Even though they haven’t had a hit in most parts of the world since the live version of “Nights in white satin,” the Moody blues were able to find success with their albums well into the 80’s with this perhaps being their most successful since they reformed in 1977. Their popularity wouldn’t rise to this success again, although they’ve been releasing new material ever since.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Gemini dream #36
Popular in 1981
It took him four albums and naming one of them after something besides himself, however Peter Gabriel finally managed to find success on his own worldwide around the time his former band was scoring the biggest success in their own career. While this wasn’t as successful as Invisible touch from Genesis, it was more critically acclaimed which is the perfect way to describe both acts respective careers.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Sledgehammer #3
Don’t give up #5
Big time #37
Popular in 1986, 1987
This almost didn’t find any success outside of the duo’s native Sweden, in fact it took a foreign exchange student requesting an American radio station to play this on the radio for it to finally see success internationally. Roxette are one of my favourite bands of all time, so this was a huge victory in my eyes, and indeed the general public agreed with this assessment as the album spawned four huge hits worldwide.
AMR charts
Peak position #3
Hit singles
The look #1
Dressed for success #3
Listen to your heart #9
Dangerous #13
Popular in 1989
Dire straits had briefly broken up this year so that Mark Knopfler would work on his side project the Notting Hillbillies who would release one album in 1990 before reuniting the band in 1991, to help keep fans satisfied while he was off with this project, he released this greatest hits package which was a huge success proving they likely would’ve preferred it if he didn’t break up the band around this time.
AMR charts
Peak position #3
Popular in 1988, 1989
What was it with this year and handing success off to music from films from four years prior? The Big chill was a critical and commercial success upon its initial release in 1983, and yet in only took until this year for the soundtrack to be a huge success in Australia and NZ.
Peak position #5
Popular in 1987
As you’ve probably noticed on these lists, we haven’t seen many musicians of colour to make it big with their albums in Australia. One of the rare exceptions was Robert Cray who managed to score a massive hit this year with his first solo album likely due to how smooth the album is compared to everything else coming out at the time. I should point out that we were promoting our local talent over these artists more than anything.
Peak position #6
Popular in 1987
I bet you weren’t expecting to see Janis Ian have one of the most successful albums of the year, indeed she saw massive success with this album likely due to her appearing on Countdown to perform the lead single which helped it become a huge hit in the southern hemisphere. She would prove to be a one album wonder with this entry as she wasn’t able to find any success with her subsequent follow ups.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Fly too high #7
The other side of the sun #44
Popular in 1980
This albums name changes depending on where you’re from, although considering both Corroboree and Waiata roughly translates to a traditional owner of a land, I think it’s safe to say that this album was dedicated to the indigenous groups of both countries even though the album has nothing to do with either group it named after thematically. This political push didn’t seem to hamper or enhance the albums popularity.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
One step ahead #5
History never repeats #4
Popular in 1981
Following the success of her debut album, Whitney felt she was confident enough to do away with all of the guest artists and such release an album where she was front and centre all the way through. Though the album was a success, many audiences of colour complained she was selling out to a Caucasian crowd which affected her enough for her next album to be more urban oriented.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
I wanna dance with somebody #1
Didn’t we almost have it all #27
So emotional #26
Where do broken hearts go #48
Popular in 1987, 1988
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
We didn’t start the fire #2
I go to extremes #48
Popular in 1989
Named after a song Sting rerecorded for this greatest hits package, this album was a success following the confirmation that the trio had broken up for good to allow Sting to pursue his solo career that saw many highs and lows over the years. Indeed, the new version of the title track was a modest success for him proving that fans wanted to hear more from the trio but had to accept that wasn’t going to happen.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Don’t stand so close to me 86 #33
Popular in 1987
This was the last successful album that ELO released in their discography, I’m guessing because they weren’t able to adapt with the MTV era despite making multiple attempts throughout the decade. Here they revert back to their prog roots which I’m sure many of their older fans appreciated seeing as though their last two albums saw them experiment with disco.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Hold on tight #5
Popular in 1981
It looked like that these two would find more success with each album they released, after all this was more successful than their previous album and their next two albums would be bigger than the rest of their catalogue combined respectively. They weren’t able to score a big hit here in Australia off this album which is strange because the third single is one of their more well-known hits.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Who’s that girl #20
Right by your side #15
Here comes the rain again #16
Popular in 1984
While this wasn’t her debut album, this was the album which not only launched the career for Enya but also the popularity of new age music as the genre would go on to be a massive success throughout the 90’s. This is the only album from her to spawn a huge worldwide hit in the form of its lead single, which no doubt helped other bands and artists like Enigma and Deep Forest find massive success.
AMR charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Orinoco flow #6
Popular in 1989
This was a greatest hits package from Kenny Rogers that was released exclusively here in Australia and NZ, as such it was a huge hit for the country legend in both countries and even prompted him to give us a slightly altered version of his international greatest hits package the following year when he topped the charts with “Lady” on Billboard. This was one way of beginning the 80’s and a positive one at that.
Peak position #4
Popular in 1980
This was the Cure’s biggest album here in Australia, sure they always had some degree of popularity here thanks to their multiple appearances on Countdown, but they never took our mainstream by storm save for this album which spawned their biggest hit as well as their 1992 effort Wish. It wasn’t even the lead single which is why the album was a hit twice as it rebounded once the big hit became as such.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
In between days #16
Close to me #7
Popular in 1985, 1986
This was originally released as Marie Marie to deafening silence, likely due to it missing that instantly catchy track that would become the title track of Shaking’s breakthrough album. Indeed, he would see massive success this decade in his native UK as recently as 1987, although in Australia his success would only last him another year before we moved on from the rockabilly revival trend.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
This ole house #1
Popular in 1981
The last time anyone cared about Alice Cooper was back in the late 70’s when he tried to appeal to a more mainstream market with his adult contemporary ballads, fast forward a decade and we’re here with his glam rock album from the height of hair metal which got him back in the mainstream worldwide except for his native America. I guess his fellow Americans felt he was already too old to rock with the younger crowd.
AMR charts
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Poison #3
Bed of nails #15
Only my heart talking #44
Popular in 1989
This was the only successful album that Rod Stewart was able to have here in Australia, I’m guessing because both of the hits that spawned from the album are upbeat which was something different from the usually mellow crooner who made albums based on midtempo ballads. He would score a hit here and there throughout the rest of the 80’s, however his popularity would skyrocket in the early 90’s.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Tonight I’m yours #6
Young Turks #3
Popular in 1982
This was a bit of a disappointment from Billy Joel considering how inescapable (at least in Australia) his previous album was, although it did spawn arguably his biggest hit in the form of its lead single which in turn translated to the album’s success worldwide. His next album would be even bigger, although it would also be his final album as he would spend the rest of his life as a touring act.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
We didn’t start the fire #3
Popular in 1989
It seems weird that this greatest hits package would be so successful in Australia given how the popularity of Dr Hook was quickly dwindling around the time of its release, this is even stranger considering how their international popularity was quickly growing but I digress. I guess this became successful due to the success of their hit single “Girls can get it” which wasn’t even on the album.
Peak position #1×4
Popular in 1981
What better way to end the decade than with an album overlooking the success you achieved throughout it? Rod Stewart decided not to release a new studio album once the 70’s ended which might have costed him his success throughout the 80’s as he wouldn’t have a bestselling album again until 1991’s Vagabond heart.
Peak position #1×5
Popular in 1980
Footloose is a film I can easily see annoying people due to how nobody in the town realises the obvious delinquents were the ones causing all the problems in said town, although I feel this was more to make the film’s message about not oppressing an entire demographic based on the actions of a select few resonate with audiences. At least the music is really catchy, hence why the soundtrack did so well.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Footloose #1
Let’s hear it for the boy #3
Popular in 1984
This was the only album that Mel and Kim ever released, mainly because during its production, Mel was diagnosed with cancer which would eventually claim her life less than three years after its release. The girls tried to record new material during the final years of her life, but aside from “That’s the way it is” which would eventually be included on here as a bonus track, nothing ever came into fruition.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Showing out #12
Respectable #1
FLM #19
Popular in 1987
David Bowie has seen plenty of ups and downs throughout his career, however this album did help those ups remain as such for at least half a decade as his next album would be the more pop friendly Let’s dance which was his most successful in his career. I’m guessing this connected with audiences due to the lead single, specifically the video where he cosplays as the Tinman from the Wizard of Oz.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Ashes to ashes #3
Fashion #28
Popular in 1980
Although the Cars weren’t among the most successful bands in Australia when they released this greatest hits package, they did manage to score a massive hit with it proving that there was enough of a fanbase here to appreciate their back catalogue at this point in their career. I’m not actually sure why they weren’t bigger here as in NZ they saw massive success with their albums.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Tonight she comes #16
Popular in 1986
This is the magnum opus from Prince given how it also serves as the soundtrack to his autobiographical film of the same name, it also made him a household name in his native America as he hadn’t had much success on Billboard prior to this albums release despite finding huge success internationally with his earlier work. This albums legacy inspired him to release two more films, both of which were panned by critics.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
When doves cry #1
Let’s go crazy #10
Purple rain #41
Popular in 1984
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
It’s only love #31
If you don’t know me by now #1
A new flame #48
Popular in 1989
Joe Jackson is another English piano man who managed to find success over the years, OK he only found success with this album likely through the strength of its lead single which seems to question the relevancy of toxic masculinity that’s instilled on boys while they’re growing up. While he had moderate success with his other albums, none of them reached the dizzying heights of success as this album did.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Real men #6
Stepping out #30
Popular in 1982, 1983
Following the success of their live album from earlier on this list, U2 released their fourth album which was the first one to spawn a hit for them in most parts of the world with the lead single. As I said earlier, their popularity only continued to grow with each new album this decade until it culminated with their Grammy award winning fifth album which also remains their most commercially successful to date.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Pride #4
Popular in 1984
One of the more popular bands of the decade were the Divinyls, mainly due to the lead singer Chrissie Amphlett who much like the Pretenders, had an attitude which made her seem like one of the boys which allowed her to connect with many audiences who would otherwise pass up music made by women. Indeed, their brand of new wave helped them stand out from a bunch of other now long forgotten female lead bands.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Science fiction #13
Siren #45
Popular in 1983
This album was a huge success for Elton John following the success of his comeback album the previous year, although after this he would enter another dry spell as he would suffer from a drug addiction which affected his creativity and eventually his vocals due to developing polyps that he needed to have removed. He came back bigger than ever once the decade ended, but it was a rocky road for him to get there.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Sad songs #4
Passengers #9
Popular in 1984
This was by far the biggest success that the Alan Parson’s project had in their career, likely due to the title track being a huge success throughout certain parts of the world which proved to be a first for the duo. Like many prog bands from the 70’s, these guys weren’t able to sustain a career once MTV had taken over the music landscape, although they certainly tried throughout the rest of the decade.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Eye in the sky #22
Popular in 1982
ARIA charts
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Hungry town #18
Breakaway #8
Big hotel #40
Popular in 1988
It had been six years since George Harrison troubled the charts with his tribute to John Lennon “All those years ago,” so to see him back in the spotlight with this album was a bit of a surprise for audiences even if it led to him forming the supergroup the Traveling wilburys by the end of the year. This remains his final album as he did devote a lot of his time to the group even after the death of its key member Roy Orbison.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Got my mind set on you #1
When we was fab #35
Popular in 1988
Much like Bob Seger, Boz Scaggs also seemed set in having a success decade as he entered it with a highly successful album in his catalogue. Unfortunately, he too was also unable to adapt to the MTV era which resulted in him being seen as yesterday’s news soon after the album left the charts.
Peak position #11
Popular in 1980
Although Cliff Richard had scored a string of hits since his 1976 comeback with “Devil woman,” it was this album that provided him with his first big success on the album charts here in Australia due to how popular both its singles were at the time. This set him up for even more success throughout the 80’s and in the case in his native UK, well into the 90’s as his popularity was officially revived by this point.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Wired for sound #2
Daddy’s home #8
Popular in 1982
One of the most infamous films to be made, Xanadu at least has the redeeming factor of having some of the best music to come from its star Olivia Newton John and ELO which allowed the soundtrack to be a huge success upon its initial release. A common misconception is that the film was a box office flop, while it underperformed, it was a huge success likely due to the music and its co star Gene Kelly.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
Magic #4
I’m alive #27
Xanadu #2
Suddenly #37
Popular in 1980
ARIA charts
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Touch the fire #13
Jimmy Dean #47
Popular in 1989
Bananarama were never known to be an album’s band, this is why they haven’t had any appearances with their albums until now as they’re more of a singles artist than anything. This was all set to repeat the formula until it was revealed that Sioban Fahey left the group due to issues she was with the albums production, this in turn led the album to be a huge success here as we Aussies finally appreciated the effort that went into their work.
AMR charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I heard a rumour #32
Love in the first degree #5
I want you back #3
I can’t help it #20
Popular in 1988
I’m not sure why these guys only stuck together for two albums as both albums were among the most popular of the decade worldwide, perhaps there was behind the scenes drama involving Roland Gift and the other two members that we simply never found out about. In any case, we have their debut album which was a huge success largely due to their cover of an Elvis Presley track.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Johnny come home #14
Blue #13
Suspicious minds #6
Popular in 1986
This was released a few months after the death of Roy Orbison, I’m guessing some of the tracks on here were meant for the second volume for the Traveling wilburys given how that was never released despite the success of the first volume. It proved to be a huge comeback for Roy who outside of his contributions to the supergroup, hadn’t had any success since his hit single “Penny arcade” from 1969.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
You got it #3
She’s a mystery girl #12
Popular in 1989
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
You got it #3
She’s a mystery girl #17
Popular in 1989
Well, this was an album that was released exclusively in Australia and NZ following the surprise success of Willie Nelson’s album Stardust the previous year, I’m guessing to help us Aussies and kiwis discover the back catalogue of the country legend which we absolutely did because this was a huge hit in the southern hemisphere for him.
Peak position #4
Popular in 1980, 1981
Jimmy Barnes was one of the biggest Australian artists of the decade, so why not have Ian Moss join the elite ranks as he was a contributing factor as to why Cold Chisel were a big deal in Australia? Here he is with his debut album which was a huge success for him thanks to the lead single, however it was a short-lived victory as his subsequent albums from the 90’s failed to find any success.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Tucker’s daughter #1
Telephone booth #9
Out of the fire #30
Popular in 1989
This was released at the tail end of the 70’s to commemorate how far the Brothers Gibb had come from their previous greatest hits album from a decade prior, they made a habit of doing this once a decade as they would release another greatest hits package in 1990 despite not having much success in the 80’s.
Peak position #1×3
Popular in 1980
Well, this feels like a shameless cash grab, granted the Beatles do have themed greatest hits packages and such it is possible this album was always meant to be released when it was. That said, the fact that this came out so soon after John Lennon’s death just leaves a bad taste in my mouth as I doubt it would’ve been as successful as it was if John had lived to see this year.
Peak position #1×7
Popular in 1981
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×7
Hit singles
Satisfied #20
Right here waiting #1
Angelia #32
Popular in 1989
Regardless of how you feel about these guys (they’re not for me) there’s no denying that they were among the most popular bands in the world during the early 80’s and as such, this greatest hits package would inevitably be a success for them. This did spell the end of their relevancy as they struggled to find any success after this album, however it did spawn one more hit for them in America so there’s that at least.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Making love out of nothing at all #45
Popular in 1983
This was the debut album for one of the most prominent bands to emerge from the UK soul scene, although it’s worth noting that this didn’t produce a big hit for them here in Australia like it did in their native UK and on Billboard. Even though these guys were far from the most successful singles artists down under, they more than made up for that by having their albums be highly successful here.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Money’s too tight #21
Holding back the years #16
Popular in 1986, 1987
Given how this albums cycle began with a music video depicting a live action/cartoon hybrid, it only makes sense that the album it came from would be a huge success for the band even though it has received tons of critical backlash over the years. It may not have killed their career as they band kept soldiering on after this perceived misstep, however it did kill their relevancy as they never saw this level of success again.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Harlem shuffle #6
One hit to the body #34
Popular in 1986
This was released on the second-year anniversary of John Lennon’s death; I suppose this was delayed avoiding coming off as a cheap cash grab off his legacy like so many Beatles compilations that came out at the time. It’s up to you whether or not this should’ve been released given the obvious circumstances of its success.
Peak position #1×5
Popular in 1983
These guys had a massive run throughout the 80’s here in Australia and over in NZ, so much so that it makes sense they would close out the decade with a greatest hits package in both countries which would unfortunately explain the lack of success they would achieve in both countries going into the 90’s.
AMR charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Touch the fire #15
Jimmy Dean #41
Popular in 1989
He had tragically passed away three years prior from a toe cancer, but that didn’t mean the world was ready to say farewell to Bob Marley as he’s arguably had more success from beyond the grave than he did during his lifetime. Here we have his greatest hits package that has become one of the most successful albums of all time due to its refusal to die on the album charts, although it was a huge success upon its initial release so it’s not like this only saw success years after it came out.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
One love #24
Popular in 1984
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Bamboleo #19
Popular in 1989
ARIA charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Run to paradise #3
Boys will be boys #14
Struggle town #28
Popular in 1988
This was the debut album from the Pretenders and one that opened up many doors for bands just like them as we hadn’t seen many male bands with a female vocalist see success prior to them breaking through with this album. This was popular enough to even crossover to America which was another rare feat for a band who broke through prior to the rise of MTV this decade.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Brass in pocket #2
Popular in 1980
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Toy soldiers #5
I feel the earth move #2
More than you know #32
Popular in 1989
This was the only notable success from Big pig, a British based Australian band who initially gained buzz two years earlier with their self-titled E.P which led to this being a huge success for them. I’m guessing this was a success due to the music fitting in with the dance scene that was emerging this year, it would certainly explain why their second album flopped in the new decade and lead to them breaking up.
AMR charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Hungry town #18
Breakaway #8
Big hotel #37
Popular in 1988
This was the first album to be released from Van Halen that had Sammy Hagar on lead vocals, this was due to their original front man David Lee Roth getting fired from the band due to creative differences he had with the other band mates. While this drama no doubt fuelled the success of this album, it didn’t do the rest of their catalogue any favours as the band would never again reach the success of this period.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Why can’t this be love #8
Popular in 1986
ARIA charts
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Orinoco flow #6
Popular in 1989
Given the surprise success of their hit single which they named after this album, the Royal philharmonic orchestra (that is, the REAL orchestra that’s been around for decades at this point) released this album which contained other mashups of classical music that became a surprise success for them in the mainstream worldwide. They were relegated to novelty status in the music industry until recent years where they started making classical renditions of artists discographies.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Hooked on classics #9
Popular in 1981, 1982
There was plenty of hype going into this debut album from Kids in the kitchen, so much so that they released an E.P’s worth of advanced singles before it finally dropped this year where it was of course a massive success for them. It appears this marketing strategy was what made this album a success as their next album had a more conventional release which resulted in it being a huge flop for the band.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Change in mood #10
Bitter desire #17
Something that you said #19
Shine #40
Current stand #12
Popular in 1985
Given how Stevie Wonder was one of the hottest names in music during the first half of the decade, it only makes sense that his greatest hits package would be a massive success here in Australia even if it became a success twice during its run down under for some reason.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
That girl #38
Popular in 1982, 1983
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Rip rip woodchip #39
Boogie with mbaby #42
Popular in 1989
To think that Pat Benatar’s biggest album worldwide was this live album, I’m guessing because it contained a bonus track which would become the biggest hit of her career. Even though this was the peak of her success, her albums did do consistently well due to her tough as nails attitude.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Love is a battlefield #1
Popular in 1984
This is a live album that Jimmy Barnes released that was a huge success for two reasons, the first was that it has a cover of a Motown classic and the second was that Jimmy Barnes was known for his live shows back in the day. These two factors led to him thriving throughout the 90’s as he continued to put on killer live shows as well as release an album where he did covers of Motown classics.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
When a man loves a woman #4
Last frontier #28
Popular in 1988, 1989
Given how they had only broken up the year prior to releasing this greatest hits package, it only makes sense that we Aussies would make this a success for Cold chisel given how their lead singer Jimmy Barnes was taking over the mainstream with his album around this time. This wouldn’t be the only greatest hits package they would release during their time apart as Chisel would also be a success in the early 90’s.
Peak position #3
Popular in 1985, 1986
There were two versions of this E.P that were released in Australia, the first was from two years prior which contained a few tracks that the band couldn’t fit onto their album Shabooh shoobah which resulted in it flopping. The second had the singles from the Swing remixed as dance tracks (hence the name of the E.P) which proved to be much more successful here likely due to us already being familiar with the original tracks.
Peak position #2
Popular in 1985
ARIA charts
Peak position #3
Hit singles
As long as you follow #35
Popular in 1989
There weren’t any signs of the Rolling stones slowing down in the mainstream, even with the fact that they were still incorporating disco into their sound during what was meant to be the dark ages of disco. Of course, their next album would be even bigger as that was a return to form with their sound, indeed it even spawned their biggest hit here in Australia to give you an idea of how much we loved their original work.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Emotional rescue #8
She’s so cold #49
Popular in 1980
There was no stopping these guys from making it big in the mainstream in Australia, true this didn’t have a hit single on here like their previous two albums, but who cares when it was still a huge success for the band? Unfortunately, their popularity quickly began to dwindle after this album as despite scoring a huge hit with their Semantics E.P the following year, they weren’t able to achieve much success with their subsequent albums.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Shut down #17
Popular in 1982
Blondie were on a roll when they released this greatest hits package, so much so that it was an instant success for them even though there were talks that the band would break up due to behind-the-scenes drama. Indeed, that was the case as the band would be no more by the end of the year, in fact we wouldn’t hear from Debbie Harry again until later in the decade when she released her second album.
Peak position #1×2
Popular in 1982
With an album title this uncreative, you’d think that Foreigner had run out of ideas which would be a bad assumption to make as this album was a huge success for them and also spawned (at the time) their biggest hit in the form of the second single. Even though this was a huge success for them, they took their time in following it up as their next album Agent provocateur wouldn’t come out for another three years.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Urgent #24
Waiting for a girl like you #3
Popular in 1981, 1982
We have another entry from an Australian artist for this list, this time it’s the third album from Hoodoo gurus who were able to find massive success with this album due to it spawning their biggest hit in the form of its lead single. Even though they were quickly gaining an international audience with their albums, their popularity would dwindle after this as their next album would fail to see this level of success.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
What’s my scene #3
Good times #36
Popular in 1987
Felt like you couldn’t get enough of their big hit this year? Well Stars on 45 (or Starsound if you’re from the UK) have you covered as that mashup was a mere taste of what they had to offer on their debut album. Indeed, they combined many more classics throughout the album which audiences fell in love with back in the day.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Stars on 45 #1
Popular in 1981
This was originally released to deafening silence in Australia, likely because we Aussies had no idea who these guys were as their earlier material were massive flops down under. Fortunately, it was given a second wind when “Legs” became a surprise hit for them a year after the album came out which allowed the album to become a huge success here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Legs #6
Popular in 1984
Well, he might not have had the level of success he had with his partner in crime Bernie Taupin during their time apart, however that doesn’t mean that Elton John wasn’t among the more popular artists during this period as evidence by this album being a huge success for him worldwide. Indeed, had he had the magic of Bernie during this period, it would’ve seemed like his popularity never decreased from the mid 70’s.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Little Jeannie #9
Popular in 1980
Named after the second single from his 1971 album Teaser and the firecat, this greatest hits package was released a decade after that album where it became a huge success for Cat Stevens likely from fans who were already feeling nostalgic for his work. It’s worth noting that while he saw massive success during the first half of the 70’s, the second half saw his popularity dwindle quite a bit here in Australia.
Peak position #3
Popular in 1982
Before Tracy Chapman and Melissa Etheridge, we had Suzanne Vega who began the trend of having female singer/songwriters make it big in the mainstream with their sharpy written ballads that connected with audiences. Of course, those women would overshadow Suzanne the following year, however this album has remained relevant over the years thanks to its lead single and its take on domestic violence.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Luka #21
Popular in 1987
It looked like Cheap trick weren’t going to find any crossover success here in Australia given how their live album At Budokan failed to become a success for them over here like it was throughout the rest of the world, however due to a rather memorable Countdown performance with the title track of this album, they were able to finally score mainstream success here which set them up for much success throughout the 80’s.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Dream police #5
Popular in 1980
This was the only notable success that the Choirboys had in Australia, although at least it spawned one of the biggest hits of the decade with its lead single as well as it being a staple in pub rock down under. These guys worked very hard in order to build their audience following the commercial failure of their debut album from five years prior, and sadly that audience would abandon them on their next album.
AMR charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Run to paradise #3
Boys will be boys #14
Struggle town #34
Popular in 1988
This was the penultimate album that Abba released in their catalogue, although it was their final successful album in Australia as their next album the Visitors would be a huge flop here for some reason. I guess if the band members weren’t going through highly publicised divorces at the time, they could’ve found a lot of success throughout the 80’s given how well they began the decade.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
The winner takes it all #7
On and on and on #9
Popular in 1981
It took them well over a decade to find success even in their native America, however it finally came with this album due to the lead single becoming a huge success for them worldwide. It was a short-lived victory in most parts of the world as their next album was a huge flop for them, however they came back with the album after that as that spawned their second Billboard chart topper in the decade.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Keep on loving you #3
Take it on the run #30
Popular in 1981
This was the breakthrough album from INXS, sure they had some buzz prior to this album but none of their earlier material found much success in the mainstream for some unknown reason. This is where their chart dominance would begin as it would spawn some of their more easily recognisable hits as well as set the band up as a force to be reckoned with from their subsequent follow ups.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
One thing #14
Don’t change #14
Black and white #24
Popular in 1982, 1983
Feargal Sharkey was previously the lead vocalist for a few UK bands that didn’t find much success even in his homeland, so to see his solo debut become as big as it was must have been a surprise for him. I know in Australia it was due to the two lead singles being a stand in for a couple going through a messy breakup, although since there wasn’t this level of drama on his next album it was sadly a huge flop for him.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
A good heart #1
You little thief #4
Popular in 1986
We have another successful album from George Benson following his breakthrough success with Weekend in L.A from two years prior, this time he incorporates some disco into his sound which helped it stand out from the rest of his discography by producing a hit single for him in the form of the title track.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Give me the night #10
Popular in 1980
You’d think this would be the moment when Split enz called it quits given what they named their greatest hits package, alas this was more a way of letting their fans know that Tim Finn would be going solo this year as he would release his solo album to massive success shortly after this came out. For what it’s worth, it was the end of an era as the band would struggle for success after this came out.
Peak position #8
Popular in 1983
Even though the lead single was an instant success here in Australia, it wasn’t until the second single where Duran Duran found massive success with their debut album here largely thanks to the raunchy music video which made it among the first to be banned on MTV. This controversy only strengthened their appeal as their next album would see more flashy videos (albeit family friendly ones) to promote their music.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Planet earth #8
Girls on film #11
Popular in 1982
We have another live album to become successful here in Australia during our summer period, this time it’s from Billy Joel who was on a roll throughout the decade here as just about all of his albums managed to become a success here during the 80’s.
Peak position #9
Popular in 1981
Although she had moderate success throughout the 70’s in Australia, this was the first album that we Aussies took notice of from Joan Armatrading likely due to her voice finally clicking with us this year. Of course, she would find even bigger success later in the decade where she was finally able to score a hit single here, but this was a good introducing to her in the mainstream and for the 80’s.
Peak position #13
Hit singles
Me myself I #24
Popular in 1980
ELO was another band who released a greatest hits package just as the 70’s was coming to an end, this really was a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the biggest names of the decade given how many of them found success with these albums. They also managed to gain some mileage going into the 80’s thanks to their sustained popularity.
Peak position #1×4
Popular in 1980
There weren’t any signs of these guys slowing down when they released their penultimate album this year, although it wasn’t quite as successful as their other albums given how it only spawned one hit and didn’t last as long on the charts as the rest of their catalogue. It was a very good run they had but unfortunately there was too much behind the scenes drama for them to cope with each other for long.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Every little thing she does is magic #2
Spirits in the material world #50
Popular in 1981, 1982
This was the most successful compilation album of the 80’s in Australia, it was beaten out by those Triple J albums in the 90’s (going by the AMR charts of course) but this was during the height of the popularity of seasonal compilations here in Australia. This overlooks the popular songs of spring of 1984 which allowed it to peak during the Christmas season of that year and well into this year.
Peak position #1×9
Hit singles
Ghostbusters #2
Sunglasses at night #16
Pride #4
Missing you #5
No say in it #14
You think you’re a man #8
Dynamite #28
Searching #17
What’s love got to do with it #1
Out of touch #11
Soul kind of feeling #5
Jump #8
Flesh for fantasy #28
No second prize #12
Shake this city #44
I walk away #45
Everybody wants to work #32
Popular in 1984, 1985
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
When a man loves a woman #3
Last frontier #31
Popular in 1988, 1989
His debut album had a bit of a climb to its success due to him initially being dismissed as a Bryan Adams knockoff, however it did eventually find an audience here through the strength of its singles. Here Richard Marx had no such barrier as this was able to become a huge success upon its initial release once again due to how big the singles were throughout the world.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Satisfied #18
Right here waiting #1
Angelia #37
Popular in 1989
These guys were always described as a great live band, so it only makes sense that this live album would be a huge success for them. This no doubt brought in even more fans who only knew them from their studio releases prior to this album which in turn led to more fans for their subsequent follow ups.
Peak position #1×2
Popular in 1981
This was originally released at the start of the decade to deafening silence here in Australia, however it was given a second chance when Hot Chocolate scored a massive comeback here thanks to a memorable appearance on Countdown with their (then) most recent album which helped stretch their popularity here this far into the 80’s.
Peak position #4
Popular in 1982, 1983
Another Australian entry for this list, this time it’s for the Models who saw massive success this year with their two big hits from the album. They already had buzz from their previous album due to it spawning the hit “I hear motion,” however it was this album which allowed that buzz to expand internationally which resulted in them having minor success throughout the world.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Big on love #24
Barbados #2
Out of mind out of sight #1
Cold fever #36
Popular in 1985
They may have lucked out from having a chart topper in their native UK with the title track (you can blame Joe Dolce for that) however at least these guys were able to see massive success with this album here in Australia due to the strength of said title track here. This was one of two bands that Midge Ure was a part of this year, the other being Visage who didn’t see as much success with their album.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Vienna #11
Popular in 1981
