List of Hottest 100 of Australian Songs live.

The People Have Spoken: INXS Crowned #1 in Triple J’s Historic Hottest 100 of Australian Songs

The votes are in, the sax solo has echoed across the nation, and a piece of Australian music history is cemented. On Saturday, July 26th, 2025, triple j completed its monumental countdown of the Hottest 100 Australian Songs, a special poll celebrating the station’s 50th anniversary. After more than 2.65 million votes – making it the fourth-largest Hottest 100 in triple j history – the results are a powerful testament to the enduring legacy and vibrant diversity of Australian music.

And the winner is… INXS with “Never Tear Us Apart” (1987).

The iconic power ballad, written by Andrew Farriss and the late, great Michael Hutchence, claimed the coveted #1 spot. Its victory is a story of timeless resonance. Triple J Music Director Nick Findlay perfectly captured its significance: “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.” From dominating global charts in the late 80s to becoming a staple at sporting events and deeply personal milestones, the song’s emotional power and Hutchence’s unforgettable vocals proved unbeatable.

The Full Hottest 100 of Australian Songs List (100-1)

Here is the complete list, as voted by the Australian public on July 26, 2025:

  1. INXS – “Never Tear Us Apart” (1987)
  2. Hilltop Hoods – “The Nosebleed Section” (2003)
  3. The Veronicas – “Untouched” (2007)
  4. Missy Higgins – “Scar” (2004)
  5. Crowded House – “Don’t Dream It’s Over” (1986)
  6. Powderfinger – “My Happiness” (2000)
  7. Cold Chisel – “Flame Trees” (1984)
  8. Cold Chisel – “Khe Sanh” (1978)
  9. Paul Kelly – “How to Make Gravy” (1996)
  10. Gotye (feat. Kimbra) – “Somebody That I Used to Know” (2011)
  11. The Temper Trap – “Sweet Disposition” (2008)
  12. The Angels – “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again” (1976)
  13. AC/DC – “Thunderstruck” (1990)
  14. Powderfinger – “These Days” (1999)
  15. John Farnham – “You’re the Voice” (1986)
  16. RÜFÜS DU SOL – “Innerbloom” (2015)
  17. Silverchair – “Tomorrow” (1994)
  18. Midnight Oil – “Beds Are Burning” (1987)
  19. Tame Impala – “The Less I Know The Better” (2015)
  20. Angus & Julia Stone – “Big Jet Plane” (2010)
  21. Men At Work – “Down Under” (1981)
  22. Paul Kelly & The Messengers – “To Her Door” (1987)
  23. Jet – “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” (2003)
  24. Empire Of The Sun – “Walking On A Dream” (2008)
  25. Hunters & Collectors – “Throw Your Arms Around Me” (1984)
  26. Flume (feat. kai) – “Never Be Like You” (2016)
  27. Kylie Minogue – “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” (2001)
  28. Silverchair – “Straight Lines” (2007)
  29. The Church – “Under The Milky Way” (1988)
  30. Daryl Braithwaite – “The Horses” (1991)
  31. AC/DC – “Highway To Hell” (1979)
  32. Natalie Imbruglia – “Torn” (1997)
  33. Augie March – “One Crowded Hour” (2006)
  34. Spacey Jane – “Booster Seat” (2020)
  35. ICEHOUSE – “Great Southern Land” (1982)
  36. Yothu Yindi – “Treaty” (1991)
  37. AC/DC – “Back In Black” (1980)
  38. Crowded House – “Better Be Home Soon” (1988)
  39. Australian Crawl – “Reckless (Don’t Be So…)” (1983)
  40. Violent Soho – “Covered In Chrome” (2013)
  41. The Living End – “Prisoner Of Society” (1997)
  42. Gang Of Youths – “Magnolia” (2015)
  43. Wolfmother – “Joker And The Thief” (2005)
  44. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – “Into My Arms” (1997)
  45. Daddy Cool – “Eagle Rock” (1971)
  46. Bag Raiders – “Shooting Stars” (2009)
  47. Goanna – “Solid Rock” (1982)
  48. Vance Joy – “Riptide” (2013)
  49. Ball Park Music – “It’s Nice To Be Alive” (2011)
  50. Hunters & Collectors – “Holy Grail” (1992)
  51. Matt Corby – “Brother” (2011)
  52. Missy Higgins – “The Special Two” (2005)
  53. Thelma Plum – “Better In Blak” (2019)
  54. Divinyls – “I Touch Myself” (1990)
  55. The Presets – “My People” (2007)
  56. Jimmy Barnes – “Working Class Man” (1985)
  57. Bernard Fanning – “Wish You Well” (2005)
  58. The Avalanches – “Frontier Psychiatrist” (2000)
  59. INXS – “Need You Tonight” (1987)
  60. Gang Of Youths – “Let Me Down Easy” (2017)
  61. Chet Faker – “Talk Is Cheap” (2014)
  62. Sticky Fingers – “Australia Street” (2013)
  63. Redgum – “I Was Only 19 (A Walk In The Light Green)” (1983)
  64. Hilltop Hoods – “Cosby Sweater” (2014)
  65. Ocean Alley – “Confidence” (2018)
  66. Midnight Oil – “Power And The Passion” (1982)
  67. Regurgitator – “! (The Song Formerly Known As)” (1998)
  68. Grinspoon – “Chemical Heart” (2002)
  69. Crowded House – “Weather With You” (1992)
  70. Powderfinger – “(Baby I’ve Got You) On My Mind” (2003)
  71. Drapht – “Jimmy Recard” (2008)
  72. Silverchair – “Freak” (1997)
  73. Hilltop Hoods (feat. Montaigne & Tom Thum) – “1955” (2016)
  74. The Waifs – “London Still” (2003)
  75. The Church – “The Unguarded Moment” (1981)
  76. The Veronicas – “4ever” (2005)
  77. Killing Heidi – “Weir” (2000)
  78. Eskimo Joe – “Black Fingernails, Red Wine” (2006)
  79. The Cat Empire – “Hello” (2003)
  80. Empire Of The Sun – “We Are The People” (2008)
  81. You Am I – “Berlin Chair” (1993)
  82. Peking Duk (feat. Nicole Millar) – “High” (2014)
  83. Ben Lee – “Cigarettes Will Kill You” (1998)
  84. The Go-Betweens – “Streets Of Your Town” (1988)
  85. DMA’S – “Delete” (2016)
  86. Gotye – “Hearts A Mess” (2006)
  87. Gang Of Youths – “The Deepest Sighs, The Frankest Shadows” (2017)
  88. Angus & Julia Stone – “Chateau” (2017)
  89. Amyl And The Sniffers – “Hertz” (2021)
  90. Spiderbait – “Black Betty” (2004)
  91. The Whitlams – “No Aphrodisiac” (1997)
  92. ICEHOUSE – “Electric Blue” (1987)
  93. The Avalanches – “Since I Left You” (2000)
  94. Flight Facilities (feat. Christine Hoberg) – “Clair de Lune” (2014)
  95. Spiderbait – “Calypso” (1997)
  96. Stevie Wright – “Evie (Parts 1, 2, 3)” (1974)
  97. Savage Garden – “I Want You” (1997)
  98. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – “Red Right Hand” (1994)
  99. Midnight Oil – “Blue Sky Mine” (1990)
  100. The Screaming Jets – “Better” (1991)

Missed the countdown? Double J will be counting down songs #200 to #101 next week! Tune in to hear the songs that just missed the cut. You can also catch up on the full broadcast via the ABC Listen app.

More Than Just a List: A National Celebration

The Hottest 100 of Australian Songs was more than just a ranking; it was a powerful, collective celebration. It sparked conversations across backyard barbecues, social media, and pubs nationwide. It reminded Australians young and old of the incredible depth and quality of music produced on these shores – from punk snarls to hip-hop anthems, tender ballads to rock juggernauts, and iconic pop moments.

While debates about representation and the future of the Hottest 100 will continue, the sheer volume of votes and the passion displayed on July 26th undeniably proves one thing: Australian music matters. It shapes our identity, scores our lives, and, as Michael Hutchence so powerfully sang, sometimes feels like something that could truly never be torn apart.

Where to Listen:

1 thought on “The People Have Spoken: INXS Crowned #1 in Triple J’s Historic Hottest 100 of Australian Songs”

  1. Pingback: INXS Wins Triple J Hottest 100 Australian Songs 2025 | Full Countdown & Analysis

Leave a Comment