Michael Clifford has officially made his mark in the ARIA Albums Chart history books alongside his 5 Seconds of Summer bandmates. This milestone highlights not just his journey but also the impact of Australian music on the global stage.

The talented Aussie guitarist has achieved a significant feat with the release of his debut solo album, Sidequest, which has impressively landed at No. 10 on the ARIA Albums Chart dated August 1. This marks a pivotal moment in his career as it is his first entry on the charts as a solo artist. Notably, Clifford is the second member of 5SOS to achieve a top 10 solo debut this year, following Calum Hood, whose album Order Chaos Order reached No. 1 in June.

This remarkable achievement for Clifford comes after more than a decade of success with the renowned 5SOS, a chart-topping Australian band. Their five studio albums — 5 Seconds of Summer (2014), Sounds Good Feels Good (2015), Youngblood (2018), Calm (2020), and 5SOS5 (2022) — have all reached the coveted No. 1 spot in Australia. The band has also amassed a total of six ARIA Awards and numerous accolades from around the world, solidifying their legacy in the music industry.

Sidequest, which Clifford describes as a “love letter to video games, fantasy, and finding your own path,” represents a significant stylistic evolution from his previous work with 5SOS. This album includes previously released singles such as “Potion,” “Haunted Player,” and “Healing Light.” The reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing their appreciation for Clifford’s artistic growth and creative journey both within the band and as a solo artist.

The promotional efforts surrounding the album’s release week were enhanced by Clifford’s extensive press tour across various Australian radio stations and popular Twitch gaming channels. During these appearances, he shared insights into the nostalgic influences that shaped the album and discussed the independent production process. Most of Sidequest was recorded in his home studio located in Los Angeles, where he collaborated with renowned producers, including Zakk Cervini (known for his work with Bring Me the Horizon and Poppy) and Pete Wentz on certain tracks.

In other news on the ARIA Albums Chart, Tim Minchin’s album Time Machine made a notable debut at No. 4, marking his second solo project to chart after Apart Together reached No. 3 in 2020. Additionally, fellow Aussie act Folk B***h Trio debuted at No. 19 with their first album, Now Would Be a Good Time, while The Dreggs entered the charts at No. 63 with their album The Art Of Uncommon Practice.

Meanwhile, on the Singles Chart, “Golden,” the lead track from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, has impressively climbed from No. 2 to No. 1 this week, becoming the fourth K-pop song to top the Australian charts. In addition, three other tracks from the album are also within the top 10: “Your Idol” at No. 4, “Soda Pop” at No. 5, and “How It’s Done” at No. 7, showcasing the growing influence of K-pop in the Australian music scene.

Furthermore, the recent triple j Hottest 100 countdown of all-time Australian songs has resulted in several classics re-entering the charts. Noteworthy entries include Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over” at No. 22, INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart” at No. 28, and Hilltop Hoods’ “The Nosebleed Section,” which has achieved a new chart peak at No. 31, highlighting the enduring popularity of these iconic tracks in the Australian music landscape.