Bonus Billboard albums #2

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.

Baha men-Who let the dogs out #5

Ever found it strange that these guys never had that big hit in America despite how overplayed the title track to this album is worldwide? That's because the Americans passed up the singles on the album in favour of making said album a success as opposed to the rest of the world where the exact opposite was the case. I should also point out that these guys aren't a one hit wonder in Americ as they never had a hit on Billboard to being with.

Hit singles

Who let the dogs out #40

You all dat #94

#70 for 2000

#38 for 2001

Ja rule-Rule 3:36 #1x1

This is another album that managed to be released just in time to qualify for this list, this time it's the second album from Ja rule who was one of the most prominent rappers of the 00's despite many people not thinking he's very good at the time. I'm actually not sure why this bombed in the southern hemisphere given how well his next two albums did in both countries.

#27 for 2001

Fixx-Reach the beach #8

If you're wondering how on earth the Americans came across this album from British new wave band the Fixx, your guess is as good as mine as this was a huge failure in their homeland and didn't see any success anywhere else in the world. I really don't know what to make of this album's success on Billboard, so many British artists failed to make it big in America over the years and yet these guys are one of the lucky few who didn't.

Hit singles

One thing leads to another #4

#56 for 1983 (#29 cash box)

Makaveli-The don Killumunti #1x1

This is the first posthumous album from 2pac, although unlike other posthumous albums he released, this one was at least completed before he was brutally murdered meaning it's in the form that it was destined to be in had he lived to see its release. Possibly out of respect for his passing, none of the songs were released as singles in his homeland as opposed to NZ where they did quite well.

#60 for 1996

#15 for 1997

Debbie Gibson-Out of the blue #7

This is the debut album from Debbie Gibson, it's the only other album she saw any success with given how the 90's was brutal to her popularity. From what I can gather, it's the first album released from someone who was born in the 70's, Tiffany's album was the second, which is perhaps why the two were compared to each other during the height of their popularity.

Hit singles

Only in my dreams #4

Shake your love #4

Foolish beat #1

#7 for 1988 (#40 cash box)

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the fresh prince-He's the DJ I'm the rapper #4

If you can believe it, there was a time where Will Smith was a successful rapper without any connection to his acting career. Admittedly it only lasted one album as he would star in his own show in 1990 which would be connected to his remaining time as the Fresh Prince, however it's interesting to note how big he was prior to his show in America and nowhere else in the world.

Hit singles

Parents just don't understand #12

#27 for 1988 (#16 cash box)

Billy Squier-Don't say no #5

Well at least we now have an album from Billy Squier that had some international appeal to it, granted that's only due to the lead single being a massive hit here in Australia, however that's still an improvement compared to his earlier entry on this list. This is his only other appearance on this list as his 1984 album was a flop due to its infamous lead single.

Hit singles

The stroke #17

#45 for 1981 (#42 cash box)

#23 for 1982

Queensryche-Empire #7

If you thought the 80's hangover (early 90's for the uninitiated) was strange internationally, wait till you realise that there was apparently room on the Billboard charts for prog music. Admittedly this was a hit mainly due to it finally giving Queensryche a hit single in their homeland that interestingly found crossover success in NZ seeing as the lead single was almost a top ten hit over there.

Hit singles

Silent lucidity #7

#42 for 1990 (cash box)

#9 for 1991 (#37 cash box)

#67 for 1992

Nas-It was written #1x4

File this in the category of a successful album in America failing to repeat that success in NZ in exchange of the kiwis giving the album a massive hit, this time it's Nas's second album as for whatever reason, the lead single here was a massive bomb on Billboard but a massive success in NZ. This is another rapper that dominated the Billboard charts well into the 21st century and nowhere else in the world.

Hit singles

If I ruled the world #53

Street dreams #22

#30 for 1996

Pocahontas soundtrack #1x1

If there's one thing I'm sick to death of, its "Disney" fans claiming that the older movies are problematic because they don't conform to whatever ideology they're a part of (this is why I refuse to support any of their projects post pandemic.) I bring this up because of the insurmountable backlash towards Pocahontas despite the film making no attempt at being historically accurate and it being a huge critical and commercial success back in the day.

Hit singles

Colors of the wind #4 (#11 airplay)

#23 for 1995 (#20 cash box)

#174 for 1996

White zombie-Astro creep #6

I've heard of White zombie prior to making this list, however I never really challenged myself to look into their music until now. What I've discovered is that they're an industrial metal band that aesthetically look more like a hair metal band from a decade prior to their breakthrough which somehow connected with their fellow Americans during the midpoint of the 90's.

#39 for 1995 (#16 cash box)

#104 for 1996

George Strait-Carrying your love with me #1x1

We have another country artist for this list, this time it's George Strait who after two decades of trying, finally managed to score a massive hit with this album in the mid to late 90's in his homeland. He had some success prior, however this remains his most successful in his catalogue.

#24 for 1997

#172 for 1998

Keith Sweat-I'll give all my love to you #6

Whereas his earlier entry on this list at least had a shot at finding success in Australia and NZ due to it spawning two massive worldwide hits, this wasn't the case for Keith Sweat's second album which was a complete dud for him as far as the singles were concerned worldwide. That said, it was a huge hit in his homeland, which was the incentive for him to keep going until his international breakthrough.

#47 for 1990 (#27 cash box)

#86 for 1991

Ma$e-Harlem world #1x2

Well, this guy having success in NZ makes more sense now, again we have a rapper who scored a bunch of hits with the kiwis throughout the 90's but lucked out when it came to his albums over there. At least he had success over there as opposed to here in Australia or the UK where he's only known for his guest verses on tracks from P Diddy and the late Biggie Smalls.

Hit singles

Feel so good #5

What you want #6

Lookin at me #8

#117 for 1997

#20 for 1998

Silk-Lose control #7

Who would've thought that the RNB group who brought you one of the filthiest RNB jams of the 90's saw massive success with the album that spawned that hit in their homeland? Naturally since "Freak me" had novelty written all over it, the album was a complete flop for Silk internationally even though the song remains one of the most well-known RNB ballads of all time.

Hit singles

Freak me #1 (#1 airplay)

Girl u for me #26

#30 for 1993 (#20 cash box)

Blind melon-Blind melon #3

This sat on shelves completely ignored for about a year in Blind melon's homeland until the video to "No rain" was released which tugged at the heartstrings of many people who saw it back in the day. What's surprising is that the single didn't do so well on Billboard even though it's the sole reason why anyone outside of American even knows who the band is.

Hit singles

No rain #20

#45 for 1993 (#35 cash box)

#81 for 1994

Grover Washington-Winelight #5

This is the only successful album to come from Grover Washington, even then it was only success due to it spawning a song that nearly topped the Billboard charts back in the day that would eventually be interpolated by Will Smith in the late 90's. From what I can gather, he's basically the poor man's George Benson.

Hit singles

Just the two of us #2

#13 for 1981 (#26 cash box)

Earth wind and fire-Spirit #2

This is the final entry from Earth wind and fire on this list, you know these guys were screwed over internationally given how many entries they racked up on here from such a short amount of time in their catalogue.

Hit singles

Saturday nite #21

#15 for 1976 (cash box)

#52 for 1977 (#74 cash box)

David Lee Roth-Eat em and smile #4

Even though he scored two massive hits worldwide from his E.P, it appears said E.P was a flop even in David Lee Roth's homeland as he only found success on the Billboard album charts with his solo debut. This is strange as this album didn't spawn a hit for him anywhere in the world, stranger still is that this actually competed with 5150 from his former bandmates from earlier on this list.

Hit singles

Yankee rose #16

#84 for 1986 (#22 cash box)

DMX-Flesh of my flesh #1x3

The funny thing about DMX's international failure is that he became the first artist to have their first five albums go to number one on Billboard. This is one of the most successful artists of all time in America and yet I doubt anyone other than his fellow Americans can name a single song from him.

#21 for 1999

Blues traveller-Four #8

Of all the 90's rock bands to find success on Billboard, Blues traveler was one of the lucky few to have a hit single from their successful album even if said single failed to charts anywhere else in the world for the American band. Indeed, this was a bit of a failure for them outside of their homeland, suggesting they were simply at the right place at the right tme for their fellow Americans.

#29 for 1995 (#17 cash box)

#35 for 1996

Mary J Blige-What's the 411 #6

As far as we Aussies are concerned, Mary J Blige has her first hit in 2001 with "Family affair" as she went completely unheard of throughout the 90's on our charts. She had a bit more notoriety in NZ as some of her singles saw the like of day on their charts, however she was a household name from the get-go in her native America given how well her debut album did on Billboard.

Hit singles

Sweet thing #28

#72 for 1992 (#49 cash box)

#36 for 1993 (#24 cash box)

Friday soundtrack #1x2

I've seen my far share of abrasive comedy flicks; however, they were mainly from the 00's given that's when I was at the right age to enjoy this type of movie. That is to say, I didn't grow up with Friday starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, meaning I don't know how accurate it is that it's one of the best comedies of the 90's. What I do know is that it was a box office success and even a rare critical darling from the genre.

Hit singles

Keep their heads ringing #10

#40 for 1995 (#21 cash box)

#165 for 1996

Foreigner-Head games #5

It looked like these guys wore out their welcome here in Australia given how much of a failure it was, this wasn't the case for their fellow Americans as this was a massive hit for them on Billboard just like their other entries on this list was. This means that 4 wasn't a comeback album for them like it was down under.

#30 for 1979 (cash box)

#31 for 1980 (#91 cash box)

Stevie Wonder-Journey through the secret life of plants #4

Although this a minor hit in the UK for Stevie Wonder, it was only in America where this was a massive success for him given how we Aussies and kiwis likely didn't even realise this was released back in the day. Much like Foreigner's entry from a minute ago, this was a temporary stumble for the RNB genius in Australia as his next album was the magnum opus Hotter than July.

Hit singles

Send one your love #4

#60 for 1979 (cash box)

#81 for 1980

George Strait-Pure country #6

Hello again George Strait, nice to see you back on this list with your breakthrough album that made you a household name in your homeland throughout the 90's. This is the soundtrack to the film of the same name which also has George as its leading man, although it was a critical failure and didn't win over many audiences.

#13 for 1993 (#27 cash box)

#97 for 1994

Candlebox-Candlebox #7

It appears there was a fifth name in the grunge scene as far as America was concerned, that name is Candlebox as they had an album more successful than Alice in chains on the Billboard charts in the form of their debut from 1993. That said, it was a one-off deal as their subsequent releases failed to recapture the success they initially had.

#26 for 1994 (#20 cash box)

#55 for 1995

The Whispers-Whispers #6

This is an interesting entry for this list as the Whispers did achieve massive success with the lead single to this album internationally at the clear expense of the album being a flop worldwide. The opposite was the case in their homeland as the lead single was a dud on the Billboard charts despite the album being a massive success for the RNB group in America.

Hit singles

And the beat goes on #19

#26 for 1980 (#24 cash box)

Ohio players-Honey #2

We have our second entry from the Ohio players on this list, this one at least has a song most non-Americans will recognise if only due to it being covered by the Red hot chilli peppers twenty years later for the Beavis and Butthead soundtrack. There's a rather silly urban legend that the sporadic screaming heard throughout the album was actually from the model on the cover being tortured to death.

#42 for 1975 (cash box)

#89 for 1976

Tom Petty-Long after dark #9

You'd think this would've at least been a moderate success for Tom Petty and company in NZ, granted this was released right when the MTV era was in full swing, however he was one of the biggest names in music at the start of the 80's over there. Alas it appears only his fellow Americans had room for his brand of heartland rock form around this time.

#77 for 1982 (cash box)

#37 for 1983 (#52 cash box)

K-CI and Jo Jo-Love always #6

This was a near miss for K-CI and JoJo in NZ due to how many albums reached the upper echelons of their charts from the late 90's, at least it had some buzz over there which is more than I can say for the duo's album everywhere else in the world. Naturally it was a huge success in their homeland due to how RNB reigned supreme on the Billboard charts.

Hit singles

You bring me up #26

Last night's better #46

All my life #1 (#3 airplay)

#196 for 1997

#19 for 1998

Aerosmith-Rocks #3

As promised, we have an album from Aerosmith that failed to find an audience anywhere in the world except for their homeland back in the day. This was their breakthrough in their homeland after some buzz that their earlier albums sparked throughout the 70's, although it would up going nowhere as they didn't find any success again until their top entry on the list.

#44 for 1976 (#12 cash box)

Tom Petty-Wildflowers #5

If you've read any music blogs covering the 90's, you may be surprised to learn that Tom Petty is often brought up given how his 1994 album was a massive success in America and nowhere else in the world. Even in NZ where the heartland rocker did quite well, this album was a complete dud which I guess means Tom simply fell victim to the 80's purge that occurred the year prior.

#16 for 1995 (#25 cash box)

Eminem-The slim shady LP #2

While this wasn't his debut album, it was the first album that Eminem released that saw any sort of success even if most of the world passed up on it in favour of its lead single. Indeed, said single was a massive bomb on the Billboard charts, this is taking into account that songs without physical releases were no longer barred from appearing on their charts.

Hit singles

Hi my name is #36

#22 for 1999

#54 for 2000

Captain and Tennille-Love will keep us together #2

Ever felt this duo was over hated on the internet? Well, you'll understand why music snobs despise them when you realise just how successful they were in their homeland throughout the 70's. This was their debut album, and it managed to spawn one of the biggest hits of the decade not just on the Billboard charts but throughout the entire world with the title track.

Hit singles

Love will keep us together #1

The way I want to touch you #4

#62 for 1975 (#21 cash box)

Bill Conti-Rocky #4

Although the main Rocky theme was a hit here in Australia, it appears we Aussies didn't care much for the rest of the score from the first Rocky film given how much of a failure it was here for Bill Conti. This wasn't the case in America where not only was the main theme a Billboard chart topper, but the album itself was a massive success likely due to how much of a critical and commercial success the film was.

Hit singles

Gonna fly now #1

#37 for 1977 (#38 cash box)

Bob Seger-Nine tonight #3

As popular as Bob Seger was here in Australia, it appears we Aussies weren't too interested in a live album from him as this was a massive failure for him here. This wasn't the case in his homeland as his fellow Americans made this one of his biggest entries in his catalogue on Billboard.

#25 for 1981 (cash box)

#68 for 1982

Sister sledge-We are family #3

It's one thing that this flopped here in Australia, after all the singles didn't exactly light up our charts back in the day (despite them being constantly played on oldies stations.) The fact this flopped in NZ for Sister sledge where the family group had far more success is puzzling especially given how well it did in their homeland during the peak of disco's dominance on pop culture.

Hit singles

He's the greatest dancer #9

We are family #2

#37 for 1979 (#23 cash box)

Hope floats soundtrack #4

I have no memory of Hope floats in pop culture, however looking it up online tells me that while it was a box office success, it's considered one of the worst rom coms of the 90's due to how melodramatic it gets. Despite having Harry Connick Jr as the male lead, the soundtrack doesn't have any of his songs as it's instead a collection of country jams which I guess explains its success on Billboard.

#37 for 1998

#120 for 1999

Motley Crue-Theatre of pain #6

It looks like Motley Crue is another example of a band that found more success with each successive album in their career in America, this was the album which put them on the map in their homeland likely due to its similarities to what Van Halen was putting around at the time of its release.

#84 for 1985 (#22 cash box)

#56 for 1986

New edition-New edition #6

It's strange to think that this was America's introduction to New edition given how their debut single "Candy girl" was a massive worldwide hit for them two years prior to its release. What's even stranger is that this was a massive flop everywhere in the world, heck if the lead single wasn't a hit in NZ, I doubt anyone outside of their fellow Americans would realise it even exists.

Hit singles

Cool it now #4

Mr telephone man #12

#23 for 1985 (#50 cash box)

Joni Mitchell-Miles of aisles #2

Joni Mitchell managed to achieve decent success with her album in America throughout the 70's, this is somewhat odd given how her debut single "Big yellow taxi" was a massive flop for her over there despite being a huge hit here in Australia as well as a decent hit in the UK and her native Canada. This was her biggest success on Billboard which is her live album from 1974.

#68 for 1975 (#35 cash box)

God's property from Kirk Franklin's nu nation #3

What on earth did I just type out for this list? OK so this is apparently a collaboration album between a gospel choir known as God's property and gospel singer Kirk Franklin which took the Billboard charts by storm upon its initial release. I guess we've finally had our first Christian album on this list, meaning that yes, the legends are true with how this trend was a thing in the 90's.

#40 for 1997

#175 for 1998

REO Speedwagon-Good trouble #7

Did you know that REO Speedwagon released an album between their earlier entry on the main list and the one that spawned "Can't fight this feeling" from the midpoint of the 80's? (We'll be looking at that album in a bit on this list.) Not only does this album exist, but it was a huge success for the band in their homeland even if it was a no show on any chart other than the Billboard charts.

#96 for 1982 (#41 cash box)

Great white-Twice shy #9

It honestly seems like the Billboard charts were on a different planet compared to the rest of the world at different points in time, the late 80's being the worst example followed closely by the mid to late 70's it seems. Great white was a huge deal in their homeland with this album that never touched a charts other than the Billboard charts, this goes double for the singles by the way.

#31 for 1989 (#33 cash box)

R Kelly-R Kelly #1x1

R Kelly was on a roll when he released his follow-up to his earlier entry on this list, again this was only on the Billboard charts as the rest of the world wasn't that impressed with his brand of RNB (likely because they had a feeling this guy was a creep behind the scenes.) That said, some of the tracks did do decently well internationally, particularly in NZ where they were sleeper hits.

Hit singles

You remind me of something #4

Down low #4

I can't sleep baby #5 (#14)

#17 for 1996

Van Halen-Diver down #3

Van Halen is another American band that saw a ton of success in their homeland that didn't have a low of that success translate internationally, heck two out of four of their entries on my main list were due to how well they did here in Australia and nowhere else in the world to give you an idea of how much of a well kept secrets their brand of arena rock was on the Billboard charts.

#60 for 1982 (#20 cash box)

Garth Brooks-Double live #1x5

We're still not done with the Garth Brooks albums on this list, this one being a live album which saw massive success on Billboard just as the 90's were beginning to wind down. For what it's worth, his success carried over well into the 21st century in his homeland.

#6 for 1999

Rufus featuring Chaka Khan-Rufus featuring Chaka Khan #7

I get that self-titled albums are a thing, however "Rufus featuring Chaka Khan" might just be one of the most ridiculous album names.... heck names period of all time. It's little wonder this was a complete dud for both parties outside their homeland, although the latter would see massive worldwide success as a solo artist moving into the 80's.

#30 for 1976 (#53 cash box)

Doobie brothers-Best of the Doobies #5

Admittedly this might've actually be a huge hit in NZ given how this had the misfortune of peaking during the infamous 1976/1977 summer break where the charts went down for seven weeks, if that's the case then this would mean that the album was successful in two countries as this was naturally a big hit for the band in their homeland following the replacement of Tom Johnson with Michael McDonald as the lead vocalist.

#49 for 1976 (cash box)

#30 for 1977 (#27 cash box)

Empire strikes back soundtrack #4

Whereas only the soundtrack to A new hope as well as the Phantom menace managed to be a hit internationally, it appears the soundtracks to all the Star Wars films (at least pre–Disney Star Wars) were successful in America due to how popular the films were. This is the soundtrack to the second film released in the franchise and one that cemented its score into pop culture.

#40 for 1980 (cash box)

Average white band-Cut the cake #4

Following the success of their earlier entry on this list, AWB was able to strike while the iron was hot in their homeland with this follow up. Like I said earlier, they had far greater success on Billboard than they did anywhere else in the world and they weren't even the most popular band in America.

#57 for 1975 (cash box)

Whitney Houston-The preacher's wife #3

This is the soundtrack to Whitney's third and final film the Preacher's wife, this was by far her best film as far as critics were concerned given how the only pushback it ever received was that it was too sentimental, a common criticism for rom coms of any given time period. The soundtrack was naturally a big success in America, although the rest of the world was only interested in one of the songs it had to offer.

Hit singles

Step by step #15

#17 for 1997

Night ranger-7 wishes #10

I hope you're in the mood for more American bands who failed to find success anywhere outside their homeland because there's plenty more to come on this section of my list, this time it's Night ranger who scored a massive hit with this album on Billboard during the height of the Live aid craze. It's actually tough to say if they had of found success in Australia had this gotten big at any other point in time.

#64 for 1985

Ozzy Osbourne-The ultimate sin #6

Black sabbath didn't have much success on Billboard during their heyday, so it's a bit interesting to see Ozzy Osbourne make it on here with an album I doubt even his fellow Brits would know exist. Then again, he and his family were mainstays on MTV when the channel skewed away from music videos, so perhaps the audience for his solo material was always there in America.

#30 for 1986 (#37 cash box)

Chris Isaak-Heart shaped world #7

I debated about including this album on the list given how it took off in America the same time Chris Isaak released his compilation album named after the big hit this spawned for him worldwide internationally. I decided against it as this is a collection of songs from three different albums as opposed to Backstreet boys entry from earlier which was two albums released as one in America.

Hit singles

Wicked game #6

#26 for 1991 (#14 cash box)

Johnny Gill-Johnny Gill #8

Ever thought it was weird that this guy had a massive hit with "The floor" here in Australia but nowhere else in the world? Well, it still is as you'd think he would've had a hit from this album which was a massive success in his native America following the success he had as Bobby Brown's replacement on New edition. The fact that "The floor" was such a failure on Billboard is honestly mystifying to me.

Hit singles

Rub you the right way #3

My my my #10

#29 for 1990 (#23 cash box)

Grateful dead-In the dark #6

Here's another band that only found success in America and nowhere else in the world, this time it's the Grateful dead who had been in the industry for two decades before they finally found success with this album during the height of the hair metal craze. I think it's funny how a band more in line with blues rock would find success with the likes of Poison and Motley Crue.

#95 for 1987 (#16 cash box)

Van Halen-II #6

In a bit of a bizarre twist, Van Halen's debut album won't be appearing on this list even though it was a moderate success here in Australia back in the day. This means that it was us Aussies that gave these guys their first taste of success in their career (likely due to a Countdown performance that's now lost media) even though we wouldn't hear from them again until 1984.

#38 for 1979 (#28 cash box)

Don Henley-The end of innocence #8

Even though his second solo album was a big success for him in America (which we'll get to eventually on the main list) it was Don Henley's third album which proved to be a massive success for him on Billboard right as the 80's was coming to an end. This is curious given how it was a complete failure for him everywhere else in the world despite finding massive success worldwide throughout the decade.

#57 for 1989 (#16 cash box)

#8 for 1990 (#43 cash box)

New jack city soundtrack #2

From what I can gather, New jack city is a critically acclaimed crime thriller starring Wesley Snipes that was very popular for its time (I haven't seen it.) That coupled with the fact that its theme song kick started one of the more popular teen pop bands of the early 90's ensures that its soundtrack would be a massive success in America.

Hit singles

I wanna sex you up #2 (#2 airplay)

#32 for 1991 (#16 cash box)

Aldo Nova-Aldo Nova #8

I have no idea who Aldo Nova is, however, it appears that this Canadian rock musician managed to be so popular both in his homeland and over in America that his debut album was a massive success in both countries. From what I'm hearing on this list, it appears he's an early pioneer of hair metal.

#38 for 1982 (#55 cash box)

Quincy Jones-Back on the block #9

Ever wanted to know if Quincy Jones had any albums similar to that of David Guetta or Calvin Harris? It turns out he did with this being his most successful in his career which was conveniently the first thing he worked on following the departure of his most lucrative client Michael Jackson.

Hit singles

I'll be good to you #18

Tomorrow #75

#31 for 1990 (#15 cash box)

Van Halen-Women and children first #6

We're really ploughing through the entirety of Van Halen's discography on this list, aren't we? Here we are with their third album which continued the winning streak they had with their entry from a moment ago in their homeland. Again, the rest of the world wouldn't know they even existed until four years later when their top entry on this list saw the light of day.

#51 for 1980 (#25 cash box)

Anita Baker-Compositions #5

Even though she didn't exist as far as the rest of the world was concerned, Anita Baker was still going strong in her homeland moving into the 90's given how well this follow up to her earlier entry on this list did on Billboard. Her next album also did well enough to make it on here, however it took her ten years to follow that up.

#56 for 1990 (#26 cash box)

Brothers Johnson-Look out for no 1 #9

These guys were another casualty of us Aussies overlooking American artists in favour of whatever Countdown was promoting back in the 70's, however they found better luck in NZ thanks to "Strawberry letter" nearly topping their charts. Before that happened, they had decent success with their debut album in their native America that failed to make an impact internationally for Brothers Johnson.

#23 for 1976 (#20 cash box)

Andy Gibb-Shadow dancing #7

Although he had three consecutive Billboard chart toppers in America, only one of them are present on this album from Andy Gibb which I bring up because this was the only album in his catalogue to find any sort of success throughout his career. Even then, I get the feeling this was only a success in America due to how inescapable his older brothers were internationally.

Hit singles

Shadow dancing #1

An everlasting love #10

Don't throw it all away #32

#71 for 1978 (#24 cash box)

Another bad creation-Coolin at the playground ya know #7

Ever wanted to know what Kris Kross meant when they said "Don't try to compare us to another bad little fad" on their debut single? Well, here's that "bad little fad" they were talking about as Another bad creation were big for one reason and one reason alone in their native America, the fact that they're a bunch of little kids singing over production meant for the likes of Boyz II men or Bell Biv Devoe.

Hit singles

Iesha #9

#20 for 1991 (#22 cash box)

Ludacris-Back for the first time #4

Although he's more well known these days for his role as Tej Parker in the Fast and furious franchise as well as for being on seemingly every track as the guest rapper from the club boom of the early 2010's, Ludacris began his career with an album called Incognegro which predictably flopped in his homeland (presumably due to how close it is to being an offensive title.) It was rebranded to this album where it found much more success.

#29 for 2001

Dan Fogelberg-The innocent age #6

This is the second album that found success in America for Dan Fogelberg, it turns out these two albums did spawn charting singles in the southern hemisphere which upon listening to them, seems like the type of music that would've permeated the early 80's on Billboard following the alleged disco backlash.

Hit singles

Same old lang syne #9

#27 for 1981 (cash box)

#19 for 1982 (#71 cash box)

Linda Ronstadt-Hasten down the wind #3

As successful as Linda Ronstadt was throughout the 70's worldwide, she wasn't as big as she was in her homeland given how this isn't even her final entry on this list. This album came right before her magnum opus Simple dreams, meaning that this was her fellow Americans warm up to her biggest success.

#33 for 1976 (cash box)

#93 for 1977

Tom Petty-Southern accents #7

We have one final entry from Tom Petty on this list, this one comes to us from the midpoint of the 80's where he tries to adapt with the times which results in this being a cross between a Bruce Springsteen album and what the Cars were releasing around this time. His fellow Americans were impressed and/or amused with this album, hence why it was a success on Billboard.

#38 for 1985 (#41 cash box)

Coolio-Gangsta's paradise #9

Coolio came close to appearing on the NZ side of my site with this entry as it did briefly crack the top ten album charts over there, however it was too much of a "fan hit" for me to consider it a worthy contender for that side of my site. Fortunately, it was much more of a notable success in his homeland due to how inescapable the singles were on Billboard.

Hit singles

Gangsta's paradise #1 (#7 airplay)

Too hot #24

1 2 3 4 #5

#20 for 1996

Aerosmith-Permanent vacation #11

This was the first success that Aerosmith had in their homeland in well over a decade, this is due to the fact that Run DMC covered one of their tracks for their breakthrough hit worldwide which naturally sparked interest in what they had in store for (then) modern audiences. That said, their comeback wouldn't be complete until their next album from the start of this list.

#10 for 1987 (#46 cash box)

Kansas-Leftoverture #5

Even though these guys are a one hit wonder on the Billboard charts with the lead single to their earlier entry, it appears that their fellow Americans allowed them to have two successful albums in their homeland even if neither of them found an audience anywhere else in the world. Indeed, this came out first of the two entries on this list, meaning it was a warmup to their other success.

#17 for 1977 (#14 cash box)

Dave Matthews band-Crash #2

You want a band that's seen nothing but ridicule over the years on this list? How about the Dave Matthews band as despite them becoming such a punchline that even the mainstream media makes fun of them? Despite this ridicule, these guys were inescapable throughout the 90's and 00's staring with their second album which was a massive hit for them only in their homeland.

#26 for 1996

#29 for 1997

Master P-Ghetto D #1x1

Speaking of 90's acts receiving nothing but ridicule from the internet, we have Master P who despite extensive research, I've been unable to find one positive thing said about him other than how successful he was in his homeland throughout his career. Unlike the Dave Matthews band, it wasn't instantaneous as this was his sixth album from his catalogue and the first to find any success.

#50 for 1997

#47 for 1998

Moody blues-The other side of life #9

This was a comeback for the Moody blues given how they released another album between this and their previous entry on this list that bombed in America, although I'm willing to bet nobody outside of America even realised they released anything after that album despite the lead single charting here in Australia.

Hit singles

Your wildest dreams #9

#43 for 1986 (#33 cash box)

Bryan Adams-Cuts like a knife #8

Whereas the rest of the world has Bryan's top entry on this list as his debut album, this was where his success began in America and his native Canada despite having two albums released prior to this in his homeland that did nothing to help him find an audience. It's staggering to think that this was more successful in both countries than his 90's output.

#15 for 1983 (#34 cash box)

Loverboy-Keep it up #7

We have a second appearance from Loverboy on this list, this time it's with their third album which proved to be a massive success for them on Billboard as well as their native Canada even if by this point, we Aussies had given up on the pop rock band. To be honest, I'm not what turned us Aussies off from these guys as I would've thought they would thrive in our music landscape.

#7 for 1983 (#21 cash box)

Club nouveau-Life love and pain #6

This came really close to appearing on the NZ side of my site as Club nouveau's international success did indicate there was something more to the band than their breakthrough single, alas it was too minor of a hit for me to consider honouring its success on that side of my site. This wasn't the case for them in their homeland where it was a massive success for them on the Billboard charts.

Hit singles

Lean on me #1

#33 for 1987

Barbra Streisand-Higher ground #1x1

In somewhat of a bizarre twist, this album from Barbra Streisand managed to be a massive success for her in America at the cost of it failing to spawn a hit single for her. I bring this up because this was the album that spawned her big international hit with Celine Dion which her label foolishly decided to not release as a single in her homeland.

#16 for 1998

Joe-My name is Joe #2

Everything about this album will have you think that it's the debut album from the artist in question, however it turns out this was Joe's third album as the RNB singer had minimal success in his native America prior to its release throughout the 90's. It turns out he would be a one album wonder as he didn't have much luck going into the 21st century in his homeland either.

Hit singles

I wanna know #4 (#2 airplay)

Stutter #1

#35 for 2000

Art Garfunkel-Breakaway #7

It may surprise you to learn that this was Art Garfunkel's only successful album in his homeland, this is especially if you know how well his 1979 effort Fate for breakfast did internationally even if that was due to his theme song to the cult classic Watership down. I guess this definitively means that as far as the public was concerned, Paul Simon was the driving force behind Simon and Garfunkel.

Hit singles

I only have my eyes for you #18

#68 for 1975 (cash box)

#50 for 1976

Gary Wright-The dream weaver #7

Now this is an album I'm shocked failed here in Australia, more specifically the title track given how you hear it constantly on oldies stations to this day. It turns out that this was lightning in a bottle for Gary Wright in his homeland as even though this and the singles were massive on Billboard, he's the quintessential one album wonder in America.

Hit singles

Dream weaver #2

#6 for 1976 (#10 cash box)

REO Speedwagon-Wheels are turning #7

Even though this album spawned REO Speedwagon their second Billboard chart topper, it proved to be the end of the road for the band even in their homeland as their subsequent follow ups failed to dent the Billboard charts. It appears Australia was the only other place in the world that knows of this album's existence given how well the lead single did here upon its initial release.

Hit singles

Can't fight this feeling #1

#18 for 1985 (#34 cash box)

Lisa Lisa and the Cult jam-Spanish fly #7

This is one of many Motown albums to find massive success in America and virtually nowhere else in the world, although for what it's worth, the lead single was a huge hit over in NZ meaning the kiwis likely at least know who these guys are which is more than I can say for us Aussies or Brits. People like to single this out with how far Motown had fallen by the 80's given how it spawned two chart toppers on Billboard despite a perceived lack of quality.

Hit singles

Head to toe #1
Lost in emotion #1

#42 for 1987 (#24 cash box)

Phoebe Snow-Phoebe Snow #4

Whereas we Aussies gave massive success to Phoebe Snow with her fifth album Against the grain (likely due to a Countdown performance that's since become lost media) she was able to break through onto the Billboard charts with her first album which spawned her signature track as its lead single. For what it's worth, her big album here in Australia didn't even chart on Billboard for whatever reason.

Hit singles

Poetry man #5

#5 for 1975 (#22 cash box)

Lipps inc-Mouth to mouth #5

So, what was that about disco being dead by 1980 in America? OK sure, people like to bring up Lipps inc and the exception to the rule that disco was dead by the time the 80's rolled around, however I'd like to think that it wasn't the case even on this list given how much disco we've seen creep into the 80's so far on this list.

Hit singles

Funkytown #1

#58 for 1980 (#49 cash box)

Ozzy Osbourne-Tribute #6

Well in case his earlier entry on this list was a fluke, I guess Americans confirmed Ozzy Osbourne as a mainstream success with this live album he released a year after that album. Again, this went unheard of throughout the rest of the world given how we were about a decade removed from his work with Black sabbath, however that didn't seem to be a deterrence for the Americans like it was internationally.

#83 for 1987 (#22 cash box)

Aerosmith-Big ones #6

This came so close to appearing on both the Australian and NZ sides of my site, this means that if our charts weren't so chaotic by the mid 90's, then it would've been on this list proper which means there was indeed demand for a greatest hits package from Aerosmith by the mid 90's in the southern hemisphere just like there was in their homeland.

#24 for 1995 (#38 cash box)

Garth Brooks-Fresh horses #2

This was another near miss from appearing on the Australian side of my site, I guess we Aussies were open to making Garth Brooks a household name here but ultimately decided against it when we got our hands on this follow-up to In pieces from the main list. As he was already a household name in America, this was naturally a massive success for him on Billboard.

#7 for 1996

Garth Brooks-The limited series

And we're still not done with Garth Brooks yet as we now have a six for one deal to appear on this list similar to P!nk's four for one deal she released here in Australia back in 2007 following the success of her (then) latest album I'm not dead. As far as I'm aware, these are the only two bargain deals to appear on my site, giving you an idea of how well-loved Garth and P!nk are in America and Australia respectively.

#44 for 1998

Master P-MP da last don #1x2

This is the only other entry from master P on this list, I guess his time in the spotlight was far shorter than I'd imagined given how much the internet loves to dunk on this guy. For the uninitiated, he's a southern rapper who got his big break with a song called "Make em say uhh" which yes, is every bit as ridiculous as I'm making it out to be.

#31 for 1998

Kid Rock-The rock history #2

Oh hey, it's that guy who mashed up "Sweet home Alabama" with "Werewolves of London" again on this list, this time it's with a greatest hits album that overlooks his early catalogue that goes all the way back to the early 90's. Again, I'm reminded by that quote about not listening to this guy's music, I really wish I can remember just who it is that said that.

#40 for 2000

Ratt-Invasion of your privacy #7

We have another album from hair metal band Ratt on this list, this is their final entry given how the band didn't have any success during the second half of the 80's despite them being one of the forerunners of hair metal in their native America from the first half of the decade. I guess their fellow Americans didn't have any room for them among the likes of Poison and Motley Crue.

#77 for 1985 (#25 cash box)

Bobby McFerrin-Simple pleasures #5

Ah yes, the man who scored a massive hit with a song many still consider to be one of the worst of all time, not to mention a song that arguably only got popular due to it being attached to the Cocktail soundtrack from earlier on this list. If you can believe it, this isn't even Bobby McFerrin's only album even if it's the only one he ever saw success with.

Hit singles

Don't worry be happy #1

#58 for 1988 (#23 cash box)

Mary J Blige-My life #7

The rest of the world was still a long way off from Mary J Blige scoring a massive hit with "Family affair," however at least the kiwis were starting to take notice of her music given how this spawned a few minor charting hits for her over there. Of course, in her native America, this simply continued her success that her earlier entry on this list had brought her.

#20 for 1995 (#34 cash box)

Dan Fogelberg and Tim Weisberg-Twin sons of different mothers #8

This is a collaboration album between folk singer Dan Fogelberg and flutist Tim Weisberg, apparently, they did more than one album together even if this was by far the more successful of the collaborations they had. Naturally it was only a success on Billboard as I doubt anyone not from America knows who either of these men are.

#35 for 1978 (cash box)

#57 for 1979

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