This was the biggest album of the decade over in NZ, I guess the kiwis really wanted to listen to jazz throwbacks given how the likes of Amy Winehouse and Duffy would also receive much more success over there throughout the decade than what they achieved here in Australia.
Peak position #1×12
Hit singles
Don’t know why #24
POPULAR IN 2002
She already had a massive breakthrough with her debut album from the late 90’s, so it’s only natural that Bic Runga’s second album would be even bigger this decade given how the kiwis had finally begun to look after their own music scene at the turn of the millennium. She would have another successful album later in the decade proving that her popularity was phenomenal but not something that would last forever.
Peak position #1×8
Hit singles
Get some sleep #3
Something good #4
Listening for the weather #14
POPULAR IN 2002
Given how these guys already had minor success over in NZ by the time Fergie joined their ranks for this album, it makes sense that it would be more of an immediate success over there than it was here in Australia which resulted in its being slightly more success over there. Still, this was the only reason why it ranks slightly higher on these lists as once it did crossover here, its popularity was inescapable.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Where is the love #1
Shut up #1
Hey mama #4
Let’s get it started #6
POPULAR IN 2003
One of the biggest names in NZ music this decade was Fat Freddy’s Drop, a reggae band who took their local scene by storm thanks to their catchy reggae tunes connecting with the kiwis to the point where they naturally sparked international interest in their music. Sadly, they remain a cult favourite at best outside of their homeland, however they certainly had an impressive run in their local mainstream regardless.
Peak position #1×10
Hit singles
Wandering eye #6
POPULAR IN 2005
Before she became a mainstay for the controversial religious group Hillsong, Brooke Fraser was a popular folk singer/songwriter from NZ who scored a massive hit with her debut album at the tender age of twenty. While she never was able to crossover to Australia despite eventually joining the Australian religious group, I doubt she cared considering how inescapable she was in her homeland.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Better #3
Lifeline #7
Saving the world #15
Arithmetic #8
Without you #16
POPULAR IN 2003
Unlike in Australia where this had most of its success when Linkin Park had their big hit on Billboard, in NZ it had most of its success upon its initial release in lieu of the lead single becoming a hit over there like it was down under. Indeed, the band didn’t have much success with their singles over there throughout the decade, however it was in favour of their albums seeing much more success.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Crawling #37
In the end #10
POPULAR IN 2001
Just as the decade was coming to an end, Gin Wigmore managed to get out her debut album which proved to be a huge success during the final months of the 2000’s as well as well into the 2010’s, proving how popular NZ indie music was during this time period.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Oh my #4
I do #14
Hey ho #21
POPULAR IN 2009
There were no signs of JT’s music career slowing down over in NZ when he dropped his second solo album, true it wasn’t a chart topper like it was over here and throughout the rest of the world, however that didn’t really matter considering the singles were as popular there as they were internationally, and that the album lasted equally as long on the charts.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Sexyback #1
My love #1
What goes around comes around #3
Lovestoned #17
Summer love #15
POPULAR IN 2006
There’s little surprise that this would be a massive success for Taylor Swift over in NZ as the decade was coming to an end, although it’s worth noting that it wasn’t released over there until the lead single became a massive worldwide success for the (then) teenage country star. Rest assured that if I were to look over the albums of the 2010’s, she would have the most entries out of any other artists on this site.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Love story #3
You belong with me #5
POPULAR IN 2009
It appears the kiwis were also interested in having Green day reinvent themselves from punk rockers singing about masturbation (among other things) to becoming politically active against the American government on this album, in fact I get the feeling this was more of a surprise comeback over there than it was here given how none of their albums since Dookie had any success whatsoever prior to this.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
American idiot #7
Boulevard of broken dreams #5
Holiday #13
Wake me up when September ends #10
Jesus of suburbia #26
POPULAR IN 2004
Well, there’s little surprise that this was a massive success for Eminem over in NZ like it was throughout the rest of the world, it’s release schedule over there was almost identical to what it was here in Australia, the only exception being that “Superman” was released around the same time as “Business” due to the kiwis being unable to decide on which song they wanted to support from the album.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
Without me #1
Cleaning out my closet #5
Sing for the moment #5
Superman #42
Business #14
POPULAR IN 2002
This proved to be equally as successful in NZ as it was here in Australia, this is just further proof that tampering with an album’s release schedule does little to impact its overall success even if the third single from this album was delayed here due to Australian idol shenanigans rather than to promote the album. Their career trajectory over there was the same as it was over here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Bring me to life #3
Going under #4
My immortal #2
POPULAR IN 2003
Unlike here in Australia where this needed to be a hit twice for Duffy to become a best seller, it was an instant success over in NZ thanks to the lead single becoming a massive success upon its initial release over there likely due to its inclusion on the Sex in the city theatrical film. Sadly, this didn’t do Duffy any favours going into the 2010’s given how Adele stole her crown as the queen of throwback soul music.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Mercy #4
Warwick avenue #15
POPULAR IN 2008
Their previous album was a bit of a commercial disappointment for RHCP in NZ, however they were able to bounce back with this album proving that they were still in the big leagues when it came to the kiwis (fun fact, their biggest releases were every second album in their catalogue.) Given how the 2010’s was as hostile to rock music in NZ as it was internationally, their subsequent follow ups also flopped over there.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Dani California #7
Tell me baby #16
Snow #10
Desecration smile #33
POPULAR IN 2006
Well at least the album proved to be equally as successful in NZ as it was here in Australia for James Blunt, although it’s worth noting that the singles didn’t bring in the numbers over there like they did over here which is strange considering how most albums we’ve looked at so far on these lists had singles that performed better over there than they did over there back in the day.
Peak position #1×12
Hit singles
You’re beautiful #4
Goodbye my lover #19
Wisemen #21
POPULAR IN 2005
This was equally as popular in NZ as it was here in Australia for Lady Gaga, it’s funny how things would turn out for her throughout the decade given how this and her debut album promised her inescapable popularity like her obvious influence Madonna had in the 80’s and 90’s.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Bad romance #2
Telephone #3
Alejandro #11
Monster #29
POPULAR IN 2009
Given how Robbie Williams was already one of the biggest names in music entering the 00’s in NZ, it only makes sense that his third solo album would be an instant success over there as opposed to here where it needed the runaway success of one of its singles to become as such. His popularity over there would line up with how big it was over here with his subsequent material later in the decade.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Rock DJ #1
Kids #5
Better man #4
Supreme #3
Let love be your energy #11
POPULAR IN 2000
Much like here in Australia, this sophomore album from Kelly Clarkson had a bit of a slow start to its success due to her being seen as little more than a reality show contestant upon its initial release in NZ, however it eventually won the kiwis over like it did for us Aussies which allowed it to be one of the biggest albums of the decade over there. Interestingly, this was their introduction to her music given how her debut or its singles didn’t even chart over there.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
Breakaway #12
Since u been gone #11
Behind these hazel eyes #7
Because of you #19
Walk away #19
POPULAR IN 2005
It’s no surprise that this was one of the biggest albums of the decade in NZ given how it managed to make an appearance on the Australian side of my site, after all, if even we Aussies can appreciate the talent on display here, then there was little doubt that her fellow kiwis would make this an instant classic over there.
Peak position #1×22
POPULAR IN 2003
Opshop are a NZ Britpop band who scored a massive hit with their second album thanks to the singles becoming a massive success for them in their homeland. Their next album was also a massive hit for the band at the start of the 2010’s, however they haven’t released any new material since due to them going on hiatus in 2013.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Maybe #3
One day #4
POPULAR IN 2007
Much like the rest of the world, the kiwis weren’t interested in this debut album from Maroon 5 upon its initial release in 2002, however they changed their minds also like the rest of the world when the second single began making waves on the radio. While the band did have their naysayers back in the day, at least it was mainly from people who merely found them overrated as opposed to what everyone thinks of them now.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
Harder to breathe #33
This love #4
She will be loved #18
Sunday morning #21
Must get out #38
POPULAR IN 2004
This had a similar trajectory to its popularity over in NZ than it did here in Australia, namely that it was a decent success upon its initial release only to then become a massive success once it became a critical darling over in America. Given how much the kiwis loved throwback albums from female artists this decade, it was twice as successful over there than it was over here for the troubled singer.
Peak position #1×7
Hit singles
Rehab #12
POPULAR IN 2007
The parallels of BEP’s success in NZ compared to what they achieved in Australia were identical as each of the songs on this second album with Fergie proved to be just as successful over there as they were over here in addition to the album also being as successful in both countries.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Don’t phunk with my heart #1
Don’t lie #5
My humps #1
Pump it #2
POPULAR IN 2005
Unlike in Australia where I’m not dead remains her biggest album, in NZ, that honour goes to P!nk’s fifth album which managed to be almost as successful over there as it was over here by having its singles be hits as opposed to the singles on her previous album. Admittedly the only album she found more success with over there was her second album from way earlier in the decade.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
So what #1
Sober #7
Please don’t leave me #19
Bad influence #12
Funhouse #15
POPULAR IN 2008
Given how these guys already had a massive hit with their previous album over in NZ (and a mainstream hit at that unlike a sleeper hit here in Australia) it only makes sense that this album would also be massive over there months prior to when it took off in their native America. Unfortunately, rock music was just as unpopular in NZ throughout the 2010’s as it was worldwide which makes this their final successful album there as well.
Peak position #1×9
Hit singles
Sex on fire #2
Use somebody #5
Revelry #19
Notion #25
POPULAR IN 2008
Well so much for denying the release of a single from the album in order to encourage its sales, not only was all four singles released over in NZ as opposed to only three of them here in Australia, the other three songs were also far more successful over there as well as the album itself, proving that tampering with an albums release will only discourage audiences from checking out what the artist has to offer.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Get the party started #1
Don’t let me get me #1
Just like a pill #2
Family portrait #5
POPULAR IN 2002
Well, this proved to be equally as successful in NZ as it was here in Australia, in fact it was arguably more successful over there due to the singles performing much better than what they did over here (even if that was due to airplay being factored into the NZ charts.) I stand by that this album isn’t as terrible as everyone makes it out to be, although it being one of the most popular of all time does warrant raised eyebrows.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Photograph #4
Far away #2
Saving me #9
POPULAR IN 2005
This had more of an immediate success for Craig David in NZ than it did here in Australia, I’m guessing because the kiwis already went through an entire decade of RNB as opposed to us Aussies being more into EDM around the time this was initially released in the southern hemisphere. Of course, the album was a massive success in both countries thanks to how inescapable the singles were.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Fill me in #11
7 days #6
Walking away #1
Rendezvous #31
POPULAR IN 2000
The success this debut album from Delta Goodrem had over in NZ feels more in line with what it should’ve achieved here in Australia given how ridiculously overplayed it was here back in the day, indeed I don’t think there was any backlash to the Neighbours star over there or even internationally as this did manage to crossover worldwide due to its success as well as her role in the TV soap opera.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Born to try #1
Lost without you #4
Innocent eyes #14
Not me not I #11
POPULAR IN 2003
Much like here in Australia, this third album from Rihanna only became a massive success in NZ once the deluxe edition dropped a year after its original release. Granted the album was decently successful upon its initial release in both countries, however it was only due to the deluxe edition that it managed to convince audiences that Rihanna was a household name and not just a singles artist.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Umbrella #1
Shut up and drive #12
Hate that I love you #6
Don’t stop the music #3
Take a bow #2 (deluxe edition)
Disturbia #1 (deluxe edition)
Rehab #12
POPULAR IN 2007
Much like in Australia, this also had immediate success over in NZ despite it failing to crossover to her native America initially, I guess the kiwis were also ready for a new queen of pop given how her album Hard candy failed to become a success over there months prior to when this was first released.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Just dance #3
Poker face #1
Eh eh #9
Lovegame #12
Paparazzi #5
POPULAR IN 2008
I guess congratulations are in order for Chris Brown given how he managed to release an album in NZ that was more popular than any album from his (then) girlfriend Rihanna throughout her career, admittedly this was back when he was seen as a positive role model in the RNB scene as each of the songs on here manage to become massive hits worldwide for him back in the day.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Wall to wall #15
Kiss kiss #1
With you #1
Forever #1 (deluxe edition)
Take you down #7
Superhuman #15 (deluxe edition)
POPULAR IN 2007
This third album from the Feelers was initially only a modest success upon its release in their homeland, I’m guessing because the kiwis felt that their time was up and wanted to move onto other local rock bands of the day such as Goldenhorse or Evermore. It was given a second chance a year after its initial release due to the surprise success of one of its singles which in turn made it a hugely successful album.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Larger than life #16
Weapons of war #34
The fear #13
Stand up #17
POPULAR IN 2003
While this album’s true success didn’t come until the third single from the album became unavoidable on the radio in NZ just like it was internationally, its initial success was more palatable over there compared to what it achieved here in Australia which suggests that the kiwis still had a stronger alternative scene compared to us Aussies back in the day.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
In my place #24
Clocks #13
God put a smile on your face #35
POPULAR IN 2002
Tiki Taane was the lead singer of the NZ EDM group Salmonella Dub, naturally he would find success as a solo artist once the hits began to dry up for the band even though this was only a success due to the runaway success of one of its singles which wound up becoming one of the biggest hits of the decade over there. He did release a second album once this became a massive success, however that proved to be a huge flop.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Always on my mind #1
POPULAR IN 2007
Even though the kiwis were more interested in Timbaland’s project as a lead artist initially, it appears we Aussies proved to be more intrigued by this album in the long run as it was much more successful here than it was over there for the producer/rapper. That said, there was little chance this was going to fail over there given how he was the most in demand producer of the decade.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Give it to me #2
The way I are #2
Apologize #1
Scream #9
POPULAR IN 2007
Given how the kiwis had already allowed their digital sales to be fully incorporated into their main charts when this album started gaining traction, it meant that it was able to spawn multiple singles on their charts including their breakthrough single which became one of the biggest hits of the decade over there. I guess you can consider the success this album had over there as a reflection of how big it was over here back in the day.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Chasing cars #3
You’re all I have #25
Hands open #34
POPULAR IN 2006
Much like everywhere else in the world, this had a bit of a slow rise to its popularity given how Gwen Stefani had attained a fanbase during her time with No Doubt who likely weren’t ready to see her go in a pop friendly direction on her first album away from the group. Indeed, I don’t think the kiwis were truly as on board with her change in direction as the rest of the world was, however that didn’t prevent the album from being a success over there regardless.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
What you waiting for #3
Rich girl #3
Hollaback girl #3
Cool #9
Luxurious #17
POPULAR IN 2004
This was equally as successful in NZ as it was here in Australia, I bring this up because Sony felt that by not releasing the third single here in Australia, it would drive up album sales for Avril Lavigne which clearly wasn’t the case. For what it’s worth, her next two albums saw more success over here than what they did over there even though Sony didn’t tamper with their release schedule here when they came out.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Complicated #1
Sk8er boi #2
I’m with you #5
Mobile #26
POPULAR IN 2002
Much like in Australia, this album from Limp Bizkit proved to be their magnum opus in NZ despite being panned by critics for its vulgar content (trust me, if you don’t already know what the title is referring to, you’re better off for not knowing.) Also like in Australia, their next album would be a huge commercial disappointment despite it containing their biggest hit with its lead single.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Take a look around #29
Rolling #14
My way #41
POPULAR IN 2000
Even though the singing in the film adaptation of the Broadway play Mamma Mia was widely criticised by critics and audiences alike (particularly that from Pierce Brosnan) it appears that didn’t prevent the soundtrack from being a massive success for the film given how it was equally as successful in NZ as it was in Australia upon the films release.
Peak position #1×6
POPULAR IN 2008
This was Jack Johnson’s biggest album over in NZ, it’s interesting given how his biggest album here in Australia was his sophomore effort from two years prior and this was merely his second biggest album over here for the folk singer. Naturally his popularity would decline moving forward in the decade, however he did retain most of it before the decade came to an end.
Peak position #1×8
Hit singles
Sitting waiting wishing #25
Good people #25
POPULAR IN 2005
There were no signs of these guys slowing down going into the new decade, in fact, I’m willing to bet the disappointment of their next album came as a complete surprise to fans of the group given how even they struggle to defend the Beginning which was what they released shortly after this fell off the charts worldwide. Indeed, this would spell the end for the group despite all the good will they had at the time.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
Boom boom pow #2
I gotta feeling #1
Meet me halfway #3
Rock that body #16
POPULAR IN 2009
This proved to be equally as successful for Coldplay in NZ as it was here in Australia, again this was a sign that the indie scene was rather strong in NZ throughout the decade given how this was back when Coldplay were considered a band in it for the art rather than for commercial appeal like they would become in the 2010’s.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Speed of sound #13
Fix you #17
Talk #20
The hardest part #28
POPULAR IN 2005
It appears the kiwis also felt there was still plenty of room for Shakira during the last stretch of the Latin craze that happened from the late 00’s to the midpoint of this decade, although this wasn’t quite as successful an album for her over there as it was over here if only due to it not quite reaching the top spot over there. Still, having three massive hits spawn from a previously unknown pop star was impressive.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Whenever wherever #1
Underneath your clothes #2
Objection #8
The one #39
POPULAR IN 2002
I guess the kiwis had decided that Dido would become an album artist with her sophomore effort like she was here in Australia given how none of the singles on this album became a massive hit for her like the ones on her previous album. Still, this was an impressive feat for her given how many of her contemporaries struggled to even have one successful album this decade worldwide, let alone two.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
White flag #12
Life for rent #17
POPULAR IN 2003
This was a massive comeback for Nelly Furtado even in NZ where the kiwis also quickly grew tired of her spiritual vibes from her earlier work and were won back over when she abandoned them in favour of an early prototype of the club boom that would explode by the end of the decade. Indeed her career trajectory was identical over to what it was over here albeit to a much larger scale of success.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Promiscuous #1
Maneater #2
Say it right #1
All good things #12
POPULAR IN 2006
Much like in Australia, this remains the most successful album from the Foo Fighters in NZ given how it managed to spawn their biggest hit in their native America in the form of its lead single. I guess the kiwis weren’t interested in giving the band a hit on the singles chart as unlike in Australia where it only failed to become as such due to digital piracy, it was a genuine flop for the band over there.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Best of you #38
DOA #34
Resolve #39
POPULAR IN 2005
From what I can gather, Elemeno P were the NZ equivalent of the likes of the Living end and Grinspoon, that is to say, a pop punk band who appealed to the disenfranchised youth of the day which resulted in their popularity in their homeland. This was their debut album, which was a massive success for the band, although it appeared that their fans would quickly grow tired of them as their subsequent follow ups failed to catch on.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Fast time in Tahoe #32
Verona #10
Urban getaway #27
POPULAR IN 2003
This was the debut album from Nesian Mystik, a hip-hop group from NZ who saw massive success throughout the decade with their singles even though this was their only successful album in their career. Indeed, they were more of a singles artist given how even prior to them calling it quits in 2011, they still managed to achieve massive success with their songs in their local music scene.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Nesian style #9
It’s on #2
For the people #5
Unity #7
Brothaz #13
POPULAR IN 2003
While this breakthrough album from Eminem proved to be equally as successful in NZ as it was here in Australia, it appears to have come at the expense of hit spawning a hit over there like it did over here as none of the singles managed to catch on in their mainstream for some reason. He wouldn’t have this conundrum with his next album which saw massive success with its singles in addition to it being a best seller.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
The real slim shady #15
Stan #14
POPULAR IN 2000
Much like everywhere else in the world, this had a slow start to its success over in NZ due to people feeling that Nelly Furtado would be a one hit wonder with the lead single from the album. Of course, the success this album had once the second single dropped over there was very predictable given how that single quickly became one of the biggest hits of the decade over there due to its popularity in America.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
I’m like a bird #2
Turn off the lights #1
On the radio #5
POPULAR IN 2001
It appears the kiwis were more invested in the High school musical trilogy back in the day than we Aussies were given how the soundtracks as well as the singles managed to be much bigger over there than they were over here back in the day. Of course, the first entry was the most popular due to the franchise wearing out its welcome more and more with each new film.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Breaking free #4
POPULAR IN 2006
This was even more successful in NZ than it was here in Australia, once again proving that tampering with an album’s release schedule with its singles does little in incentivise people into checking out said album. Here Usher was able to have uninterrupted success with his album about his relationship with Chilli from TLC in NZ due to the singles not having the threat of being pulled from their shelves.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
Yeah #1
Burn #1
Caught up #12
POPULAR IN 2004
Well at least the kiwis managed to make this album a success upon its initial release, although this seemed to come at the expense of the album spawning a hit for Nelly over there given how “Ride wit me” was released as a single several months prior to it ever being associated with Scary movie 2 like it was here in Australia. I’m guessing this is what led to him having more success here overall than he did over there.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Country grammar #42
Ride wit me #20
POPULAR IN 2000
It appears the kiwis were willing to have this double album from the two members of Outkast be an instant success over there as opposed to us Aussies where it needed to be declared album of the year at the Grammys before we made it a success here. Evidently, the duo released one more album later in the decade that was such a critical and commercial failure that it prompted them to go their separate ways.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Hey ya #2
The way you move #6
Roses #5
POPULAR IN 2003
The boy bands might’ve been over by the time Westlife released their second album, however that didn’t prevent the Irish fivesome from finding worldwide success with said album given how it was a massive hit for them over in NZ. I guess it did briefly chart here in Australia as the Irish lads did have sound success with their debut album here, however it was inconsequential compared to their success internationally.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
My love #3
I lay my love on you #24
When you’re looking like that #30
Uptown girl #4 (deluxe edition)
POPULAR IN 2000
This was even more of a success over in NZ for G’N’R, mainly because the band did have more success during their heyday in the late 80’s and early 90’s over there which would explain why the kiwis were eager to revisit their back catalogue when this was initially released. I can only imagine their disappointment once Chinese democracy finally dropped later in the decade.
Peak position #1×4
POPULAR IN 2004
Unlike in Australia where this album had most of its success from the lower half of the charts, it appears the kiwis were more consistently impressed with the album cycle that it managed to remain in the upper half of their charts for much longer during its chart run. As such, it manages to have a more accurate placement on this list with how popular it was in both countries back in the day.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Somewhere I belong #1
Numb #13
From the inside #27
Breaking the habit #50
POPULAR IN 2003
This was another instant success for Coldplay in NZ like it was throughout the rest of the world, it was a predictable hit for the band given how inescapable their previous three albums were upon its initial release. They may have had to adjust their sound going into the new decade which caused fans to accuse them of selling out, however doing so allowed them to find further success in the 2010’s which was unusual for a rock band.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
Violet hill #5
Viva la Vida #18
POPULAR IN 2008
I guess the kiwis were finally willing to give these guys some well-deserved hits from this album as this managed to be the only album from the Corrs that managed to spawn hits for them over there despite their previous two albums being a massive success each for them throughout the 90’s whilst failing to do so. This did lead to them scoring a hit off their greatest hits album over there that wasn’t as such over here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Radio #19
Breathless #3
Irresistible #8
Give me a reason #13
POPULAR IN 2000
It appears the kiwis were more on board with this guy becoming an international phenomenon than we Aussies were given how this not only was released on time but was more of an immediate hit over there than it was over here, I guess they really felt he was ripped off when he only came in second place on American idol in 2009.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
For your entertainment #10
Whataya want from me #4
If I had you #7
Fever #19
POPULAR IN 2009
Normally it’s us Aussies that are into EDM albums and the kiwis are the ones that overlook them; however, it appears that the opposite is the case with this entry as they quickly gravitated towards this album upon its initial release as opposed to us Aussies who only made it a minor sleeper hit about a year after its initial release over here.
Peak position #8
POPULAR IN 2000
Much like here in Australia, the kiwis ended the 00’s and began the 2010’s with this album at the top of the charts, proving that reality TV would be a massive factor in the success an album would receive in both countries as the decade rolled out.
Peak position #1×12
POPULAR IN 2009
This was a massive flop for P!nk upon its initial release in NZ, mainly because the kiwis felt they were done with her music given the massive failure of her third album Try this worldwide. They gave this a second chance due to how inescapably popular it was here in Australia which allowed it to be a success thanks to her world tour as well as how good the singles were.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Stupid girls #7
Who knew #11
U + ur hand #10
Leave me alone #5
Dear Mr president #11
Cuz I can #29
POPULAR IN 2006
There were no signs of Brooke Fraser’s popularity slowing down in her homeland when she released her second album, in fact, it was because of this albums success that she caught the attention of Hillsong here in Australia which led to her joining the organisation presumably in an attempt to broaden her audience internationally. It didn’t work out for her commercially, however she’s still with the group to this day.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Deciphering me #4
Shadowfeeet #13
POPULAR IN 2006
Well, I did mention that the lead single of this British opera band was from NZ, so naturally this meant that both of their albums proved to be more successful over there than the band’s native UK (where they both duly flopped.) Even though the band was inescapable in George Sewell’s homeland, it appears that wasn’t enough for them to stay together as they called it quits later in the decade.
Peak position #1×3
POPULAR IN 2004
This proved to be more of an immediate success for Audioslave in NZ than it did here in Australia, although admittedly both Soundgarden and especially Rage against the machine had infinitely more success over there during their respective heydays in the 90’s than they did here, so this hybrid of the two bands would naturally be more receptive to the kiwis than us Aussies back in the day.
Peak position #4
Hit singles
Like a stone #14
I am the highway #36
POPULAR IN 2002
I did say that this was a much bigger success in NZ than it was here in Australia on that side of my site, this is likely due to the album not being pushed aside over there in favour of a reality show taking over their music industry which was the case over here. It could also be the kiwis genuinely loved their brand of glam/hair metal much more than we Aussies did as they certainly had their detractors back in the day.
Peak position #5
Hit singles
I believe in a thing called love #10
Love is only a feeling #22
POPULAR IN 2004
By far the most successful rapper from NZ was Scribe, at least if we’re looking at how well they’ve all done here in Australia he is given how this album managed to appear on the Australian side of this site. Predictably, it was a massive success in his homeland given how it managed to spawn two of the biggest hits of the decade for him over there that even saw minor success down under.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Stand up #1
Not many #2
Dreaming #1
POPULAR IN 2004
This was a massive success for the Vengaboys over in NZ, likely because of the unwritten rule of allowing Dutch artists inescapable success being reinstated going into the new millennium which the band had some help in doing so with their debut from the previous year. Naturally they were all set up for massive success over there which they threw away by going their separate ways in 2002.
Peak position #1×4
Hit singles
Shalala lala #1
Uncle John from Jamaica #5
POPULAR IN 2000
A major theme with these lists is me pointing out how refusing the release of a single to boost an album’s popularity proved pointless here in Australia given how the album remained equally as popular in NZ such as this debut from Dido. Granted the singles were released over there due to Sony feeling that the lead single didn’t pose much of a threat to Eminem’s “Stan,” although that might be because that flopped over there for some reason.
Peak position #1×9
Hit singles
Thank you #3
Here with me #3
Hunter #28
POPULAR IN 2001
Much like their previous two albums, this third album was more successful in NZ than it was here in Australia, proving how much more the kiwis loved these guys over us Aussies back in the day. Unlike their previous two albums, the singles were also more successful from this album for the band, although I get the feeling that’s more due to the kiwis fully incorporating digital sales onto their charts by this point.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
What I’ve done #9
Bleed it out #7
Shadow of the day #13
Leave out all the rest #38
POPULAR IN 2007
Unlike in Australia where this greatest hits album was a massive hit throughout its initial run on the charts, this became a hit twice in NZ as it quickly fell off their charts not long after its initial release only to return once Maurice Gibb tragically passed away a year later.
Peak position #1×2
POPULAR IN 2001
I guess the trade-off for their debut album being much more successful in NZ than it was here in Australia was that their second album being slightly less successful there than it was here four years after the fact. Even so, this sophomore effort from the (literally) animated band proved to be quite popular with the kiwis this year thanks to their brand of hip hop and pop rock blending together nicely.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Feel good inc #2
Dare #5
POPULAR IN 2005
This took its sweet time in finding success over in NZ, in fact it wasn’t until fifteen months after its initial release that it finally became a best seller for the indie band Goldenhorse even after it spawned a massive sleeper hit which initially brought it some mainstream success the year prior. It took a circuitous route to its success; however, it paid off as their next album was also a big hit for them.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Maybe tomorrow #10
Wake up brother #17
Northern lights #43
POPULAR IN 2002
Even though Destiny’s child achieved minor success in NZ with their first album and even the lead single to this album, it’s likely this sophomore release from the group would’ve fallen into obscurity were it not for the controversy that happened with the rollout of its second single. Basically its success over there was likely the same as it was over here in that there was drama involving the members of the group.
Peak position #6
Hit singles
Bills bills bills #12
Say my name #4
Jumping jumping #6
POPULAR IN 2000
This was a success twice in the decade in NZ, the first time was upon its initial release where it confirmed the Black Seeds to be one of the hottest new bands from their local music scene whilst the second was a year after it fell off their charts likely due to a successful tour which encouraged their fellow kiwis that hadn’t already to check out what all the fuss was about.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
Cool me down #26
POPULAR IN 2006
Well, there was little doubt that Eminem’s soundtrack to his autobiographical film was going to be a massive success for him over in NZ given how it was released during the height of his popularity worldwide, its success was exactly the same there as it was here hence why I don’t have much to add in this commentary.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Lose yourself #1
POPULAR IN 2002
It’s a bit surprising that these two didn’t have any success here in Australia, mainly because I’ve heard Americans talk about them (mainly due to the success of their show) which means they would’ve had the advantage of their music being played on TV as well as endorsements from making it big internationally. Naturally they were huge in their homeland given how this was around the time their show premiered.
Peak position #1×1
POPULAR IN 2008
Although the trio formerly known as the Dixie chicks (they now go by the Chicks) never had a hit single to their name over in NZ, at least their two albums that were popular here in Australia had their success translated over there given how both of them have successfully reappeared on this side of my site. It may not have charted over there, however I get the feeling “Not ready to make nice” was what made this a success with the kiwis.
Peak position #5
POPULAR IN 2006
While this wasn’t the inescapable success that their debut album was from earlier in the decade, there was little doubt that Fat Freddy’s Drop would see failure with their second album coming out of the 00’s given how well beloved they’ve become in the alternative scene worldwide.
Peak position #1×5
Hit singles
The camel #14
Pull the catch #17
POPULAR IN 2009
This might’ve been Fall Out Boy’s only successful album in NZ as it was here in Australia, however at least it proved to be far more successful over there likely due to digital downloads being fully incorporated in NZ by the time it was released as opposed to here in Australia where they had to compete with physical sales which the band had struggled with at the time.
Peak position #1×6
Hit singles
This ain’t a scene it’s an arms race #1
Thnks fr th mmrs #11
The take over the breaks over #30
I’m like a lawyer #33
POPULAR IN 2007
This was the only noticeably success that Swedish DJ Basshunter managed to achieve in his career anywhere in the world, although its success in NZ is impressive considering that it didn’t even chart here in Australia despite EDM being the genre of choice for us Aussies over the years. I guess this became a hit due to the title track being one of the biggest hits of the decade over there.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Now you’re gone #3
All I ever wanted #17
POPULAR IN 2008
It was inevitable that this greatest hits package from Lenny Kravitz would be more of a success in NZ than it was here in Australia given how he managed to somewhat retain his popularity throughout the 90’s over there rather consistently, indeed the bonus track from the album became a massive hit for him over there as opposed to it merely being a sleeper hit at best over here.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
Again #5
POPULAR IN 2000
This had a bit of a slow start to its success over in NZ as opposed to the rest of the world where it was an instant success for Beyonce, although the trade-off was that she found far more success over there with its singles than she did internationally which was a given for her catalogue over there as the kiwis seemed to consider her more of a singles artist throughout her career.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
If I were a boy #2
Single ladies #2
Halo #2
Diva #26
Ego #11
Sweet dreams #1
POPULAR IN 2008
Naturally this would be more of a success in the homeland of the Finn brothers than it was here in Australia given how they’ve both retained their popularity years after the demise of both Split enz and Crowded house, it further benefitted from NZ Idol not dominating their mainstream like the Australian equivalent did, which means it had little competition from reality stars over there like it did over here.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
Won’t give in #16
Nothing wrong with you #35
POPULAR IN 2004
OK so perhaps I oversold that this was more popular here in Australia than it was in NZ, that’s certainly true given this album doesn’t appear as high on this list as it did on the Australian side of this site, however it was still a massive hit for Ben Harper and even led to him having one more successful album later in the decade over there, which shoots down my theory that the kiwis had grown tired of his music.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
With my own two hands #14
Diamonds on the inside #13
POPULAR IN 2003
I’m guessing this albums success here in Australia came due to it being an even bigger success over in NZ months prior to it crossing over here, although I’m not sure why it was more successful over there as neither of the singles became a success (despite me having vivid memories of them being overplayed back in the day.) I guess this was a success over there due to Faith being considered the new Shania Twain by the kiwis.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Breathe #27
The way you love me #23
POPULAR IN 2000
I guess the kiwis were just as enamoured by the music of the Twilight saga as the rest of the world was as this remains equally as successful over there as it does here in Australia. Even the biggest detractors of the franchise will tell you that the soundtracks are its one saving grace given how it introduced many alternative bands and artists to the mainstream thanks to their incorporation in each film.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Decode #15
POPULAR IN 2008
Given how the lead single to this album was an immediate success upon its initial release in NZ, it makes sense that the kiwis would want to check out what else the Scottish folk singer had to offer which allowed the album to be a huge success in its own right. This did chart in Australia once she scored a hit here, however it was apparent we Aussies didn’t care about her outside of the Devil wears Prada soundtrack.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Suddenly I see #5
Black horse and cherry tree #20
POPULAR IN 2006
I guess the kiwis were huge fans of the cinematic debut of Disney’s flagship series Hannah Montana to make it even more successful over there than it was here in Australia, although it could be they allowed anything related to Disney to be a massive success given how big the High school musical trilogy was throughout the decade over there. The film remains one of the worst reviewed Disney products to this day, even with all of the junk coming out of their studios in recent years.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
The climb #12
Hoedown throwdown #40
POPULAR IN 2009
This proved to be more of a success for Disney in NZ than it was here in Australia, I think it’s safe to say that the kiwis were more impressed with what the company had to offer at the time given how everything they released this decade (particularly from the second half) proved to be more successful there than it was here.
Peak position #3
POPULAR IN 2007
This had the same story to its success in NZ as it did here in Australia as the kiwis were also hesitant in making this debut album from the girl group a huge success only to then change their minds once it became clear that the songs from the album would define the music of its era. The only difference is that this managed to chart much higher over there than it did over here as did many of the singles.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Don’t cha #1
Stickwitu #1
Beep #1
Buttons #1
I don’t need a man #7
Wait a minute #24
POPULAR IN 2005
Unlike in Australia where Anastacia had plenty of success with her first three albums, in NZ she only had success with her debut off the strength of its lead single which sadly left her a one album wonder as the kiwis for some reason didn’t bother checking out her subsequent follow ups like we Aussies did. At least this was still a massive success for her over there unlike in her native America where she went unnoticed.
Peak position #1×3
Hit singles
I’m outta love #1
Not that kind #22
Cowboys and kisses #46
POPULAR IN 2000
While this wasn’t as inescapable a success for Haley Westenra as her earlier entries in her catalogue, it was nonetheless a huge success for her which is impressive given how most of the classical music to make it big this decade came from male artists. It does make you wonder why she was able to find success and not the likes of Sarah Brightman or Charlotte Church this decade.
Peak position #1×2
POPULAR IN 2005
Disney were on a roll when they released Miley Cyrus’s first album that wasn’t affiliated with her character on their lucrative series Hannah Montana, like their other products this decade, it proved to be much more successful in NZ than it was here in Australia despite the singles themselves failing to reach the dizzying heights they achieved here back in the day over there.
Peak position #2
Hit singles
See you again #11
7 things #24
POPULAR IN 2008
This was already a modest success over in NZ upon its initial release however it was when the album rebounded shortly after its release that it became a best seller thanks to these guys becoming one of the driving forces of the emo rock craze this decade along the likes of Panic! at the disco and Fall out boy from earlier on this list. They remain a one album wonder worldwide, likely due to their next album being titled the Black parade is dead.
Peak position #1×2
Hit singles
Welcome to the black parade #2
Famous last words #6
Teenagers #6
POPULAR IN 2006
It looks like the kiwis were really unimpressed with this album initially given how it only became a success over there once it finally took off here in Australia thanks to one of the songs performing quite well on Triple J’s year end list for 2009.
Peak position #3
Hit singles
Dog days are over #27
POPULAR IN 2009
This found the exact amount of success in NZ as it did in Australia, right down to the peak positions of the album and singles which I think is the only album to achieve this feat in both countries. Naturally this meant that Leona Lewis had the same amount of appeal in both countries with this album, an appeal that went away once she released her third album later in the decade.
Peak position #1×1
Hit singles
Bleeding love #1
Better in time #6
POPULAR IN 2008
