Well this is an album that promised so much for the artist in question in terms of success, especially considering how Rick Astley was by far the most successful client of Stock Aiken and Waterman likely due to how impressive his vocals were throughout this album. Alas he remains a one album wonder as his second album failed to live up to the standards set up by this breakthrough of his.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Never gonna give you up #1
Whenever you need somebody #3
When I fall in love #5
Together forever #18
Popular in 1988
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Never gonna give you up #1
Whenever you need somebody #3
When I fall in love #5
Together forever #19
Popular in 1988
These guys were rising stars in the Australian and NZ music scene throughout the 70’s, so for them to enter the 80’s with and album that would become one of the most successful in both countries must have been a bit of a joy for the band in question. The true success of this album came when its lead single was among the first to be played on MTV when it launched nearly two years after its initial release.
Peak position #1×10
Hit singles
I got you #1
I hope I never #18
Popular in 1980
ARIA charts
Peak position #4
Hit singles
When will I be famous #5
Drop the boy #9
I owe you nothing #6
I quit #14
Cat among pigeons #15
Popular in 1988
Well, this was the album which had Madonna officially denounce her faith not just in the catholic church but religion in general, prior to this album she had proudly proclaimed herself as a catholic girl but then a bunch of things happened which made her realise that she could no longer consider herself as such. This caused quite a controversy following its release as this was back in the day where religion held importance in the mainstream.
AMR charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Like a prayer #1
Express yourself #5
Cherish #5
Popular in 1989
This was the only successful album to come from Huey Lewis and the News in Australia, although they were a much bigger deal in their native America throughout the decade which perhaps suggests their lack of international success was more due to bad marketing than anything else. Indeed, they only scored one hit from this album despite having two Billboard chart toppers from it.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Stuck with you #2
Hip to be square #17
Jacob’s ladder #48
Popular in 1986, 1987
This was the second album from Simply red, and one that didn’t spawn any major hits like the rest of their catalogue did which is perhaps why it remains their most successful album here in Australia. I always did find it interesting that as far as their singles were concerned, these guys were more successful in America than they were in their native UK.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
The right thing #17
Popular in 1987
I guess Bruce Springsteen did have one of the biggest albums of the decade with Born in the U.S.A, so it only makes sense that John Mellencamp’s popularity would skyrocket given that heartland rock was one of the biggest genres of music because of that album. In a way, John stole Bruce’s momentum with this album as not only was it a massive success, but the singles have lingered on oldies stations arguably more so than the one’s on Bruce’s album.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Lonely ol night #32
Rock in the USA #18
Rain on the scarecrow #34
Popular in 1985, 1986
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×8
Hit singles
Age of reason #1
Two strong hearts #6
Beyond the call #40
Popular in 1988, 1989
Following the success of their debut album from four years prior, Fine young cannibals returned with this album which proved to be an even bigger success for the British trio, likely due to it becoming a surprise hit over in America by spawning two Billboard chart toppers for them. Despite how huge this album was for them, they decided to call it quits going into the new decade for reasons I never quite understood.
AMR charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Ever fallen in love #27
She drives me crazy #1
Good thing #5
Don’t look back #34
Popular in 1989
This was where the Eurythmics decided to appeal to a more mainstream market which proved to be a wise move for them commercially as while their previous two albums were a success for them, they weren’t exactly among the most successful of the decade like this and their next album Revenge were. That said, I’m sure there’s fans out there that prefer their more synth heavy new wave tracks.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
Would I lie to you #1
There must be an angel #3
Sisters are doing it for themselves #15
It’s alright #32
Popular in 1985, 1986
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Ever fallen in love #27
She drives me crazy #1
Good thing #7
Don’t look back #38
Popular in 1989
This was Julio’s first album he recorded mostly in English, so of course it was going to find an audience with fans of his Latin lover shtick which would be otherwise turned off from his music due to their inability to understand Spanish. To further incentivise people into checking out this album, he included two very well-known American musicians on here and released both tracks as singles.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
To all the girls I’ve loved before #4
All of you #19
Moonlight lady #43
Popular in 1984, 1985
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Don’t need love #10
Soul revival #9
Cry in shame #10
Looking for love #28
Popular in 1989
This was the only album to be released by Johnny Diesel and the Injectors, although don’t think that it’s because no one was interested in this album because it was a huge success for them and even led to international interest in the band. I’m guessing this was meant to be an advertisement for Diesel’s solo career which would pan out the following decade with his solo album Hepfidelity.
AMR charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Don’t need love #11
Soul revival #8
Cry in shame #8
Looking for love #29
Popular in 1989
Although they achieved sound success with their debut album Outlandos d’amour, this was the album which made Sting and company a household name due to how inescapable the two singles from the album were in their native UK. They would go on to achieve massive success with their blend of new wave and reggae, something I just realised not many other bands and artists achieved back in the day.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Message to a bottle #5
Walking on the moon #9
Popular in 1980
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Too much ain’t enough love #1
Driving wheels #12
I’m still on your side #29
Waiting for the heartache #33
Popular in 1988
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
As the days go by #11
All I do #23
One summer #8
Let me be #26
Popular in 1989
These guys had been releasing albums for half a decade to deafening silence before they scored a massive hit with this album, even then this was due to the surprise success of one of its singles as this was all set to flop just like their previous entries. Their next album would prove that this album’s success wasn’t a fluke as that would also be a huge success for the band, although their popularity wouldn’t extend after that.
AMR charts
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Hold on to me #44
Chained to the wheel #7
The crack up #43
Popular in 1989
Jenny already had success earlier in the decade with her first solo album as well as the lead vocalist to the short-lived group QED, however it was her second album which finally made her a household name both here and in her native NZ largely thanks to the success of its second single. She released a new album in the 90’s which while successful, wasn’t well received critically which resulted in her becoming yesterday’s news after its release.
AMR charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Saved me #23
She has to be loved #5
Popular in 1989
Well, this was a bit of a surprise, I know Joe Cocker saw massive success with his involvement on the An officer and a gentleman soundtrack, however I don’t think anyone was expecting this album to be so huge given how the last successful album he had was during the first half of the 70’s. This album does contain some of his more iconic work, so I guess it makes sense why we Aussies gravitated towards it.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Don’t you love me anymore #11
You can leave your hat on #23
Popular in 1986
It’s been a while since we last looked at these guys on one of these lists, indeed their second and third albums didn’t exactly bring in the numbers to be among the more successful albums of the decade like their debut and fourth album. Here Chrissie Hynde returns with a much more pop friendly album compared to her earlier work which while it alienated some of her older fans, brought in a bunch of new fans who were on board with a more mature side of her.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Don’t get me wrong #8
Hymn to her #7
Popular in 1987
This remains the biggest album in Barbra Streisand’s career in Australia, presumably due to the involvement of the Brothers Gibb throughout its production (Barry even appears on the cover art with her.) This is her only successful album to not be affiliated with her acting career in any way as the rest of her discography consists of soundtrack from her films as well as her covering songs from Broadway productions.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
Woman in love #1
Guilty #37
Popular in 1980, 1981
For nearly thirty years, this was the final album that the Eagles released in their catalogue, although I doubt they were planning for this to be their final album given what was in store for them during its promotion. They were supposed to give a concert in their native California to with a government official in the audience, and yet the behind-the-scenes drama got so out of control that they ended up embarrassing themselves during the show.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Heartache tonight #13
Popular in 1980
With the overwhelming success he achieved with his last album, it makes sense that Jimmy Barnes would aim even higher with his second solo album by recruiting Diane Warren to co write many of the songs on the album. While this album was a huge success for him here in Australia and NZ, it wound up backfiring for him internationally as it failed to dent any charts in the northern hemisphere.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Too much ain’t enough love #1
Driving wheels #12
I’m still on your side #29
Waiting for the heartache #32
Popular in 1988
Here’s an album that promised so much for the person who brought it to life only for said individual to crash and burn with their subsequent releases, Billy Field had huge success with this album and the songs from it despite it sounding very different to what was coming out at the time. I guess the novelty of this album wore off with his next album as that failed to do much to retain his relevancy.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Bad habits #4
You weren’t in love with me #1
Popular in 1981
There’s little surprise that this is the most successful album in Olivia’s career, after all it’s named after her biggest hit and was obviously meant to shed her girl next door image in order for her to appeal to the MTV crowd. That said, this isn’t too far removed from her earlier work, and admittedly it’s possible that this being her biggest album did lead to her rapid decline in popularity as the decade went on.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Physical #1
Make a move on me #8
Popular in 1981, 1982
Well this was a surprise entry, mainly because the last time anyone had heard from Daryl Braithwaite was when his former band Sherbet called it quits a decade prior due to them struggling to retain their popularity after their international breakthrough with “Howzat.” Here we are ten years later and we have a very different man to the one who won the hearts of Australian teenage girls all those years prior, basically following in the footsteps of John Farnham and making adult contemporary for older audiences.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
As the days go by #9
All I do #21
One summer #6
Let me be #29
Popular in 1989
This was the second album that Stevie Nicks released between the two albums she made with Fleetwood Mac, I’m guessing she was delaying the inevitable by dragging her feet to reunite with the band for their album Tango in the night. Here she doubles down on her pop direction which while it alienated many of her international fans, won over a bunch of fans in Australia as it remains her most successful solo album in her career.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
I can’t wait #20
Talk to me #22
Popular in 1986
This was the first solo album from Stevie Nicks following a string of highly successful albums with Fleetwood Mac, I’ve heard people refer to this as an album filled with her songs that the band weren’t able to fit into their album and I can certainly see that listening to the album. It remains her biggest solo album worldwide except for here in Australia where her third album Rock a little wins that honour.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Stop dragging my heart around #10
Popular in 1981
ARIA charts
Peak position #7
Hit singles
You got it #1
I’ll be loving you #4
Hanging tough #8
Cover girl #22
Popular in 1989
So Dirty dancing is a film you either love or hate, you love it because it’s a heart-warming tale about two very different people falling in love with each other by bringing out the best of each other and you hate it because it’s false advertisement as it baits and switches you with a love story rather than a raunchy dance flick. The film was critically acclaimed and even a huge box office success hence the success of its soundtrack.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×8
Hit singles
I’ve had the time of my life #1
Hungry eyes #4
She’s like the wind #6
Popular in 1988
This is a bit of an outlier for Midnight oil’s discography as they made the strange decision to not release any singles from this album, I’m guessing to ensure that it would be a success without any hindrance from audiences wanting to buy the singles instead. If you couldn’t tell from the cover art, their topic of the day was environmentalism which even back then was of major concern in the mainstream media.
Peak position #1×4
Popular in 1984, 1985
This is the first of three albums that MJ made with Quincy Jones, and while it’s easily the most dated of the three due to it being primarily a disco album as opposed to the other two with more timeless elements to them, it didn’t stop it from succeeding during a time where disco was becoming a bad word in the music industry. This even revived the careers of his family act the Jackson five in Australia.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Don’t stop till you get enough #1
Rock with you #4
She’s out of my life #17
Popular in 1980
It took a while for this album to find the success it wound up deserving, mainly because the lead single didn’t exactly light up the music scene here in Australia for Moving pictures. Fortunately, their second single did which resulted in the album itself being a massive success for them. Despite this success, the band would only release one more album to deafening silence before calling it quits and member Garry Frost forming a new band 1927.
Peak position #1×7
Hit singles
Busting loose #43
What about me #1
Popular in 1982
Following the huge success of their now self-titled album, Icehouse released their sophomore album which was an immediate success for them here in Australia and an even bigger success for them over in NZ. This success led to the album being released in the UK where it did fairly well as the second single managed to crack the top twenty there. This led to them experimenting with their sound for the next two albums.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Great southern land #5
Hey little girl #7
Popular in 1982, 1983
Their debut album Stoneage Romeos may remain a cult classic to this day, however it was the band’s second album where they started seeing mainstream success likely due to how catchy the singles were as well as the charisma of lead singer Dave Faulkner on the record. This led to them sparking international interest in them which resulted in them developing a cult following internationally.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Bittersweet #16
Like wow wipeout #15
Death defying #43
Popular in 1985, 1986
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
The look #1
Dressed for success #3
Listen to your heart #10
Dangerous #9
Popular in 1989
He did manage to score one of the biggest hits of the decade with the lead single from this album, so it was only inevitable that the album itself would be a huge success for Kenny Rogers here in Australia. This was unfortunately the last album he found success with here likely due to there not being much room for country music in the era of MTV here, although he did score one more hit with a greatest hits package.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Islands in the stream #1
Popular in 1983, 1984
Flashdance is a movie you either love or hate, you love it for the striking visuals or hate it for its admittedly meandering plot that ultimate goes nowhere. Either way the film and its soundtrack were a huge success back in the day, the former due to its powerful performance that Jennifer Beals gives as Alyx while the latter was due to how catchy the music was throughout its track listing.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
What a feeling #1
Maniac #2
Popular in 1983
If this album seems a little low to anyone, bear in mind that it wasn’t as much of a juggernaut here in Australia as it was throughout the rest of the world despite many people believing (me included) this to be MJ’s best album. The album is also known for breaking several records on Billboard, including spawning the most chart toppers over there as well as how many consecutive number one hits an artist has had there.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I just can’t stop loving you #10
Bad #4
The way you make me feel #5
Man in the mirror #39
Dirty Diana #27
Just another part of me #49
Smooth criminal #31
Leave me alone #42
Liberian girl #46
Popular in 1987, 1988
Yeah, Cocktail isn’t a very good movie, I know there’s diehard fans of Tom Cruise out there who’ll love anything he appears in but aside from those people, I can’t imagine anyone liking this film about him being a cocktail waiter. At least it had an interesting soundtrack that revived the career of the Beach boys as well as some other interesting tracks on there.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Don’t worry be happy #1
Kokomo #1
Popular in 1988, 1989
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
After all #50
If I could turn back time #1
Just like Jessie James #14
Popular in 1989
This was the album that finally gave Cold chisel international appeal given how the big hit on here “Forever now” proved to be even bigger in NZ than it was over here (possibly due to it being the lead single there and second single here.) This was the penultimate album the band released before they went their separate ways, their final album being a huge success albeit not to this degree.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
You got nothing I want #12
Forever now #4
When the war is over #25
Popular in 1982
ARIA charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Poison #3
Bed of nails #13
Only my heart talking #47
Popular in 1989
This was initially a flop for the Bangles, likely because the lead single was seen as a novelty despite it being written by Prince under a pseudonym. Fortunately, the album’s actual novelty track helped it find an audience who realised that while the girls had their quirky side, they were for the most part a serious throwback band to the 60’s jangle pop which allowed this album to be a huge success for them worldwide.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Manic Monday #3
If she knew what she wants #31
Walk like an Egyptian #1
Popular in 1987
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
The locomotion #1
I should be so lucky #1
Got to be certain #1
I still love you #11
Popular in 1988, 1989
There weren’t any signs of these guys slowing down as their fourth album managed to be a huge success for them worldwide, although I would’ve thought this would be even bigger here in Australia given how synonymous they’ve become with the second British invasion worldwide. I guess this albums success was more due to their artist momentum given how it didn’t spawn a huge hit for them here.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Only when you leave #12
I’ll fly for you #38
Round and round #16
Popular in 1984, 1985
Livie was at the height of her popularity when she released the third volume of her greatest hits series, although it’s worth noting that internationally this was only her second volume given how First impressions was released exclusively in Australia and NZ. Her career would come to a crashing halt when she starred opposite John Travolta for the second time in the critically panned Two of a kind.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Heart attack #22
Popular in 1983
I’m not a fan of Tom Cruise, I’m sure he’s a decent person in real life (provided he’s not talking about Scientology) but I’ve just never gotten into any of his performances. One of his better films is Top gun which at least has a lot of flash imagery to distract from the meandering romance he has with the Amish woman from Witness. The soundtrack helps make it a better film due to the song choices used in the scenes.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Danger zone #14
Take my breath away #2
Popular in 1986, 1987
ARIA charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Saved me #27
She has to be loved #5
Popular in 1989
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Animal #46
Love bites #21
Armageddon it #34
Rocket #15
Pour some sugar on me #26
Popular in 1989
Although these guys had been releasing new albums throughout the entire decade, this was the first album of theirs since Dark room to spawn a hit single in the form of the albums second single. Indeed, this album was set to flop like the rest of their catalogue this decade until “We gotta get out of this place” became a surprise hit for them which in turn boosted the sales of the album it came from.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Nature of the beast #27
Don’t waste my time #40
We gotta get out of this place #7
Popular in 1987
ARIA charts
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Hold on to me #41
Chained to the wheel #9
The crack up #40
Popular in 1989
This was the debut album from Noiseworks, a band that had NZ teen idol Jon Stevens as their lead singer several years after the hits dried up for him in his homeland. This was a huge hit for the band here in Australia as well as a minor hit in his native NZ, I’m guessing the kiwis weren’t as impressed by his foray towards pub rock as us Aussies were which would explain his lack of success at home.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
No lies #31
Take me back #7
Love somebody #50
Welcome to the world #41
Popular in 1987, 1988
This took a while to take off worldwide due to how long it took for the boys to be confirmed as the real deal, after all this was back in the day before boy bands had any real presence in the mainstream. Once they scored their third hit here in Australia, the album was able to take off and possibly prepare us for the boy band wars of the 90’s. They may have bowed out before the wars begun but their impact is noted.
AMR charts
Peak position #8
Hit singles
You got it #1
I’ll be loving you #2
Hanging tough #8
Cover girl #26
Popular in 1989
Neil Diamond starred in a remake of the Jazz singer this year which led to him receiving a Razzie award for worst actor, I’d hate to know how bad his performance was if he was considered the worst actor over the likes of the lead actor from Xanadu, the guy from Flash Gordon and Caitlyn Jenner in You can’t stop the music (pre transition that is.) At least the soundtrack was well received and even a huge success.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Love on the rocks #23
Popular in 1981
I haven’t seen the biopic for Ritchie Valens (nor do I plan on doing so if I’m being honest) however it was a huge critical and commercial success largely thanks to the music which was largely performed by Los lobos who scored a big hit from this album with the title track.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
La bamba #1
Come on let’s go #22
Popular in 1987, 1988
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
What a wonderful world #1
Popular in 1988
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Wishing well #9
Dance little sister #41
Sign your name #3
If you let me stay #36
Popular in 1987, 1988
It looked like the magic was beginning to wear off on these guys as this proved to be less of a success than their previous album Tusk despite it being a return to form with their sound, I guess the success of Stevie Nick’s solo album somewhat discouraged people from checking out what fresh drama the band had to offer on here. Fortunately for the band, they recovered later in the decade with Tango in the night which was filled with drama, thus making this albums lack of success that much more puzzling.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Hold me #12
Gypsy #17
Popular in 1982
This was the biggest album that the Divinyls released in their catalogue, although like before there were two versions of this album as the tracks that were cut from the original album on the international release were added onto this album in lieu of several tracks that were never released outside of Australia. Fortunately, it’s the original version with these internationally omitted tracks that was the big success here.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Good die young #32
In my life #47
Pleasure and pain #11
Sleeping beauty #50
Popular in 1985, 1986
This was the most successful album to come from Billy Idol in Australia, I’m guessing due to it being more in line with sophistopop compared to his earlier work despite it not quite being sophistopop. It’s definitely more subdue compared to his earlier work which is perhaps why it found more success here than his earlier work. He would have further success throughout the rest of the decade and even into the 90’s.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
To be a lover #3
Don’t need a gun #22
Sweet sixteen #9
Popular in 1987
This was the penultimate album that Blondie released in their original run together, even by this stage there was rumours that the band would be breaking up which they denied by simply saying that Deborah Harry would be recording a solo album shortly after its release. This album was a massive success whereas that one would be a huge flop for her, proving that audiences preferred her with the band than on her own.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
The tide is high #4
Rapture #5
Popular in 1981
Following the staggering success of their debut album, Crowded house went back to the studio to capitalise off their newfound international success which resulted in this album that while a success in Australia and NZ, didn’t find much of an audience internationally. They did find more luck with their next album Woodface as that managed to become a huge success in the UK in addition to the southern hemisphere.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Better be home soon #2
When you come #28
Popular in 1988
You’d think that this album from one of the most popular artists of the decade would’ve been even bigger here in Australia, granted this did spawn three of the biggest hits of the decade here but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t have been a huge juggernaut like other pop albums of its time. In any case, this was the album which made the duo a household name over in America due to how catchy the songs are on here.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Wake me up before you go go #1
Careless whisper #1
Freedom #3
Everything she wants #7
Popular in 1984, 1985
I guess this was Paul McCartney looking to change with the times given how this feels like it’s the most dated album in his entire catalogue. Of course, the real sticking point for most audiences is that it features arguably his worst song in the form of its lead single, specifically how he and Stevie Wonder believe that they can solve racial discrimination just by making a song about it.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Ebony and ivory #2
Take it away #18
Popular in 1982
Well we did see the likes of Austen Tayshus and the 12th man on the singles chart, so it makes sense that this live comedy album from Rodney Rude would be a huge success on the album charts this year.
Peak position #1×2
Popular in 1984
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Don’t worry be happy #1
Kokomo #1
Popular in 1988, 1989
If you’re looking for the campiest film ever to be made, then may I recommend this film made by the Village people which produced a highly successful soundtrack that arguably serves as their biggest album in their catalogue. It’s got terrible performances from the band members, a laughably pretentious leading man played by Steve Guttenberg and a ton so cheesy and awful that you’ll find yourself laughing your ass off at how bad it is.
Peak position #1×9
Hit singles
Can’t stop the music #1
Popular in 1980
Although her comeback came with her previous 1987 self-titled album, it was this album which made Cher’s music career relevant again if only briefly as it would see peaks and valleys throughout the 90’s as she juggled it with her acting career. This has been described as Cher’s peak in popularity thanks to her hopping on the hair metal trend and her voice working very well with heavier rock and roll.
AMR charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
After all #48
If I could turn back time #1
Just like Jessie James #15
Popular in 1989
From what I can gather, Chariots of fire is a film that’s tailor made to be Oscar bait (despite it being a British film) as it tells the story of an athlete looking to make it big in a track and field race in a way that only those who are into the most sentimental of inspiration stories could appreciate. One thing that has held up about the film over the years is its soundtrack, specifically the score by Greek composer Vangelis.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Chariots of fire #21
Popular in 1981, 1982
One of the more compelling films to come out this decade was Good morning, Vietnam, it tells the story of a radio DJ played by Robin Williams and how he copes with providing entertainment to not only the troops occupying the district but also the locals who quickly grow to hate these troops. The film is fantastic mainly for Robin’s performance but also for the way it incorporates its soundtrack throughout its runtime.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
What a wonderful world #1
Popular in 1988
She entered the decade with a bestselling soundtrack, so what better way to leave the decade with another soundtrack to book end her achievements? Here we have the soundtrack to Beaches that also serves as a studio album for Bette Midler due to her character being a struggling singer in the film. Speaking of the film, this is a movie people will either love or hate, specifically due to the twist that never fails to induce crying from the audience.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×7
Hit singles
Wind beneath my wings #1
Under the boardwalk #27
Popular in 1989
Even though he had yet to achieve much success with Genesis prior to releasing this album, it managed to become a huge success for Phil Collins largely due to the strength of its lead single which many believe to be him outing someone for failing to save a person from drowning. This album is a bit of a compromise for his older fans as it does contain several instrumental tracks in addition to the ballads he would become known for.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
In the air tonight #3
Popular in 1981
Following the success of the lead single from this album, it only makes sense that this sophomore album from the Scottish duo would be a huge success here in Australia. Curiously the album wasn’t very successful in their native UK, I’m guessing because their fellow Brits found them to be too annoying in a way that we Aussies and kiwis found them to be endearing.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
I’m gonna be #1
I’m on my way #4
Popular in 1989
This was the debut album for one of the more prominent figures of sophistopop in the music industry Sade, a band led by their frontwoman Sade Adu who combined jazz with new wave for audiences of the day. This is another band I’m surprised didn’t have a hit single in Australia considering how well loved their songs remain on oldies stations, although the albums were a success so maybe that’s why their songs flopped here.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Smooth operator #20
Popular in 1984, 1985, 1986
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Tucker’s daughter #2
Telephone booth #7
Out of the fire #29
Popular in 1989
This was another album that took its sweet time in finding success here in Australia, although at least it was a success unlike in the bands native America where they didn’t have any success until their comeback from the late 80’s. It’s little wonder this appealed to Australians as it’s the type of wacky throwback rock from the 50’s that was all the rage at the time, that and appearing on Countdown also did the trick.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Planet Claire #43
Rock lobster #3
Popular in 1980
This was the biggest album to come from Mental as anything, mainly because of how inescapable the second single was to the point where it was chosen as the theme song to the Crocodile Dundee film the following year. This album’s success led to Martin Plaza briefly embarking on a solo career which was also a moderate success the following year, he re-joined the band just in time for their next album.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
You’re so strong #11
Live it up #2
Date with destiny #25
Popular in 1985
ARIA charts
Peak position #4
Popular in 1988
This likely wouldn’t have been a success in Australia had it not allowed Christopher Cross to sweep the Grammys, after all having him win the big five at the award ceremony at a time where it was seen as the most prestigious awards for music did give it a huge endorsement. Fortunately, the album was well received and even spawned a bunch of radio hits that permeate on oldies stations to this day for the soft rocker.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Ride like the wind #25
Sailing #46
Never be the same #42
Popular in 1980, 1981
While this wasn’t the most successful album from Simply red (that would be their second album) it did spawn the biggest hit of their career in the form of the second single which in turn helped the album become a massive success following a slow start to its chart run. These guys would continue to find success well into the 90’s, proving that their sound was able to withstand the test of time with their audience.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
It’s only love #21
If you don’t know me by now #1
A new flame #49
Popular in 1989
This was the solo debut for James Reyne, I guess this should serve as proof that despite his inability to enunciate on many of his songs, audiences loved Australian crawl specifically for his presence as he brings a lot of charm and charisma to each of his songs. He would continue to have success into the 90’s proving that he was a welcomed presence with his brand of rock music.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Fall of Rome #5
Hammerhead #8
Rip it up #34
Motor’s too fast #4 (ARIA #6)
Popular in 1987, 1988
ARIA charts
Peak position #3
Popular in 1988, 1989
While Split enz had yet to call it quits by this point in time, that didn’t prevent Tim Finn from releasing a solo album which went on to have massive success due to the popularity of his band. No doubt it was the success of this album which tanked the bands next album and eventually led to them breaking up, that wasn’t necessarily for the worst as it led to his younger brother Neil forming Crowded house.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Fraction too much friction #8
Made my day #22
Staring at the embers #34
Popular in 1983, 1984
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Better be home soon #2
When you come #27
Popular in 1988
I guess a change in imagery was what these guys needed to survive the into the MTV era given how the band ditched their clown get up when promoting this album. Granted it wasn’t a permanent solution as the band would struggle to find success with their next album and would go their separate ways two years after this came out, however it’s likely this process wouldn’t have taken as long as it did if they stuck to their guns.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Dirty creature #6
Six months in a leaky boat #2
Never ceases to amaze me #50
Popular in 1982
They had two albums which didn’t bring in much success for them, however when Spandau ballet released their third album their fortunes changed likely due to how the second British invasion in America made most British artists thrive internationally. Many people feel this album exemplifies the second British invasion as it has many of the qualities affiliated with the genre.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Communication #24
True #4
Gold #9
Popular in 1983
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
Wind beneath my wings #1
Under the boardwalk #26
Popular in 1989
There was a lot of hype going into the debut album for Kylie Minogue, that hype was effortlessly met when she released it as it became a huge success for her even with it already having three chart toppers here in Australia. It was an even bigger hit in NZ and the UK, likely due to the singles not being as big in the former and her popularity on Neighbours with the latter.
AMR charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
The locomotion #1
I should be so lucky #1
Got to be certain #1
I still love you #12
Popular in 1988, 1989
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I’m gonna be #1
I’m on my way #3
Popular in 1989
While I am aware that this greatest hits package from Queen might very well be the most successful album of all time in Australia, I’m ranking these albums based on how well they did on their original chart run and not their overall success. This is so that I don’t have to keep updating these lists whenever an album becomes popular again. That said, this album was a success during its initial release thanks to how popular the band was.
Peak position #2
Popular in 1981, 1982
The last time Steve Winwood had any notable success in Australia was with his bands Spencer Davis group, Traffic and Blind faith, all of which happened over a decade prior to him finding success with this solo album. I’m not even sure how this managed to become so popular other than it connecting with an audience organically as it’s not like he was in the news that often outside of his music.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
While you see a chance #16
Popular in 1981
There was apparently a highly popular TV series known as Tour of duty which aired for three seasons in the late 80’s, I’m guessing this was meant to be a more serious version of M.A.S.H that was set in the Vietnam war instead of the Korean war. The show produced three soundtracks with the first soundtrack being a huge success here in Australia likely due to how many beloved 60’s tracks appeared on the album.
AMR charts
Peak position #3
Popular in 1988
It looked like that Madonna had officially won the battle over Cyndi as the pop princess of the 80’s, although Cyndi did put up a valiant fight with her sophomore album as it was a huge success for her back in the day. Alas it didn’t spawn multiple hit singles from it like her previous album did, and it also showed a more mature side of her which is perhaps why she lost her battle with Madonna this decade.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
True colors #3
Change of heart #15
Popular in 1986, 1987
Although this French band did have success throughout Europe throughout the decade, it wasn’t until the lead single from this album became a surprise hit in English speaking countries that they were able to find an audience here in Australia. For some reason, I thought these guys were Mexican, I guess that’s me revealing my ignorance towards European culture.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Bamboleo #18
Popular in 1989
Following the success of both their first film Stop making sense and their most recent album Little creatures, Talking heads decided to allow lead singer David Byrne to direct a proper film which wasn’t well received at the time from what I can gather. It’s gained a cult following over the years likely from audiences who bought the soundtrack from the band back in the day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Wild wild life #13
Popular in 1986, 1987
You’d think this would be the album where Gene Simmons and company would you know, unmask themselves. That wouldn’t come until much later in their discography as this was simply a continuation of their previous album where they appealed to a more mainstream audience with their pop friendly rock tracks. This was their last successful album in most parts of the world, as such they were spared from the sight of seeing what these guys looked like without the makeup on.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Shandi #5
Talk to me #39
Popular in 1980
This was the first greatest hits package that Elton John released with this exact title, in fact when he released the second album with this title exactly a decade later, he had to clarify which one was which by giving them distinctly different album art to help audiences tell them apart. Naturally this wasn’t as successful given that it was released during the period where he wasn’t working with Bernie Taupin.
Peak position #3
Popular in 1981, 1982
