This is another album that was released the previous year but only became a success this year, it’s the summer entry from the 100% hits series collecting the big hits of spring from the previous year.
AMR charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
I’d do anything for love #1 (AMR #1)
Soul to squeeze #9 (AMR #10)
Creep #6 (AMR #5)
Tears of a clown #25 (AMR #35)
Plush #47
Into your arms #46
The gift #16 (AMR #12)
Rubberband girl #39 (AMR #42)
Distant sun #23 (AMR #24)
If I had no loot #12 (AMR #11)
Somewhere #16 (AMR #17)
Dreams #2 (AMR #2)
Go west #10 (AMR #8)
Shoop #2 (AMR #3)
Boom shack a lak #34 (AMR #34)
Popular in 1994
We Aussies have always loved a good pub anthem, the radio station Triple M decided to cash in on this love by releasing this compilation album collecting 30 of the best pub anthems to make it big down under which resulted in its massive success.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Popular in 1998
One of the more popular non-Hollywood films to emerge from this decade was Four wedding and a funeral, a British rom com about a guy is afraid of commitment falling in love with an American woman with chaos ensuing from there. The film was a huge box office and critical success thanks to the charming interactions with the characters, and as such the soundtrack which spawned one of the biggest hits of the decade was also a huge success.
AMR charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Love is all around #1
Popular in 1994
This was a massive hit for Sinead O’Connor thanks to the popularity of its lead single, a song that was originally written by Prince but was donated to her from him albeit with some complications if the behind-the-scenes drama is anything to go by. Indeed, Sinead has garnered a reputation for being difficult to deal with which was all but confirmed on her SNL performance two years later.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Nothing compares 2 u #1
The emperor’s new clothes #18
Popular in 1990
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×4
Popular in 1994, 1995
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×1
Popular in 1990
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×1
Popular in 1993, 1994
ARIA charts
Peak position #4
Popular in 1992
Given how it spawned two of the bigger hits of the year, it only makes sense that this soundtrack to the second Austin Powers flick would be a success as the decade was coming to an end worldwide. The film is hilarious as it parodies the (almost equally as ridiculous) James Bond films, specifically the earlier films from Sean Connery and Roger Moore to hilarious effect.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Beautiful stranger #5 (AMR #3)
American woman #12 (AMR #13)
Popular in 1999
Well, you better believe that the 100% hits series would also have a highly successful annual album to compete with the Smash hit’s franchise, I guess the takeaway here is that 1992 was seen as an excellent year for music according to the Australian public of the time.
AMR charts
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Love you right #1 (AMR #1)
Cream #2 (AMR #2)
Let’s talk about sex #1 (AMR #1)
Dizzy #3 (AMR #2)
Be my baby #6 (AMR #5)
Achy breaky heart #1 (AMR #1)
Stay #3 (AMR #3)
Saltwater #1 (AMR #1)
Hazard #1 (AMR #1)
To be with you #1 (AMR #1)
Save the best for last #1 (AMR #1)
Tip of my tongue #4 (AMR #3)
Mysterious ways #3 (AMR #4)
Under the bridge #1 (AMR #1)
Life is a highway #2 (AMR #6)
Everything about you #4 (AMR #4)
Way out west #2 (AMR #2)
Marvellous #1 (AMR #1)
Popular in 1993
There were no signs of Korn’s popularity slowing down going into the new decade as their final album from the 90’s managed to become a massive hit as it was coming to an end. In fact, I’m surprised that their popularity died out this year considering how nu metal had taken over the mainstream, I guess fans had quickly discovered other offerings from the likes of Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park.
Peak position #1×1
Popular in 1999
These guys were always described as a killer live band, so it only makes sense that this live album would be a huge success for them when they released it. They wouldn’t have any more hits after this save for a song that they gave to be used as the theme to Last action hero.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×2
Popular in 1992, 1993
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Chocolate cake #20
Fall at your feet #31
It’s only natural #15
Weather with you #27
Four seasons in one day #47
Popular in 1991, 1992
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Down again #27
Saturation #42
Now and then #40
Popular in 1998
ARIA charts
Peak position #3
Hit singles
The obvious child #42
Popular in 1990
For whatever reason, the 100% hits series skipped over the spring of 1996 and would continue to do so for ever spring for the rest of its existence. As such their yearly recaps they released became more successful from here on out likely due to it serving as a recap as well as the big hits of spring of each given year.
AMR charts
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Wannabe #1 (AMR #1)
How bizarre #1 (AMR #1)
Return of the Mack #2 (AMR #2)
Freedom #6 (AMR #8)
Se a vida é #11 (AMR #9)
Ooh aah just a little bit #5 (AMR #5)
Fastlove #1 (AMR #1)
That girl #6 (AMR #4)
Something 4 da honeyz #19 (AMR #20)
Boombastic #1 (AMR #1)
Hey lover #11 (AMR #11)
Fee fi fo fum #22 (AMR #20)
Break the chain #43 (AMR #42)
Seven days and one week #19 (AMR #22)
Pepper #15 (AMR #16)
Mother mother #5 (AMR #5)
One of us #1 (AMR #1)
Salvation #8 (AMR #8)
I’ll be there for you #3 (AMR #3)
Forgiven not forgotten #15 (AMR #11)
Everything is good for you #10 (AMR #12)
Fairground #7 (AMR #7)
Father and son #2 (AMR #3)
In too deep #11 (AMR #9)
I am blessed #14 (AMR #13)
Naked and sacred #15 (AMR #16)
Beautiful life #11 (AMR #11)
Til you do me right #16 (AMR #17)
I love you always forever #2 (AMR #1)
Woman #17 (AMR #16)
Popular in 1997
We have another entry from the 100% series on this list, again it was covering the summer of 1997/1998 due to how hectic that time was in the music industry down under.
AMR charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Together again #4 (AMR #4)
You sexy thing #6 (AMR #6)
Tubthumping #1 (AMR #1)
Da ya think I’m sexy #3 (AMR #2)
Too much #9 (AMR #8)
Sick with love #21 (AMR #27)
Sunchyme #22 (AMR #13)
Black eyed boy #50
4 seasons of loneliness #13 (AMR #14)
Phenomenon #29 (AMR #25)
Foolish games #12 (AMR #11)
Only when I sleep #34 (AMR #21)
No surprises #47
Saturation #42 (AMR #30)
Everyday formula #41 (AMR #24)
I wanna be the only one #10 (AMR #16)
I will come to you #2 (AMR #4)
The drugs don’t work #22 (AMR #22)
Popular in 1998
Given how these three men were proven to be the real deal when it came to singing on their songs, there wasn’t any issues with the Frank Farian made band to find success with their debut album which admittedly was a lengthy process given how his previous band Milli Vanilli caused quite the scandal at the start of the decade. This no doubt led to the Latin craze which the boys sadly weren’t a part of.
AMR charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Where do you go #2
When I die #2
Please don’t go #19
Kiss you all over #44
Popular in 1997
This was released two years prior to deafening silence for the Screaming jets, likely because we Aussies felt that we didn’t need to allow and Australian equivalent of Nirvana or Pearl jam on the charts now that we had those to bands making it big worldwide. We clearly changed our minds this year when the album rebounded on the charts due to one of the songs becoming a surprise hit this year.
AMR charts
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Living in England #35
Shivers #19
Helping hand #21
Tunnel #47
Popular in 1994
Bette had seen many highs and lows in her music career, as such she decided to release this greatest hits album which was a huge success for her likely due to a combination of fans loving her work as well as audiences being fans of her films. It would be the last time she troubled the charts anywhere in the world as she stuck to acting after releasing this.
AMR charts
Peak position #6
Popular in 1993, 1994
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
When dove’s cry #3
Popular in 1997
Following the surprise success of their signature track from the film Ghost, the Righteous brothers decided to release a greatest hits package to help their new fans discover their back catalogue which proved to be a wise move as it not only worked for them but created a trend of older artists following suit throughout the 90’s.
AMR charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Unchained melody #1
Popular in 1991
While this was a huge success for the Cranberries this year, their fans have said that their change in sound did alienate them back in the day which is why this wasn’t as inescapable as their sophomore album from two years prior. That said it was still a notable success for them which is more than I can say for their next album which failed to find any sort of audience due to them further changing their sound.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Salvation #8
Free to decide #43
When you’re gone #39
Popular in 1996
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Salvation #8
Free to decide #43
When you’re gone #40
Popular in 1996
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Freedom #30
Miles and miles #26
Hot chilli woman #7
RIP #26
Popular in 1991
Before he took Hollywood by storm with the likes of Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge, Baz Lurhman got his start with this film which he made here in Australia about a ballroom dancer wanting to win a competition and the trials and tribulations that he encounters along the way. It remains a classic to this day here in Australia and even a cult classic worldwide thanks to the story and soundtrack which was also a huge success.
AMR charts
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Love is in the air (ballroom mix) #3
Popular in 1992
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Thank u #15
Popular in 1998, 1999
ARIA charts
Peak position #4
Popular in 1997
This was the penultimate album that Smashing pumpkins released in their career before they called it quits the first time, it was another successful album from the alternative scene which proved why they wanted to keep making music even though they couldn’t handle the fame very well.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Ava adore #18
Popular in 1998
I’m not exactly sure how this third album from Concrete blonde managed to be a success here in Australia as they had yet to make it big in their native America, I’m guessing this had some assistance from Triple J before they would dominate our alternative scene which admittedly would make sense given how this is the type of alternative rock that would dominate their airwaves later in the decade.
AMR charts
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Joey #2
Caroline #41
Popular in 1990
One of the best rom coms of the 90’s was Sleepless in Seattle, a film that deconstructs rom com cliches to tell a story that both subverts the classic rom coms of the golden age of cinema and also pays homage to them in a loving way. It was a huge critical and commercial success back in the day and spawned a soundtrack that was also a massive success.
AMR charts
Peak position #3
Popular in 1993
ARIA charts
Peak position #3
Popular in 1993
This feels like a greatest hits collection from the KLF given how it collected all of their big hits during the early 90’s, indeed it likely launched the EDM craze here in Australia given how huge each of these songs were in Australia in comparison to the album itself. Despite how much success they had with this album, the duo decided to go their separate ways after the album cycle was done the following year.
AMR charts
Peak position #4
Hit singles
3AM eternal #1
Last train to trancentral #5
Justified and ancient #3
Popular in 1991
While this didn’t live up to the standards set up by her previous album Jagged little pill, this album from Alanis Morissette was a huge success regardless thanks to it retaining the anger she displayed on that album as well as her exploring other facets of her life that connected with audiences. She did have one more somewhat successful album in the new millennium, but by then Avril Lavigne had taken over as the Canadian voice of a generation.
AMR charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Thank u #15
Popular in 1998, 1999
ARIA charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
House of love #5
Deep #7
West end girls #4
It’s alright #1
Popular in 1993, 1994
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Intergalactic #21
Body moving #28
Popular in 1998
This was the final successful album to come out of Midnight oil’s discography, it appears to be a return to them giving a voice to the aboriginal community which makes sense given how their magnum opus Diesel and dust had this theme as well. They did quite well adjust to the 90’s to make it this far into the decade with their popularity intact, although this would be the last time they troubled the charts.
AMR charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Truganini #10
Popular in 1993
ARIA charts
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Kiss thing thing goodbye #28
Nothing ever happens #46
Stone cold sober #50
Popular in 1990
ARIA charts
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Miss freelove 69 #19
1000 miles away #37
Popular in 1991
While this wasn’t James Blundell’s debut album, it was the album that broke him through thanks to his collaboration with James Reyne serving as its lead single which almost got both men a chart topper for them in Australia. Unfortunately, through a combination of country music not being popular in Australia and local artists struggling throughout the 90’s, this was the only success he managed to have in his career.
AMR charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Way out west #2
This road #23
Popular in 1992
This was the last album that Guns n roses would release for fifteen years, it’s a covers album that was released at a time where covers albums were becoming in vogue hence why it was a huge success for them. Fans like to pretend that this was the last anyone had heard from the band, however they did eventually return in 2008 with Chinese democracy.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Popular in 1993, 1994
From what I can gather, the two Young guns movies from back in the day are among the more popular spaghetti westerns to this day thanks to its cast consisting of several members of the 80’s Brat pack scene as well as them being light-hearted innocent fun. The second film had a soundtrack that served as a solo debut album for Jon Bon Jovi at the height of his popularity with his band.
AMR charts
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Blaze of glory #1
Miracle #11
Popular in 1990
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Popular in 1995
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Ava adore #19
Popular in 1998
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
The things I love in you #10
Water into wine #46
Popular in 1998
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×1
Popular in 1996
ARIA charts
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Come with me #10
Deeper underground #46
Popular in 1998
There seems to be at least one of these albums on my list for every year in the 90’s, although it’s worth noting that La bouche’s success here likely came from how huge they were over in America more than us preferring them over their predecessors Culture beat and Corona. Just like those two bands, these guys scored three massive hits from the album and then faded into obscurity once the album cycle was done.
AMR charts
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Be my lover #1
Sweet dreams #5
I love to love #4
Falling in love #34
Popular in 1996
It looked like these guys wouldn’t be able to have a career going into the 90’s given how their previous album Temperamental suggested they would be an 80’s band and no more, however thanks to the success of its lead single worldwide, they were able to extend their popularity past the 80’s and even acquire a worldwide audience. This was a brief comeback as the band would struggle for relevancy later in the decade.
AMR charts
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I touch myself #1
Love school #43
Popular in 1991
This was a bit of a commercial disappointment for Kylie Minogue as it’s the only album of hers where she tries her hand at standards music in addition to more of the fun bubble-gum pop she had from her debut album. It was a moderate success here in Australia and the UK; however, it was such a failure in America that it resulted in her getting dropped from her label over there.
AMR charts
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Especially for you #2
Hand on your heart #3
Wouldn’t change a thing #5
Never too late #17
Tears on my pillow #19
Popular in 1990
This was the other album that the Beatles released twenty years prior that became a success this year due to it finally being available on CD’s, naturally it was a success even if audiences were more interested in their earlier work as evidence by this predecessor success on this list.
AMR charts
Peak position #8
Popular in 1993
Well Mariah Carey did have a bunch of chart toppers on Billboard this decade (and likely would’ve had more if the chart format hadn’t changed in America in 1991) so it seems fitting that she would release a greatest hits package themed around how many number one hits she had in her home country.
AMR charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
When you believe #13
Popular in 1998, 1999
Del Amitri were a pop rock band from Scotland who managed to score a massive breakthrough with this album in Australia this year, I’m not sure how as it didn’t spawn any hits here or anywhere in the world, but it was a success regardless. They would be a one album wonder despite releasing new music throughout the decade, perhaps this was a band that was promoted by Triple J before they had mainstream success.
AMR charts
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Kiss thing thing goodbye #28
Nothing ever happens #43
Popular in 1990
ARIA charts
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Be my lover #2
Sweet dreams #8
I love to love #6
Falling in love #39
Popular in 1996
ARIA charts
Peak position #8
Popular in 1997
ARIA charts
Peak position #9
Popular in 1991
ARIA charts
Peak position #6
Hit singles
When you believe #13
Popular in 1998, 1999
I did mention that Regurgitator’s second album was rereleased as a DVD, here’s the DVD in question as it became a huge success for them this year due to the novelty of the technology taking over the world. It’s hard to say how many other albums benefitted from this gimmick as ARIA inconveniently bundled these with the main albums as opposed to AMR which counted them separately from each other.
AMR charts
Peak position #9
Popular in 1998, 1999
There was a popular grunge band from around this time that had a very similar band name to this Australian jazz rock band, although confusing these guys for those guys is a bad mistake considering their sound are nothing alike to each other. This was D.I.G’s only notable success here as they were able to win over both the rock and EDM crowds here with this album of theirs and none of their other work.
AMR charts
Peak position #9
Popular in 1994
ARIA charts
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Especially for you #2
Hand on your heart #4
Wouldn’t change a thing #6
Never too late #14
Tears on my pillow #20
Popular in 1990
ARIA charts
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Onion skin #11
Get out of the house #24
Dancing in the storm #21
Talk about it #35
Popular in 1990
ARIA charts
Peak position #8
Popular in 1995
Pokémon was such an inescapable phenomenon that the 4kids dub of the first film became a huge box office success despite it being panned by critics for its poor dubbing which changes the storyline of the original film (as a member of team Digimon, this brings me great joy until I remember that Digimon the movie exists.) The soundtrack at least was well received due to the catchy teen pop that can be found on it.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Don’t say you love me #4 (AMR #5)
Popular in 1999
While he never had much success here in Australia during his lifetime, this greatest hits package from 2pac nonetheless managed to become a huge success for him here proving that we Aussies wanted to atone for us ignoring his back catalogue this decade.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Changes #7 (AMR #9)
Popular in 1999
This was originally released in 1987 to deafening silence here, in fact I’m not even sure why this greatest hits package managed to become a hit in Australia four years later as it’s not like there was any special occasion for his legacy in this particular year.
AMR charts
Peak position #11
Popular in 1991, 1996, 1997
ARIA charts
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Alive #9
Even flow #22
Popular in 1992, 1994, 1995
ARIA charts
Peak position #16
Hit singles
Linger #33
Dreams #30
Popular in 1994, 1995
This was volume four from the 100% series, it collected the biggest hits of autumn of this year just like the previous entry collected the biggest hits of summer for 91/92.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
Be my baby #6 (AMR #5)
Dizzy #3 (AMR #2)
Skin to skin #16 (AMR #16)
To be with you #1 (AMR #1)
Dream alone #23 (AMR #32)
High #5 (AMR #10)
Insanity #31 (AMR #25)
Under the bridge #1 (AMR #1)
Way out west #2 (AMR #2)
Tip of my tongue #4 (AMR #3)
I think I love you #12 (AMR #10)
One #4 (AMR #3)
Sister’s crazy #37 (AMR #36)
Ghost of a Texas ladies’ man #31 (AMR #33)
Anthem #47 (AMR #43)
Help yourself #30 (AMR #16)
Stay #3 (AMR #3)
Marvellous #1 (AMR #1)
Popular in 1992
Here’s the autumn collection that this lucrative series offered us, it was a good selection which is why it was a huge success.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Black stick #25 (AMR #24)
Mrs. Robinson #16 (AMR #15)
Detachable penis #17 (AMR #17)
Cats in the cradle #1 (AMR #1)
If only I could #41 (AMR #49)
Constant craving #38 (AMR #38)
The crying game #39 (AMR #28)
In the still of the nite #13 (AMR #8)
More than a woman #39 (AMR #30)
Mr. Wendal #7 (AMR #6)
Deep #7 (AMR #6)
The hitman #6 (AMR #6)
Informer #1 (AMR #1)
Oh Carolina #5 (AMR #5)
Looking through patient eyes #20 (AMR #19)
Popular in 1993
The autumn of this year proved to be rather hectic as this 12th edition of the 100% hits series managed to be a massive success upon its release.
AMR charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Stay #3 (AMR #3)
Groove thang #17 (AMR #16)
U r the best thing #9 (AMR #8)
I wanna dance #21 (AMR #21)
I like to move it #6 (AMR #6)
Shaka jam #7 (AMR #6)
Whatta man #2 (AMR #2)
Twist And Shout #13 (AMR #12)
I’m ready 21 (AMR #23)
Let me show you #18 (AMR #16)
Return to innocence #16 (AMR #17)
Hush sweet lover #28 (AMR #34)
Laid #40 (AMR #35)
Mountain #12 (AMR #11)
Hey jealousy #28 (AMR #27)
Greedy people #29 (AMR #30)
Sleeping in my car #18 (AMR #23)
Popular in 1994
This was the official sequel to the 12th man’s debut album from seven years prior, indeed this became equally as successful as that album proving that his impersonations of sports commentators were still entertaining audiences well into the 90’s.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×3
Popular in 1994, 1995
This album looks over the biggest hits of winter this year, naturally it had a strong selection of songs to chose from as this was a hectic time in music here in Australia.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Hazard #1 (AMR #1)
I can’t help myself #28 (AMR #31)
Just take my heart #27 (AMR #25)
Perfect place #31 (AMR #41)
My Loving #36 (AMR #36)
I can feel it #7 (AMR #6)
Life is a highway #2 (AMR #6)
God gave rock and roll to you II #18 (AMR #18)
Man alive #20 (AMR #20)
Save the best for last #1 (AMR #1)
Always the last to know #39 (AMR #40)
The disappointed #32 (AMR #31)
One in a million #1 (AMR #3)
Everything about you #4 (AMR #4)
Cry #5 (AMR #7)
Fly like an eagle #44
Living in England #19 (AMR #35)
Popular in 1992
The 100% series returns on this list of mines, here we have their summer collection that they packaged as an autumn release which of course resulted in its success due to the good selection it has on here.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
What’s my name #12 (AMR #10)
Give it up #1 (AMR #1)
It’s alright #1 (AMR #1)
Can we talk #12 (AMR #11)
Cornflake girl #19 (AMR #19)
Will you be there #24 (AMR #23)
Is there any love in your heart #32 (AMR #29)
Relax 93 #22 (AMR #19)
Things can only get better #9 (AMR #8)
Dum da dum #5 (AMR #6)
She don’t let nobody #37 (AMR #31)
Again #19 (AMR #19)
Nails in my feet #34 (AMR #42)
Helping hand #25 (AMR #21)
Asshole #2 (AMR #2)
Popular in 1994
Autumn of this year was an interesting time for the Hit machine franchise, so much so that this entry managed to be a massive success despite its lower placement among these albums.
AMR charts
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Torn #2 (AMR #2)
All I have to give #4 (AMR #6)
Getting jiggy with it #6 (AMR #7)
5 6 7 8 #1 (AMR #2)
Maria #1 (AMR #1)
Fight for your right #12 (AMR #10)
Breathe #23 (AMR #18)
All cried out #11 (AMR #8)
Too close #12 (AMR #13)
Now I can dance #13 (AMR #17)
Cry #13 (AMR #15)
Pash #10 (AMR #11)
Gotta be moving on up #13 (AMR #10)
All night all right #30 (AMR #34)
It’s tricky #15 (AMR #9)
Dammit #34 (AMR #33)
Brimful of Asha #35 (AMR #36)
I don’t ever want to see you again #36 (AMR #28)
Popular in 1998
While this wasn’t the inescapable success that her second album was a few years prior, this did allow Tina Arena to continue her international appeal which led to her releasing several albums in the new millennium in different languages that naturally didn’t chart here in Australia. She would occasionally release albums in English that did find success here, although those tended to be few and far between.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Burn #4
If I didn’t have you #39
Now I can dance #17
I want to know what love is #41
Popular in 1997, 1998
This was the final album that Pink Floyd released this decade, it’s also the first of a few albums I’ll be featuring on these lists that the A.V club declared as one of the least essential albums of the decade despite what a massive success it was. I’m guessing this was due to the album failing to live up to their earlier work as it’s one of the less universally acclaimed albums from their catalogue.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×2
Popular in 1994
It was a new decade and yet even the 12th man was able to score success with his second album, proving that this year was just the 80’s extended for another year in the music scene. Indeed, this would be a fantastic decade for Billy Birmingham as he would see a ton of success with each of his albums.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Popular in 1990
From what I can gather, Dangerous minds is a combination of Dead poet’s society and To sir with love as it draws themes from both of those movies with the twist of the teacher being a woman as opposed to a man in the former and a man of colour in the latter. It received mixed reviews for its derivative story; however, the soundtrack did much better thanks to its theme song provided to it by Coolio.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Gangsta’s paradise #1
Popular in 1995
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Popular in 1992
Want to know what happened to Dire straits when they briefly called it quits in 1988? Well lead singer Mark Knopfler formed a side band known as the Notting hillbillies who released a country album this year that achieved massive success for them. They were only a side project which means they broke up once they were done promoting the album so that Mark could reform Dire straits the following year.
AMR charts
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Your own sweet way #20
Popular in 1990
One of my personal favourite films of the decade was Men in black, mainly for the chemistry between Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones but also for the sci fi humour that is right up my alley for comedy. The film had a soundtrack which was a massive success likely due to one of its stars contributing the theme song to the film which remains one of the most well-loved movie themes of all time.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Men in black #1
We just wanna party with you #38
Popular in 1997
Named after the MC classic that leads off the album, this compilation album collects all of the biggest hits of winder for 1990 due to having a good selection on the track listing.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
U can’t touch this #1 (AMR #1)
Joey #2 (AMR #2)
Lay down your guns #4 (AMR #4)
The machine’s breaking down #23 (AMR #27)
Still got the blues #18 (AMR #16)
Unskinny bop #7 (AMR #7)
Southern sky #37 (AMR #32)
Hold on #2 (AMR #2)
Emperor’s new clothes #20 (AMR #18)
Blaze of glory #1 (AMR #1)
Epic #1 (AMR #1)
She ain’t worth it #8 (AMR #7)
Close to you #2 (AMR #2)
Back street pick up #23 (AMR #24)
Turtle power #15 (AMR #14)
Bust a move #1 (AMR #1)
It must have been love #1 (AMR #1)
Popular in 1990
The winter of this year was a very popular time for music in Australia, as such this compilation made it big as well.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Never miss your water #12 (AMR #13)
The floor #6 (AMR #7)
Tease me #5 (AMR #6)
Come undone #19 (AMR #21)
The honeymoon is over #41 (AMR #43)
Shock to the system #28 (AMR #30)
Scratch my back #40 (AMR #35)
Believe #8 (AMR #10)
West end girls #4 (AMR #4)
Freak me #3 (AMR #3)
What’s up #2 (AMR #1)
Sweat #2 (AMR #3)
Girl I’ve been hurt #26 (AMR #27)
You’re so vain #11 (AMR #12)
Get a haircut #28 (AMR #30)
Everybody hurts #6 (AMR #5)
Linger #33 (AMR #34)
I don’t wanna fight #39 (AMR #40)
Popular in 1993
We finally have the Hit machine franchise usurping the 100% series on this site, this was because the franchise had access to the bigger hits of the year which wasn’t the case when they initially launched.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Another night #1 (AMR #1)
Short dick man #4 (AMR #3)
Hot hot hot #9 (AMR #8)
Turn the beat around #8 (AMR #7)
Total eclipse of the heart #2 (AMR #1)
A girl like you #6 (AMR #6)
Put yourself in my place #11 (AMR #9)
Chains #4 (AMR #4)
Hook me up #11 (AMR #13)
Come back #14 (AMR #13)
Sight for sore eyes #20 (AMR #16)
Dead eyes opened #16 (AMR #19)
Can’t get enough #32 (AMR #33)
Tongue tied #25 (AMR #32)
Cruise control #25 (AMR #23)
Sky high #8 (AMR #8)
Sooner or later #11 (AMR #10)
Cotton eye Joe #8 (AMR #8)
Popular in 1995
You better believe that Hit machine was the compilation series of choice this year, as such we have these two entries which cover the big hits of summer and autumn to make it big here.
AMR charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Everybody on the floor #6 (AMR #5)
Don’t stop #5 (AMR #4)
Set you free #11 (AMR #10)
Baby baby #7 (AMR #6)
Run away #4 (AMR #2)
Open your heart #25 (AMR #17)
Back for good #1 (AMR #1)
Hey girl #14 (AMR #17)
Mouth #1 (AMR #1)
Here comes the hotstepper #2 (AMR #2)
Mr. natural #27 (AMR #25)
Digging the grave #12 (AMR #10)
Walk this world #28 (AMR #27)
Change of heart #17 (AMR #17)
You suck #25 (AMR #25)
I’m jealous #14 (AMR #13)
Sorrento moon #7 (AMR #7)
No more I love yous #16 (AMR #15)
Popular in 1995
This is the final entry from the 100% series to cover the spring of any given year as from here on out, the franchise would skip over the spring season in exchange for making their annual recaps a double album which covers contains new tracks from the spring period of a year.
AMR charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Wannabe #1 (AMR #1)
I want you #4 (AMR #3)
That girl #7 (AMR #4)
Se a vida e #11 (AMR #9)
Spinning the wheel #14 (AMR #10)
Do you like it #18 (AMR #29)
Crazy #18 (AMR #15)
Sunshine #34 (AMR #27)
There’s nothing I won’t do #26 (AMR #15)
The only thing that looks good on me is you #19 (AMR #17)
I live for you #9 (AMR #7)
Closer to free #11 (AMR #11)
Mother mother #5 (AMR #5)
Heartspart dollarsign #40 (AMR #44)
Popular #43 (AMR #42)
Who will save your soul #27 (AMR #29)
Forgiven not forgotten #15 (AMR #11)
Popular in 1996
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Gangsta’s paradise #1
Popular in 1995
It may have nearly been a decade since he last troubled the charts in Australia, but again we have a greatest hits package from an older artist to see massive success this decade due to their fans loving their older material but not having much love for their newer material. I do like the name he gave this album, implying that he felt like he deserved better and that he gave it his all.
AMR charts
Peak position #7
Popular in 1997, 1998
Following his star making performance at the Barcelona Olympics this year as well as the concert he gave with Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti earlier in the decade, Jose Carreras was able to make a name for himself with this album that collects all of his most memorable songs for the convenience of everyone who had fallen in love with his shows throughout the decade.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Friends for life #1
Popular in 1992
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Friends for life #1
Popular in 1992
ARIA charts
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Gonna make you sweat #3
Here we go #20
Things that make you go hmm #6
Just a touch of love #26
Popular in 1991
This was U2’s venture towards pop music, or more specifically pop music as dictated by the 90’s alternative scene as there was a lot of distortion on this album that is atypical of U2 albums. It wasn’t well received at the time and to this day remains one of their worst albums according to their fans, although its success means that at least there was some love for this album back then.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Discotheque #3
Staring at the sun #32
Please #27
Mofo #28
Popular in 1997
ARIA charts
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Sinner #40
Popular in 1998
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Digging the grave #12
Evidence #27
Popular in 1995
One of the grittiest films to come out of the 90’s was Trainspotting, a film which depicted the brutal conditions of living in the Scottish drug scene of the day and is led by a captivating performance from Ewan McGregor who found international success from this film. The soundtrack helps drive home the themes of the film, which is why it was a massive success back in the day worldwide.
AMR charts
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Born slippy #19
Popular in 1996
From here in out (until 1998 where the AMR charts ceased to exist) we’ll be looking at every entry from the 100% hits franchise given how every entry from the franchise was a success including the third entry which looks over the summer period of 91/92.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Let’s talk about sex #1 (AMR #1)
Finally #8 (AMR #7)
Come to me #8 (AMR #8)
Kingston town #17 (AMR #14)
Spending my time #16 (AMR #12)
Saltwater #1 (AMR #1)
Peace #24 (AMR #28)
Set adrift on memory bliss #7 (AMR #6)
All 4 love #9 (AMR #6)
Love you right #1 (AMR #1)
Do anything #10 (AMR #8)
Spill the wine #31 (32)
Keep coming back #34 (AMR #32)
Wildside #28 (AMR #30)
It’s only natural #15 (AMR #15)
I’ve had you #39 (AMR #46)
Lovesick #13 (AMR #12)
Popular in 1992
I guess you can say these guys are the slightly older versions of Killing Heidi, they broke through before the latter band were “unearthed” by Triple J and were likely going to become one of the biggest Australian bands of the new millennium until Ella Hooper and company stole their thunder with their album. For what it’s worth, Killing Heidi are also a one album wonder as their follow ups also flopped here.
AMR charts
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Down again #17
Saturation #30
Now and then #46
Popular in 1998
Yanni is a well-known Greek musician who had a massive breakthrough this year when he released this live album from a performance he gave at the Acropolis in his homeland, it was such a success that he was able to join the ranks (however briefly) of his fellow classical musicians such as the Three tenors and Andrea Bocelli.
AMR charts
Peak position #2
Popular in 1995
This was the only album that 4 non blondes released in their career, though it was a success, it was torn apart by critics for how they felt it was an overbearing record from the four women. This led to them breaking up later in the decade and Linda Perry becoming a successful songwriter for some of the biggest names in music in the new millennium, so I guess things worked out for them (or her at least.)
AMR charts
Peak position #4
Hit singles
What’s up #1
Popular in 1993
ARIA charts
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Truganini #10
Popular in 1993
