The dust has settled on the latest countdown from triple j, Australia’s beloved youth broadcaster, as the iconic band INXS has achieved the remarkable feat of topping their Hottest 100 of Australian Songs poll, showcasing the enduring appeal of Australian music.

Unveiled on Saturday, July 26, this event marked a significant departure from the station’s typical countdown format, which has been a staple since 1993, designed to highlight the favorite tracks of its diverse listener base from the preceding year. This year’s variation underscores the dynamic evolution of the station and its commitment to engaging with listeners in new and exciting ways.

In addition to the annual countdowns, triple j has hosted various one-off events throughout the years. The most recent unique event occurred in 2023, where the station counted down the top performances from their popular Like a Version series, showcasing the incredible talent of both emerging and established artists.

However, while January’s 2024 countdown highlighted that listeners favored Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” as their top choice, it also marked a concerning trend with the lowest representation of local artists in the Hottest 100 countdown in 29 years. Coinciding with triple j‘s 50th anniversary celebrations that month, it was announced in June that a new poll would focus exclusively on Australian artists, emphasizing the station’s dedication to promoting local talent.

Leading the lineup of local favorites was INXS’s iconic 1987 track “Never Tear Us Apart,” featured on their critically acclaimed album Kick. This track not only showcased the band’s artistry but also marked a career high, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its initial release, further solidifying their status as one of Australia’s most successful bands.

Although the Kick album produced four chart-topping singles, including “Need You Tonight,” “Devil Inside,” and “New Sensation,” all of which dominated the top three spots on the Billboard Hot 100, “Never Tear Us Apart” was regarded as the album’s least commercially successful single, still achieving an impressive No. 7 position, demonstrating the strong appeal of INXS’s music across various audiences.

This appearance in the poll marked a significant milestone for INXS, being their first entry in a Hottest 100 countdown. They made a notable return by placing twice, with “Need You Tonight” also making the list at No. 59, showcasing their lasting impact on the Australian music scene.

The rest of the top ten featured Hilltop Hoods, South Australia’s legendary hip-hop pioneers, who secured the No. 2 spot with their hit “The Nosebleed Section.” Following closely was the sibling duo The Veronicas at No. 3 with their popular track “Untouched,” which previously peaked at No. 17 on the Hot 100 in 2009, illustrating the continued relevance of Australian artists in the music industry.

Completing the top five were Missy Higgins with her emotional single “Scar” and Crowded House’s timeless classic “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” which reached No. 2 on the Hot 100 in 1987. Additionally, Powderfinger’s “My Happiness,” which previously topped the station’s annual poll in 2000, came in at No. 6, followed by Cold Chisel and Paul Kelly with their fan-favorite “How to Make Gravy.”

The top ten was rounded off by Gotye’s massive 2011 hit “Somebody That I Used to Know,” which resonated with audiences worldwide, while another notable entry was Men at Work’s iconic 1981 single “Down Under,” which reached No. 21, demonstrating the timeless nature of these Australian classics.

The final results of this poll were based on an impressive total of 2.6 million votes cast, with the average year of the songs featured being 1999, reflecting the diverse musical landscape appreciated by Australian listeners over the decades.

In exciting news, triple j’s sister station, Double J, is in the midst of counting down the tracks that ranked between positions 200 and 101 throughout the upcoming week. An additional airing of these songs is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, offering listeners another chance to enjoy these beloved tracks.

For those eager to explore the full list of triple j‘s Hottest 100 of Australian Songs, you can find it conveniently available on the station’s official website, ensuring that all fans can engage with this celebration of Australian music.