Triple J Announces New ‘Hottest 100 of Australian Songs’ Poll

As the hangover from Australian youth broadcaster triple j’s epic 50th birthday bash begins to fade, they are already gearing up for another round of music madness with the announcement of a revamped Hottest 100 poll. This time around, the spotlight is on Aussie talent as they unleash the Hottest 100 of Australian Songs on July 26, inviting the public to cast their votes for their favorite tunes by homegrown artists.

But hold up, there are some ground rules to follow. To make it onto the list, songs must have been released prior to Jan. 19, 2025, and feature at least 50% Australian artists. This means our Kiwi neighbors, although honorary Aussies in many ways, unfortunately don’t make the cut. However, the likes of Crowded House manage to sneak in, thanks to Neil Finn’s move from New Zealand to Australia post-Split Enz.

Interestingly, tracks from triple j’s iconic Like a Version cover series won’t be jostling for a spot in this countdown. Despite being crowd-pleasers in previous Hottest 100 rounds, the cover series got its own separate poll in 2023, where DMA’S clinched the top spot with their heartfelt rendition of Cher’s “Believe.”

Venturing back to triple j’s inception on Jan. 19, 1975, a historic moment spurred by then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam’s progressive policies; the Hottest 100 countdown made its debut in 1989. Initially, listeners had free rein to vote for songs from any era. But the game changed in 1994 when the polls only considered tracks released in the preceding year, earning the title of “the world’s greatest music democracy” by the folks at triple j.

Over the years, the Hottest 100 winners’ circle has seen a diverse mix of Aussie legends like Spiderbait, The Wiggles, and multiple-time champs Powderfinger and Flume. International heavyweights like Oasis, Billie Eilish, and Kendrick Lamar have also snagged the coveted top spot, adding a global flavor to the mix.

The latest edition of the poll crowned Chappell Roan as the victor with the enchanting track “Good Luck, Babe!” However, amidst all the celebrations, a concerning trend emerged as the 2025 list showcased the lowest number of Aussie artists in nearly three decades. With only 29 homegrown acts making the cut, it marked a bleak moment for the local music scene, reminiscent of the scarce showing in the 1996 lineup. The only polls with a slimmer Aussie presence were the 1993 debut and its 1994 sequel, boasting 24 and 26 Aussie artists, respectively.

Aside from the annual spectacle, one-off countdowns have spiced things up over the years. Special editions like the relaxed restrictions in 1998 and 2009, the focus on Australian albums in 2011, the extended reach to songs from the past 20 years in 2013, and the homage to 2010s music in 2020 have brought fresh perspectives to the table.

As we gear up for the upcoming countdown, reflecting on past winners may offer a glimpse into what awaits. Tunes like Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know the Better” ruling the roost in 2020 could well set the tone for the next showdown. So, get those votes in and let the Aussie music magic unfold once more on the airwaves of triple j!