This was the bestselling album of the 90’s worldwide, although it sort of cheated for this accomplishment by being released twice in the latter half of the decade. The first time it was a traditional pop country effort, while the second was slightly modified as a more pop oriented album to transition the Canadian starlet into a more mainstream audience.
Peak position #1×20
Hit singles
You’re still the one #1
From this moment on #2
That don’t impress me much #2
Man I feel like a woman #4
You’ve got a way #28
Don’t be stupid #32
Popular in 2000
If we were going purely by chart runs, this was the biggest album of the decade in Australia due to how it seemed like this would never leave our charts from its initial release. It was a huge comeback for P!nk following the commercial disappointment of her third album Try this which suggested that her time in the spotlight would come to an end in 2004. That obviously wasn’t the case as she’s still going strong to this day.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Stupid girls #4
Who knew #2
U + ur hand #5
Nobody knows #27
Leave me alone #5
Dear Mr president #5
Popular in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
P!nk was on a roll with her fifth album as it retained the popularity of her fourth album right to the end of the decade worldwide as well as being a massive worldwide success in its own right. It’s also a project that saved her marriage despite it being a breakup album given the problems her and her husband was going through during its production, however they patched things up prior to its release.
Peak position #1×9
Hit singles
So what #1
Sober #6
Please don’t leave me #11
Bad influence #6
Funhouse #6
I don’t believe you #23
Popular in 2008, 2009
They may not have had that inescapable hit single (at least when it comes to legal physical sales, trust me these guys were inescapable on the radio back in the day) however that didn’t prevent Jet from becoming the biggest Australian band of the decade with their debut album, and all before Apple ever discovered their music and decided to use their singles in their ads for their products.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Are you gonna be my girl #20
Rollover DJ #31
Look what you’ve done #14
Cold hard bitch #33
Popular in 2003, 2004, 2005
Although their previous album was a huge success here in Australia and in certain parts of the world, people were certain that the RCHP moment was over due to it failing to produce a hit single for them. Fortunately, now that John Frusciante had re-joined the band by this point, their next album was a huge success for them both by spawning hit singles and by having high album sales like their breakthrough.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Scar tissue #15
Around the world #49
Otherside #31
Califonication #44
Popular in 2000, 2001
There was a rivalry between Missy Higgins and Delta Goodrem throughout the decade, ultimately Delta won out thanks to have a stronger fanbase (and arguably due to her hate dom as well) however Missy had the slightly bigger debut album of the two women with this entry thanks to endorsements from Triple J as well as her folk pop connecting slightly better to audiences at the time of its release.
Peak position #1×7
Hit singles
Scar #1
Ten days #12
The special two #2
The sound of white #22
Popular in 2004, 2005, 2006
It took him a while to follow-up his solo debut, however once JT dropped his second album, it had confirmed him as the superstar of the decade given how inescapable the singles were as well as all of the critical acclaim it received. Whereas there was only a four-year gap between his debut and sophomore album, fans would have to wait for seven years before he released album number three.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Sexyback #1
My love #3
What goes around comes around #3
Lovestoned #11
Popular in 2006, 2007, 2008
While this wasn’t her debut album (that honour goes to her self-titled from 2006) this was the album which made Taylor Swift into an international superstar thanks to its theme of her being a Disney princess which connected with the teenage girls of the world back when no one had an issue with the Disney princess brand. It led to her becoming the biggest pop star in the world the following decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Love story #1
White horse #41
You belong with me #5
Fifteen #48
Popular in 2009
Who’d thought that an appearance on the Daredevil soundtrack would be all it took for this second album to be one of the most successful of all time? Granted it could also be due to it being close enough to nu metal to be welcomed by fans of that sub-genre given how it was still one of the most popular genres of the moment when it came out, although those fans would jump shift once the band released their second album.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Bring me to life #1
Going under #14
My immortal #4
Everybody’s fool #23
Popular in 2003, 2004
This is the second and final album to come from Savage Garden, it was equally as successful here in Australia as their debut was even if it wasn’t as successful internationally for the duo. Still the fact it was a massive worldwide success does leave you wondering why they went their separate ways once their world tour for the album came to an end, they’ve been vague about it but essentially it was to allow Darren to have a solo career.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
The animal song #3
I knew I loved you #4
Affirmation #16
Crash and burn #16
Chained to you #21
Popular in 2000, 2001
This is often considered to be the magnum opus for Eminem, likely because it continues his shock rap that his earlier catalogue was known for whilst addressing the fact that none of it was meant to be taken seriously and that he wasn’t actually bigoted towards women or the queer community like he was accused of being. It was a massive success and briefly reassured the public that he was harmless to the youth of society, although that changed with his next album.
Peak position #1×7
Hit singles
Without me #1
Cleaning out my closet #3
Sing for the moment #5
Business #4
Popular in 2002, 2003
This is the debut album from one of the most divisive artists to make it big so far in the 21st century, it’s largely due to people finding it to be one of the wimpiest albums of all time due to its lead single despite coming from a man who has served his country in the army and achieved a high ranking in said army. For what it’s worth, he does have a dedicated fanbase to this day, meaning people genuinely love his music.
Peak position #1×12
Hit singles
You’re beautiful #2
Goodbye my lover #3
Wisemen #11
High #42
Popular in 2005, 2006, 2007
Although her previous album was a massive hit here in Australia, many consider this to be the comeback that Kylie needed given how it was the album that finally got her out of the one hit wonder bin over in America that she had been trapped in since her debut single from the late 80’s. Like many successful albums this decade, the singles largely took a back seat down under in favour of how big the album was.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Can’t get you out of my head #1
In your eyes #1
Love at first sight #3
Come into my world #4
Popular in 2001, 2002, 2003
It looked like these guys would’ve had their success confided to the 90’s given how their album from the start of the decade was such a commercial failure (despite the singles permeating on radio to this day) that it seemed no one was interested in them going into the 21st century. Of course, that changed when they got political with their second album of the decade which was highly critical of the American government.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
American idiot #7
Boulevard of broken dreams #5
Holiday #24
Wake me up when September ends #13
Jesus of suburbia #24
Popular in 2004, 2005, 2006
This had a bit of a climb to its popularity given how Michael Bublé was an unknown crooner prior to its success despite it being his third album in his catalogue, indeed it only became a success here in Australia thanks to the success of its single “Sway” which became popular on the radio when it was released as a single.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Sway #15
Popular in 2003, 2004, 2005
This was the biggest album of the decade to not conform to the mainstream given how it was a jazz pop number from Norah Jones, the daughter of popular jazz artist Ravi Shanker who is considered to be one of India’s best musicians of all time. She made a massive splash with this debut of hers that led to her next album also being a massive success, however her popularity quickly dwindled after that.
Peak position #1×9
Hit singles
Don’t know why #5
Popular in 2002, 2003, 2004
This was a massive hit for Wolfmother who was a throwback band to the rock of the 70’s which made them a household name on Triple J leading up to the release of their debut album. The songs saw a lot of airplay whenever they were released as singles, however it was only when “Joker and the thief” became a huge hit on the digital charts that the album finally became a mainstream success for them.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Mind’s eye #29
White unicorn #33
Woman #34
Joker and the thief #8
Popular in 2005, 2006, 2007
This album was originally released in 1999 for Dido, it was a massive flop that went unnoticed worldwide until it was discovered by Eminem of all people who decided to sample the lead single for his song “Stan” which propelled its success for the English singer/songwriter. Although none of the singles were successful here in Australia, that didn’t prevent the album from being a massive success here.
Peak position #1×8
Hit singles
Hunter #50
Popular in 2001, 2002
It took a while for this second album from Kasey Chambers to take off here in Australia, however the surprise success of “Not pretty enough” allowed it to become a runaway success for the Australian country singer and even opened her up to an international market given how the song also did quite well in NZ. Sadly, her international success would be limited to what she achieved in NZ with that song.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Not pretty enough #1
Million tears #32
If I were you #32
Popular in 2001, 2002, 2003
She had a lot of hype going into her debut album thanks to not only her debut single, but also her role in Neighbours which quickly became a fan favourite of the series. The hype was effortlessly met as this was declared the bestselling album of the decade according to ARIA given how it spent almost a full year in the top three on the charts. It was inevitable given that is has five out of five chart toppers to come from the album.
Peak position #1×29
Hit singles
Born to try #1
Lost without you #1
Innocent eyes #1
Not me not I #1
Predictable #1
Popular in 2003, 2004
Following the success of her debut album, Kelly Clarkson decided to write more personal ballads on her sophomore which had it have a slow start to its success given how audiences weren’t ready to have the reality show star becoming the likes of P!nk and Avril Lavigne with this album. Eventually they were won over which allowed this second album to be a massive success for her worldwide.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Breakaway #10
Since u been gone #3
Behind these hazel eyes #6
Because of you #4
Walk away #27
Popular in 2005, 2006
BEP were on a roll when they released their second album as a quartet, although it’s worth noting that this album greatly expanded Fergie’s presence with the group compared to their previous album where she was more of a backup singer rather than a full member of the group. In any case, the songs proved to be more irresistible than their previous work which resulted in the groups success with it.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Don’t phunk with my heart #1
Don’t lie #6
My humps #1
Pump it #6
Popular in 2005, 2006
This had more of an immediate success for Lady Gaga internationally than it did in her native America, similar to her obvious influence Madonna who only found success in her homeland once the rest of the world made her a household name in the 80’s. The similarities between the two pop divas led to them being compared with over the years, although Madonna certainly grew tired of these comparisons rather quickly.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Just dance #1
Poker face #1
Eh eh #15
Lovegame #4
Paparazzi #2
Popular in 2008, 2009
Shakira had been active for a decade in her native Columbia at this point, however it was when she learned English and decided to appeal to an English-speaking market that she finally achieved mainstream success worldwide with this album. It was one of the last Latin albums to make it big as the Latin craze was quickly dying out as the decade went on, however it spawned multiple huge hits to ensure its success.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Whenever wherever #1
Underneath your clothes #1
Objection #2
The one #16
Popular in 2002, 2003
This had a bit of a slow start to its success here in Australia given how it was lacking that obvious radio hit that “Yellow” proved to be from their previous album, of course that radio hit came when “Clocks” was overplayed to death upon its initial release which helped the album become the band’s second-best seller worldwide. This is the album fans consider to be their best work given how the songs linger to this day.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
In my place #23
Clocks #28
God put a smile on your face #43
The scientist #40
Popular in 2002, 2003, 2004
Although her debut album was a modest success here in Australia at the start of the decade (mainly through how inescapable its singles were) it was her second album where fans really started taking notice of her evolution as a pop diva as she would begin writing her own songs to go with the theme of her being “stripped” of the pop machine that had gone into her previous work with Disney.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Dirrty #4
Beautiful #1
Fighter #5
Can’t hold us down #5
The voice within #8
Popular in 2003, 2004
Although her debut album did decently well in Australia earlier in the decade, it wasn’t the juggernaut like her second album was which spawned multiple hit singles here and in her native UK just as the decade was coming to an end. Despite being compared to P!nk during the 00’s, her popularity didn’t translate to the 2010’s likely due to her failing to crossover to America like some of her other fellow Brits.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
The fear #3
Fuck you #23
Not fair #3
22 #12
Popular in 2009
The acronym for this album is “the energy never dies,” this seemed to be the case for the quartet when they released their third album together given how it seemed like their party jams weren’t going to die going into the 2010’s thanks to how inescapable they were. Of course, their time in the spotlight did eventually die out when they released their next album which was critically panned for being lazy and repetitive.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Boom boom pow #1
I gotta feeling #1
Meet me halfway #1
Rock that body #8
Imma be #7
Popular in 2009
This was the debut album from Avril Lavigne, an album that remains her most successful to this day thanks to how inescapable the singles were on the radio worldwide. While it wasn’t the first album from a female musician to become a success due to having more personal lyrics and a rock sound to it this decade, it was the album that shifted the trends away from the likes of teen pop and girl groups worldwide.
Peak position #1×7
Hit singles
Complicated #1
Sk8er boi #3
Losing grip #20
Popular in 2002, 2003
This was the debut album from Maroon 5, an album that sat on shelves largely ignored for two years before finally becoming a massive success once the second single took off worldwide. As you can tell from the title, this is an album dedicated to a woman in Adam Levine’s life and all of the emotions she made him feel during its production, I wonder if their subsequent material is also about this Jane in question.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Harder to breathe #37
This love #8
She will be loved #1
Sunday morning #27
Popular in 2004, 2005
This had a bit of a slow start to its success here in Australia given how Usher had yet to become a mega superstar here like he was in his native America, however we Aussies were eventually won over thanks to the success of its singles which no doubt led to the success of his American counterpart throughout the decade. Craig is a bit of a one album wonder here in Australia as his second album was a massive commercial disappointment.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Fill me in #6
7 days #4
Walking away #5
Rendezvous #28
Popular in 2000, 2001
This is one of the last Australian groups to find international success over the years, here we have the debut album from the Veronicas who scored instant success here in Australia and over in NZ once it was released over there which sparked interest for the duo in the northern hemisphere. That interest turned into success once they released their second album later in the decade which spawned their biggest hit.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
4ever #2
Everything I’m not #7
When it all falls apart #7
Revolution #18
Leave me alone #41
Popular in 2005, 2006
These guys did have minor success earlier in the decade when they were a trio devoid of Fergie, however their fortunes changed once they added their sole female member to the group permanently (or at least it was permanent for nearly a decade) where they started having massive hits worldwide. Of course, the album that spawned these massive hits was also a huge success, although not immediately like their follow ups.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Where is the love #1
Shut up #1
Hey mama #4
Let’s get it started #2
Popular in 2003, 2004
It took a while for this debut album from Pete Murray to become a success here, mainly because the lead single didn’t have much success on the singles chart despite Triple J heavily promoting it and the album upon its initial release. The album finally took off when the third single became a surprise hit for him on the radio and eventually through sales, thus getting the album to become one of the biggest of the decade.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
So beautiful #9
Please #33
Popular in 2003, 2004, 2005
This solo album from Gwen Stefani remains divisive among fans to this day, basically you either love it for her willingness to branch out into pop music (like I do) or hate it because you feel it betrays her time with No doubt by sacrificing her ska punk roots in favour of making a pop album. Either way, it was a massive success for the pop diva despite criticisms of her fetishizing her Asian fans on the album cover and the lyrics.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
What you waiting for #1
Rich girl #2
Hollaback girl #1
Cool #10
Luxurious #25
Popular in 2004, 2005
This is another band that I would’ve sworn had massive success with their singles throughout the 00’s, although the led single to their third album was a sleeper hit, so perhaps they were just another victim of the music industry shoving them aside in favour of reality TV singles. In any case, their third album proved to be a massive success for them here in Australia as well as over in NZ despite it failing to spawn a hit over there.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Zebra #23
What you want #29
Something you want #47
Popular in 2004, 2005
Nowadays Moby is best known for that infamous diss that Eminem made towards him on “Without me,” however back in the day, he was by far the most successful DJ to make it big worldwide with his breakthrough album from the end of the 90’s. It took a while for this to take off for him, however he eventually found his audience by having most of the singles find their way into commercials.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Why does my heart feel so bad #33
Popular in 2000, 2001
There didn’t seem to be any signs of Michael Bublé slowing down in the mainstream as this was his fourth album in a row to achieve massive worldwide success for him, in fact this was so popular that it even spawned a genuine hit for the Canadian crooner in the form of its lead single which is something none of his other albums have done in his catalogue.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
Haven’t met you yet #9
Popular in 2009
Although this was a moderate success for Mumford and Sons this year, its true success came the following year when the lead single was crowned the best of the year according to listeners of Triple J which allowed it and the album to rebound on our charts. This ushered in a new wave of alternative music that did quite well on our charts throughout the 2010’s at the expense of traditional rock and roll.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Little lion man #3
The cave #32
Popular in 2009
This was the first of only two albums to have Natalie Bassingthwaighte on lead vocals from the Rogue traders, the band had previously released an album prior to this which only had the three male members of the group and was only a minor success at best. Indeed, the success of this album was likely due to Natalie’s time on Neighbours which was how many Australian pop divas made it big in our music scene.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Voodoo child #4
Way to go #7
Watching you #5
We’re coming home #14
Popular in 2005, 2006
Although she found success with her albums prior to this release, it wasn’t until this album from her alter ego Sasha fierce that Beyonce’s albums became a household name for her worldwide (I don’t want to look over the popular albums of the 2010’s, trust me, you don’t want me to.) The album has been widely criticised for being misandrist, obviously it was her way of responding to albums from the likes of Eminem and 50 cent with reverse sexism.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
If I were a boy #3
Single ladies #5
Halo #3
Diva #40
Sweet dreams #2
Broken hearted girl #14
Popular in 2008, 2009
Although their album A song is a city was a huge success for Eskimo Joe, it was their third album which finally made them a household name thanks to its title track becoming one of the biggest hits of the decade thanks to its dominance on the digital charts upon its initial release. It helped the alternative band go from a mere fan favourite from listeners of Triple J to one of Australia’s biggest names in music.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
Black fingernails red wine #6
Sarah #12
New York #26
Popular in 2006, 2007
This is the only album from Enrique Iglesias that was a best seller in Australia, mainly because the Latin crooner was more of a singles artist here and that his second English album was the only one to achieve massive success here thanks to its singles. Indeed, it only became a best seller down under once it spawned its second and third hits given how the lead single was a hit through its affiliation with 9/11.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Hero #1
Escape #7
Don’t turn off the lights #8
Maybe #41
Popular in 2002, 2003
Here we are with what many consider to be one of the worst albums of the decade by what the internet considers to be the worst band of the decade, I personally think both get too much hate as there’s far worse entries in both categories to choose from even if this is far from the best that rock has to offer (in my opinion.) It’s a perfectly harmless post grunge album that even to this day still has its fans.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Photograph #3
Far away #2
Saving me #18
Animals #27
If everyone cared #32
Popular in 2005, 2006, 2007
This is Powderfinger’s most successful album in their catalogue, mostly through the strength of the lead single which was a massive success on the radio (although not so much with sales) which translated to the album being immensely popular back in the day. It allowed the band to finally crossover to NZ where “My happiness” became a genuine hit over there in favour of the album underperforming.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
My happiness #4
Like a dog #40
The metre #31
Popular in 2000, 2001, 2002
This was a massive success upon its initial release here in Australia, however its true popularity came with the deluxe edition which came out a year after its release and included some of the most iconic songs in her catalogue which added to already iconic classics the main album had. It remains her biggest album in her career, although some of her 2010’s output do put up a decent challenge to that claim.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Umbrella #1
Shut up and drive #4
Hate that I love you #14
Don’t stop the music #1
Take a bow #3
Disturbia #6
Rehab #26
Popular in 2007, 2008
It had been twenty years since Santana last troubled the charts with any of their material, here they are back in the mainstream with the help of some of the biggest names in music at the time which helped them achieve one of the biggest albums not just in their catalogue but of all time with their collaborations. This comeback helped them become one of the bigger bands of the 00’s as it wasn’t a one-off fluke for them.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Smooth #4
Put your lights on #32
Maria Maria #49
Popular in 2000
This was originally meant to be an E.P that Lady Gaga released to cash in off the success of her earlier entry on this list, however she decided to bundle that album with said E.P which resulted in it becoming a massive success for her just as the decade was coming to an end. Naturally it was more of a hit throughout the 2010’s due to how late it was released this year.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Bad romance #2
Telephone #3
Alejandro #2
Dance in the dark #24
Popular in 2009
It looked like Jamiroquai would be a one album wonder when Synkronized failed to become a massive hit for them by the end of the 90’s, however the band had other ideas when they released their first album from the 21st century which became a massive hit for them here in Australia and their native UK. Again, this is an album whose success clearly came at the expense of its singles which I remember being everywhere at the time.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
Little l #14
You give me something #34
Love foolosophy #19
Popular in 2001, 2002, 2003
This was a band that was pipped for great things going into the 2010’s given how inescapably popular their debut album was, alas they were a rock group (well more an EDM group with rock elements to them) so this album was their only success here given how rock music was unfairly shunned once the new decade rolled around. Still at least Triple J loves them to this day given how well promoted they are on there.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
My people #14
This boy’s in love #23
Talk like that #19
Popular in 2008, 2009
It goes to show that rock music was still inescapable in the mainstream even when the decade was coming to an end, it’s a pity its popularity would all but disappear going into the 2010’s given how the club boom took over all aspects of the mainstream that decade. Here we have one of the last rock albums to be inescapable which came from Kings of Leon thanks to their anthemic tracks on the album.
Peak position #1×14
Hit singles
Sex on fire #1
Use somebody #2
Revelry #21
Manhattan #38
Notion #46
Popular in 2008, 2009
There was a lot of hype going into this debut album from Vanessa Amorosi given how popular its two advanced singles were from the previous decade, those expectations were effortlessly met when it was released given how inescapably popular the album was from the teenage singer/songwriter. It even became a minor success throughout Europe, likely due to her performing at the Olympic games.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Have a look #13
Absolutely everybody #6
Shine #4
The power #8
Popular in 2000, 2001
There were no signs of RHCP slowing down in the mainstream this decade, not even the fact that they also seemed to be victims of digital piracy during the first half of the decade was able to deter fans away from legally purchasing their albums given how this was a massive success for them upon its initial release. Of course, their next album would see them spawn a massive hit which is how I know fans didn’t buy their singles legally (for the most part.)
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
By the way #6
The zephyr song #21
Can’t stop #38
Popular in 2002, 2003
This took its sweet time in finding success here in Australia for Creed, granted they went largely ignored here back in the day as opposed to in NZ and their native America where they found instant success with their debut album, however this second album still had to wait nearly two years after its initial release to finally become a best seller down under due to how long it’s big hit took to crossover here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Higher #36
With arms wide open #4
Popular in 2001
Although Jack Johnson had moderate success here in Australia with his debut album Brushfire fairytales, it was his second album that made him a massive success here thanks to how laid back the album is compared to many of the other entries on this list. It led to his eventual backlash where his haters dubbed him the pioneer of the term “white guy with an acoustic guitar.”
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Taylor #27
Popular in 2003, 2004
This is one of many albums this decade to become massively successful despite it receiving negative reviews from critics, it seems fitting given how Limp bizkit weren’t exactly the type of band to appeal to those who would sing their praises for the likes of Steely Dan and U2. Still, this is an album that was popular at the time, but most people look back on with dread and confusion, much like Vanilla Ice a from a decade prior.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Take a look around #28
My generation #31
Rolling #11
Popular in 2000, 2001
There was a lot of hype going into this album from Matchbox 20 given how much of a surprise success that their debut album was throughout the 90’s, that hype was effortlessly met here in Australia as this also went on to be a massive success for the band thanks to the singles permeating on our radio back in the day. It wasn’t as successful in most other parts of the world, likely due to international audiences feeling this was more of the same from them.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Bent #19
If you’re gone #18
Mad season #42
Popular in 2000, 2001
This was the debut album for Macy Grey, a vocalist who had been trying to make it in the industry for a decade before she finally did so with the lead single of this album. Regardless of what you think of her vocals (they annoy me personally) there’s no denying that they are unique and helped her stand out from the countless other RNB singers of the moment, although this only worked out for this one album.
Peak position #1×8
Hit singles
I try #1
Still #21
Popular in 2000
There were no signs of Michael Bublé slowing down in the music industry given how his earlier entry had made him a household name worldwide, indeed this follow up was an immediate success for the Canadian crooner and even allowed said entry to extend its time on the charts given how newer fans were encouraged to check it out when this was released.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Home #35
Popular in 2005
Fatboy slim was originally a member of Beats international who scored a massive hit at the start of the decade with “Dub be good to me,” fast forward eight years and he has one of the biggest albums of the decade with this EDM classic. I was surprised that the songs weren’t bigger here back in the day, although I guess the album itself more than makes up for their lack of chart presence here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
The rockafella skank #32
Praise you #28
Right here right now #28
Popular in 2000
Given how nu metal had taken over the mainstream by this point in time, it only makes sense that Linkin Park would see massive success with their debut album worldwide even if it was only here in Australia where the album spawned more than one hit. I’m not sure why the lead single was only a hit down under, however the fourth single managed to become a worldwide smash almost a year after the album’s release.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
One step closer #4
Crawling #33
In the end #4
Points of authority #44
Popular in 2001, 2002
Well, if his (then) girlfriend could find international success with her album this year, why not Chris Brown with his second album? Just like Good girl gone bad, this album’s appearance on this list is also thanks to its deluxe edition released this year given how the album on its own likely wouldn’t have been successful were it not for the buzz it received with the deluxe edition once that dropped.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Wall to wall #21
Kiss kiss #8
With you #5
Forever #7
Superhuman #30
Popular in 2008
This solo outing from Fergie took its sweet time in becoming a success here in Australia, likely due to fans initially being put off by the first few singles as they seemed to suggest this was little more than a novelty album from the sole female member of BEP. They eventually came around on it once the fourth single became a massive worldwide hit for her, although there’s still a polarising reception to it to this day.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
London bridge #3
Fergalicious #4
Glamorous #2
Big girls don’t cry #1
Clumsy #3
Here I come #22
Popular in 2007, 2008
Ahh Limp bizkit, there’s so many things you can say about these guys and very few have been positive over the years. This wasn’t their first album, but it was the album that made them a household name due to the lead single being surprisingly popular on Triple J around this time, I think it was due to how popular Korn was on the station given how both bands were from the nu metal genre.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Nookie #13
Re arranged #35
Break stuff #41
Popular in 2000
While Kylie had plenty of success throughout the 90’s here in Australia, many people felt this was a return to form given how she was best known for her bubble-gum pop that made her famous in the late 80’s. It was the album that finally resparked interest for her in America given how successful it was here and throughout Europe for the princess of pop, leading to her next album to finally get her out of the one hit wonder bin on Billboard.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Spinning around #1
On a night like this #1
Kids #14
Please stay #15
Your disco needs you #20
Popular in 2000, 2001
Many consider this to be the final decent album to come from Coldplay given how their fans from the 00’s have felt that their 2010’s material doesn’t hold up to what they released this decade, they’re kind of like the British equivalent of Maroon 5 in that regard (right down to me never being a fan of either group.) In any case, this was the album which finally broke them through over in America given how big its title track was.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
Violet hill #9
Viva la Vida #2
Popular in 2008, 2009
It seemed like Nelly Furtado’s popularity had come to an end when she released her second album Folklore earlier in the decade, I guess people felt it was more of the same from the Canadian singer/songwriter which resulted in its commercial failure. She decided to shake things up with her third album by recruiting Timbaland which saw her sound be more urban which proved to be a massive success for her worldwide.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Promiscuous #2
Maneater #3
Say it right #2
All good things #12
Popular in 2006, 2007
It looked like this was going to underperform for Nickelback despite how big the lead single was for them here in Australia upon its initial release, it eventually saw massive success due to the second single becoming a surprise hit here which confirmed the band to be in the same leagues as Limp Bizkit and Creed from earlier in the decade as a band who was massively successful despite a mixed critical reception.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Someday #4
Figured you out #10
Feeling way too damn good #40
Popular in 2003, 2004
This was the first album that Ricky Martin released entirely in English, I’m guessing to cash in off the surprise success he had the previous year with his FIFA world cup performance that became a chart topper for him here in Australia. This greatly benefitted from the Latin craze as the lead single became a Billboard chart topper for him, although his popularity would dwindle going into the new millennium.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Living la vida loca #4
She’s all I ever had #28
Shake your bon bon #27
Popular in 2000
This was another easy hit for Michael Bublé in Australia back in the day, in fact the album even came back a year after its initial release given how it was released around Mother’s Day which people quickly picked up on his biggest fanbase around the world. Naturally the mothers of the world appreciated it when their children gave them a copy of this album as a thank you for being their parent.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Everything #19
Popular in 2007, 2008
This is where it all began for one of the more divisive pop stars of the new millennium, indeed Britney Spears isn’t what you’d call a powerhouse vocalist despite her songs being pop classics for two decades at this point. That said there’s a lot more love and respect for her in recent years than there was at the time as people would say some rather heinous things about her that I would rather not repeat on this site.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Baby one more time #1
Sometimes #2
Crazy #12
From the bottom of my broken heart #37
Popular in 2000
This is the magnum opus to come from Usher given that it not only remains his biggest album to date worldwide, but it also contains some of his most memorable work despite it all being about how he screwed up his relationship with Chilli from TLC. I guess Sony tampering with the singles here in Australia didn’t prevent the album from flopping, it didn’t boost its sales, but I guess things could’ve been worse.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Yeah #1
Burn #2
Confessions #5
Caught up #15
Popular in 2004, 2005
I’m guessing Matchbox 20 titled their greatest hits package this way due to them feeling like they were not welcome in the alternative scene throughout the decade, I guess there are enough scathing reviews of their albums from rock snobs to justify how they would feel this way especially given how inescapably popular they were throughout the decade both as a band and especially with Rob Thomas.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
How far we’ve come #7
All your reasons #34
Popular in 2007, 2008
Although he had a hit in the 90’s with “My name is,” I don’t think anyone would’ve predicted the overwhelming success that Eminem would go on to have this decade which began with this album that brought him to a wider audience thanks to it being slightly more commercially accessible than his earlier work. The album was a success twice here in Australia, once upon its initial release and again with the success of “Stan.”
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
The real slim shady #11
The way I am #34
Stan #1
Popular in 2000, 2001
Well, I didn’t think I’d be including one of Shaggy’s albums on this site, however there’s little denying that this fifth album form the Jamaican rapper was a massive success here in Australia even if its success was slightly delayed due to his music generally being released much later here than the rest of the world. As with much music delayed this year, it proved to be more successful down under than it was internationally.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
It wasn’t me #1
Angel #1
Luv me luv me #10
Hope #42
Popular in 2001, 2002
There were no signs of Powderfinger slowing down in the 00’s given how this was the second album they released this decade to have overwhelming success thanks to how popular the singles were on the radio, although again, said singles had their success eaten up by digital piracy due to them also underperforming on the charts back in the day (hence their absence on my singles lists.)
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
On my mind #9
Love your way #37
Sunsets #11
Popular in 2003, 2004
It looked like Dido was going to remain an albums artist given how this also failed to spawn a massive hit for her here in Australia (despite the lead single debuting at number one on our charts.) At least this proved to be equally as successful as her debut album if only because it didn’t need to wait on shelves for two years before a rapper found one of the singles and sampled it for their most critically acclaimed song.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
White flag #1
Life for rent #28
Sand in my shoes #37
Popular in 2003, 2004
Given how he had a bestselling album under his belt, you’d think that this follow up would have all of its success upon its initial release instead of requiring another runaway hit (albeit on the radio and digital charts) to make it a massive success for Pete Murray. At least it was a hit upon its initial release due to his name recognition as well as folk rock in general being in vogue during the midpoint of the decade.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Better days #13
Opportunity #29
Popular in 2005, 2006
This is the best charting album to come from Silverchair, it wasn’t necessarily their biggest album as the album charts were admittedly very shaky during the 00’s, however it did stick around for quite a while to earn its high spot on this list. This was the band’s final album before they went on a hiatus so that lead singer Daniel Johns could pursue his side project as the Dissosiactives with Australian DJ Paul Mac.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
The greatest view #3
Without you #8
Luv your life #20
Across the night #24
Popular in 2002, 2003
Given how he was the lead singer of Powderfinger, it makes sense that Bernard Fanning would achieve massive success with his first solo album during the midpoint of the decade where he and his band were among the most successful names in Australian music. This is a much mellower side of what the band normally offers us which in turn allowed him to distinguish himself from his band with this album.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Watch over me #16
Popular in 2005, 2006
This feels like a return to form for U2 given how they spent all of the 90’s experimenting with their sound to varying degrees of success, indeed this feels like something they would’ve released ten years prior given how well it fits as a follow up to Rattle and hum. This would lead to them having a highly success decade throughout the 00’s with their subsequent material, although their popularity wouldn’t extend to the 2010’s.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Beautiful day #1
Stuck in a moment you can’t get out of #3
Elevation #6
Walk on #9
Popular in 2000, 2001, 2002
Although they had moderate success earlier in the decade with their debut album, it was the second album from Gorillaz that made them a household name worldwide thanks to their blend of hip hop and alternative rock which helped them find success in America which was uncommon for non-American and Canadian artists this decade. I guess fans got tired of waiting for their third album as Plastic beach was a huge flop for them in 2010.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Feel good inc #3
Dare #11
Dirty harry #15
Popular in 2005, 2006
You don’t begin the decade with one of the biggest hits of said decade and not have the album it came from be a massive success for the artist in question, so here’s the debut album from Anastacia who indeed managed to prove she was the real deal on here even though it likely came at the expense of it spawning a second hit for her. Indeed, she would find more success with her subsequent material later in the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I’m outta love #1
Not that kind #21
Popular in 2000, 2001
This was a bit of a sell-out for the Corrs given how the band had dialled back on their Celtic influences in order to appeal to a more mainstream market, it worked out for them as they were able to score massive hits with the singles throughout Europe and even over in NZ as this gave them their first hit with the lead single over there. Unfortunately, they would see diminishing returns as the decade went on.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Breathless #7
Irresistible #27
Popular in 2000, 2001
It looked like this third album from Matchbox 20 was going to underperform for them worldwide due to the failure of its lead single, fortunately the second single proved to be a massive hit for them which allowed the album to rebound on the charts and become a massive hit for the band. They would go on hiatus once they were finished promoting it in order to allow Rob Thomas to embark on a solo career.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Disease #31
Unwell #12
Bright lights #26
All I need #32
Popular in 2003, 2004
Given how their fourth album didn’t do so well, Human nature felt that this was the perfect opportunity to reinvent themselves as the throwback quartet they apparently always wanted to be which proved to be a massive hit for them likely due to their teenage fanbase having grown up with them since their debut from nearly a decade prior. As you can imagine, this is a throwback to the Motown era of soul music.
Peak position #1×3
Popular in 2005, 2006
This was the second album from the Veronicas which was released during a time where all types of rock music were finding massive success worldwide, it was a predictable success for the duo here given the success of their previous album as well as it finally gaining them an international audience right when the decade was coming to an end. Even with all of this success, they would struggle to make their third album due to issues with their label.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Hook me up #1
Untouched #2
This love #10
Take me on the floor #7
Popular in 2007, 2008
Given that Boyzone was no more going into the new millennium, Ronan Keating was able to release his solo album without any competition from his former band mates which led to it being an instant success for him worldwide. It was a success again a year after its release thanks to a deluxe edition containing some new tracks from him making fans check it out, thus setting him up for a successful decade.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
When you say nothing at all #3
Life is a rollercoaster #6
The way you make me feel #27
Loving each day #21
Popular in 2000, 2001
As divisive as her first solo album was from her long-time fans, it no doubt won her a bunch of new fans who were likely the people who made her second album a success as the long-time fans (me included) really don’t care much for this album due to her doubling down on its camp factor. Still, there’s plenty to enjoy on this album which is why it was a massive hit for her, the same can’t be said for her 2010’s material.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Wind it up #5
The sweet escape #2
4 in the morning #9
Now that you got it #37
Popular in 2006, 2007
By some miracle, Anastacia’s second album wasn’t a complete flop here in Australia, although she clearly took its lukewarm reception to heart by switching her style to have more soul and gospel in it compared to before which allowed her third album to be a massive success here and throughout Europe. Once again, this failed to dent the Billboard charts for the American singer, proving how unpopular she was among her fellow Americans.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Left outside alone #1
Sick and tired #8
Welcome to my truth #41
Popular in 2004
Although they achieved modest success with their previous album Dude ranch, it looked like that success wasn’t going to repeat for Blink 182 given how this album initially struggled to make it big upon its initial release here in Australia. Fortunately, the runaway success of them lampooning TRL (Total request live for the uninitiated) allowed the album to find massive success from those who despised the music program.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
What’s my age again #42
All the small things #8
Popular in 2000
It looked like this would only be a modest success for the Dixie Chicks (nowadays known simply as the Chicks) given how it quickly fell off the charts the previous year upon its initial release here in Australia. It received a massive boost in popularity when word got out that the trio had been cancelled by their fellow Americans for making disparaging comments towards the (then) American president George Bush Jr, likely to give them our support for calling out the corrupt politician.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Landslide #6
Popular in 2003
This was the second album to come from Alex Lloyd following the success of his debut album from the start of the decade, it was far more successful than his earlier entry thanks to spawning a huge hit in the form of its lead single that became an even bigger hit in NZ at the expense of the album’s success over there. Sadly, this was his final successful album in his catalogue as his subsequent follow ups would flop later in the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Amazing #14
Green #25
Everybody’s laughing #33
Popular in 2001, 2002
This had a bit of a slow rise to its popularity here in Australia, likely because this is the type of album that screams guilty pleasure thanks to how tastelessly provocative the tracks are (for the most part) that attracted fans who would appreciate this. It’s definitely an album that filled a niche when it came to smutty music from pop divas, hence why it doesn’t have much of a fanbase anymore.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Don’t cha #1
Stickwitu #2
Beep #3
Buttons #2
I don’t need a man #6
Wait a minute #16
Popular in 2006, 2007
Given how Paul Potts made headline news when he won Britain’s got talent in 2007, it only makes sense that his female equivalent would do the same two years later even if she somehow lost on her season to some dance troupe that faded into obscurity once the competition was over. Indeed, this was only the first of three massive albums she released which found massive success worldwide.
Peak position #1×11
Popular in 2009
These guys had been active for twelve years before they found any success with their fourth album, in fact this was all set to become yet another flop for the Scottish band until “Chasing cars” became a surprise hit on the digital charts worldwide. Due to a contrived rule regarding songs not charting without a physical release here in Australia, the song didn’t chart until long after its popularity died out down under.
Peak position #1×5
Popular in 2006, 2007
Although their previous album was a massive success for them, it was this album that made Powderfinger a household name thanks to how much love it received from Triple J upon its initial release. It received a massive boost in popularity this year when they went on a highly successful tour, thus setting them up as one of the most popular and endearing bands of the new millennium.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
The day you come #25
Passenger #30
Popular in 2000
Regardless of what your opinions are on the Twilight saga (I haven’t seen any of it, nor do I plan on doing so) there’s no denying that the soundtracks are at least well received given that they largely consist of alternative rock to fit in with the themes of the franchise. The first soundtrack in particular is what launched the popularity of Paramore internationally due to their theme song becoming a massive hit for them.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Decode #13
Popular in 2008, 2009
We’ve seen plenty of classic music on this site already, haven’t we? Well, here we are with the debut album from the British opera group Il Divo which naturally won an audience with the same demographic that were fans of the likes of Michael Bublé, James Blunt and Human nature throughout the decade.
Peak position #1×2
Popular in 2005, 2006
Even though this album’s title is a mere letter off from the name of his previous album, its contents couldn’t be any more different as we have a covers album where the former Take that member tries his hand at some of the biggest songs from the swing era of music. Fans naturally found much to love about this album as it was a massive success for the English crooner throughout the world.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Something stupid #8
Popular in 2002, 2003
