🎧 Triple J Hottest 100: Australia’s Most Beloved Music Tradition – 2025 Edition Deep Dive
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This year, however, something extraordinary happened. In celebration of 50 years of Triple J, the broadcaster took a nostalgic turn and asked a singular question:
What is the greatest Australian song of all time?
More than 2.65 million people answered that call.
And the result? A countdown that was equal parts emotional, political, celebratory, and reflective of Australia’s rich and complex musical history.
🥇 INXS Tops the Chart with an All-Time Classic
The biggest moment of the night — the number one spot — went to INXS for their haunting 1987 ballad, Never Tear Us Apart. The song, laced with dramatic strings and Michael Hutchence’s iconic vocals, isn’t just a tune — it’s a piece of national memory. From wedding playlists to sports anthems, the song has become woven into Australia’s cultural fabric.
This win came as a beautiful nod to the golden age of Australian pub rock, and an emotional reminder of Hutchence’s enduring legacy.
💥 A Countdown That Celebrated Our Roots
What made the 2025 Hottest 100 so special was its deliberate focus: only Australian songs, from any year, genre, or style. It was about legacy, impact, and resonance with the Australian public.
Here’s a glimpse at how the Top 10 shaped up:
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INXS – Never Tear Us Apart (1987)
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Hilltop Hoods – The Nosebleed Section (2003)
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The Veronicas – Untouched (2007)
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Missy Higgins – Scar (2004)
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Crowded House – Don’t Dream It’s Over (1986)
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Powderfinger – My Happiness (2000)
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Cold Chisel – Flame Trees (1984)
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Cold Chisel – Khe Sanh (1978)
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Gotye – Somebody That I Used to Know (2011)
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Paul Kelly – To Her Door (1987)
This list isn’t just a collection of hits; it’s a timeline of the Australian experience. From the rebellion of Cold Chisel to the introspection of Gotye, from the pop brilliance of The Veronicas to the poetic heartache of Paul Kelly — this year’s Hottest 100 was like a musical walk through the nation’s soul.
🎙️ Artists Reflect on the Honour
Many artists expressed their shock and gratitude at being featured in the countdown. Missy Higgins, whose breakout hit Scar landed at #4, shared that she was “humbled beyond words” and credited Triple J for supporting her early in her career.
The Hilltop Hoods, consistently one of Australia’s most beloved hip-hop acts, were thrilled to be part of the top five. Their track The Nosebleed Section has long been a fan favorite and continues to be a staple at live gigs, sporting events, and parties across the country.
📈 Voting Trends – A Young Nation with Old Favorites
Interestingly, while many of the top songs were released before 2010, the votes were mostly cast by a younger generation of listeners, according to Triple J. This demonstrates a powerful truth: great music transcends time. Whether you discovered Khe Sanh from your dad’s cassette player or streamed To Her Door on Spotify last week, the emotions these tracks stir remain the same.
The voting demographic was a blend of Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X, which made the list a rare unifying moment in the ever-divided musical landscape.
🔥 What Made This Countdown Different?
Unlike the usual Hottest 100 format — which only includes songs released in the previous year — this special edition allowed voters to pick any song by an Australian artist. That meant decades of music, from 70s rock to modern electronica, were suddenly fair game.
And yet, it wasn’t just about nostalgia. Artists like Amy Shark, Tame Impala, Flume, and G Flip also cracked the list, proving that contemporary Australian music is thriving just as much as its classic roots.
🇦🇺 National Pride and Identity
One of the most moving aspects of this Hottest 100 was the pride it inspired. For many, the list wasn’t just about personal favorites — it was about what it means to be Australian.
Songs like Khe Sanh and Don’t Dream It’s Over tap into the nation’s collective history and identity, while modern hits reflect the diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking future Australians are building.
There was also a notable increase in First Nations representation, with artists like Baker Boy and Thelma Plum receiving huge love, showing how Triple J and its listeners are helping platform Indigenous voices on a global stage.
🎉 Celebrations Across the Country
True to tradition, the 2025 Hottest 100 wasn’t just a listening event — it was a national party. Beaches, backyards, pubs, and parks became stages for celebration. Social media exploded with live reactions, predictions, heated debates, and moments of unity.
Even politicians chimed in. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted his support for Paul Kelly’s placement, calling To Her Door “one of the greatest stories ever told in three verses.” And in a rare moment of bipartisan agreement, opposition leader Peter Dutton praised INXS’s timeless appeal.
💬 What’s Next for Triple J?
The Hottest 100 of Australian Songs may be a one-off event tied to the 50-year milestone, but it’s clear there's appetite for more legacy-driven content. Many fans are now calling for separate decade-based polls, or even genre-specific countdowns like best Aussie indie tracks, rap tracks, or even best music videos.
With community engagement stronger than ever and the station continuously evolving, Triple J has never been more culturally relevant — or more beloved.
✍ Final Thoughts: A Love Letter to Aussie Music
The 2025 Hottest 100 wasn’t just a chart — it was a celebration of everything Australian music has meant and will continue to mean. It connected generations, validated underdog artists, and reminded us all of where we’ve come from and where we’re going.
Whether you grew up with a Powderfinger poster on your wall or only just discovered The Veronicas through TikTok, one thing’s for sure:
Australian music is a heartbeat that continues to echo louder than ever.
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