It Took 13 Years But An Aussie Act Has Scored 2018's Highest-selling Single

2018 was a good year for local releases, and ARIA’s annual chart wrap-up backs that up while also revealing the end of a dry spell.

After spending eight consecutive weeks at #1 on the Singles chart, Sydney outfit 5 Seconds Of Summer’s Youngblood was the highest selling single of 2018, making them the first Aussie act in 13 years to claim that title after Anthony Callea's The Prayer did so in 2005.

“We’ve always said to be recognised in our home country is more special than anything,” 5 Seconds Of Summer said.

“To have the number one song of 2018 is a very proud moment for this band. Thank you to everyone who has supported us and thank you Australia!”

Dean Lewis joins 5 Seconds Of Summer in the top five, with Be Alright landing #4, while Amy Shark’s I Said Hi (#31) and PNAU’s Go Bang (#43) make the top 50.

After cleaning up at the ARIAs, it’s not surprising that Shark had the biggest Australian album last year, with Love Monster ranking #14 overall after debuting at #1 upon release.

“I put my heart and soul into this album, I’m so grateful to everyone who purchased Love Monster last year and made it the highest selling Australian artist album,” Shark said. “This means so much to me.”

Other local albums to grace the top 50 include Vance Joy’s Nation Of Two (#18), Keith Urban’s Graffiti U at #19, Cold Chisel’s All For You best of compilation (#29), INXS’ The Very Best, Gang Of Youth’s Go Farther In Lightness (#39) and 5 Second Of Summer’s Youngblood (#45).

Although the soundtrack to Bohemian Rhapsody is riding a high following the film taking out two Golden Globes, The Greatest Showman ended up the number #1 album of 2018, closely followed by Ed Sheeran’s ÷, Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born and Post Malone's Beerbongs & Bentleys, with Bohemian Rhapsody landing at #5.

The Greatest Showman spent 49 weeks in the top ten last year and is the first soundtrack since Moulin Rouge in 2001 to top the end of year charts.

Top 10 Singles of 2018

1. 5 Seconds Of Summer - Youngblood

2. Drake - God’s Plan

3. Ed Sheeran - Perfect

4. Dean Lewis - Be Alright

5. Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line - Meant To Be

6. Post Malone - I Fall Apart

7. Post Malone Feat. Ty Dolla $ign - Psycho

8. Maroon 5 Feat. Cardi B - Girls Like You

9. George Ezra - Shotgun

10. Benny Blanco Feat. Halsey & Khalid - Eastside

Top 10 Albums of 2018

1. Soundtrack – The Greatest Showman

2. Ed Sheeran - ÷

3. Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper - A Star Is Born

4. Post Malone - Beerbongs & Bentleys

5. Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody

6. Eminem - Kamikaze

7. Drake - Scorpion

8. Queen - Greatest Hits

9. P!nk - Beautiful Trauma

10. Ed Sheeran - X

“2018 was an exceptional year for Australian music as we saw an array of new and established local talent reach the top of the ARIA Charts,” ARIA Chief Executive Dan Rosen said.

“After such a monumental year, I can’t help but look forward to what 2019 has in store for us.”

Head to the ARIA Charts website for the full lists.