The panel was a talk show that was quite popular during the late 90’s and early 00’s, mainly for its musical segment where a popular artist of the moment (usually a guest) would perform on the show (basically it was like the Ellen DeGeneres show only with multiple guests and less behind the scenes drama.) This third instalment from the soundtrack series proved to be quite a success back in the day.
Peak position #5
Popular in 2002, 2003
This was a big comeback for Silverchair, mainly because they had been on hiatus for five years so that Daniel Johns could work on his side project with the Dissosiactives which didn’t yield much success for him. It was also their final album as they would go their separate ways in 2011 for good, likely to allow Daniel to stretch his creative wings which led to a bunch of unusual projects throughout the 2010’s.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
Straight lines #1
If you keep losing sleep #16
Popular in 2007
It appears that these guys picked up where they left off eight years prior as they managed to score instant success with this album following a five-year hiatus due to the polarising reception of their previous album These days. It may have brought them back to the mainstream; however, it was merely temporary as aside from a hit with “Have a nice day” later in the decade, this would be the last they trouble our charts.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
It’s my life #5
Say it isn’t so #9
Thank you for loving me #34
Popular in 2000
Given how he had two massive albums from earlier in the decade as well as a bunch of hits with some of the biggest names of the decade, it only makes sense that Santana would release a greatest hits album which collects all of the biggest collaborations he had with decade given how he was arguably bigger now than what he was back in his heyday in the 70’s.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Into the night #4
Popular in 2007, 2008
While it wasn’t a flop by any means, this second album from Avril Lavigne did unfortunately underperform partially due to audiences feeling it was more of the same from her debut album (which I disagree with) but mainly due to Sony tampering with its release schedule here in Australia to allow Australian idol to rule over our charts this year. These two factors led to her going in a different direction with her third album.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Don’t tell me #10
My happy ending #6
Nobody’s home #24
He wasn’t #25
Popular in 2004
They may have lost out to Coldplay as the British band of the 00’s, however Travis was primed to claim that prize entering the decade when their second album became a huge success worldwide thanks to having similar qualities that their English counterpart would have with their own material later in the decade. If nothing else, the Scottish band did make a huge splash here in Australia with this effort.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Why does it always rain on me #11
Popular in 2000
This is a double album that actually consists of two solo albums from Big Boi and Andre 3000, a concept that I don’t think has ever been done in hip hop which is perhaps how it managed to win album of the year at the Grammys due to how unique it remains to this day. Whilst Big Boi’s album remains the critical darling from the project, the success of this project came from Andre’s album given that’s what spawned all but one of the singles.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Hey ya #1
The way you move #7
Roses #2
Popular in 2004
This was the album which introduced the world to Katy Perry, an artist that would become very divisive upon its initial release for a multitude of reasons that I won’t list on here as few if any of them paint her in a positive light. Instead, I’ll bring up why it was successful as though it does have its songs that even back then were meant to be seen as offensive, the rest of the album is a harmless pop jam that was adored by the general public.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
I kissed a girl #1
Hot n cold #4
One of the boys #40
Thinking of you #34
Waking up in Vegas #11
Popular in 2008, 2009
One of the best rom coms of the decade (in my opinion of course) is Bridget Jones diary, a British film based on a + sized woman (played by the usually underweight Renee Zellweger) keeps a journal about her year where she navigates her day-to-day life in order to find the love of her life. It was a massive critical and commercial success which spawned a highly successful soundtrack to boot.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
It’s raining men #4
Out of reach #9
Popular in 2001
Well, this was the album that many fans believe (me included) disgraced Eminem’s discography and undid all of the goodwill his previous two albums achieved to the point where people once again believed that he was little more than a sexist and homophobic shock rapper looking for attention. Even so, it appears to still have its fans to this day who likely believe it to be satire of the worst aspects of hip hop.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Just lose it #1
Like toy soldiers #4
Mockingbird #9
Ass like that #10
Popular in 2004, 2005
This is the final successful album that Celine Dion had in her career, mainly because it came out right before her infamous performance in Vegas with Anastacia where the two women butchered “You shook me all night long” by AC/DC which earned them both the rath of their rapid fanbase. That would explain why despite the album being a success, it failed to spawn her a hit single.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
A new day has come #19
I’m alive #30
Popular in 2002
This was one of several albums to sit on shelves largely ignored until the digital charts finally came around to restore rock’s popularity in the mainstream, that was certainly the case for its lead single which only became a hit this year in Australia despite it already being a massive hit the previous year worldwide. This would lead the band to be a one album wonder as their second album flopped the following year.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Lips of an angel #1
Better than me #11
Popular in 2007
This was another instant success for Robbie Williams, although it would be one of his last successful albums as his next effort would see him venture towards hip hop which would end his popularity for good.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Tripping #7
Advertising space #17
Sin sin sin #26
Popular in 2005, 2006
While it wasn’t as inescapable as their albums from the 90’s, this album from the Offspring nevertheless continued their popularity into the new millennium thanks to its lead single becoming a massive hit here like their other songs from the 90’s. It would be their final successful album as their subsequent follow ups failed to bring in the big numbers or produce a big hit like their earlier output did.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Original prankster #5
Want you bad #35
Popular in 2000, 2001
I’m a bit surprised that the Chemical Brothers weren’t that popular here in Australia back in the day, particularly because they were an EDM duo who were adored by listeners of Triple J which seemed to be a winning combination for a dance group from the 90’s. At least they saw massive success here with this entry even if it took almost a year to find an audience with us Aussies.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Hey boy hey girl #25
Popular in 2000
It looked like the failure of her film Glitter would result in Mariah Carey’s permanent downfall in the music industry, however by adopting an alter ego by the name of Mimi, she was able to crawl back from obscurity with this album which was a return to her 90’s output which resulted in not one but two of the biggest hits of the decade in her native America as well as a massive success throughout the rest of the world.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
It’s like that #9
We belong together #1
Shake it off #6
Don’t forget about us #12
Get your number #19
Say something #26
Popular in 2005
This was one of the bigger sleeper hits of the year thanks to it becoming a hit twice during its chart run, the first was when the third single became a surprise hit in Australia and the second was when the deluxe edition came out which spawned a second minor hit for the trio on our charts. They would be one of the few rock bands (well more pop rock in this case) to find success throughout the 2010’s.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Breakeven #3
Before the worst #10
The man who can’t be moved #44
Popular in 2009
This was the first successful album that Rihanna had anywhere in the world, although I’m not sure why her debut from the previous year was a flop worldwide given how it spawned two of the bigger hits of the midpoint of the decade. In any case, this was the first stepping stone towards her eventual chart dominance she would acquire by the end of the decade thanks to how inescapable the singles were.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
SOS #1
Unfaithful #2
We ride #24
Popular in 2006
Delta was on a roll when she released her third album this year, although it was noticeably less successful than her previous efforts likely due to it only spawning two hits as opposed to the numerous hits her earlier work spawned throughout the decade. Still, it allowed her to continue her momentum into the 2010’s, although she would have a quiet period until her time as a judge on the Voice Australia.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
In this life #1
Believe again #2
You will only break my heart #14
I can’t break it to my heart #13
Popular in 2007, 2008
This is another one of those greatest hits/studio album hybrids that was popular throughout the 90’s, although it was released right when the decade was coming to an end making it more popular in the 00’s. This was both the final chart-topping album of the 90’s down under as well as the first for the 00’s, suggesting that Celine Dion would have far more success going forward than she ended up having.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
That’s the way it is #14
Popular in 2000
This was the third greatest hits package from U2 within a decade of each other, although this time it collects songs from their entire catalogue which I guess explains its success as fans likely didn’t want to buy two separate albums to have all of their must own songs in their catalogue when this came out.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
The saints are coming #1
Windows in the skies #17
Popular in 2006, 2007
This took quite a while to take off here in Australia, likely because John Mayer never had that huge crossover with any of his singles despite how much airplay they received back in the day. In fact, I’m willing to bet it was because of the radio’s refusal to stop playing these songs back in the day that audiences finally checked out what all the fuss was about and grew to love his music.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
No such thing #28
Your body is a wonderland #23
Popular in 2003
While the band had begun to lose their popularity in the mainstream, it was clear that fans hadn’t forgotten about their back catalogue and merely wanted them to return to their grunge roots as evidence by the success of this greatest hits package of theirs. They of course wouldn’t return to their roots as they have yet to release another grunge album as of this writing.
Peak position #2
Popular in 2004, 2005
It had been seventeen years since these guys had last troubled the charts anywhere in the world, mainly because they only released two albums due to the death of one of their key members Roy Orbison during their short time together. As compensation for them never getting back together (given that George Harrison was also dead by this point) the surviving members released their two albums together with this entry.
Peak position #1×2
Popular in 2007
These guys hadn’t had a successful album to their name for almost a decade when they released their greatest hits package, it’s yet another example of a fanbase preferring their classics over their newer material as the band were still releasing new albums this decade to very little success.
Peak position #5
Popular in 2003, 2004
This was released the previous year to deafening silence for Kate Miller, likely because it was deemed too quirky for the mainstream and also wasn’t promoted on Triple J due to her being on a major label. It was given a second chance when one of the singles was chosen as the bumper theme to this year’s season of Neighbours which in turn helped audiences check out what all the fuss was about on this album.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Can’t shake it #38
Caught in the crowd #33
The last day on earth #3
Popular in 2009
One of the most popular shows during the last stretch of the decade was Packed to the rafters, so much so that it managed to spawn a hit exclusively in the southern hemisphere from an American artist who never had any success in his homeland due to it appearing on the soundtrack.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Rock and roll #9
Popular in 2008, 2009
This is the final album that Powderfinger released before they went their separate ways at the start of the 10’s, they agreed this would be their final album regardless of success given how Bernard Fanning wanted to pursue his solo career which didn’t reach the dizzying heights of success of his debut album or his bands work throughout the 00’s.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
All of the dreamers #23
Burn your name #45
Popular in 2009
This seemed like a good time to release a greatest hits album from Powderfinger given how they just came off three of the biggest albums of all time here in Australia, as such it somewhat affected their popularity moving forward, however not enough for it to matter as their next two albums also proved to be a massive success for them.
Peak position #2
Popular in 2004, 2005
This is the final album that George Michael released in his lifetime, I’m not sure why as though it wasn’t a huge success for him, it was still quite popular which was something many of his contemporaries from the 80’s and even 90’s were struggling with at the time in their respective careers. Even though this was his final album, that didn’t mean he stopped making music altogether as he did release singles over the years.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Freeek #5
Shoot the dog #36
Amazing #6
Flawless #26
Popular in 2004
This was an excellent year for Faith Hill given how we’re still yet to get to her breakthrough album she had here in Australia, following its success, she released a greatest hits package which helped fans discover her 90’s material (given how Breathe was released in 1999) which also became a massive hit for her before she unfortunately faded into obscurity down under.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
There you’ll be #24
Popular in 2001, 2002
Much like her debut album from two years prior, this also had to work its way up the charts here in Australia as fans obviously weren’t expecting P!nk to go in a completely different direction from what she released at the start of the decade with this follow up. Sony did attempt to encourage fans to buy the album by not releasing “Just like a pill” as a single here, however that backfired as it was less successful here than it was internationally.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Get the party started #1
Don’t let me get me #8
Family portrait #11
Popular in 2002, 2003
It took them nearly thirty years, however the Eagles finally managed to make a new album after the success of the Long run from 1979 due to finally putting their differences aside long enough to do more than simply tour together. The hype was through the roof for this album to the point where it was an instant success for the band despite sounding like something that would’ve come out of the mid 70’s.
Peak position #1×6
Popular in 2007, 2008
For whatever reason, Australian Idol decided to only release live albums of the contestants from here on out which is why we have this collection of songs that Damien Leith sung during his run on the fourth season of the show. His debut album is still to come on this site; however, it didn’t bring in the numbers like his time on the show would suggest.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Night of my life #1
Popular in 2006, 2007
Following the success of their second album, Creed released their third album which continued their momentum thanks to the singles gaining a lot of airplay on the radio despite them underperforming on the singles charts (at least here in Australia they did.) For whatever reason, the band would go their separate ways later in the decade, likely for Scott Stapp to embark on a solo career.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
My sacrifice #11
One last breath #43
Don’t stop dancing #48
Popular in 2001, 2002
This was the debut album from the first winners of a reality show from Australia, although unlike future victory albums, this comes off more like something that would fit in with the times rather than it being little more than a bunch of “thank yous” put to song form (that’s my biggest issue with reality show albums if I’m being honest.) It’s because of this that the album still retains a fanbase to this day long after Bardot broke up.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Poison #1
I should’ve never let you go #14
These days #19
Popular in 2000
Following its win for best picture at the academy awards, the film adaptation of Chicago became an overnight sensation in the mainstream as audiences were captivated by the acting and singing performances of its three leads. The music especially was well received with is perhaps why the soundtrack was a massive success this year here in Australia.
Peak position #3
Popular in 2003
While it has a much lower appearance on this list than her predecessor did on its respective lists, Delta Goodrem nonetheless was on a roll with her second album which helped her break another record by having the lead single be her sixth consecutive chart topper here in Australia. All of this success from what many have described as Celine Dion with an Australian accent led to her receiving a lot of unfair backlash.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Out of the blue #1
Mistaken identity #7
Almost here #1
A little too late #13
Popular in 2004, 2005
This is another album that sat on shelves largely ignored until the singles were discovered on the digital storefronts this year, well actually they were discovered the previous year but didn’t become a success here in Australia until this year. Although this was the Fray’s biggest album down under, they did score a chart topper with the lead single to their next album right when the decade was coming to an end.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Over my head #22
How to save a life #2
Popular in 2007
While the Hannah Montana albums were only minor hits at best here in Australia, that didn’t mean we Aussies weren’t interested in hearing an album form Miley Cyrus that was made for the real world as her first album as herself was a massive success for her here like it was worldwide. It’s the bridge to what she made on the show and the type of music she always wanted to make later in her career.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
See you again #6
Start all over #41
7 things #10
Popular in 2008
This was a classical album consisting of a British girl group playing violins to classical pieces as well as some pop tracks that have made it big over the years, it was a surprise hit here in Australia likely due to a popular tour that the girls had at the time which helped them crossover from the classical audience to the mainstream.
Peak position #1×1
Popular in 2004
What better way to cap off the twentieth century and begin the 21st century than with an album collecting all of your biggest hits in your career? We have this greatest hits package that set Cher up for a four decade of success given how productive she was throughout the 90’s with her singing and acting careers. Sadly, this would be her final success here even with a greatest hits album.
Peak position #5
Popular in 2000
Given how inexplicably popular Eminem was at the start of the decade, he was able to find success with his posse D12 who were a bit more on the vulgar side of hip hop as opposed to Eminem who was much more serious with his material (at least with his more popular albums he was.) Although neither of their albums reached the dizzying heights of Eminem’s own material, they were nonetheless quite popular back in the day.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Purple pills #3
Fight music #27
Popular in 2001
Although they had moderate success throughout the decade with their earlier albums, it was this album from the Hilltop hoods that finally made them a household name as well as finally putting Australian hip hop on the map as it allowed fellow rappers such as 360 and Illy to find success throughout the 2010’s. The trio themselves would also find a ton of success with their subsequent material as a result of this album’s success.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Chase that feeling #8
Still standing #34
Popular in 2009
This is the closest to an album from Jay-z that will be appearing on this site, it was a live recording of both artists appearance on MTV where they would mash up their respective catalogues to create a concert that was well received on the program. As such, the album (really E.P if we’re being honest) was a massive hit for them and likely continued the popularity of Linkin Park into the second half of the decade.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Numb/Encore #3
Popular in 2004, 2005
You’d think that J-Lo would’ve had more success throughout the 00’s with her albums given how inescapably popular she was with her singles, indeed her second album was only a success upon its initial release given how it’s true popularity would come with the remix it received the following year thanks to two of those “remixes” (a term I use loosely in this case) being Billboard chart toppers for her.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Love don’t cost a thing #4
Play #14
Ain’t it funny #25 (remix #9)
I’m real #5 (remix #3)
I’m gonna be alright #16
Popular in 2001, 2002
This was a success twice here in Australia, the first time was upon its initial release thanks to the hype these women had going into this album that their previous album had given them earlier in the decade. The second came when it rebounded several months after its initial release thanks to them appearing on the Slumdog millionaire soundtrack with an Oscar winning song that was included on the deluxe edition of this album.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
When I grow up #2
I hate this part #10
Bottle pop #17
Jai ho #1
Hush hush hush hush #10
Popular in 2008, 2009
It took five years for them to follow up American idiot, however Green day was able to retain some of their success as the decade was coming to an end with this entry proving that their fanbase hadn’t abandoned them despite how long they had to wait for another album from them. It’s lucky they didn’t delay this album to the new decade considering how rock music became poison to the mainstream in the 2010’s.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Know your enemy #20
21 guns #14
Popular in 2009
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu originally began his career as a member of Yothu Yindi from the early 90’s, meaning he found success with them all the way back then with their breakthrough album as a vocalist and a multi-instrumentalist on the album, making him one of the first aboriginal (or first nations if you prefer) to find success in the Australian music scene. Fast forward seventeen years and he finally scored a hit with his first solo album.
Peak position #3
Popular in 2008, 2009
This was the second album from British boy band Five, it was released fairly late the 90’s and find most of its success in the early 00’s thanks to their cover of a Queen classic. It helped the British lads come in second place for the boy band wars behind Backstreet boys in most parts of the world, heck they even had one more album after they ended that achieved sound success.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
If ya getting down #2
Keep on moving #6
Don’t wanna let you go #17
We will rock you #3
Popular in 2000
Although they would achieve massive success with their third album, it was the second album from Eskimo Joe that first brought them to the mainstream thanks to how popular the trio was on Triple J upon its initial release. They were another Australian act who I believe were done dirty by the act of digital piracy as I could’ve sworn they were much bigger with their singles then they ended up being.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
From the sea #33
Older than you #46
Popular in 2004
Although their previous album was a huge success here in Australia, it was this album that made Good Charlotte a household name given how they were able to thrive in the digital market that had cropped up and helped the likes of Fall out boy and My chemical romance. Indeed, this managed to spawn their biggest hits down under thanks to the format which their earlier work could’ve benefitted from.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Keep your hands off my girl #5
Dance floor anthem #2
Misery #24
Popular in 2007
This is the final successful album that the Killer’s had in their career, again this was due to rock music taking a massive back seat to the likes of the club boom and indie pop going into the 2010’s which sadly didn’t have much room for the likes of these guys and many other bands on these last few lists of mine.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Human #28
Popular in 2008, 2009
This is the first album from the White stripes to find massive success here in Australia, it was mainly due to the lead single which to this day remains a staple on oldies stations thanks to how instantly memorable it is. It was also due to its heavy promotion on Triple J which was gaining more influence on what became a mainstream success from the alternative scene not just in Australia but around the world.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
7 nation army #17
Popular in 2003
While this wasn’t as inescapable as his big comeback album from the start of the decade, Santana was nonetheless able to retain their popularity this far into the new millennium thanks to repeating the formula that worked for them with their previous album. I guess the line-up of guest vocalists weren’t as impressive this time around as before which would explain why this album didn’t do as well.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
The game of love #21
Hey ma #29
Popular in 2003
This took its sweet time in finding success here in Australia, in fact it only became a hit for Jack Johnson due to it spawning a massive hit over in NZ with “Flake” that I’m sure encouraged us Aussies to check out the album to see what all the fuss was about over there. This naturally led to the success of his next album which would lead him to becoming one of the biggest names in music worldwide.
Peak position #13
Popular in 2002, 2003
This is one of three successful albums that Cat empire had here in Australia, it was mainly thanks to its lead single which I remember being played in every commercial available at the time as well as the band being heavily promoted on Triple J back in the day. I guess if it weren’t for all of the digital piracy and Sony pushing every artist aside to give success to the contestants on Australian idol, then this album could’ve spawned a hit or two.
Peak position #15
Hit singles
Days like these #37
The chariot #34
Popular in 2004
This was all set to becoming another flop for Westlife given how the Irish boy band hadn’t had any success here since their cover of “Uptown girl” from earlier in the decade, however it spawned a massive hit with its lead single that for whatever reason, took its sweet time in becoming as such which finally led to this album being a success for them despite the noticeable absence of Brian McFadden.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
You raise me up #3
Amazing #34
Popular in 2006
This is the final successful album that Jack Johnson has had in his career, although this hasn’t been for a lack of trying as he’s released plenty of new music in the new decade which is on the same level of quality as his work throughout the 00’s.
Peak position #1×6
Popular in 2008
This was another successful greatest hits package from John Farnham, in fact it only came six years after his previous entry in his catalogue which goes to show you how much we Aussies loved his back catalogue even by this point in time.
Peak position #2
Popular in 2003, 2004
This was the second edition of U2’s greatest hits anthology which they delayed by five years in order for it to collect their work from the start of the decade in addition to their outlook from the 90’s. It was a massive hit for the band as was their previous output, although not to the same level suggesting fans prefer their 80’s output.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Electrical storm #5
Popular in 2002, 2003
This is the final successful album to come from Britney Spears, an album that remains divisive amongst her fans to this day as they feel that it’s another step back from her earlier work in favour of pandering to the popular zeitgeist of the moment. It did spawn a few gigantic hits for her worldwide, so it was at least a huge commercial success for the princess of pop.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Womanizer #5
Circus #6
If u seek Amy #11
Radar #46
Popular in 2008, 2009
This was the victory album that Guy Sebastian released following his win on Australian idol, it also serves as his debut album which of course meant that it was less a journey to how he came to be and more him competing with the already established artists of the moment. He would rush a follow up less than a year later which wasn’t nearly as successful.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
Angels brought me here #1
All I need is you #1
Popular in 2003, 2004
Much like the essentials collection from earlier on this list, this was also a mere modest success for MJ upon its initial release earlier in the decade that became a best seller this year due to his untimely death. The title is a bit of a lie since nowhere in the world did all of the tracks become a chart topper for him, but honestly who cares when they remain bangers to this day?
Peak position #2
Popular in 2009
Although their previous album was a huge flop for them, that didn’t mean that fans of the Offspring were no longer fans of them as the success of this greatest hits album proves. Like many artists who appeared on these lists with these albums, it just simply meant that fans no longer wanted any new material from them and wanted to enjoy the classics.
Peak position #2
Popular in 2005
It’s interesting these guys would find success here in Australia prior to the John Butler trio considering they were among the first to be signed to John Butler’s label despite the trio releasing two albums under the same label. Admittedly this album had quite a long shelf life given how it was a hit twice here for the Waifs, the first was upon its initial release and the second was after a successful tour they had with it.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
London still #49
Popular in 2003
This was another successful album to come from KD Lang here in Australia, it was released fairly late in the year, which means it wasn’t a Mother’s Day gift like many of her other albums.
Peak position #3
Popular in 2004, 2005
I’d say this was a comeback for Britney Spears except that her previous album was a huge success here in Australia, that and I like many others am not a fan of this album of hers as it goes in a completely different direction compared to her earlier work. Of course, she won over a bunch of new fans with this album, although said fans would only stick around for one more album before they abandoned her.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Gimme more #3
Piece of me #2
Break the ice #23
Popular in 2007, 2008
This was the only notable success that indie pop darling Sarah Blasko was able to achieve in the mainstream, mainly because of how much love this album of hers received from Triple J which was a good source of alternative artists making it big in the mainstream throughout the decade down under. Even though indie pop thrived throughout the 2010’s, she unfortunately didn’t have much success then.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
We won’t run #44
Popular in 2009
This is the final Motown album that Rod Stewart found success with, rather coincidentally, it was his final album of the decade, which meant that going forward he needed to come up with new ways of retaining his fanbase which he of course managed to do.
Peak position #11
Popular in 2009
This was another album that was very successful here in Australia that would’ve appeared much higher on this list had it been more of an immediate success rather than a sleeper hit, then again, the fact this debut album from Brendan Urie and company did managed to become a hit when it did is impressive considering how many of their contemporaries had to wait until the digital era began before they found success here.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
I write sins not tragedies #12
But it’s better if you do #15
Lying is the most fun a girl can have without taking her clothes off #26
Popular in 2006
This is the second greatest hits package Cher released since her (then) most recent album Believe, it’s a bit of a surprise that this found any success given how big her last greatest hits album was as well as the lack of new material she released since 1998.
Peak position #12
Popular in 2003
Her victory album from two years prior might have been a complete dud (mainly because she only came in second place in Australian idol despite the album being called the Winner’s journey) however that didn’t mean that Jessica Mauboy would be yesterday’s news as she managed to find success with her official debut album this year thanks to it spawning multiple hits for her throughout the year.
Peak position #11
Hit singles
Running back #3
Burn #1
Been waiting #12
Because #9
Up/down #11
Let me be me #26
Popular in 2008, 2009
It appears that Eminem wanted to call it quits from the music industry, as such he released this greatest hits package to remind fans of the good times they had from his catalogue which included some new tracks that had a mixed reception upon their initial releases. His retirement would come to an end by the end of the decade where he released Relapse which many feel was worse than Encore (me included.)
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
When I’m gone #1
Popular in 2005, 2006
This was proving to be a highly successful year for metal given how Disturbed were able to make an appearance on this list despite having three albums throughout the decade that found very minimal success worldwide for them. It would be their penultimate album during their first run together as their final album was only a modest success in 2010, however they reformed five years later where they found massive success again.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Inside the fire #43
Popular in 2008
It appears KD Lang was still able to find success this far into her career, then again, given how Michael Bublé and Rod Stewart were able to find success with music catered to the mothers of our world, it makes sense that KD Lang would also be the perfect choice for Mother’s Day given that’s when this album became a success for her.
Peak position #1×1
Popular in 2008
This was released the previous year to deafening silence, this is despite the fact that this greatest hits album was different depending on where in the world you’re from in order to capitalise off of MJ’s fiftieth birthday. It became a success this year the same reason why his other appearances did, the fact that he was no longer with us and people were celebrating his life’s work.
Peak position #5
Popular in 2009
This is the only successful album to come from Ja Rule here in Australia, although it’s worth noting that his follow up album the Last temptation did spawn multiple hit singles even if the album itself was a flop here. I’m guessing this made it big due to the rapper having a lot of buzz with his choruses which many have coined as the “thugs need love too” approach of having a female vocalist connect his verses about how much of a hard ass he is.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Living it up #6
Always on time #3
Down a chick #37
Popular in 2002
This is the sequel to the Immaculate collection that was released eleven years prior, naturally it collects all of Madonna’s biggest hits from 1990-2000 much like her first albums collecting her hits from 1983-1990. It appears that fans weren’t as impressed with her run throughout the 90’s as her run throughout the 80’s given how much less successful this was.
Peak position #3
Popular in 2001, 2002
You have no idea how popular Ally McBeal was back in the day, it was so popular that it doesn’t even surprise me that the series was able to spawn another successful soundtrack which included songs performed by its co-star Robert Downey Jr (this is what he was doing before he became Iron man.)
Peak position #5
Popular in 2001
I guess Robbie Williams managed to retain some of his popularity after the disaster that was Rudebox after all, this wasn’t even his final successful album here as he would release a sequel to his 2001 effort in 2013 that did decently well over here that year.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Bodies #4
You know me #33
Popular in 2009
Although the soundtrack wasn’t as successful as its predecessor, it was enough of a hit to appear on this list of mine likely thanks to the lead single being a massive success on the singles chart. Of course, it wouldn’t really matter if the soundtrack flopped given how phenomenal the film is even without its music, it improved on the original film in every way from the characters to its sense of humour.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Accidentally in love #11
Popular in 2004
It looked like these guys would be a one album wonder with their debut from 1997 given how their second album was a massive disappointment for them as the 90’s came to an end, however they managed to bounce back with their third album largely thanks to its lead single receiving heavy airplay back in the day, although it wasn’t a huge hit here likely due to it being the victim of digital piracy.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Chemical heart #25
Lost control #29
Popular in 2002, 2003
There was a lot of hype going into Evanescence’s third album given how inescapably popular their second album was earlier in the decade, alas though it was a success upon its initial release, fans quickly grew to dislike this follow up largely due to them feeling like the magic from their earlier release was nowhere to be found on this album. The band has released new material since this came out to deafening silence.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Call me when you’re sober #5
Lithium #26
Popular in 2006
I’m not sure why Alicia Key’s second album bombed in the southern hemisphere given how popular a bootleg recording of “Karma” was here in Australia (imaginatively titled “Karmastition” as it’s the song with the beat to “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder) whatever the reason, it wasn’t the case for her third album which seemed to pick up where she left off from earlier in the decade with her debut.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
No one #3
Popular in 2007, 2008
This was far less successful than the first volume from the end of the 00’s for Glee here in Australia, I guess it didn’t have a genuine hit like that album did which had it suffer in the rankings back in the day.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
True colours #47
Popular in 2009
This is a covers album consisting of many popular Australian and NZ artists paying their tributes to the discography of both Neil and Tim Finn, meaning that this is a collection of covers from both of their solo careers as well as their bands Crowded house and Split enz which proved to be a massive hit here in Australia and their native NZ.
Peak position #3
Popular in 2005, 2006
This seems like a shoe in for this list given how immensely popular that Gnarls Barkley were back in the day thanks to the lead single of this album, indeed even us Aussies couldn’t resist the funk grooves this album had to offer from the duo as it became a massive hit on our charts this year. Sadly, this love didn’t stick around for their second album which was a massive flop for them worldwide.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Crazy #2
Smiley faces #38
Popular in 2006
Well, it looks like we’re looking at Faith Hill’s breakthrough album sooner than I thought, here she is with the album that contains her biggest hit on Billboard given how it was the first song to be crowned the most popular of its year despite failing to reach number one on the American charts. It appears she took a page out of Shania Twain’s book by combining her sexual appeal with traditional country music on this album.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Breathe #23
The way you love me #31
Popular in 2001
This was released the previous year to mostly deafening silence here in Australia, likely because we Aussies weren’t quite ready to allow Usher to make it big here given that Craig David was already the prince of RNB as far as we were concerned. Of course, Usher eventually made his case that he should be the prince of RNB with the singles from this album which of course allowed it to become a success this year.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Pop ya collar #25
U remind me #4
U got it bad #3
U turn #7
Popular in 2002
Live had certainly done very well for themselves even this far into the new millennium, as such it makes sense they would release a greatest hits package around this time which became a huge success here in Australia thanks to our love for the band’s back catalogue which coincidentally began a decade prior to this album’s release.
Peak position #4
Popular in 2004, 2005
Following the success of their single that Timbaland “presented” to the world on his album (which curiously also appears on this album) OneRepublic released their debut album which was an instant success worldwide which put them on the map during a time where rock and roll was still one of the biggest genres in music. They would initially struggle to retain their popularity in the 2010’s however they would eventually survive the rock purge of that decade.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Apologize #1
Stop and stare #11
Popular in 2008
Given how immensely popular their earlier entry on this list was, it only makes sense that Green day would release a live album to capitalise off of the world tour they embarked on which was also a success for the band. They would take a well-earned break after their collaboration with U2, only coming back as the decade was coming to an end with their next album.
Peak position #8
Popular in 2005, 2006
This is the third throwback album that David Campbell released in the third consecutive year, it was technically a bigger hit than his previous two efforts, although it didn’t chart as long on the upper echelons of our charts which is why it has a lower ranking on these lists than those two entries.
Peak position #10
Popular in 2008, 2009
We have another successful entry from the Great American songbook franchise, this is the third volume which just like the second volume, was an instant success upon its release and even lasted quite a while on our charts albeit on the lower half of them hence why it appears so low on this list below albums that it was far more successful than back in the day.
Peak position #8
Popular in 2004, 2005
One of the most critically acclaimed bands of the decade was Queen’s of the stone age, a band that’s best described as stoner rock as much like Bob Marley, their music is best appreciated by those who like to chill out with the same type of substance as the reggae legend liked to enjoy during his lifetime. The band received a boost in popularity with this album due to the presence of Dave Grohl during its production.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Go with the flow #39
Popular in 2002, 2003
This is where it all began for Kasey Chambers, a country artist from Australia who would go on to have massive success throughout the decade with her subsequent follow ups due to how unique her vocals are compared to the other Aussie pop divas of the moment. As with most debut albums, this had a bit of a climb to its success here due to her being a relative unknown when it was first released.
Peak position #11
Popular in 2000
Even though he didn’t reach the dizzying heights of success here in Australia that he achieved in his native America, Kanye west was able to make a huge splash with his second album thanks to the lead single and its throwback production to that of Ray Charles (especially with the presence of Jamie Foxx.) The album received a boost in popularity when another song became a minor success here, confirming his popularity.
Peak position #14
Hit singles
Gold digger #1
Heard em say #27
Touch the sky #10
Popular in 2005, 2006
Well, he did manage to score two gigantic hits in Australia around this time, so why not have his feature length album be a massive success here as well? I’m sure the many fans of Bob the Builder were ecstatic to receive this for Christmas (it peaked during that season) however this didn’t lead to any future musical prospects for the animated construction worker.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Can we fix it #1
Mambo no 5 #2
Popular in 2001, 2002
Here’s that album I was referring to earlier on this list that ruined Robbie William’s career, it’s his foray into hip hop which fans didn’t appreciate that much despite it being a commercial success for him. I’m not even sure why it was a success if I’m being honest as you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who can say anything positive about it.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Rudebox #13
Lovelight #25
Popular in 2006
