Well, it wasn’t quite the enz of an era for Split enz in NZ as they would continue to have moderate success until the bitter end over there, however it was a clever name for a greatest hits album which I’m sure was a factor into why the album was such a huge success over there.
Peak position #1×2
POPULAR IN 1982
This was a solid introduction to the decade for the Pretenders, although unlike in Australia where they would have a healthy balance between the success of their albums and singles, in NZ they wouldn’t trouble the charts again until their fourth album much later in the decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Brass in pocket #2
Stop your sobbing #25
POPULAR IN 1980
Much like in Australia, this album was released in NZ following the departure of Lindsey Buckingham during the end of their Tango in the night tour, this was to remind fans of big hits that the band had during what would be a tumultuous time they were about to have in their career.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
As long as you follow #35
POPULAR IN 1988
Well, these guys were a killer band live, that in addition to how inescapable they were in NZ throughout the 80’s meant that this live album would be a shoe in for the NZ side of my site.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Love over gold #29
POPULAR IN 1984
This was a bit of a stumble for Billy Joel in NZ, I guess the kiwis weren’t too interested in having him venture towards rock and roll like we Aussies were but were curious enough to make it a success regardless. I’m guessing it was this ambivalence towards him trying out rock that led to the failure of the Bridge over there later in the decade.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
You may be right #23
It’s still rock and roll to me #21
POPULAR IN 1980
There was real hype for this concert that Simon and Garfunkel would give the following year in Central Park, naturally the kiwis were excited about it as they made this greatest hits package a success in its anticipation.
Peak position #1×5
POPULAR IN 1981
This was the final album that Bob Marley released in his lifetime, much like the lead single, it was the second successful album he had in NZ meaning that the kiwis were likely going to make him a household name for many years to come had he lived to see the remainder of the 80’s.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Could you be loved #2
Redemption song #22
POPULAR IN 1980
It looks like the kiwis were more on board with having white boy rapping in their mainstream this year given how much more successful this debut album from Wham was over there compared to what it was over here, although it could also be due to the singles not doing as well over there as they did over here which would explain the albums lack of success on our charts.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Young guns #4
Wham rap #18
Bad boys #10
Club tropicana #25
POPULAR IN 1983
This had a bit of a delay to its release over in NZ compared to here in Australia, I’m guessing because the lead single was performed here in Countdown which encouraged its earlier release here the previous year which enabled the duo to see crossover success with it and the album in the early months of this year.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Maneater #4
One on one #21
POPULAR IN 1983
I guess the hype for this concert in Central Park from Simon and Garfunkel wasn’t met upon its initial release in NZ, although the kiwis likely realised how great it was eventually when it skyrocketed up the charts likely due to rumours that their reunion would be more permanent. Those rumours proved to be false due to the pair remembering why they couldn’t stand each other.
Peak position #1×2
POPULAR IN 1982
While it certainly wasn’t as inescapable in NZ as it was here in Australia, this second album from Men at work was a success thanks to the singles being quirky enough to intrigue the kiwis into checking out what the band had to offer on this album. This didn’t work out for them on their third album which caused them to break up a few years later.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Dr heckyl and Mr jive #16
Overkill #24
It’s a mistake #43
POPULAR IN 1983
Although Prince had success prior to this album in NZ, this was the album where he really took the world by storm largely thanks to the title track which curiously wasn’t the lead single over in NZ like it was internationally. The kiwis went with “Little red corvette” as the lead single instead which is perhaps why the album performed even better over there despite the singles not being as big.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Little red corvette #12
1999 #4
Delirious #33
POPULAR IN 1983
Whereas this was a mini comeback for Prince here in Australia, in NZ it was just another successful album for him as the kiwis enjoyed his soundtrack he made for the first theatrical Batman film just like any over album of his in his catalogue. I guess the closest he came to failing over there before he turned himself into a Symbol was the Graffiti bridge soundtrack from the following year.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Batdance #1
Partyman #16
The arms of Orion #44
POPULAR IN 1989
These guys proved to be far more successful in NZ than they were in Australia, likely due to the presence of Alannah Currie who prior to joining the band was a NZ journalist based in the UK as a correspondent which made the kiwis more than familiar with her involvement with the band. They began as a much bigger band before being reduced to a trio where their music career finally took off.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Lies #6
Love on your side #9
We are detective #48
POPULAR IN 1983
There were plenty of signals that Supertramp would be one of the biggest bands of the decade when it began, I think the biggest by far was the success of this live album recorded on their Paris tour which became a worldwide success. Unfortunately, they didn’t have much success after their next album Famous last words.
Peak position #1×1
POPULAR IN 1980
This is another album that appears low on this list but only because it found its success in NZ on the lower half of the charts, in fact it lasted so much longer on their charts than it did on our charts despite it peaking higher over here as well as spawning a huge hit for Joe Jackson on our charts in the form of the lead single.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
Real men #48
Stepping out #21
Breaking us in two #35
POPULAR IN 1982
This album took its sweet time in finding success in NZ as all of the singles had already peaked in the quartet’s native UK by the time it began charting in NZ due to the second single becoming a surprise hit over there, it managed to stick around for quite a while due to the singles slowly being discovered by the kiwis as time went on, which of course extended the popularity of the album each time.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Wishing I was lucky #26
Sweet little mystery #3
Angel eyes #4
Temptation #19
POPULAR IN 1988
You know that heartland rock was a massive deal in NZ when this guy managed to score a massive hit over there, Robbie Robertson was the lead singer of the Canadian band err…. the Band who saw a ton of success throughout the 70’s before they broke up in 1977. They had since reformed in 1983, however Robbie didn’t re-join them and instead waited a few years before he released this album.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Showdown at the big sky #17
Somewhere down the crazy river #40
POPULAR IN 1987
While hip hop obviously saw plenty of success throughout the 80’s in NZ, this was the first hip hop album to be a massive success over there which I feel is a victory because it comes from a woman of colour (albeit one from Europe and not America) which is better than what became the first hip hop album to be successful here in Australia (that of course being MC Hammer’s breakthrough album.)
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Buffalo stance #14
Manchild #4
Kisses in the wind #8
Inna city mama #15
POPULAR IN 1989
Unlike here in Australia where this required the assistance of a live E.P which contained the two most popular tracks on this album to become a success here, the kiwis were able to make this a hit over there upon its initial release (albeit as a sleeper hit at first) which the album then saw a boost in popularity once “Whip it” became a sleeper hit on their singles charts half a year after its initial release.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Whip it #11
POPULAR IN 1980
I would’ve been shocked if this was a flop over in NZ considering A: how big Falco’s tribute to this film was over there the following year and B: that it was the soundtrack to a film that many consider to be one of the best not just of the decade but of all time due to it shedding a light on one of the most underappreciated composers of all time albeit in a way that’s perhaps portrays him in a more sanctimonious way than he was in real life.
Peak position #9
POPULAR IN 1985
Unlike here in Australia where this was the biggest album that Pat Benatar had, it appears that it was only a modest success over in NZ likely due to the bonus track not being one of the bigger hits of the year over there like it was over here.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Love is a battlefield #6
POPULAR IN 1983
While she never saw that much success back in the day, this greatest hits package from Anne Murray managed to become a huge success in NZ likely due to her new track from the album becoming a massive hit for her over there this year.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
Could I have this dance #2
POPULAR IN 1980
It’s no surprise that this was a bigger success over in NZ than it was here in Australia given how much more popular Grace Jones was over there than she was over here throughout the decade, although I get the feeling a large reason for why this album was a success with the kiwis was why it was a modest success here in Australia, that of course being the album art.
Peak position #1×2
POPULAR IN 1986
Even though I love the film, I will admit that the famous critic quote “basically it’s a series of rock videos” is one of my favourite negative reviews of a film I’ve ever read. They’re not wrong, I just fail to see how that’s a bad thing in this context. It appears this swayed the kiwis a bit as the soundtrack wasn’t as inescapable over there as it was here, possibly due to Jennifer Beals not promoting the film on a Countdown equivalent over there.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
What a feeling #1
Maniac #7
POPULAR IN 1983
This was the album known as Corroboree in Australia, it was named as such in both countries based on the term of their respective indigenous people (now known as aboriginals or first nations.) I guess if there had of been a more consistent name of the album worldwide then it likely would’ve done even better in both countries, but it was a still a hit regardless.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
One step ahead #6
History never repeats #5
POPULAR IN 1981
Given how they were arguably more popular in NZ than they were here in Australia, it makes sense that Icehouse would have this greatest hits package overlooking the first ten years of their success be popular over there like it was over here during the transition from the 80’s to the 90’s.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Touch the fire #39
POPULAR IN 1989
This was a massive success for Van Morrison this year in NZ, likely due to him embracing his Celtic heritage on the album during a time where Celtic music was among the most popular trends in the mainstream over there. Somehow this wasn’t enough to impress us Aussies who seemed to be determined in leaving this guy in the 70’s, although he did find success here with his greatest hits package in 1990.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Cry for home #40
POPULAR IN 1983
Given how the kiwis were more into hair metal compared to us Aussies, it makes sense that this album from Whitesnake would be a massive success over there even if it came at the expense of the singles bombing on their charts. Not that the singles did that well here in Australia, however they at least stuck around for quite some time where they would easily be considered sleeper hits here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Here I go again #34
Give me all your love #49
POPULAR IN 1988
It appears the kiwis were also hungry for more material from the Eagles this far into the 80’s given how this second edition of their greatest hits package was also a huge success over there like it was over here. Unfortunately, fans would have to wait a quarter of a century before the band finally gave them new material after the release of this album.
Peak position #2
POPULAR IN 1982
Icehouse proved to be more popular in NZ throughout the 80’s than they were in their homeland, likely because the kiwis were willing to reward the band with their experimentation this decade much more than we Aussies were as evidence by how much more popular this was over there than it was down under.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Taking the town #32
Don’t believe anymore #36
POPULAR IN 1986
Well at least we can have our Cure quota met on this site given how the kiwis seemed to have a much bigger indie scene at any given time than us Aussies. Here’s their third album which became an instant success over there and even encouraged the success of their second album from the previous year.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Primary #29
Charlotte sometimes #31
POPULAR IN 1981
This looked like it would only be a modest success in NZ despite it being their biggest success over in America for the Scottish band, however for whatever reason, the lead single became a hit twice within a twelve-month period which resulted in the album being a massive success over there months after its initial release. This would be their final huge success over there as their next album didn’t bring in the numbers.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Alive and kicking #7
Sanctify yourself #22
All the things she said #20
Alive and kicking (reentry) #5
POPULAR IN 1985
Well, this was an obvious shoe in for the NZ side of my site given how inescapably popular the Phantom of the opera show was over there, this was a reminder from the theatre manager that his previous works were also worth checking out in one convenient album.
Peak position #1×3
POPULAR IN 1989
This was the only successful album to come from the Waterboys in their career, although in Australia and NZ, it was an instant success due to the lead single being a modest hit in the southern hemisphere unlike in their native UK where it sat on shelves ignored until the early 90’s where it became a surprise hit due to appearing in an ad.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
The whole of the moon #19
POPULAR IN 1986
This was the first big success that AC/DC had in NZ, oh the kiwis would’ve heard of these guys prior to this year, however for some reason, it was this album where they finally began taking notice of their brand of rock and roll despite being in the industry for well over a decade at this point.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Heetseaker #29
That’s the way I wanna rock and roll #35
POPULAR IN 1988
This wasn’t quite as successful in NZ as it was here in Australia as was John Farnham’s previous album Whispering jack, however it was still a massive success for him over there likely due to the title track becoming a hit for him this year. Still, he wasn’t able to have much success over there going into the 90’s, meaning this comeback was much shorter lived over there.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Age of reason #4
Two strong hearts #28
POPULAR IN 1988
As with all of their albums (except for their debut funnily enough) this was also not as big in NZ as it was here in Australia despite the band incorporating reggae music into their sound throughout each of their albums and the kiwis love for reggae especially around this time. It was still a success, just not at the same level it was down under.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Every little thing she does is magic #7
POPULAR IN 1981
While this wasn’t as big a success in NZ as it was here in Australia for Adam and the Ants, it was still a huge success for the band once the kiwis got into the genius that was the second track from the album after we Aussies made it one of the biggest hits of the decade here. Unlike here in Australia and their native UK, they would be a one album wonder over there as their third album flopped.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Dog eat dog #31
Antmusic #6
POPULAR IN 1981
This was also a success for Blondie in NZ this year like it was here in Australia, although its success wasn’t consistent in both countries given how the lead single was bigger over there whilst the second single was bigger over here. Still, it was a solid enough album to carry them into the 80’s, although tensions behind the scenes prevented them from delivering a cohesive follow up which led to their breakup the following year.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
The tide is high #1
Rapture #4
POPULAR IN 1980
This was equally as popular in NZ as it was here in Australia, in fact everything about this soundtrack matches its success in both countries from how big it was to the popularity of its one and only single to even the peak positions of both the album and the single.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
I just called to say I love you #1
POPULAR IN 1984
This wasn’t quite as successful in NZ for the Pet shop boys as it was here in Australia, mainly because the album cycle was delayed over there to allow the duo’s cover of “Always on my mind” to become a success before it resumed this year with the final single. This meant that the album actually dropped out of the charts for a little bit which affected its placement on this list.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
It’s a sin #8
What have I done to deserve this #6
Rent #23
Heart #1
POPULAR IN 1987
I guess the kiwis still had enough love for Barbra Streisand to make this live album of hers a success this year, it was certainly more successful over there than it was here in Australia despite how well loved she was down under throughout the 70’s.
Peak position #7
POPULAR IN 1987
This was released in NZ not long after it became a success in Australia for Midnight oil to minimal success, likely because the band wanted to try and make it big over there without releasing a song to promote it which almost never works for bands and artists outside of classical music and prog rock. They eventually released their big hit over here as the lead single which allowed the album to finally be a success almost a year after its release here.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Power and the passion #4
POPULAR IN 1983
I’m a bit surprised this live album didn’t do even better in NZ than it did here in Australia, although considering this was still a success over there, I think it’s safe to say that the kiwis were also disappointed in the demise of the band shortly before its release.
Peak position #9
POPULAR IN 1980
It’s interesting that this wasn’t any bigger in NZ than it was here in Australia given how Sharon O’Neil did achieve moderate success in her homeland earlier in the decade with her debut album, although she did perform the standout track from the album on Countdown which allowed it to find an audience here in Australia even if this was far from the most popular album of the year over there.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Maxine #16
POPULAR IN 1983
Well, the soundtrack might not have been as inescapable in NZ as it was here in Australia, however I feel the kiwis made up for that by having it spawn more songs on their charts as two of the tracks were able to chart over there and not here in Australia. This is a film I respect far more than I like due to its themes.
Peak position #1×8
Hit singles
Footloose #1
Let’s hear it for the boy #2
Dancing in the sheets #8
Holding out for a hero #33
POPULAR IN 1984
This was much more of a success in NZ than it was here in Australia, this is curious because the band didn’t achieve much success over there during the 70’s. In fact, the bonus track from this album was the only hit they ever had over there as even their albums didn’t do so well at the time.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
The other guy #2
POPULAR IN 1983
Well, he already had massive success in NZ during his lifetime, so it was inevitable that this greatest hits package would be a huge success for Bob Marley in NZ this year. One thing of note is that the two songs that charted with this albums release were originally released on his 1977 album Exodus.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
One love #1
Waiting in vain #38
POPULAR IN 1984
This was equally as successful in NZ as it was here in Australia for Kim Carnes, the only noticeable difference is that it managed to spawn a second minor hit for her over there likely due to how unique her vocals were compared to the competition at the time. That uniqueness didn’t do her subsequent releases any favours anywhere in the world.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Bette Davis eyes #2
Draw of the cards #12
POPULAR IN 1981
This was released the previous year for Grayson Hugh, it was going to be a flop for the singer even with the worldwide success of the lead single, but it became a surprise hit in NZ likely because of said single having a very slow rise to its popularity over there. Admittedly the album feels more at home in the 90’s than it does in the decade it was originally released in.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Talk it over #3
Bring it all back #37
POPULAR IN 1989
These guys managed to have more success in NZ throughout the 80’s than they did here in Australia, I would say because Joe Dolce stole their thunder here, but I think the actual reason was due to the kiwis having a stronger indie scene in the 80’s and 90’s than us Aussies despite Countdown and Triple J fuelling our indie scene in each respective decade.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Vienna #2
POPULAR IN 1981
This was one of the bigger British bands of the mid to late 80’s in their native UK, so naturally this album from Level 42 would be a massive success in NZ where sophistopop was more commercially mainstream than it was here in Australia. They even managed to score a hit with the title track which no doubt helped boost the albums popularity over there.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Lessons in love #18
Running in the family #9
To be with you again #20
POPULAR IN 1987
This was the first taste of success that George Thorogood managed to achieve anywhere in the world, I’m not sure how the kiwis managed to come across this album from the rock and roller, but they did and they were immediately blown away by how great he and his bands were live which prompted it to be a success over there.
Peak position #5
POPULAR IN 1986
Whereas this at least managed to have a few massive hits here in Australia, this second album from Kylie Minogue was only a success in NZ due to how popular her debut was given how only the lead single which doesn’t even appear on the standard version of the album managed to be a success over there. Indeed she would flame out entering the 90’s and wouldn’t be a household name over there until “Spinning around” became a hit in 2000.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Especially for you #2
Hand on your heart #15
Wouldn’t change a thing #21
Never too late #27
Tears on my pillow #33
POPULAR IN 1989
Well given how there was a much higher ratio of black to white musicians in NZ, I think it’s safe to say that Robert Cray’s popularity over there doesn’t feel as out of place as it does here in Australia. This wasn’t even his only successful album there as he would return a year later with his band for another successful release.
Peak position #5
POPULAR IN 1987
This was also a massive success over in NZ, although it took its time finding success even when it came out over there at the start of the year. I’m guessing this is because the kiwis didn’t find the second season of the show as exhilarating as the first or as much as we did down under.
Peak position #4
POPULAR IN 1989
This was originally a flop for Madonna when it came out the previous year in NZ, in fact the reason why I’m using a different album art is that when it became a success over there, it was repackaged as The first album which is how it was sold internationally given how it originally wasn’t even released in most parts of the world due to how much it failed everywhere except for Australia.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Holiday #7
Borderline #47
POPULAR IN 1984
You’d think that Nik Kershaw’s biggest album in his career would be his debut given how that was what spawned his biggest hit, however that wasn’t the case as this proved to be his more successful due to it spawning two huge hits throughout the world back in the day. It makes sense it was his biggest hit in NZ given how it spawned his only hit single, however it was a minor success here in Australia as well.
Peak position #8
Hit singles
The riddle #6
Wide boy #21
Don Quixote #36
POPULAR IN 1985
Although this didn’t take as long to become a success for Janet Jackson in NZ, I’m willing to bet she ultimately preferred it if it did given how it was only a modest success over there following the success of “Escapade” in her native America of all things. I guess the kiwis didn’t take to her experimenting with rock and roll like we Aussies did.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Miss you much #2
Rhythm nation #17
Escapade #15
Alright #28
Black cat #25
Love will never do #27
POPULAR IN 1989
It appears the kiwis were far more impressed with the Cure throughout the decade than we Aussies were given how their second album was a huge success over there, although it’s worth mentioning that success was stretched out for two years given how this had a very slow start to its popularity upon its initial release.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
A forest #38
POPULAR IN 1980
Following the success of their earlier entry on this list, Berlin were able to find success with their debut album in NZ from two years prior even though it was more of a sleeper hit over there this year. This completely went ignored here in Australia given how the band didn’t see their breakthrough until two years later when they appeared on the Top gun soundtrack.
Peak position #12
Hit singles
Sex #18
POPULAR IN 1984
Clannad were an Irish Celtic band who were on the brink of having that crossover appeal throughout the 80’s in the southern hemisphere when it finally came with this greatest hits package for them which became a massive hit in NZ this year. They never had that crossover success here in Australia, although the potential was there given the success of other bands and artists that incorporated Celtic music into their sound.
Peak position #1×6
POPULAR IN 1989
While this wasn’t as inescapable in NZ for Elton John in Australia, this was still a happy ending for him over there given how much worse off he was in their mainstream throughout the second half of the 80’s. In fact, were it not for “Nikita” becoming one of his biggest hits over there, he might as well have fallen off the face of the earth prior to when this album became a success for him this year.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Sacrifice #19
POPULAR IN 1989
Well, the title track managed to become a surprise hit over in NZ, so it only makes sense that Billy Field would find success with his debut album over there which eventually sparked international interest in the Australian piano man that unfortunately never came to be.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Bad habits #1
You weren’t in love with me #22
POPULAR IN 1981
Given how successful the Cure were in NZ throughout the 80’s (except for the one big album they had here in Australia funnily enough) it was inevitable that this greatest hits package from the band would be a huge success over there. Heck one of their earliest songs even recharted over there and became a minor hit for the band, which more or less restored their popularity.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Boys don’t cry (rerelease) #10
POPULAR IN 1986
This was a bit more of a success for Rod Stewart in NZ, likely because the kiwis did give him a hit with the lead single over there but also due to his artist momentum not dying out as quicky there as it did over here even though it would recover over here as the decade went on where it didn’t over there.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Passion #7
My girl #42
POPULAR IN 1980
It turns out Pat Benatar was another example of an international artist not having much success in Australia back in the day due to Countdown promoting local artists at their expense, she scored massive success over in NZ throughout the 80’s with several of her albums including this third album which was arguably her biggest in her catalogue over there.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Fire and ice #22
POPULAR IN 1981
Well, this was also the final successful album to come from the Rolling Stones in NZ, at least the lead single managed to make its mark on the mainstream with its bizarre music video (complete with some truly stilted animation from a future icon/creep in the animation world.) I also find it funny that this album’s success came around the same time as the Whoopi Goldberg film Jumping jack flash.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Harlem shuffle #1
One hit to the body #30
POPULAR IN 1986
While it wasn’t as huge in NZ as it was here in Australia, this live album from Jimmy Barnes was a success over there which proves that the kiwis also felt he was a killer live act back in the day. It also managed to spawn a moderate success with his cover of a Percy Sledge classic, this being the incentive he needed to make his first Soul deep project in the new decade.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
When a man loves a woman #11
POPULAR IN 1988
This was another huge success for the Rolling Stones in NZ like it was throughout the rest of the world, although it’s worth noting that it didn’t have that big hit over there with the title track like it did here in Australia and America despite it being a disco track.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Emotional rescue #16
She’s so cold #26
POPULAR IN 1980
This was a very successful decade for Pat Benatar in NZ, so much so that the inclusion of this greatest hits package from her on this list shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. In fact, I still can’t believe how much more successful she was in NZ than she was here in Australia, mainly because I would’ve thought she’d be inescapable down under back in the day.
Peak position #5
POPULAR IN 1987
Well in case you felt these guys weren’t that successful in NZ, I’m here to tell you otherwise as this follow up to their previous album was a massive success for the band likely due to the lead single becoming their biggest hit over there in their career. They would continue to have success in NZ all throughout the 80’s, proving how much the kiwis loved the Scottish band more than anyone else in the world.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Waterfront #1
Speed your love to me #46
Up on the catwalk #44
POPULAR IN 1984
This was also a success for Pink Floyd over in NZ, regardless of what was going on behind the scenes at the time, there’s no denying that this was more of what the fans wanted from the band and that they were going to make it a success for them regardless.
Peak position #1×1
POPULAR IN 1983
Unlike here in Australia where this was more of a sleeper hit for Tina Turner due the surprise success of the third single, this was more of an immediate success for her in NZ due to the lead single being one of her bigger hits over there. Her third album of the decade was a huge flop over there likely due to the lead single failing to catch on with the kiwis.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Typical male #8
Two people #41
What you get is what you see #41
POPULAR IN 1986
I guess the Jam did have some moderate success earlier in the decade in the southern hemisphere, so I shouldn’t be too surprised that Paul Weller’s second band the Style Council saw massive success in NZ with their second album. Admittedly it was set to be a minor success but rebounded when the second single became a huge hit over there for the band.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
My ever changing moods #32
You’re the best thing #7
POPULAR IN 1984
Even though this didn’t last as long on the NZ charts as it did here in Australia, this debut album from Culture Club managed to be more of an immediate success over there likely due to the success of its lead single which perhaps explains why this didn’t stick around when they released their second album from earlier on this list.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Do you really want to hurt me #2
POPULAR IN 1982
You better believe that Tim Finn was able to score massive success with his first solo album in NZ, although the success was largely limited to its initial release over there given how it lingered for quite a bit here in Australia due to the album spawning multiple charting singles here which kept its life on our charts going for over a year. He would see varying degrees of success throughout his solo career over there.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Fraction too much friction #2
POPULAR IN 1983
This was the greatest hits package from Stevie Wonder that he released following the success of his (then) most recent album Hotter than July, it was a massive hit in NZ likely due to that album as well as his collaboration with Paul McCartney on “Ebony and ivory” (which curiously doesn’t appear on this album.)
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Do I do #9
POPULAR IN 1982
This was also the final success album that Abba had in NZ as was the case here in Australia, I guess the world wasn’t willing to have these guys permeate in the 80’s like they did in this 70’s which was likely the reason for them calling it quits with their final album a year after this was released.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
The winner takes it all #16
POPULAR IN 1980
This was a mere modest success in NZ for the Clash upon its initial release, heck if I based its success only upon its initial release over there, it would still be more successful than it was over here as this was a massive flop for them down under. Naturally this rebounded over there when “Rock the casbah” became a success due to how popular it was over here and in America.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Rock the casbah #4
POPULAR IN 1982
Whereas I had to bend the rules to allow this on the Australian side of my site, this was able to make the list proper on this side of my site due to how much the kiwis loved this second album from Joe Satriani back in the day. This was such a success over there that his debut from two years prior recharted and eventually became a success this year.
Peak position #7
POPULAR IN 1989
It looks like the kiwis were more forgiving of Annie’s image makeover on this album than we Aussies were given that it was a genuine success over there despite being a minor success over here back in the day, this would be their final success over there as their last album was a complete flop over there despite being a decent success over here as the decade was ending.
Peak position #7
Hit singles
Beethoven #6
Shame #19
You have placed chill in my heart 31
POPULAR IN 1987
Given how they saw massive success with Dave Dobbyn around this time, it makes sense that Herbs were able to achieve a huge hit with their fourth album this year even if it was more of a sleeper hit for the reggae band. You’d think this would’ve rebounded the following year when the deluxe edition came out and spawned a second hit from the album, alas you’d be wrong.
Peak position #10
Hit singles
Sensitive to a smile #9
Rust in dust #11
Listen #7
No nukes #48
POPULAR IN 1987
Even though the lead single was a huge hit for these guys over in NZ upon its initial release, it appears the kiwis needed some further convincing to allow this debut album from Simply red to be a success over there which came when the third single became a massive success worldwide despite bombing over there. Even then, it was more of a sleeper hit which makes their further success a bit confusing.
Peak position #9
Hit singles
Money’s too tight #8
Come to my aid #24
Holding back the years #40
Open up the red box #38
POPULAR IN 1985
Much like here in Australia, there was every chance that these two would dominate the charts for many years had Mel lived to see the 90’s past its first few months. The songs were even bigger over there likely due to the girls blending of RNB and dance pop better connecting with the kiwis than us Aussies (only slightly though) making it one of the bigger albums to come from Stock Aiken and Waterman.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Showing out #8
Respectable #1
FLM #7
POPULAR IN 1987
There were a lot of successful women of colour to make it big around this time in NZ, one of the more popular entries was this debut album from British singer Ruby Turner who scored a string of hits over there with the singles that weren’t even popular in her native UK at the time. She did have further success over there with her second album the following year.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
If you’re ready #3
I’m in love #9
Bye baby #10
I’d rather go blind #21
POPULAR IN 1987
Although they weren’t among the most popular bands of the decade in NZ, this greatest hits package from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the dark (OMD for short) managed to become a huge success over there this year proving once again how strong the kiwis alternative scene was throughout the twentieth century.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Dreaming #37
POPULAR IN 1988
Perhaps this second album from Yazoo was what convinced the kiwis into thinking that Alison Moyet was a talented vocalist, I’m not sure why it wasn’t their first album from the previous year but I guess better late than never. This spawned the duo’s biggest hit in their native UK as well as in NZ as the lead single managed to top the British charts as well as crack the NZ top twenty.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Nobody’s diary #14
POPULAR IN 1983
I’m a bit disappointed that I couldn’t feature “Shattered dreams” on this site in any way, unfortunately it wasn’t a hit for the British trio in the southern hemisphere despite how big it was in their native UK and in America upon its initial release. Fortunately, the kiwis did check out their album this year where it became a huge success, although we Aussies seemed to completely ignore them for whatever reason.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Turn back the clock #3
Heart of gold #18
POPULAR IN 1988
This was the first album from R.E.M to achieve mainstream success worldwide, although they did score a minor hit in NZ the previous year with “The one I love” so perhaps they were already due for a commercial breakthrough before this album came out. Their popularity would explode in the 90’s with their next album which finally gave them a genuine hit in their native America.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Orange crush #5
Stand #23
POPULAR IN 1988
Following the massive success he had with his live album from two years prior, George Thorogood was finally able to score some success in NZ with one of his studio albums this year which finally put the “Bad to the bone” singer on the map over there. I guess we Aussies were intrigued by his success over there as the following year his greatest hits package would become a massive success here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
You talk too much #42
POPULAR IN 1988
I’m not sure why this greatest hits package failed here in Australia given how this was coming off the success of Graceland, it was a success over in NZ which suggests that the kiwis were more interested in checking out the back catalogue of Paul’s career with this album than we Aussies were.
Peak position #5
POPULAR IN 1988
This was originally released at the end of the 70’s to deafening silence in NZ, I guess the kiwis weren’t that keen on revisiting the biggest hits of David Bowie as the decade was coming to an end. They changed their minds following the success of his (then) latest album Scary monsters due to it spawning one of his bigger hits in his career.
Peak position #1×1
POPULAR IN 1981
This was the soundtrack to a now long forgotten film about humanoid cat people, basically it’s a theatrical adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats but presented as a horror film rather than a joyous musical. I’m guessing the soundtrack was a hit in NZ due to the title track from David Bowie being a massive success over there as well as the score from Giorgio Moroder also being neat.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Cat people #1
POPULAR IN 1982
Again, I could be wrong with my assessment for this album as it’s surprisingly hard to look up information about this Irish duo, what I do know is that this was way more of a mainstream success for Foster and Allen in NZ likely due to the singles becoming one of the most success of the decade over there following its sleeper success here in Australia.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Maggie #1
POPULAR IN 1984
This was only a moderate success for Crowded house in NZ, in fact it mainly got its second appearance on this site due to it rebounding on the charts in the new year due to some of the singles suddenly charting for the trio over there. Even so, it was an instant success there upon its initial release due to the lead single being their second biggest hit over there and biggest here in Australia.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Better be home soon #2
Sister madly #26
Into temptation #38
POPULAR IN 1988
Evidently the kiwis were bigger fans of James Galway than we Aussies were given how this managed to be an even bigger success over there than it was over here for the flutist, at least he never scored a hit in either country in the southern hemisphere which is more than I can say for his presence in his native UK.
Peak position #4
POPULAR IN 1980
While these guys did have success with their earlier albums in NZ, it was this album which made them a household name over there much like it did in the UK. None of their albums did particularly well here in Australia, however you can expect to see a bunch of them moving forward on these lists given how much the kiwis loved these guys.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Red red wine #1
Please don’t make me cry #41
Many rivers to cross #48
POPULAR IN 1983
It seems odd that Living colour would have such a massive hit with this album in NZ only for it to be a huge flop here in Australia, I bring this up because their second album was decently successful here in Australia due to the success of “Love rears its ugly” head and yet was a massive flop for the band in NZ. I guess you can say they’re a one album wonder with a different album in each country.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Cult of personality #3
Open letter #11
Glamour boys #14
POPULAR IN 1989
