INXS take out #1 in triple j’s Hottest 100 of Australian Songs
Australia’s called it! INXS can take their flowers! ‘Never Tear Us Apart ’ has claimed the coveted #1 in triple j’s Hottest 100 of Australian Songs , a landmark win for a certified classic that’s never lost its magic.
Landing at #2 were Australian hip hop legends Hilltop Hoods with their beloved 2003 hit ‘Nosebleed Section ’. Chart topping pop duo The Veronica’s rounded out the podium with ‘Untouched ’, followed closely behind by ‘Scar ’ by Missy Higgins and **‘**Don’t Dream It’s Over’ by Crowded House . Read the full list here.
triple j Music Director Nick Findlay shares: “Never Tear Us Apart hits just as hard in 2025 as it did almost 40 years ago. It’s a song that Australians of all ages can relate to, one that has soundtracked countless memories, and a defining piece of music history we can all celebrate together. Seeing iconic anthems from the likes of Paul Kelly, The Angels and Missy Higgins stand side by side as equals with modern day classics like Innerbloom, Better in Blak and The Less I Know The Better, has highlighted what we all know – Australia is the home of the best music ever written!”
Figuring out why certain songs land in any Hottest 100 can be tricky, but with this countdown, the mix of nostalgia, cultural impact and emotional connection proves that some tracks just hit differently, and keep hitting, year after year.
Suss out the TLDR here:
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2,655,826 total votes were tallied, marking triple j’s 4th biggest Hottest 100, ever.
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18–29-year-olds were the biggest voting demo, and over 50% of their votes went to songs that were released before they hit high school (childhood memories unlocked!)
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The 2000s were the top decade for entries
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24 artists who made the list got in early with a triple j Unearthed profile
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Cold Chisel went back-to-back in the top 10 with #7 & #8
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Bernard Fanning had the greatest number of entries: 3 by Powderfinger and 1 via his solo project.
Marking 50 years of triple j , this Hottest 100 has done what every Hottest 100 does best: connect music fans across the country through songs that have left a lasting impact. The countdown united generations of fans and sparked conversations about Australian music nationwide, acting not just as a nostalgic look back at our rich music legacy, but as a powerful reminder of all the incredible music being made right now, right here at home.
The good times keep coming all this week with Double J and triple j Unearthed . Listen to Double J to find out the songs that just missed out on Hottest 100 glory, with the Hottest 200-101 airing each day next week. Go to the Double J socials for all the details. Plus, head over to Unearthed from 6pm-8pm Monday-Thursday to hear the 100 Best Unearthed Discoveries of all time, as voted by you.
This Hottest 100 is one we’ll be talking about for a long time. The entire triple j family sends a huge thank you to our music loving listeners, our music loving listeners’ parents, Australian artists, and everyone who voted, listened and got around the Hottest 100 of Australian Songs .
From the triple j textline
“Why am I crying? Maybe cos so far Australia has voted for my favourites playlist on shuffle.”
“I have been teary so many times through the countdown already. Been listening to triple j for decades and today I am really feeling the intergenerational love our musical history brings. Thank you to our Australian music heroes and to triple j for giving them their voice!!!"
“This countdown should go down in the history books. If humanity makes it another 100 years, how cool would it be to choose history and have this as a subject?”
“Wow!! This Hottest 100 makes me feel proud to be Australian”
) was 12th, so i’m happy there too.
