This was a massive success over in NZ, I’m guessing they really appreciated the band slightly altering their sound from Communique (which was still a success over there for what it’s worth.) This would be the first blockbuster album of the decade over there as it took three years to leave the charts.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Skateaway #47
POPULAR IN 1980
Given how John Farnham wasn’t the most successful artist of the 80’s in NZ, this allowed Dire Straits to have the most successful album of the decade over there with their biggest album. It also managed to be more successful with the singles due to having the correct release schedule over there.
Peak position #1×22
Hit singles
So far away #25
Money for nothing #4
Walk of life #3
Brothers in arms #5
Your latest trick #47
POPULAR IN 1985
It was already a huge success for U2 here in Australia, however its success down under was pitiful compared to how well it did in NZ thanks to the singles being massive hits over there from the album. I’m not sure why this album underperformed here in Australia comparatively, I guess we were a little slow in realising the genius of the songs from the record.
Peak position #1×8
Hit singles
With or without you #5
I still haven’t found what I’m looking for #2
Where the streets have no name #1
One tree hill #1
POPULAR IN 1987
This proved to be an even bigger success in NZ than it was in Australia (if that was even possible) likely due to the songs being bigger hits over there which suggests that the kiwis were more in love with heartland rock around this time than us Aussies were (again if that was even possible.)
Peak position #1×16
Hit singles
Dancing in the dark #2
Cover me #7
Born in the USA #1
I’m on fire #10
My hometown #28
POPULAR IN 1984
These guys did have success in their homeland throughout the 70’s, so it’s less surprising to see that this was a massive hit over there at the start of the decade even though it absolutely owes most of its success there to how it became a massive success here in Australia.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
I got you #1
I hope I never #33
POPULAR IN 1980
Well, the kiwis not only loved classical music this decade, but also music from a guy who played the pan flute as this album from Romanian musician Gheorghe Zamfir managed to become a massive success over there for reasons I can’t seem to fathom.
Peak position #1×4
POPULAR IN 1980
Unlike in Australia where these guys needed the success of their biggest album Little creatures in order for this soundtrack to find success, it was an instant success in NZ due to the band already being a household name by this point over there with their previous album Speaking in tongues.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Once in a lifetime #15
Girlfriend is better #21
POPULAR IN 1984
Well, this wasn’t the most successful album of the decade in NZ, although it was still a massive success for the king of pop over there despite it also needing to find an audience with how audiences were put off with its lead single.
Peak position #1×12
Hit singles
The girl is mine #3
Billie jean #2
Wanna be starting something #35
Beat it #1
Human nature #33
Thriller #6
POPULAR IN 1983
It appears the kiwis were quicker to make this soundtrack from the most lucrative theatre show of all time a huge success than us Aussies, I’m guessing because they would see the show before us Aussies who had to wait for the 90’s to experience the magic of this adaptation of the crime noir from the 1800’s.
Peak position #1×5
POPULAR IN 1987
While Richard Clayderman had moderate success in Australia throughout the 80’s, the French pianist’s popularity was unavoidable over in NZ proving how much the kiwis loved classical music back in the day.
Peak position #1×2
POPULAR IN 1980
Much like in Australia, this album took its sweet time in becoming a best seller in NZ due to the lead single being released without a music video, I’m sure this albums success would’ve been more immediate if either A: “How will I know” had been released with a music video or B: this wasn’t the height of the MTV era where a single without a video was a death sentence to its success.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
How will I know #19
You give good love #44
Saving all my love for you #5
Greatest love of all #12
POPULAR IN 1985
Well, I guess you can argue that we Aussies weren’t as into this debut album from Guns n Roses as the kiwis were, not only was the album itself more successful over there but so were the singles as it managed to spawn two more hits over there that were never successful here in Australia.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Sweet child o mine #5
Welcome to the jungle #6
Paradise city #2
Nighttrain #21
POPULAR IN 1988
I’m sure this was as big of a surprise for the kiwis as it was everywhere else in the world that Paul Simon managed to achieve massive success with this Grammy award winning album, sure the lead single wasn’t as big over there but who cares when he had such a massive hit with the album?
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
You can call me al #6
Boy in the bubble #33
Graceland #37
POPULAR IN 1986
While this album wasn’t initially as successful in NZ as it was here in Australia due to it lacking that big hit over there, it eventually became more successful over there due to her embarking on a well tour that helped the kiwis appreciate her tender ballads which set her next album up for success there.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Fast car #21
Talking about a revolution #32
Baby can I hold you #16
POPULAR IN 1988
Unlike here in Australia where this album needed the success of the band’s iconic hit “Legs” to even chart, in NZ this was a modest success upon its initial release only for its popularity to explode a year later when their aforementioned track became a massive worldwide success for them.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Legs #7
POPULAR IN 1983
This is another album that wasn’t quite as successful in NZ as it was in Australia, although it was still inescapable over there largely through the strength of the second single becoming his first big hit in the UK which in turn made it his biggest hit throughout most parts of the world including in the southern hemisphere.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Tell her about it #12
Uptown girl #1
An innocent man #24
The longest time #24
Leave a tender moment alone #21
Keeping the faith #38
POPULAR IN 1983
This was a massive hit for Toni Childs in NZ, definitely more so than it was in Australia meaning that the kiwis were in love with this woman’s music back in the day unlike her fellow Americans. This led to her having success over there with her second album just like she did here, although that was the last the kiwis had heard from her.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Stop your fussing #5
Don’t walk away #12
Zimbabwae #31
POPULAR IN 1988
Well at least the kiwis were able to instantly recognise this as one of the biggest albums of the decade, then again, these guys already saw massive success in the 70’s with their first two albums over there so this being a huge success there is less surprising and more proof that it wasn’t a bigger hit here.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
You might think #27
Drive #5
Magic #50
Hello again #12
POPULAR IN 1984
This proved to live up to the standards of Thriller as far as the kiwis were concerned as it was only slightly less successful over there than it was on Billboard, as such his next album didn’t feel like a comeback over there despite it still being bigger than this was throughout the 90’s.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
I just can’t stop loving you #3
Bad #2
The way you make me feel #2
Man in the mirror #4
Dirty Diana #5
Just another part of me #14
Smooth criminal #29
Leave me alone #9
Liberian girl #31
POPULAR IN 1987
This was the biggest album that Madonna had in NZ as was the case throughout the rest of the world, it even allowed her debut album to become a success over there throughout the year finally allowing the kiwis to see what all the fuss was about when it first came out.
Peak position #1×8
Hit singles
Like a virgin #2
Material girl #5
Angel #2
Dress you up #7
POPULAR IN 1984
This album only came out this year in NZ due to it needing to be a success here in Australia before Men at Work’s label could market it to an international audience, indeed the album was a huge success over there despite the failure of their debut single which was made up for when the third single was a bigger hit there than it was here.
Peak position #1×11
Hit singles
Who can it be now #45
Down under #1
Be good Johnny #3
POPULAR IN 1982
This was an album that was a success multiple times throughout the decade in NZ, the first time was upon its initial release given how well received Phil Collin’s solo material was during the first half of the decade. It lingered around the lower half of the charts for the next two years (hence its lower placement on this list) before skyrocketing in popularity due to the success of “Home by the sea” over there around the time Invisible touch was taking over the charts worldwide.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Mama #27
Home by the sea #4
POPULAR IN 1983
While the previous entry remains Talking head’s biggest success in NZ, this was a close second due to it spawning multiple hits over there that have remained on oldies stations worldwide to this day. Interestingly the big hit here in Australia was their weakest hit over there for some reason.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
The lady don’t mind #8
Road to nowhere #5
And she was #16
POPULAR IN 1985
I guess the success of Genesis really did help out everyone involved with the group during this point in time as Peter Gabriel was able to score massive success in NZ with this album due to how similar he sounded on here to Phil’s solo work from around this time. Much like in Australia, this rebounded on the charts due to the success of the third single worldwide.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Sledgehammer #3
In your eyes #50
Don’t give up #16
Big time #19
POPULAR IN 1986
Given how Genesis already scored massive success with their previous album from earlier in the decade in NZ, it only makes sense that this magnum opus from the trio would be an even bigger success over there compared to its success here. Again, this came at the expense of the singles not being as big there as they were here.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Invisible touch #8
In too deep #30
Land of confusion #9
Tonight tonight tonight #42
POPULAR IN 1986
Unlike in Australia where this was only a modest success due to the goodwill that Bryan Ferry had accumulated throughout the 70’s with his solo career, in NZ this was a massive success as it was the second album the band released following their reunion from 1978 and the success of their previous album Manifesto from the previous year.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Over you #24
POPULAR IN 1980
This was a success twice in NZ, the first time was upon its initial release due to the Talking heads already having success over there in the late 70’s with their album More songs about buildings and the second time was when the big hit from the album on Billboard became as such over there several months after its initial release.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Burning down the house #5
POPULAR IN 1983
Much like the rest of the world, this was INXS’s biggest album in NZ due to how big the singles were at the time, although like in Australia, it didn’t reach its peak until the success of the fourth single which is often considered to be their signature track even to this day.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Need you tonight #3
Devil inside #2
New sensation #16
Never tear us apart #21
POPULAR IN 1987
Given how Genesis were able to achieve massive success in NZ even prior to their magnum opus Invisible touch this decade, I guess it makes sense that this Grammy award winning album from Phil Collins wasn’t as big over there as it was internationally both as an album and especially with its singles.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Sussudio #27
One more night #5
Billy don’t lose my number #22
POPULAR IN 1985
We have another album that was much bigger in NZ than it was in Australia, although in this case it did come at the expense of the singles as they weren’t the runaway success over there like they were here for Eurythmics. Their next album did fairly well over there despite it being a huge flop over here.
Peak position #1×10
Hit singles
When tomorrow comes #19
Missionary man #12
Thorn in my side #7
Miracle of love #30
POPULAR IN 1986
While she didn’t see much success earlier in the decade in NZ with her band Yazoo, Alison Moyet more than made up for it by having her debut album be one of the biggest hits of the decade over there due to how much the kiwis seemed to love her voice on this album. Their love for her continued with her next album which was also a massive success for the English vocalist.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Love resurrection #18
All cried out #6
Invisible #4
POPULAR IN 1984
Well at least David Bowie was able to achieve more success with his biggest album over in NZ than he did here in Australia, again this was due to the singles from the album being even bigger hits over there than they were here which is a growing trend when comparing the success musicians had in both countries back in the day.
Peak position #1×8
Hit singles
Cat people #1
Let’s dance #1
China girl #3
Modern love #6
POPULAR IN 1983
This proved to be even more successful in NZ than it was here in Australia, although it’s worth noting that her next two albums wouldn’t be as successful over there likely due to neither of them having a big hit for her there like she had in Australia and from this album.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Let’s stay together #4
What’s love got to do with it #3
Better be good to me #22
Private dancer #5
Show some respect #41
POPULAR IN 1984
Unlike in Australia where this only became a success due to the surprise hit of “Every little step,” this album from Bobby Brown was more of an instant hit for him given how the second single was a huge hit over there due to it topping the Billboard charts for him. I’m guessing this connected with the kiwis due to them having fond memories of him during his time with New edition.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Don’t be cruel #18
My prerogative #3
Every little step #5
Roni #21
Rock witcha #17
POPULAR IN 1988
I guess this wasn’t the second biggest hit that Dire Straits achieved in NZ throughout the 80’s, although it was still a massive success over there even if their earlier entry proved to be a bigger success for them.
Peak position #1×16
Hit singles
Private investigations #16
POPULAR IN 1982
Given how they were more successful in NZ than they were in Australia, it was inevitable that this soundtrack to their documentary of the same name would be even bigger over there than it was over here both as an album and with its singles.
Peak position #1×11
Hit singles
Desire #1
Angel of Harlem #1
When love comes to town #4
All I want is you #2
POPULAR IN 1988
I said on the Australian side of this site that these guys had more success in NZ than they did here with their second album, this absolutely was the case and no doubt led to the second single here catching on in the UK given how the singles didn’t suffer too much for allowing the album to be a massive success over there.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Great southern land #10
Hey little girl #9
Street café #40
POPULAR IN 1982
I guess the kiwis weren’t as interested in listening to the positive vibes of Culture club as they weren’t as inescapable over there as they were over here, that said their second album was a huge success given how it spawned four top ten hits over there.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Church of the poison mind #9
Karma chameleon #1
Victims #7
It’s a miracle #5
POPULAR IN 1983
Well, the album didn’t have a rebound over in NZ due to the sudden success of its final single like it did here, although that didn’t mean that this solo debut from Sting wasn’t a massive success over there given how it still remains his most popular album to date both solo and with the Police.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
If you love somebody set them free #6
Fortress around your heart #13
Love in the seventh wave #17
Russians #25
POPULAR IN 1985
This wasn’t much of a success for Barbra Streisand upon its initial release in NZ, likely because the kiwis were never that big on her music save for a couple of soundtracks here and there. However, it became a huge success when the title track became a surprise hit for her, likely due to it being her rendition of the showtune from the (then) recent Andrew Lloyd Webber production of Cats.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Memory #4
POPULAR IN 1981
While this was far from the most successful album of the decade in NZ, it was still a massive hit for John Farnham which also makes this a comeback for him as “Sadie the cleaning lady” was a success for him twenty years prior over there and throughout the rest of the world. Indeed, this albums success would crossover throughout Europe when the lead single got him out of the one hit wonder bin in the UK.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
You’re the voice #13
Pressure down #8
A touch of paradise #47
POPULAR IN 1987
Much like in the rest of the world, Madonna was on a roll when she released her third album in NZ due to it spawning multiple hits for her throughout the world. An interesting thing to note is that with the exception of her big chart topper in Australia, all of the songs on here had a higher peak in NZ than they did down under.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Live to tell #6
Papa don’t preach #3
True blue #3
Open your heart #12
La isla bonita #5
POPULAR IN 1986
It may have lacked that huge number one hit in NZ, however that didn’t prevent this album from being the Rolling Stones’ biggest success over there likely due to it being a return to their rock and roll roots after dabbling in disco with their previous two albums.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Start me up #33
POPULAR IN 1981
He may have already achieved massive success in NZ with his band Cold chisel, however it appears the kiwis weren’t initially convinced with Jimmy’s solo venture as Bodyswerve was a massive flop for him from the previous year over there. Fortunately, the remix album of his debut was a massive hit there due to the title track being selected as the theme for the Michael Keaton film Gung ho.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I’d die to be with you tonight #16
Working class man #36
POPULAR IN 1986
Elton John’s popularity remained rather consistent in NZ over the years as opposed to Australia where there were many peaks and valleys, this album might not have had that inescapable hit over there like it did here but that didn’t prevent the album from being a massive success even with a slightly different release schedule.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
I guess that’s why they call it the blues #12
I’m still standing #30
Kiss the bride #32
POPULAR IN 1983
While this album did still take its sweet time in finding an audience over in NZ, at least it wasn’t as long as two years after its initial release as the kiwis finally gave this a chance when it became a huge success over in America for the British band. Indeed, it managed to spawn multiple hit singles over there that were only minor hits at best here.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Animal #8
Pour some sugar on me #16
Love bites #2
Armageddon it #2
Rocket #5
POPULAR IN 1987
This album was released before Flowers needed to change their name to their debut album in order to gain success in the northern hemisphere, although it’s worth noting that the album did chart later in the decade as a self-titled album when their subsequent follow ups became even more successful in NZ.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Can’t help myself #29
We can get together #36
Walls #43
POPULAR IN 1981
I’m not sure what was so special about this movie that the soundtrack managed to become a success three years after its initial release in the southern hemisphere, what I do know is that it was even more of a success in NZ due to it lasting well over a year in the charts with its rerelease.
Peak position #4
POPULAR IN 1987
This had a bit more of a delay to its success in NZ given how John Mellencamp had yet to have that big crossover success over there like he did here in Australia a decade prior, however once the album started spawning hits for him, he found little issues with scoring a massive hit with the album over there.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Paper in fire #16
Cherry bomb #4
Check it out #18
Rooy toot toot #10
POPULAR IN 1987
This is another Australian album to find more success in NZ this decade, although I guess the theme for aboriginal rights could be appreciated by the kiwis considering they don’t have the best track record for how they’ve treated their indigenous community and that this album would help people realise that.
Peak position #1×11
Hit singles
The dead heart #14
Beds are burning #1
Put down that weapon #9
POPULAR IN 1987
It’s strange to think that this was Phil Collin’s biggest solo album in NZ, although considering he had infinitely more success with his band Genesis throughout the 80’s, I think it’s safe to say that the kiwis preferred his prog material compared to his ballads back in the day.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Another day in paradise #5
I wish it would rain down #27
POPULAR IN 1989
Their debut album wasn’t a big success over in NZ, it did OK but nothing noteworthy as to make it onto this site for a second time. The sophomore album from these guys was a much bigger success over there likely due to its popularity in America and in Australia, although it didn’t prevent them from calling it quits in the new year.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Ever fallen in love #23
She drives me crazy #1
Good thing #4
Don’t look back #23
POPULAR IN 1989
I guess the kiwis passed up the singles on the album in favour of it being more of an immediate success over there, this means that while it had a stronger run in the upper echelons of their charts, the albums overall success was about the same there as it was in Australia for Bryan Adams.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
Run to you #14
Heaven #17
Summer of 69 #7
It’s only love #37
POPULAR IN 1985
Although they never had that one inescapable hit over in NZ, A-ha made up for that by having their debut album be a massive success for them there arguably more so than the rest of the world. I’m a bit surprised this wasn’t a bigger success here considering they did appear on Countdown to perform three of the tracks on the album, although the lead single not being a huge success in NZ is also surprising.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Take on me #7
The sun always shines on TV #12
Train of thought #28
Hunting high and low #25
POPULAR IN 1985
This was more of an immediate success over in NZ given how the singles proved to be much bigger over there than they were here, as such it managed to be even more successful overall which no doubt set Paul Young up for success he didn’t end up achieving with his subsequent material over there.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Wherever I lay my hat #4
Come back and stay #1
Love of the common people #10
POPULAR IN 1983
Although this was heavily delayed in NZ, this solo debut from Billy Idol was a massive success over there due to the singles becoming mega hits for him despite the lack of success he had in his native UK at the time. I guess the two big hits he had over there have remained iconic to this day here in Australia, however they didn’t exactly light up our charts back in the day which is why the album failed here.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
White wedding #5
Hot in the city #5
POPULAR IN 1983
Although I would’ve thought this guy did better in NZ throughout the 70’s, at least his final good record (according to his fans that is) was an even bigger success over there due to spawning two hits over there as opposed to just the one here in Australia.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Master blaster #1
I ain’t gonna stand for it 2
Lately #15
Happy birthday #23
POPULAR IN 1980
Unlike in Australia where the debut single from Duran Duran helped them find success with their debut album, the kiwis completely ignored “Planet earth” which was set to doom their album as a failure over there. Fortunately, their controversial second single managed to be a huge success for the band when they unveiled its music video.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Girls on film #4
POPULAR IN 1981
This was the biggest album that Simply red had over in NZ, mainly for the second single which remains their biggest hit worldwide except for their native UK where that honour goes to “Fairground.” Much like Australia, they would continue to have success well into the 90’s over there.
Peak position #1×7
Hit singles
It’s only love #31
If you don’t know me by now #1
A new flame #22
POPULAR IN 1989
This was equally as successful in NZ as it was here in Australia, likely because Roxy music was always more popular in NZ and that they didn’t need the news of Bryan Ferry disbanding the band for good to embark on a solo career to fuel its success like we Aussies did.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
More than this #12
Avalon #37
POPULAR IN 1982
This album was released on time in NZ and yet it only became a success over there around the time it was released here which was when their big UK chart topper was released as a single worldwide. Much like in Australia, they had further hits after this album that didn’t translate to their subsequent albums having any success.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Love action #21
Open your heart #43
Don’t you want me #1
POPULAR IN 1981
This was a massive hit for Go west in NZ, so much so that it even managed to be more popular over there than the duo’s native UK which was impressive to say the least. Part of that was due to how long it lasted on the charts over there, they must have had a memorable performance on whatever equivalent NZ had of Countdown back in the day in order for this to be so successful over there.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
We close our eyes #4
Call me #10
Goodbye girl #33
Don’t look down #15
POPULAR IN 1985
Unlike in Australia where this needed the runaway success of one of the singles to be as such on Billboard for it to be a success, the kiwis instantly gravitated towards this debut album from Sade due to the lead single being an instant success over there upon its initial release.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
Your love is king #2
Smooth operator #22
Hang on to your love #20
POPULAR IN 1984
I guess the kiwis weren’t as put off from the arrogant marketing towards these guy’s debut album as us Aussies were, although seriously the way British ads marketed the title track as their next UK number one even before it was released was one of the more arrogant things I discovered while going over those old top ten charts from TOTP you can come across on YouTube. As with everywhere else in the world, their next album was a huge flop for them in NZ.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Relax #10
Two tribes #1
The power of love #2
Welcome to the pleasuredome #9
POPULAR IN 1984
Much like in Australia, this was the biggest album from George Benson’s career in NZ due to him incorporating disco into his sound which helped it stand out in his catalogue during a time where the disco backlash supposedly took effect worldwide.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Give me the night #4
Love x love #8
POPULAR IN 1980
This proved to be twice as successful for Tiffany Darwish in NZ than it was in Australia, likely because the singles were more immediate hits over there which makes sense as I never understood why that wasn’t the case for them here.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
I think we’re alone now #1
Could’ve been #5
I saw him standing there #3
POPULAR IN 1988
Well, this proved to be even more of a success in NZ than it was in Australia, likely due to the singles being bigger hits over there but also due to the British invasion having more of an impact on their charts than it did on the Australian charts this decade.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Lifeline #33
Communication #10
True #4
Gold #8
POPULAR IN 1983
Well, this proved to be an even bigger success in NZ than it was in Australia, then again classical music in general seemed to be more popular over there during the 80’s which makes this albums success all the more inevitable.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Hooked on classics #6
POPULAR IN 1981
This was the biggest album that the Police had over in NZ, admittedly these guys weren’t as popular over there as they were here in Australia despite A: them having little issues with crossing over initially in the late 70’s over there and B: them having reggae influences in their sound and that they kiwis love their reggae in music.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Every breath you take #6
Wrapped around your finger #22
POPULAR IN 1983
This wasn’t nearly as successful in NZ as it was in Australia, largely due to the singles not being as big over there despite having a better release schedule as his cover of a Nat King Cole classic was pushed as the fourth single rather than the third single. I guess the kiwis didn’t like him much as a vocalist as this type of music was a huge success for the likes of Kylie Minogue and Mel and Kim over there.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Never gonna give you up #1
Whenever you need somebody #9
Together forever #10
When I fall in love #25
POPULAR IN 1988
Well, there shouldn’t be any surprise that this album managed to be a huge success in NZ, although it’s worth noting that the kiwis didn’t even both looking into the lead single until the second single became a worldwide hit for them. This allowed the album to spawn three top ten hits over there as opposed to just the one here.
Peak position #1×8
Hit singles
You give love a bad name #7
Living on a prayer #1
Wanted dead or alive #5
Never say goodbye #38
POPULAR IN 1987
This was slightly more successful over in NZ than it was in Australia, I’m guessing because the kiwis were more in love with the band’s more upbeat direction they took from their second album compared to their first considering how their first album was less of a success over there due to it failing to spawn a hit single for them.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Mothers talk #50
Shout #1
Everybody wants to rule the world #1
Head over heels #12
I believe #28
POPULAR IN 1985
The success of this album for this RNB singer in NZ was the exact inverse of what it was here in Australia, from the order of how big the singles were to it being an immediate success over there as opposed to it needing the success of its fourth single to crossover here. Naturally this was all due to RNB being much more accepted in NZ back in the day compared to how it was here in Australia.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
If you let me stay #4
Wishing well #4
Dance little sister #4
Sign your name #13
POPULAR IN 1987
There should be no surprises with this entry given how U2 had already achieved massive success in NZ with their album this live recording is based on, indeed this allowed their career to pan out the same was in NZ as it did in Australia and their native UK by them having massive success with their next album.
Peak position #1×1
POPULAR IN 1984
This debut album from Cyndi Lauper had a similar run with its success in NZ as it did in Australia, namely it was a modest success at first despite spawning three of her biggest hits over there only for it to become a best seller when she embarked on a highly successful world tour a year after its release.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Girls just want to have fun #1
Time after time #3
She bop #6
All through the night #19
Money changes everything #14
POPULAR IN 1984
Much like in Australia and their native UK, this was the album that finally caught the attention of the kiwis in NZ which resulted in it being a massive success for them around this time despite lacking that inescapable hit that their subsequent albums would spawn throughout their career.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
New year’s day #32
Two hearts beat as one #16
POPULAR IN 1983
Much like Australia, this proved to be an even bigger success in NZ for Split enz than their previous album, I’m guessing because the name of the album remained consistent worldwide and wasn’t a reference to a countries indigenous population given how their music has remained a political over the years.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
Dirty creature #3
Six months in a leaky boat #7
POPULAR IN 1982
I should point out this was a duet’s album between John Lennon and Yoko Ono, meaning that this was the biggest album both artists had in their respective careers (post Beatles in the case of John) which likely could’ve carried the albums success had John lived to see it play out worldwide.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
Just like starting over #2
Woman #1
Walking on thin ice #48
Watching the wheels #44
POPULAR IN 1980
This proved to be an even bigger success for Kylie in NZ than it was here in Australia, I’m guessing because it was a bigger success still in the UK given how much the Brits were in love with her due to her playing Charlene in Neighbours back in the day.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
The locomotion #8
I should be so lucky #3
Got to be certain #2
I still love you #9
It’s no secret #47
POPULAR IN 1988
This was initially a flop for Poison in NZ, likely because its lead single didn’t even chart over there let alone become a hit for them. It was given a second chance when the third single became a Billboard chart topper which allowed the album to follow suit and thus have a much higher peak there than it did here.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Fallen angel #32
Every rose has its thorn #8
Your mama don’t dance #3
POPULAR IN 1988
While this wasn’t as inescapable in NZ as it was here in Australia, this was nonetheless a huge success for Fleetwood Mac due to them making a surprisingly good album considering all of the behind-the-scenes drama that went into its creation. Lindsey Buckingham infamously quit the band while promoting this album on tour which no doubt helped its popularity grow worldwide.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Big love #29
Seven wonders #49
Little lies #9
Everywhere #43
POPULAR IN 1987
While it didn’t spawn that inescapable hit over in NZ like it did here in Australia, this album from Aerosmith was nonetheless a success over there even before they had that big hit here. I’m guessing this was more due to them fitting in with the hair metal scene of the day as their 90’s material didn’t make any impact on the charts over there like it did worldwide.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Love in an elevator #15
Janie’s got a gun #13
What it takes #19
POPULAR IN 1989
Given how he found success three years prior with Hey in NZ, it only makes sense that Julio’s first English speaking album would be a massive hit for him over there just like it was here in Australia. Unfortunately, this would be his final successful album in the southern hemisphere, meaning his son Enrique would go on to have way more success than him in the 21st century in both countries.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
To all the girls I’ve loved before #2
All of you #10
POPULAR IN 1984
Much like in Australia, these guys were very successful in NZ a decade prior with their first two albums, meaning this albums success at the start of the 90’s was a welcomed return for the band as they were able to kick off the new decade on top of the charts for the second decade in a row.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Love shack #1
Roam #2
Deadbeat club #21
POPULAR IN 1989
This proved to be even more of a success for ZZ top in NZ than it was here in Australia, likely because they already managed to achieve success with their previous album without it spawning a runaway hit over there like it did internationally for the band. Sadly, they would fade into obscurity after this album over there like they did in most parts of the world.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Sleeping bag #13
Stages #40
Velcro fly #10
POPULAR IN 1985
This album’s success seemed inevitable in NZ given how inescapable the band was during this point of their career, although like in the rest of the world, they weren’t able to retain this momentum during the second half of the decade over there due to their next album being a massive bomb for them.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Tonight she comes #20
POPULAR IN 1985
This was the debut album for a band known as Dance exponents, although they would become known as the Exponents in the 90’s when the NZ pub rock band rebranded themselves for the new decade. This was a massive success for them due to how much hype went into its release, although as it failed to spawn a huge hit for them over there, it failed to crossover to Australia despite easily fitting into our music scene.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Victoria #6
All I can do #23
Know your own heart #19
I’ll say goodbye #18
POPULAR IN 1983
It appears the kiwis were so much in love with these guys that they allowed the American version of the album to become a success in addition to the original version. Admittedly the new hit single they had from this album was their biggest hit over there so it makes sense this would follow suit.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Girl you know it’s true #13
Baby don’t forget my number #9
Girl I’m gonna miss you #8
All or nothing #1
POPULAR IN 1989
This was a bit less of a success for Simply red in NZ, again because it lacked that giant hit over there like it did everywhere else in the world despite the lead single being a modest success over there this year. They would bounce back with their third album by the end of the decade which contained their biggest hit over there.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
The right thing #9
Infidelity #26
POPULAR IN 1987
This was the first album to chart for INXS internationally, I’m guessing because the kiwis weren’t interested in what these guys had to offer until the lead single from this album became a huge success over there for the band. Out of the three albums that made it big internationally this decade, this was by far the least successful over there as each of their albums became bigger as the band’s popularity grew.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Original sin #6
I send a message #18
Burn for you #29
POPULAR IN 1984
While it wasn’t as inescapable as her debut album, this sophomore album from Tracy Chapman proved to be a huge success for her in NZ which helped her escape the one album wonder bin that the rest of the world had temporarily trapped her in until her comeback album A new beginning in the mid 90’s.
Peak position #1×7
Hit singles
Crossroads #21
POPULAR IN 1989
This was the original version of Milli Vanilli’s one and only album, or at least their one and only album as a unit given how the two men on the cover would make their own music in the 90’s while the “Real Milli Vanilli” would release a second album around the same time. It was a massive success in NZ as the kiwis didn’t care if the two men were singing on the record or not as opposed to us Aussies.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
Blame it on the rain #3
POPULAR IN 1989
Unlike in Australia where Billy Joel was able to retain his popularity during the second half of the 80’s after releasing this double album, in NZ his popularity tanked after this due to his next album the Bridge being a huge commercial failure everywhere in the world except for Australia.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
You’re only human #17
POPULAR IN 1985
I have no idea how Billy Idol managed to be so much more successful in NZ than he was in Australia, after all he appeared on Countdown with the title track of this album, broke through earlier here than he did over there and even came from the new wave crowd which was more successful here than it was over there.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Rebel yell #3
Eyes without a face #4
Flesh for fantasy #5
Catch my fall #42
POPULAR IN 1984
This was a massive success in NZ for Mick Jagger, mainly due to the surprise success of “Hard woman” which nearly became a chart topper for him over there nearly a year after the albums initial release. Even with how big this album was, it was still his only successful solo work over there due to his next album with his band being a critical failure for him.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Just another night #8
Lucky in love #45
Hard woman #2
POPULAR IN 1985
This took a real long time to make it big over in NZ, I mean this was already a year old by the time it reached the upper echelons of their charts as opposed to Australia where it was only six to eight months before it became a success here. Admittedly the second single was pushed back over there to when it became a hit in the UK, I’m guessing due to their label wanting to market their more upbeat tracks first.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
You got it #2
Hanging tough #7
Cover girl #17
I’ll be loving you #28
POPULAR IN 1989
This was a massive success for Grace Jones in NZ, mainly because it was a success twice over there as it not only blew them away upon its initial release but also when she released her follow up album Living my life a year after its initial release. We Aussies were aware of her music as she did appear on Countdown frequently throughout the decade, as did several of these alternative artists now that I think about it.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Pull up the bumper #14
Walking in the rain #34
POPULAR IN 1981
There were no signs of Pink Floyd slowing down anywhere in the world even with the departure of Roger Waters from their previous album earlier in the decade, indeed this album managed to spawn a few minor hits for them worldwide proving the band were likely better off without him after all.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
Learning to fly #10
On the turning away #34
POPULAR IN 1987
Much like in Australia, it appears that each new album that the Eurythmics released in NZ was more successful than the last as this managed to be a huge success for the duo thanks to it spawning multiple hits from the album worldwide. Their popularity would peak on their next album as it was one of the biggest of the decade at the expense of it spawning a hit single for them over there.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Would I lie to you #5
There must be an angel #5
Sisters are doing it for themselves #6
It’s alright #18
POPULAR IN 1985
I’m a bit surprised this wasn’t even bigger in NZ considering how massive the singles were here in Australia, indeed the singles weren’t even among the biggest of the decade (barring George Michael’s solo entry) meaning this was far from the most unavoidable album of the moment back in the day over there.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Wake me up before you go go #2
Careless whisper #3
Freedom #8
Everything she wants #6
POPULAR IN 1984
