There was a good chance that this album never would’ve been a success even in Destiny’s child’s native America were it not for the controversy that involved their line-up change, specifically when the video for the second single was unveiled which was how two of its members found out they were fired from the group. This controversy led to people checking out the album to see what all the fuss was about.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Bills bills bills #26
Say my name #1
Jumping jumping #2
Bug a boo #26
Popular in 2000
This debut album form Duffy was a hit twice in Australia, the first time was upon its initial release whilst the second was a year after its release for reasons I can’t seem to deduce as it’s not like any of the singles were used in anything throughout 2009 here. I’d say Duffy would’ve been the British voice of the 2010’s had Adele not stolen her crown with her second album 21 early in that decade.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Mercy #26
Popular in 2008, 2009
This was an instant success for Coldplay given how they had confirmed themselves as the real deal with their second album from earlier in the decade, there’s not really much I can say about this album as it continued their critical acclaim without doing much to change their sound from their earlier material.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Speed of sound #9
Fix you #25
Talk #20
The hardest part #40
Popular in 2005, 2006
Shrek is a film that changed the landscape of animation and comedy throughout the decade given how it deconstructed fairy-tale troupes that Disney had been relying on since its inception (to the point where the company now feels the need to copy this formula to predictably irritating results.) It was a massive success partially due to its soundtrack which of course was a massive hit here in Australia.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Best years of our lives #49
I’m a believer #9
Popular in 2001, 2002
Although the singles from this album from Mika were a massive hit here upon their respective initial releases, the album itself only became a sleeper hit thanks to each of them causing it to rebound on the charts whenever one of them was released as a single, hence its low placement on this list. Still at least this album was a success for the British crooner, certainly more so than the rest of his catalogue.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Grace Kelly #2
Love today #3
Happy ending #7
Big girl #23
Popular in 2007, 2008
This wound up being far more popular here in Australia than it was over in NZ, the only album from Ben Harper to be as such given how overall, the kiwis preferred him over us Aussies during his career. I guess you can say that he was the natural successor to Lenny Kravitz given how he followed a similar formula to him only for a 00’s audience which is conveniently when Lenny lost his popularity.
Peak position #2
Popular in 2003
These guys were on a roll when they released their fourth album, given how they no longer had to deal with digital piracy with their singles, it allowed said singles to become massive hits for them which no doubt contributed to the album’s popularity here. This popularity would extend to their next album despite it being released in 2010, making it one of the last rock albums to find success here.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Funky tonight #15 (#11 live version)
Better now #16
Popular in 2007, 2008
There were no signs of Jack Johnson slowing down in the music scene given how his third album managed to be a massive hit for him worldwide, I guess people just wanted to listen to an album that put them in a relaxing mood given how many entries on this list would have you feeling pumped up whenever they were playing.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
Sitting waiting wishing #24
Popular in 2005
Even though her previous album remains her most successful to date, many critics felt that it was a crass display of Christina’s public image which led to her rethinking how she was going to continue to mature away from her time with Disney. This led to her making a throwback double album which incorporates many styles from the first half of the twentieth century that led to her scoring a massive success with it.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Ain’t no other man #6
Hurt #9
Candyman #2
Slow down baby #21
Popular in 2006, 2007
This was another successful album to come from Live in Australia, this time we have their second biggest album after Throwing copper which was able to pick up the lack of their previous album Secret samadhi just as the 90’s were coming to an end. That said their popularity would slowly begin to dwindle as the 00’s went on, not by a considerable margin but enough that it was noticeable.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
The dolphin’s cry #25
Run to the water #34
Popular in 2000
This was a bit more of a sleeper hit here in Australia which is why it’s slightly lower on here than it should be, however make no mistake, this album from Robbie Williams was inescapable thanks to it rebounding on the charts whenever one of the singles was released even if said singles were more successful on the radio than with sales. It continued his popularity well into the decade for good reason.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Feel #10
Come undone #27
Something beautiful #24
Sexed up #17
Popular in 2003, 2003, 2004
This is one of those albums that was way more successful than its placement on this list would otherwise suggest, mainly because these guys were among the first to truly benefit from the digital charts here in Australia which sadly hadn’t accommodated albums which meant this album only reached the upper echelons of our charts whenever one of their singles crossed over to the mainstream.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
I love it #24
Pictures #19
UFO #11
Goodbye #33
Popular in 2007
This was the first volume of U2’s most comprehensive greatest hits package, it was so comprehensive that they didn’t release the second volume for another four years as they wanted to include their next album in the retrospective. In the meantime, we have their album looking over the success they had in the 80’s complete with a song that only briefly charted in 1989 becoming a hit upon its release.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
The sweetest thing #6
Popular in 2000, 2001, 2002
For the first ten years of its existence, Moulin Rouge was a critically acclaimed jukebox musical that heralded the return of musicals in the mainstream outside of animated features, although thanks to the internet of the 2010’s (specifically a certain review site that infamously trashed the film) it now has a more polarising reception as people feel the story to be too melodramatic to be taken seriously.
Peak position #1×11
Hit singles
Lady marmalade #1
Come what may #10
Popular in 2001, 2002
This was Madonna’s foray into country music, OK sort of as there were plenty of electronic elements to the song that technically makes it an EDM album even though there are plenty of straight forward country tracks on the album. It was a massive hit for the queen of pop and proof that she could do no wrong even going into the new millennium, although her next album was where things would come crashing down.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
American pie #1
Music #1
Don’t tell me #7
What it feels like for a girl #6
Popular in 2000, 2001
Given how he was arguably the most in demand producer of the decade, it only makes sense that the producer would release an album of his own where he fronts the mic while his clientele provide him with catchy choruses to connect his verses together. Despite how inescapable he was, it took a while for this album to take off, only doing so once his collaboration with Keri Hilson became a worldwide smash.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Give it to me #16
Throw it on me #50
The way I are #1
Apologize #1
Scream #20
Popular in 2007, 2008
Given that they were cancelled earlier in the decade for essentially saying what the rest of the world was thinking of George Bush Jr (I agree that said cancellation was completely unfair) the Dixie Chicks were able to complete their redemption ark by releasing this album which essentially has them stand their ground with what they had to say with its lead single. Naturally it was a massive hit for them now that people could criticise the American president without any fear.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Not ready to make nice #18
Popular in 2006, 2007
Although it wasn’t technically an album from Australian idol given how Shannon Noll lost the first season of the series, this will forever be affiliated with the program given how it led off with the song that caused him to lose the series which ironically has retained its popularity over the years over Guy Sebastian’s victory single. His next album is what fans consider to be his true debut album.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
What about me #1
Drive #4
Learn to fly #1
Popular in 2004
This was the sophomore album from Amy Winehouse, it also unfortunately remains her final album as she would tragically pass away in 2011 due to her long battle with substance abuse due to her not handling fame very well. At least this album was appreciated during her lifetime even if it only saw its true popularity here when it won a bunch of Grammys during the early months of 2008.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Rehab #27
Popular in 2007, 2008
This was the first of many albums where Rod Stewart fancied himself a throwback artist to the music of the first half of the twentieth century, it’s kind of like Jimmy Barnes’ Soul deep series except Rod is covering jazz numbers rather than Motown and RNB tracks. This was by far the most successful of the series even though it needed some incentive from us Aussies to make it big initially.
Peak position #5
Popular in 2003
Following his departure from N Sync (as well as their eventual demise) Justin Timberlake decided to embark on a solo career which began with this album that needed a bit of incentive from audiences around the world to become a hit given how it was released the previous year initially to deafening silence. It was once the second single caught on that it began rising up the charts for the former boy band member.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Like I love you #8
Cry me a river #2
Rock your body #1
Senorita #6
Popular in 2003
8 mile is a film that was well received by critics and audiences alike as it was an autobiographical account at how Eminem came to be who he was as a person as well as his rise to stardom, basically it was a film that was the Purple rain of the 00’s which led to many copycats throughout the decade (most notably from his protegee 50 cent.) The soundtrack was released during the album cycle of his earlier entry on this list.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Lose yourself #1
Popular in 2002, 2003
Coyote ugly is a film that remains divisive to this day, mainly because people either find it an inspirational story about how a songwriter made it big in the music industry or cliched to the point where they find it impossible to take seriously. I’m in the former category, although I’ll admit my love for the film mainly stems from the catchy numbers that are brought to life by Leann Rimes.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
Can’t fight the moonlight #1
Popular in 2001
It took a while for this debut album from Alicia Keys to make it big here in Australia, likely due to the lead single not being among the biggest of the decade like it was internationally as well as RNB albums in general not doing so well down under over the years. It was eventually a smash hit this year thanks to the radio overplaying her other singles from the album, making audiences want to check out what the fuss was about.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Falling #7
A woman’s worth #16
How come you don’t call me #29
Girlfriend #13
Popular in 2002
Chris Isaak hadn’t troubled the charts since 1999 when “Baby did a bad bad thing” became a surprise hit due to it being chosen as the theme to Eyes wide shut, the success of this greatest hits album suggests that fans might not want new material from the crooner, however they still vibe to his older material, making him a legacy artist by this point in time.
Peak position #1×1
Popular in 2006
This was the only successful album to come from MGMT, it was their debut album and one that promised them a healthy run in the 2010’s that didn’t come to be due to rock music being blacklisted in the mainstream of music in favour of the club boom. Still, they had acquired a healthy fanbase with this album likely due to the psychedelic imagery in their videos as well as Triple J heavily promoting them.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Electric feel #7
Kids #21
Popular in 2008, 2009
I’m a bit surprised this wasn’t even more successful here in Australia given how inescapable the singles were back in the day, strange that we could go from hip hop albums not even charting here to this highly successful debut from 50 cent being somewhat of a commercial disappointment in such a short amount of time but oh well. He would continue to have success with his second album later in the decade.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
In da club #1
21 questions #4
P.I.M.P #2
If I can’t #22
Popular in 2003
Well, the less said about American life the better, so let’s do what Madonna wants us to do and pretend that ill-conceived political album doesn’t exist and move on to this album shall we? Here we have a disco album that’s meant to sound like it was made in the 70’s, that is, it’s an album that’s edited in a way to sound like it was one long track rather than a bunch of tracks which won back many of her fans.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Hung up #1
Sorry #4
Get together #13
Jump #29
Popular in 2005, 2006
Given that Nelly already saw massive success (if not a bit delayed here in Australia) with his debut album, it only makes sense that his second album would be even more successful especially in his native America where it spawned not one but two Billboard chart toppers for him. It led to many copycats in the hip hop game (most notably Chingy) which led to his eventual backlash.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
#1 #20
Hot in herre #3
Dilemma #1
Work it #14
Popular in 2002, 2003
The last time that these guys bothered the charts was at the start of the decade, so to see them back in the spotlight nearly ten years later was a bit of a surprise to say the least. This didn’t spawn any hit singles for the band, however considering their existence was pushing forty years at this point, the fact they were able to have a bestselling album was impressive in of itself.
Peak position #1×1
Popular in 2008, 2009
This was another instant success for RHCP, and one that spawned them a genuine hit as the lead single managed to become a massive success thanks to its presence on the digital charts worldwide. This would be the final successful album from the band given how their next album wouldn’t come out for another five years, they really did like taking their time with releasing new material throughout their career.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Dani California #8
Tell me baby #20
Snow #35
Hump de bump #17
Popular in 2006, 2007
Given how the lead single managed to become a massive worldwide hit, it only makes sense that this second album from Leona Lewis would follow suit and also be a massive hit outside of her native UK as opposed to her debut which was only a hit over there due to her winning the 2005 season of UK X factor. She would release her third album by the end of the decade; however, it was a massive worldwide flop.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Bleeding love #1
Better in time #6
Popular in 2008
There were no signs of Robbie Williams slowing down in the music scene, so it made sense that he would release a greatest hits package during the height of his popularity which became a massive success for him during the midpoint of the decade. His popularity did begin to dwindle following this album’s release; however, it wouldn’t fade away until the end of the decade.
Peak position #1×9
Hit singles
Radio #12
Misunderstood #39
Popular in 2004, 2005, 2006
There was a lot of hype going into this debut album from Killing Heidi given how the two lead singles were among the most successful from the transition of the 90’s to the 00’s, that hype was effortlessly met when it was released as it became a massive hit for the band here in Australia. I’m not sure why, but their fans and even Triple J abandoned them with their next two albums, leaving them to flop down under.
Peak position #1×7
Hit singles
Weir #6
Mascara #1
Leave me alone #1
Live without it #5
Popular in 2000
This was originally released earlier in the decade as a part of Sony’s lucrative Essential collections, it was only a modest success back in the day due to these being little more than albums to assist modern audiences in finding out where to start their journey of becoming fans of the artists in question. It became a massive hit this year thanks to MJ’s untimely death and everyone celebrating his life achievements.
Peak position #1×7
Popular in 2009
Well, here’s an album that I’m going to have trouble being nice to, basically everything people have said about Nickelback I think of Simple Plan which I’ll leave at that in terms of how I feel about them. Naturally they were a massive deal back in the day, specifically with their second album which was a massive success for them thanks to how big its singles were.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Welcome to my life #7
Shut up #14
Untitled #9
Crazy #32
Popular in 2004, 2005
It took a while for Missy Higgins to follow up her debut album, so much so that Delta Goodrem was in the process of releasing her third album when this finally saw the light of day which would explain why it wasn’t nearly as successful as her main rival’s discography. That said, it was still a massive hit for her given how much support she had from her fans and the radio.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Steer #1
Where I stood #10
Popular in 2007
Given how Kylie Minogue was still one of the most popular artists in the music industry by this point in time, it only makes sense that her greatest hits package would be a massive hit during the midpoint of the decade even if it proved to be a kiss of death to her popularity in the future.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
I believe in you #6
Giving you up #8
Popular in 2004, 2005, 2006
This is another album whose position on this list is misleading to how successful it was, mainly because it was another sleeper hit who only achieved best seller status when the third single became a hit. It was their second and final nu metal album as the band would reinvent themselves with each subsequent album to avoid being type casted in one branch of rock music to commercially diminishing returns.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Somewhere I belong #13
Faint #25
Numb #10
From the inside #37
Breaking the habit #23
Popular in 2003, 2004
This was another album that only became a success thanks to the singles performing well on the Triple J year end list, as such it allowed both the singles and the album to be a massive success for the Australian duo Empire of the sun which helped them become a mainstream success just as the decade was coming to an end. They remain a one album wonder due to the 2010’s being unkind to them like other rock bands from this list.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Walking on a dream #10
We are the people #24
Popular in 2008, 2009
There was no stopping RHCP throughout the 00’s, so much so that their greatest hits album proved to be a massive success for the band upon its initial release given that it was sandwiched between their only two albums from the decade which were both nonetheless massive hits for the band.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Fortune faded #16
Popular in 2003, 2004
Jason Mraz was a no name outside his native America prior to releasing this breakthrough album of his, or more specifically, when the lead single finally became a massive success for him which led many to accuse him of becoming like Jack Johnson or James Blunt with this album. It remains his only successful album outside of America even though he’s seen sound success over the years since this came out in his homeland.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
I’m yours #3
Popular in 2008, 2009
There was no stopping Rob Thomas throughout the decade given how he found massive success with his solo debut right around the time his band went on hiatus to allow him to release said album. This managed to distinguish his sound away from his band as this had more soul to it compared to the alternative rock that his band had to offer, which in turn had him have a slightly different demographic.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Lonely no more #3
This is how a heart breaks #13
Ever the same #29
Something to be #40
Popular in 2005, 2006
These guys had been finding more and more success with each album this decade, the peak of their popularity coming when this album became a massive success in the 2010’s due to it finally spawning them a hit in the form of its second single here in Australia. Even as early as 2010, it was a rare victory for a rock track even if the band has Triple J to thank for its popularity down under.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Uprising #23
Undisclosed desires #11
Popular in 2009
People feel this is a lesser retread of the Killer’s debut album (I disagree and actually prefer this album) as a result, it wasn’t quite as successful as Hot fuss even though this did spawn them a genuine hit on the charts (thanks to digital sales being legal by this point.) This is an album that saw massive international success for the band despite it underperforming for them in their homeland for the reason I just brought up.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
When you were young #10
Bones #22
Read my mind #32
Popular in 2006, 2007
Andrea Bocelli was a blind opera singer who was quite popular throughout Europe during the 90’s prior to him releasing this greatest hits package in order to appeal to an English-speaking market, indeed it took a while for this album to make it big worldwide given how it was released in 1997 but only picked up speed a year after its initial release. When it did become a hit, he had no issues with his subsequent follow-ups.
Peak position #2
Popular in 2000
Many fans consider this to be the true debut album from Shannon Noll given how it had no affiliation with Australian idol like his actual debut did, it was a massive success for him, proving he didn’t need the affiliation with the reality series to make it big like the winner Guy Sebastian did (at least initially.) Sadly, his third album would be a massive dud for him later in the decade.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Shine #1
Lift #10
Not I run #6
Lonely #8
Popular in 2005, 2006
People feel the album’s title to be an attack on Britney’s haters, after all, it does feel like a snarky quip towards everyone who felt she bought her way into the music industry through her connections with Disney. It certainly didn’t deter her fans from making it a success given how it and the singles managed to be equally as successful as her debut from the previous year thanks to how well they connected with it.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Ooops I did it again #1
Lucky #3
Stronger #13
Popular in 2000
Ben Lee was always on the verge of breaking through into the mainstream given how his 1998 effort barely managed to make an appearance on this site, his time to shine came with his fifth album due to the lead single finding massive success on the radio as well as being heavily promoted on Triple J this year. It led to him being a one album wonder as his follow-up failed to bring in the numbers this did.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Gamble everything for love #39
Catch my disease #27
Popular in 2005, 2006
One of the most popular Broadway musicals of all time is Mamma Mia, mainly due to the renditions of Abba’s catalogue as many will tell you that its story is a bit jumbled even for a Broadway musical. The theatrical version made nine years after it first premiered was a commercial success despite a mixed critical reception due to the plot and also the song renditions not being as good as the stage version.
Peak position #1×5
Popular in 2008
While it wasn’t as inescapable as her earlier entry on this list, this second album from Norah Jones nonetheless managed to make a huge splash in the mainstream this year thanks to jazz pop still being in vogue for the most part all throughout the decade. Her next album was also a modest success for her, however that would be the end of her relevancy once it fell off the charts.
Peak position #2
Popular in 2004
While their popular had begun to dwindle by this point in time (thanks largely to the internet) Nickelback were still widely successful worldwide with this album proving that it would take the death of rock in general for them to be seen as yesterday’s news in the mainstream. Even when that happened in the new decade, their next album was still a modest success, proving that wasn’t even enough to kill their popularity.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Gotta be somebody #14
I’d come for you #22
If today was your last day #26
This afternoon #27
Popular in 2008, 2009
Given how her second album was a massive success for her, it only makes sense that Kasey Chambers would continue the momentum she had with her third album which also proved to be a massive hit for her. It saw a minor rebound on the charts when “Pony” became a surprise hit for her, although to a much lesser scale than what “Not pretty enough” did for her previous album.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Hollywood #28
Pony #10
Popular in 2004, 2005
While I’ve never been a fan of the show, I have seen a few episodes of Hannah Montana and remember thinking they were OK for what they were, basically a teenage girl leading a double life of an ordinary high schooler and a worldwide pop star. The film on the other hand looks absolutely terrible which of course didn’t prevent it from being a massive commercial success as was the soundtrack (it was likely that Taylor Swift cameo.)
Peak position #6
Hit singles
The climb #5
Hoedown throwdown #20
Popular in 2009
Following the eventual sleeper success of their debut album, Evermore managed to find little issues with finding a mainstream audience with their sophomore album even though they for some reason lost the support they had from Triple J when it was initially released. Although the album itself was a massive success here for the band, the singles were among the first to heavily benefit from digital sales which likely further fuelled its success.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Running #5
Light surrounding you #1
Never let you go #29
Popular in 2006, 2007
It took them five years to follow up their debut album Songs about Jane, OK technically it was only three years given how that album sat on shelves ignored for the first two years of its existence due to it not being promoted by their label initially. Even so, there was a bit of a wait for fans between the two projects which perhaps why this wasn’t as inescapably popular as their earlier work.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Makes me wonder #6
Wake up call #19
Won’t go home without you #7
If I never see your face again #11
Popular in 2007, 2008
These guys were on a roll this decade as this was the third successful album they had despite the singles not being as popular as their previous entries (even though it finally spawned them a genuine hit thanks to the digital charts.) Their popularity would continue till the end of the decade where they would release their final album before going their separate ways in the 2010’s.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Lost and running #5
I don’t remember #42
Popular in 2007
This was the first successful album that Fall out boy had here in Australia, mainly because their previous efforts went largely unheard of internationally, although their later efforts saw a decline in quality that even their fans couldn’t abide by. Still at least they had a massive hit with this effort largely thanks to the digital charts finally exposing these guys to a wider audience.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
This ain’t a scene it’s an arms race #4
Thnks fr th mmrs #3
The take over the breaks over #17
I’m like a lawyer #28
Popular in 2007
We have another greatest hits package from the fab four to make it big in history, this did come on the twentieth anniversary of John Lennon’s death so perhaps this was more a celebration of his legacy than anything else.
Peak position #1×9
Popular in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
This is another album that saw most of its success in the following decade (this fact didn’t impact its ranking on this list) even so it was an instant hit upon its initial release thanks to the big names that David Guetta managed to convince to collaborate with him, making this feel like more of a compilation album than a studio release.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
When love takes over #6
Sexy bitch #1
One love #36
Memories #3
Getting over you #5
Popular in 2009
This seems like a self-fulfilling prophecy as this will be the last time I feature a studio album from John Farnham on this site, in fact aside from a concert with Tom Jones and a greatest hits album, he didn’t have much more success in his career after this which admittedly is impressive given how long he’s been active in the music industry.
Peak position #1×1
Popular in 2002, 2003
There were no signs of Foo Fighters slowing down exiting the decade here in Australia, so much so that they were one of the few rock bands to retain their popularity throughout the 2010’s largely thanks to the success of this greatest hits package they released as the 00’s was coming to an end.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Wheels #21
Popular in 2009
This was the final album to be released during the lifetime of Maurice Gibb given how he would tragically pass away in 2003 which left the brothers Gibb as a duet until the death of Robin a decade later. It was a greatest hits package which overlooked their entire discography, meaning fans could see how they evolved over the years and not just a specific point in their catalogue.
Peak position #2
Popular in 2001, 2002, 2003
Il Divo was another group that didn’t show signs of slowing down during the midpoint of the decade as they released their second album to massive success, indeed they went on to have uninterrupted success for the remainder of the decade even if each album they released proved to be less successful than the last.
Peak position #1×3
Popular in 2005, 2006
It took a while for this debut album from the Killers to make it big here in Australia as was the case throughout the rest of the world, however once it did crossover, it proved to be inescapable thanks to how anthemic each of the tracks remain to this day as well as the band being critically acclaimed even compared to all of the other alternative rock that was coming out during the midpoint of the decade.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Somebody told me #17
Mr brightside #29
Smile like you mean it #47
All these things that I’ve done #42
Popular in 2005
After two highly successful nu metal albums under their belt, Linkin Park decided to expand on their sound with their third album which led to it not quite being as successful as their earlier efforts as it did alienate some of their fanbase, however it retained enough of them for it to still be a massive success for them. They would continue to experiment with their sound throughout the 2010’s to mixed (and in one case fatal) results.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
What I’ve done #13
Bleed it out #24
Shadow of the day #15
Leave out all the rest #24
Popular in 2007, 2008
This is the final successful album to come from Pete Murray, at least it was a hit upon immediate release as it was unfortunately unable to spawn a massive hit like his previous two albums from earlier in the decade. Like many artists on this list, he’s continued to try and recreate the success of what he achieved this decade to minimal results in the 2010’s.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
You pick me up #36
Saving grace #44
Popular in 2008
This had a bit of a slow rise to its success here in Australia, mainly because it only became a success when the lead single was voted high on Triple J’s year end list for 2001 which in turn made it a success for System of a down. The band is considered one of the better nu metal acts of the decade along the likes of Linkin Park and Korn, mainly due to their later material seeing them get political.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Chop suey #14
Toxicity #39
Aerials #36
Popular in 2001, 2002
This is the only other album I’ll be featuring from Destiny’s child on this site, mainly because their final album Destiny fulfilled was a bit too much of a sleeper hit later in the decade to qualify for this site, I’m afraid. Indeed, this penultimate album from the (now) trio also found itself bouncing in and out of popularity during its chart run due to its success mainly coming from the popularity of its singles.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Independent women #3
Survivor #7
Bootylicious #4
Emotion #17
Nasty girl #10
Popular in 2001
One of the biggest albums of the decade to make it big thanks to heavy endorsement on Triple J, this was the debut album from the Australian alternative band George who made a huge splash in our mainstream thanks to the dulcet vocals of lead singer Katie Noonan which have been ranked up with the likes of Kate Ceberano and Wendy Matthews as among the finest voices to come from Australia.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Special ones #29
Run #27
Breathe in now #29
Breaking it slowly #43
Popular in 2002
They certainly had an amazing run with their first three albums, so a greatest hits package was inevitable from the Corrs which became a massive success for the family band upon its initial release even if it led to them struggling to retain their popularity moving forward in the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Would you be happier #47
Popular in 2001, 2002
This was the only successful album to come from Gabrielle Cilmi, mainly for its lead single becoming a surprise hit throughout the world given how people found it to be sickly sweet and innocent despite the song claiming that she was anything but. A massive controversy involving her being intoxicated at the ARIA awards this year (despite being underage) prevented her from finding any further success.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Sweet about me #1
Don’t wanna go to be now #28
Popular in 2008
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of what many consider to be the greatest album of all time, MJ decided to release Thriller with some additional remixes from musicians of the moment to ensure that it would stand the test of time no matter what would happen to him (he was still alive when it was released after all.) Indeed, the album has stood the test of time given how the original recharted once he died.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Wanna be starting something 2008 #8
Popular in 2008, 2009
This is where it all began for Chris Martin and company, and like most debut albums, it had a bit of a climb to its success here in Australia due to the failure of its lead single. The second single was what got it off the ground worldwide which allowed it to become the success that it was, although the best was still yet to come for the band as their subsequent follow-ups did much better throughout the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Yellow #5
Popular in 2001
Robbie Williams was at the height of his popularity when he released this live album from his concert at Knebworth, which is an annual festival held in the English city of the same name that began tradition in the 70’s. From what I can gather, this recording is the most successful to come from the show as far as merchandising is concerned.
Peak position #3
Popular in 2003, 2004
Although it was a hit here in Australia, Avril’s second album was a huge commercial disappointment due to critics feeling like it was more of the same as her debut album. She took this criticism to heart and did a 180 with her third album which is the type of music that I’m sure her younger self would’ve been opposed to given how it was clearly meant to appeal to the fanbases of Disney era Britney and Christina.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Girlfriend #1
When you’re gone #4
Hot #14
Popular in 2007
There was a good chance that Newton Faulkner was going to be the British folk singer of choice going into the 2010’s, however Ed Sheeran stole that thunder away from him just like Adele took away any chances of either Duffy or Leona Lewis from being the British pop diva of that decade.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Dream catch me #5
Popular in 2008
While they were plenty successful throughout the 90’s, the Foo Fighters were inescapable throughout the 00’s starting with this album which was (at the time) their most successful thanks to rock music being at the forefront of the music scene along with RNB and hip hop this decade. They would have more success as the decade went on and even survive well into the 2010’s when the genre became out of vogue.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
The one #21
Times like these #22
Low #40
All my life #20
Popular in 2002, 2003
While he wasn’t able to find another hit single going into the new millennium, John Farnham nonetheless managed to retain his popularity with his albums at least during the first half of the decade. I’m not sure why he chose to title this album what it is, perhaps it’s a reference to how many years he had been in the music industry as it was indeed around 33 years by this point.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
Trying to live my life without you #42
Popular in 2000
This had a slow start to its success here in Australia, mainly because it was released right when the digital charts were finally incorporated onto the main charts which meant that fans had to slowly discover what these guys had to offer on this album. Once they did, they made it a huge success even if they unfortunately didn’t stick around for any of their subsequent albums.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Welcome to the black parade #14
Famous last words #20
Teenagers #16
Popular in 2006, 2007
This was an instant success for Nickelback here in Australia, likely because we Aussies wasted no time in making the lead single a huge success compared to the rest of the world where it needed to climb up the charts before it became a best seller worldwide. Their next three albums would be an even bigger success for them, likely because they all managed to spawn more than one hit for them down under.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
How you remind me #2
Popular in 2001, 2002
This had a bit of a slow start to its success, likely because everyone felt that Nelly Furtado was going to be a one hit wonder with the lead single due to the album being more spiritually inclined than most of the competition this year. It finally became a massive success once the second single was released which set Nelly up for massive success that she only got from her third album later in the decade.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I’m like a bird #2
Turn off the lights #7
Popular in 2001, 2002
This was the first of many soundtracks to come from Glee, it was predictably a success here in Australia given how the show was a cultural phenomenon upon its premiere this year.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Don’t stop believing #5
Sweet Caroline #37
Take a bow #38
Popular in 2009
This is another album that was released the previous year to deafening silence for the artist in question only to then gain a bunch of steam this year due to a popular single making it big, in this case we have the second album from Good Charlotte who scored a massive breakthrough here in Australia with the album’s second single which allowed it to become a massive hit throughout the year for the punk band.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Lifestyles of the rich and famous #17
The anthem #14
Girls and boys #33
Popular in 2003
There were no signs of Human nature slowing down as within a year of reinventing themselves, they released their second Motown cover album which also proved to be a massive success for the former boy band. Their mileage would continue well into the 2010’s as they would find massive success with each of their albums for the next decade until audiences finally grew tired of them.
Peak position #1×4
Popular in 2006, 2007
Given the sudden rise in popularity that Elvis Presley was having between his songs being played in Ocean’s eleven and Disney’s Lilo and Stich, it only seems fitting that we have this greatest hits package which collects thirty of his biggest hits throughout his entire career and ends off with the remix that put his name back on the map.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
A little less conversation #1
Burning love (re release) #37
Popular in 2002, 2003
Although this was an instant success for Garbage upon its initial release, it didn’t become a best seller until the second single became a surprise hit here in Australia due to it being their most pop friendly track in their catalogue. It unfortunately didn’t do the band any favours with their next album which was a complete flop for them despite coming out at the height of alternative rock.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Androgyny #21
Cherry lips #7
Breaking up the girls #19
Popular in 2001, 2002
It had been ten years since Guns n Roses last released new material, although we’re using that definition loosely as their most recent material by this point had been their covers album the Spaghetti incident. The fact that this greatest hits package was such a huge success for them even at the time (let alone over the years) should tell you how eager fans were to listen to new material from the band.
Peak position #6
Popular in 2004, 2005
This was the second solo album to come from Ronan Keating, it was a massive success like his first album, although not nearly as much due to it not having a deluxe edition spawning a surprise hit for him. It would be his final successful album as a pop star as he would reinvent himself as a crooner later in the decade which vastly limited his fanbase without necessarily earning a new fanbase from the likes of Michael Bublé.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
If tomorrow never comes #3
I love it when we do #32
We’ve got tonight #12
The long goodbye #49
Popular in 2002
Well, you all knew this album was coming, although you may be surprised at how low it is considering how inescapable it was during the midpoint of the decade (well the singles that is.) It was the point where people began to turn against the band, more for how overexposed they were as this won them their second Grammy of the decade (third overall) as well as the songs (particularly “City of blinding lights”) being flogged to death on the radio.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Vertigo #5
Sometimes you can’t make it on your own #19
City of blinding lights #31
All because of you #23
Popular in 2004, 2005
This is the second solo album to come from Rob Thomas, it wasn’t quite as successful as his earlier entry due to it getting lost in the shuffle with all of the commotion that was happening this year, but it was a massive success regardless and proof that he was all set for a successful run in the 2010’s. Indeed, his final album with Matchbox 20 would be a massive success despite the mainstream’s aversion towards rock music.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Her diamonds #3
Give me the meltdown #41
Mockingbird #50
Popular in 2009
There were no signs of Foo Fighters slowing down as they released their third album in a row to be a massive worldwide success, it even spawned a genuine hit single for them given that the digital charts were all about promoting rock music in the mainstream which is why there’s been an uptake in rock albums on this list alone. If I were to make a retrospective of the 2010’s (which I won’t) these guys would feature on those lists.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
The pretender #10
Long road to ruin #38
Popular in 2007, 2008
Ben Harper didn’t have much success here in Australia prior to this life album, even with heavy endorsement from Triple J and how inescapable he was in NZ, he didn’t bring in the big numbers like his main rival Lenny Kravitz did. The success of this album led to his next studio album being a massive success here two years later.
Peak position #2
Popular in 2001, 2002
It took over a year for this album to take off here in Australia, this is despite the fact that the lead single was a massive hit upon its initial release which suggested that we Aussies had finally welcomed Robbie’s solo career with open arms. Alas it was only when the second single finally became a success that this album managed to find an audience with us Aussies.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Rock DJ #4
Kids #14
Supreme #14
Better man #6
Popular in 2001, 2002
This was more of a success the following year; however, it was a modest hit upon its initial release which makes it qualify for this list even if it’s considered to be more of a 2010’s release. This was mainly because its success didn’t take off until “Sweet disposition” became a surprise hit in the UK as the decade was coming to an end, which in turn fuelled the success of his album back here for Temper trap.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Love lost #42
Fader #47
Sweet disposition #14
Popular in 2009
This remains the most successful album to come from the Foo fighters, although given how they were one of the very few rock bands to still have success throughout the 2010’s, it’s possible that honour goes to Wasting light given how popular that was in 2011. This certainly has their most iconic song in the form of its lead single given how well it did even with the disadvantage of digital piracy eating up its success.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Best of you #5
DOA #39
Popular in 2005, 2006
This was the sophomore album from Train after the failure of their debut album from the late 90’s, it became a worldwide smash thanks to its title track becoming a massive hit for them on the radio. Train is another band I never cared for; this is mainly due to Pat Monahan’s vocals always rubbing me the wrong way even back in the day. Of course, this leaves me in the minority as they have millions of fans worldwide.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Drops of Jupiter #5
Popular in 2001
While the first film only had a successful theme song in the music scene, the second Mission impossible flick had a soundtrack so captivating to audiences of this year that it became a massive hit worldwide for the franchise. I’ve never been a fan of the franchise (or Tom Cruise for that matter) so I’m not among those that keep demanding a new film every few years.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Take a look around #28
Popular in 2000
While we all know Disney for their animated films (as well as those awful live action remakes that few if anyone seems to like) the company is also known for its teen dramas mostly from the 00’s with the High school musical trilogy probably being their most lucrative project behind only the Hannah Montana craze. This was the soundtrack to the first film which proved to be a massive success with the teen demographic of the day.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Breaking free #13
Popular in 2006
This is the debut album from Taxiride, a boy band who played their own instruments much like that of Hanson before them and 5 Seconds of summer after them given how the majority of their fanbase was teenage girls who were also fans of boy bands who didn’t play their own instruments. It was a massive success for the band due to a combination of their musical chops and their good looks.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Get set #8
Everywhere I go #15
Can you feel #35
Nothing in this world #43
Popular in 2000
