered in the east coast/west coast rivalry. For what it's worth, we won't be seeing an entry from his rival 2pac anytime soon on this list.

Hit singles

Hypnotize #1

Mo money mo problems #1 (#12 airplay)

Sky's the limit #26

#8 for 1997

Keith Sweat-Keith Sweat #5

Honestly, I'm more surprised this bombed internationally for Keith Sweat given how inescapably the two hit singles it spawned was for him worldwide. It wasn't even a close call as while it's failure here in Australia was inevitable, it was also a huge failure for him in NZ where RNB reigned supreme.

Hit singles

Twisted #2 (#7 airplay)

Nobody #3 (#10 airplay)

#32 for 1996

#33 for 1997

En vogue-Funky divas #8

This is another entry that I'm surprised bombed in NZ, not so much Australia as for whatever reason, we Aussies were never interested in this RNB quartet barring their contribution to the Set it off soundtrack. The more I think about it, the more I realise women of colour did better with us Aussies back in the day when it came to albums.

Hit singles

My lovin #2 (#1 airplay)

Giving him something he can feel #6 (#4 airplay)

Free your mind #8 (#14 airplay)

Give it up turn it loose #15 (#12 airplay)

#25 for 1992 (#17 cash box)

#46 for 1993

Boomerang soundtrack #4

It's been a while since I've seen Boomerang, however I don't remember it being among Eddie Murphy's better films as if memory serves me, it's him being a ladies' man without any wit or subtilty to it. Despite that, it was a massive box office success, and its soundtrack spawned one of the biggest hits of all time with its theme song.

Hit singles

Give u my heart #29

End of the road #1 (#1 airplay)

I'd die without you #3 (#1 airplay)

#39 for 1992 (#23 cash box)

#66 for 1993 (#50 cash box)

Willie Nelson-Always on my mind #2

It's strange that we've yet to come across an album from Kenny Rogers on this list given how I always thought he was the king of country music as far as his fellow Americans were concerned. Here we are with Willie Nelson's biggest only success in his homeland as for whatever reason, his big international hit Stardust from 1978 was a complete dud on the Billboard charts.

Hit singles

Always on my mind #5

#26 for 1982 (#7 cash box)

#27 for 1983

SWV-It's about time #8

There's that theory of mine about women of colour being at a disadvantage in NZ again when it comes to their albums, despite scoring a string of massive hits over there, this was only a minor hit at best for SWV as opposed to it being a major hit for them on Billboard. Hey at least they scored a worldwide hit with a remix of "Right here."

Hit singles

I'm so into you #6 (#6 airplay)

Weak #1 (#2 airplay)

Right here #2 (#5 airplay)

You're always on my mind #54

Anything #18

#16 for 1993 (#15 cash box)

John Michael Montgomery-John Michael Montgomery #5

I seriously can't overstate just how inescapable country music was in America throughout the 90's, this is one of two entries from John Michael Montgomery in this section and one that seemingly refused to die on the Billboard charts for the longest time.

#27 for 1995 (#14 cash box)

#117 for 1996

Patti LaBelle-Winner in you #1x1

If you're wondering how on earth Patti Labelle of all people managed to score an entry on this list, I should point out that this is the album which has her Billboard chart topper with Michael McDonald as its lead single. As for how on earth that happened, I'm guessing because of how well received her theme to Beverly Hills cop was back in the day.

Hit singles

On my own #1

Oh people #29

#32 for 1986 (#19 cash box)

Gloria Estefan-Let it loose #6

This was another entry in this bonus section that was a candidate for my UK list, it's the final album from Miami sound machine while technically being the first from Gloria Estefan given how it was credited as a duet album for some reason. Her next album was her first true solo album which we'll get to in a bit.

Hit singles

Rhythm is gonna get you #5

Betcha say that #36

Anything for you #1

123 #3

#88 for 1987

#13 for 1988 (#17 cash box)

Starship-Knee deep in the hoopala #7

Even though it spawned two Billboard chart toppers, this comeback album from Starship wasn't the most popular in their catalogue in their homeland given how we've already looked at that album earlier on this bonus list of mine. Still the fact this was a massive dud internationally despite how big the singles were should let you know that these guys were considered a singles band.

Hit singles

We built this city #1

Sara #1

#13 for 1986 (#25 cash box)

Above the rim soundtrack #2

From what I can gather, Above the rim received mixed reviews back in the day as people praised Tupac Shakur's performance in an otherwise boring and predictable basketball film. If there was any chance of it being a cultural phenomenon, it would be through the soundtrack which it wound up being due to it spawning one of the biggest hits of the decade with its theme song.

Hit singles

Regulate #2 (#15 airplay)

#31 for 1994 (#12 cash box)

Urban cowboy soundtrack #3

One of the more popular films at the start of the 80's was Urban cowboy, a film which from what I can gather is a western version of Saturday night fever (I haven't seen it and honestly don't plan on doing so any time soon.) It remains a critical darling to this day, and it's also been cited as gateway towards country music which perhaps explains the genres revival in the early 80's on Billboard.

Hit singles

Look what you've done to me #14

Could I have this dance #33

#61 for 1980 (#8 cash box)

Hall and Oates-Big bam boom #5

If I were to fill up my 80's lists with entries that didn't consist of compilation albums, I'd probably be able to squeeze this album from Hall and Oates onto my 1985 list given how it spawned their final international hit with its lead single. This is the final entry from the duo on this list even though they've had hits before and after these albums.

Hit singles

Out of touch #1

#33 for 1984 (cash box)

#17 for 1985 (#35 cash box)

Bad company-Desolation angels #3

This is the second most popular album from Bad company in America, the biggest was their debut from 1974 which I might include if I ever decide to revamp this list to include early 70's albums. It's curious to think that this was a big success in America when it bombed in Australia and the UK for the supergroup.

#29 for 1979 (#12 cash box)

Garth Brooks-Beyond the season #2

And we're still featuring albums from Garth Brooks on this list, there really was no stopping this guy when it came to dominating the American charts throughout the 90's was there? This isn't his final entry either, so stay tuned for more of his brand of neo country as we go further down this list.

#61 for 1992 (#36 cash box)

#72 for 1993

Blackstreet-Another level #3

This is another album you'd swear was a shoe in for the NZ side of my site, again it appears the kiwis weren't only interested in the singles Blackstreet had to offer as opposed to making them a household name where it counted. The fact this was a massive success in their homeland should tell you how much potential there was for them being the real deal internationally.

Hit singles

No diggity #1 (#9 airplay)

Don't leave me #12 (airplay)

Fix #58

#87 for 1996

#16 for 1997

Jefferson Starship-Spitfire #3

We have another entry from Starship on this list, this time it's their second appearance as Jefferson Starship with their follow up to their top entry on this list. This goes to show how much of a roll these guys were on as they really seemed to play into the sci fi craze of the 70's which boosted their popularity among their fellow Americans.

#88 for 1976 (#18 cash box)

Earth wind and fire-Gratitude #1x3

We have our first live album on the list, or it would be had it been a hit anywhere in the world outside of America for Earth wind and fire back in the day. This comes immediately after their top entry on this list, meaning they were on fire during the midpoint of the 70's as far as their fellow Americans were concerned.

#10 for 1976 (#7 cash box)

Peaches and Herb-2 hot #2

Given how popular disco was throughout the world in the late 70's, it's a bit surprising to see that this duo failed to have their album be a success internationally despite how big its singles were. This is all the more bizarre when you consider that said album was a massive success on Billboard over the dozens of disco albums that were an international success.

Hit singles

Shake your groove thing #5

Reunited #1

We've got love #44

#17 for 1979 (#11 cash box)

Motley Crue-Girls girls girls #2

Ever wondered why Motley Crue is despised in certain internet circles despite only having one album most non-Americans are familiar with? It turns out they were one of the forerunners of the hair metal craze of the late 80's given how this was almost as inescapable in their homeland as their earlier entry on this list was. Again, it's an example of misplaced hate nostalgia rather than objective awfulness for the album.

Hit singles

Girls girls girls #12

#46 for 1987 (#13 cash box)

Dan Fogelberg-Phoenix #3

OK here's an artist I haven't heard of prior to constructing this list. From what I can gather, Dan Fogelberg was a soft rocker who scored a massive success in his homeland with this album that failed to put a dent on any other chart across the world. He has another entry to come in this section, however these two albums are the full extent of his popularity on Billboard.

Hit singles

Longer #2

#15 for 1980 (#15 cash box)

Bonnie Raitt-Nick of time #1x3

She may be a one album wonder in NZ (which is still better than what she achieved here in Australia) however Bonnie Raitt was a national treasure in her homeland throughout the 90's beginning with this album she released just as the 80's were coming to an end. Obviously, the best was still to come, however this was a big breakthrough following a decade of failure.

#55 for 1989

#16 for 1990 (#20 cash box)

Donna Summer-Live and more #1x1

It turns out Donna Summer has a third entry for this list after all, if you can believe it, this was the album which put her on the map on Billboard as she was seen as a novelty artist in her homeland with "Love to love you baby" prior to its release. It did spawn her first Billboard chart topper despite it being a live album, naturally leading to a string of chart toppers on her next album.

Hit singles

Macarthur park #1

Heaven knows #4

#29 for 1978 (cash box)

#6 for 1979 (#31 cash box)

Billy Squier-Emotions in motion #5

In a bit of a bizarre twist, we have an album from Billy Squier on this list that neither has his big hit "The stroke" nor the song that killed his career "Rock me tonite." This is the album sandwiched between those two releases which proved to be a massive hit for the new wave rocker in his homeland even if the rest of the world didn't see what the big fuss was about it.

#18 for 1982 (cash box)

#49 for 1983 (#81 cash box)

Pat Benatar-Get nervous #4

This was a near miss for the Australian side of my site, as such I didn't grant it mercy on here like I have for some other albums that did make the cut. It was another successful album from Pat Benatar in her homeland due to how much of a roll she was on during the height of the MTV era.

Hit singles

Shadows of the night #13

#62 for 1982 (cash box)

#16 for 1983 (#17 cash box)

Cinderella-Long cold winter #10

Peak positions, they seem important until you realise that an albums longevity on the charts is just as important as how high they got on them. This is the case for Cinderella as despite barely cracking the Billboard top ten, still would've appeared high on this list had it been a success anywhere outside of their native America.

#54 for 1988 (#22 cash box)

#27 for 1989

Warren G-Regulate G funk era #2

Given how he was arguably the single reason why the Above the rim soundtrack did so well on Billboard, it would've been criminal had Warren G not seen massive success with his debut album in his homeland given how well the singles did internationally. Again, I have to question the kiwi's logic for how they determined which albums were big over there throughout the 90's as at least we Aussies largely ignored this album's singles.

Hit singles

Regulate #2 (#15 airplay)

This DJ #9

Do you see #42

#32 for 1994 (#11 cash box)

#108 for 1995

Blues brothers-Briefcase full of blues #1x1

If you can believe it, the Blues brothers were in fact a real band (more specifically a duo) as they had a chart topping album on Billboard prior to the release of their (in my opinion) masterpiece of a film they made. It was a bittersweet success as John Belushi was famously into drugs which ultimately claimed his life in 1982.

#43 for 1979 (#16 cash box)

Kansas-Point of know return #4

From what I can gather, Kansas is an America band who scored a massive hit with the lead single to this album on Billboard before finding into obscurity by the end of the 70's. They're a one hit wonder with this single according to Billboard, however that didn't prevent the album that spawned it from being one of the most successful of its time.

Hit singles

Dust in the wind #6

#9 for 1978 (#7 cash box)

Alan Jackson-The greatest hits collection #5

Oh Look, another successful country album that failed to find any success internationally, this time it's from Alan Jackson who took the Billboard charts by storm with this greatest hits album likely due to how much country had dominated the Billboard charts throughout that decade.

#183 for 1995

#15 for 1996

#128 for 1997

John Cougar Mellencamp-Uh huh #9

This often gets lost in the shuffle when it comes to John Cougar's discography, I'm guessing it's because it's sandwiched between his breakthrough American fool and his most successful Scarecrow whilst also failing to spawn a giant hit on Billboard like those albums did.

Hit singles

Crumblin down #9

#61 for 1983 (cash box)

#19 for 1984 (#20 cash box)

Eryka Badu-Baduizm #2

I've heard the name Eryka Badu over the years, however it's only now that I'm making this list that I know she's a neo soul singer similar to that of Sza from twenty years after this became a hit for her. This was a massive success on Billboard during the late 90's, although no one else in the world seemed to be impressed with this album.

Hit singles

On and on #12

#20 for 1997

Doobie brothers-What were once vices are now habits #4

This is one of the oldest albums on this list, so much so that there's a possibility it could've been a success in NZ as it looked like it was on its way out of the charts and that the singles did chart on the Listener charts for the band. It wasn't their first album to find success on Billboard, however it was the one that put them on the map internationally.

Hit singles

Black water #1

#37 for 1975

Isley brothers-The heat is on #1x1

If you felt that my 70's lists on this site were too white, hopefully this list will correct that as there's a ton of funk and soul from that decade that was a hit in America and nowhere else in the world. One of the biggest coming from the Isley brothers who saw massive success during the midpoint of that decade with this gem.

#44 for 1975 (#17 cash box)

Scorpions-Love at first sting #6

These guys are best known for their 1991 hit "Wind of change" as it's the only hit they achieved outside their native Germany; however, they managed to score a massive hit on the Billboard charts with this album seven years prior which makes their absence on the Billboard singles charts all the more confusing.

#29 for 1984 (#21 cash box)

2pac-Me against the world #1x4

Given how we looked at the two albums that 2pac had international success with on the main list, it only seems fitting that we'd look at the album which put him on the global map given how this was his most successful candidate for this list. Despite this spawning a hit for him in NZ, the album didn't chart anywhere else in the world for the rapper.

Hit singles

Dear mama #9

#34 for 1995 (#15 cash box)

Chumbawamba-Tubthumper #3

In case you were wondering, this wasn't a candidate for my UK list, meaning this was only a success in America for Chumbawamba likely due to how inescapable the lead single was worldwide. It's another example of an album from a one hit wonder being among the most successful in America throughout the twentieth century.

Hit singles

Tubthumping #6 (#1 airplay)

#150 for 1997

#17 for 1998

Papa roach-Infest #5

Ever wondered how many contemporaries there were to Limp bizkit and Linkin Park in the nu metal genre? Lots it turns out as the genre was to the early 00's what hair metal was to the late 80's on Billboard. Papa roach was just one of many contemporaries who managed to make it on this list with one of the more recent albums that was a candidate.

#27 for 2000

#116 for 2001

Garth Brooks-Sevens #1x5

Oh look, another entry from Garth Brooks in this bonus list, this is his most recent studio album to appear on here even though his success on Billboard carried over well into the 21st century.

#3 for 1998

Earth wind and fire-Raise #5

If you've read my overview for the biggest hit singles on Billboard, you'll know that I brought up plenty of evidence to counter the fact that the disco backlash was little more than a bunch of haters letting out their frustration of how overblown the genre had gotten by the end of the 70's. An example of an 80's disco album is this entry form Earth wind and fire this was released around the time MTV launched.

Hit singles

Let's groove #3

#22 for 1981 (cash box)

#67 for 1982 (#47 cash box)

Styx-The grand illusion #6

With how much Styx gets talked about in circles discussing overrated bands from the twentieth century, you'd think they'd have a catalogue that spans as long as the likes of Chicago or Maroon 5. It turns out their time in the spotlight, while phenomenal in their native America, only lasted about a decade with this being the first successful album to their name.

Hit singles

Fooling yourself #29

#98 for 1977 (cash box)

#7 for 1978 (#17 cash box)

Common thread the songs of the Eagles #3

Throughout the 90's, there were a ton of tribute albums to older bands and artists from the Beatles to Fleetwood Mac. The most successful of the bunch on Billboard was this one for the Eagles which likely connected with American audiences due to it having an array of country stars reinterpret the band's work for (then) modern audiences.

#25 for 1994 (#41 cash box)

Linda Ronstadt-Heart like a wheel #1x1

Unlike the Doobie brothers entry from earlier, I don't think this was a success for Linda Ronstadt in NZ, meaning that this was only a hit for her on Billboard despite the lead single being a massive worldwide hit for her back in the day. Indeed, it was her only chart topper in America even though it was far from her biggest hit internationally.

Hit singles

You're no good #1

#54 for 1975 (#19 cash box)

Survivor-Eye of the tiger #2

It appears the world was only interested in the title track from this breakthrough album from Survivor given how it also serves as the theme song to Rocky III which was a huge critical and commercial success when it came out. As for their fellow Americans, it was their only successful album but a starting point for a string of minor hits throughout the 80's on Billboard.

Hit singles

Eye of the tiger #1

#78 for 1982 (#23 cash box)

Kenny G-Silhouette #8

There was no stopping Kenny G in his homeland given how this was a hit shortly after the success of his breakthrough album Duotones on the Billboard charts. As this was a huge failure for him internationally, it meant he had to wait until his 1992 effort Breathless to take the world by storm.

#21 for 1989 (#39 cash box)

Chicago-VIII #1x2

This was the last studio album from Chicago during their pre sellout era, it was a huge hit for them in their homeland even though it failed to dent a chart anywhere else in the world. You can cry sellout all you want; however, their 1976 effort was what cemented them as a household name given its overwhelming worldwide success.

#32 for 1975 (#18 cash box)

Usher-My way #4

Here's another blunder from the kiwis on my list, despite Usher finding massive success with his singles without the assistance of the Brits (him getting to number one in the UK is how he pop up on Australia's radar) this second album from Usher was a complete dud for him over there as opposed to his native America where it was a massive success for him.

Hit singles

You make me wanna #2 (#4 airplay)

Nice and slow #1 (#15 airplay)

My way #2

#164 for 1997

#11 for 1998

Ohio players-Fire #1x1

I'm as shocked as you are that the Ohio players never found success anywhere outside of their native America, I could theorise as to why that is, but I think I'll leave it at their label failing to market them to an international audience. At least they were inescapable in their homeland both with their albums and their singles.

#26 for 1975 (#16 cash box)

Chuck Mangione-Feels so good #2

From what I can gather, Chuck Mangione seems like the predecessor to Kenny G when it comes to smooth jazz for a mainstream audience. He saw massive success with this album and even sparked some curiosity among us Aussies and kiwis as the title track did chart in the southern hemisphere.

Hit singles

Feels so good #4

#6 for 1978 (#21 cash box)

Marin Gaye-Live at the London palladium #3

It's a bit surprising that Marvin Gaye hasn't appeared earlier on this list given how inescapable he was throughout the 70's in his native America, this was the best he could do on Billboard which is interesting as it's a live show from the UK which curiously bombed on the UK charts.

Hit singles

Got to give it up #1

#45 for 1977 (#20 cash box)

Jefferson starship-Earth #5

We have one final entry from Jefferson Starship on this list, this time it's their third album they released under this name given how they were on a roll from their two earlier entries on this list in their homeland. Again, there was no crossover appeal for the band which explains why they didn't appear on the Australian or NZ side of this site.

Hit singles

Count on me #9

#23 for 1978 (#23 cash box)

Rick Springfield-Success hasn't spoilt me yet #2

Well, this is awkward, mainly because Rick Springfield never saw any success with his albums here in Australia despite being, you know AUSTRALIAN. Admittedly he was based in America by this point of his career due to his role in the soap opera General hospital, however aside from the odd hit or two, he didn't find much success in his music career here in Australia like he did in America.

Hit singles

Don't talk to strangers #2

#35 for 1982 (#16 cash box)

Ratt-Out of the cellar #7

OK full disclosure, I had no idea what the big fuss was against hair metal prior to me construction this list. Upon coming across this umpteenth album from the genre, I think I'm beginning to see why there's so much backlash towards the likes of Poison and pre sellout Bon Jovi on the internet. I haven't heard any talk about Ratt on the internet and yet they supposedly have one of the biggest albums of the 80's in America.

#41 for 1984 (#19 cash box)

Steve Martin-A wild and crazy guy #2

Thought that it was weird that the 12th man and other Australian comedians could find success with comedy routines in the southern hemisphere? Well, they were simply taking a page out of SNL cast members as we have our first comedy routine for this list courtesy of Steve Martin. This was the album he released right before his feature film debut the Jerk which both made him a household in Hollywood.

#55 for 1978 (cash box)

#53 for 1979 (#29 cash box)

Sade-Lovers rock #3

I told you that Sade's most recent entry on the main list wasn't their most recent success on Billboard, granted it took them eight years to follow up Love deluxe with this album which more than explains why the rest of the world seemed to not acknowledge its existence, however the Americans certainly did and made it a smashing success for the British band.

#14 for 2001