INXS Tops Australia’s Hottest 100 Songs of All Time

It is clear that Australia has spoken, and INXS is still part of the fabric of this country. In the recent Triple J Hottest 100 of Australian Songs of All Time for 2025, the heart-felt anthem from legendary rock group INXS — "Never Tear Us Apart" — took first place.

This is not just any other popularity poll; this is decades worth of love and loyalty from Australian audiences - Australians who have grown up with these songs and continue to sing every word each and every time the song is played.

What is the Hottest 100 of Australian Songs?

Triple M, one of the largest rock radio networks in Australia, conducted a listening public vote asking them to vote for their favourite Australian song of all time. Thousands participated. This list wasn’t just based on record sales or charts — it came straight from the audience, making it a true “people’s choice.”

The countdown was broadcasted over the King's Birthday long weekend in June 2025, across all Triple M stations nationally.

Why Did INXS Win With Never Tear Us Apart?

"Never Tear Us Apart" is a timeless song. It is an emotional, passionate song and the sax solo is iconic. The song was recorded and released in 1987 and it still gives people goosebumps today.

A lot of people tell me that the song evokes happy memories - whether in love and loss, or growing up Australia. The song is featured at weddings, funerals and in those moments of heartbreak.

Fan reaction on X (formerly Twitter):

"It’s not even their best song😂😂... "

It’s not even their best song😂😂

— matthew smith (@matthewsmith510) July 26, 2025

Full Top 10 Songs: Who Made It?

Here’s the complete top 10 as voted by Triple M listeners:

• Never Tear Us Apart – INXS
• Khe Sanh – Cold Chisel
• Beds Are Burning – Midnight Oil
• You're The Voice – John Farnham
• The Horses – Daryl Braithwaite
• Working Class Man – Jimmy Barnes
• Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again – The Angels
• Great Southern Land – Icehouse
• Down Under – Men At Work
• Riptide – Vance Joy

These songs aren't just hits — they are part of Australia’s musical identity. Many are still played on radio, covered by younger artists, and sung loudly in pubs and stadiums.

Why Triple J Countdown Still Matters

While we live in a world of Spotify and TikTok music trends, Triple J’s countdown stands out because it's real people choosing timeless songs. This isn’t about the latest viral tune — it’s about songs that still mean something years later.

Triple M has been doing these lists for years, but this one hit differently because of how emotionally connected Australians feel to their music right now — especially during uncertain times.

As Triple J’s music director put it:

“These aren’t just songs. They’re life moments. They’re identity. That’s what makes this list special.”

Reaction from Fans and Artists

Fans celebrated INXS’s win across social media. Many shared personal memories tied to the song, and others said the countdown brought back powerful nostalgia.

Even younger Australians — some of whom weren’t born when the song was released — connected with the music.

One fan posted:

Ok so INXS has to be number one #hottest100ofaustraliansongs Probably Never Tear Us Apart. I would absolutely love it to be Don’t Change though…

— rosssolly (@rosspsolly) July 26, 2025

There hasn’t been an official comment from the remaining members of INXS, but the win will surely mean a lot to the band — and to fans of lead singer Michael Hutchence, who passed away in 1997.

What Makes a Song an "Australian Classic"?

A few things make these songs stand out:

• Connected lyrics that discuss identity, struggles, and the Aussie way of life
• Catchy music that triggers the senses, and even stays with you for decades
• Strong vocals that convey authentic emotions
• Uniting people — in a concert, a BBQ, or in the car singing along

Khe Sanh and Beds Are Burning are not only entertainment. They are discussing war, environment, and working-class life. They mean something.

What is next for INXS and Australian rock?

Even though INXS haven't been releasing music in the last few years, this win is confirmation that our heritage and links are not yet extinguished. This very presence could be a launchpad for a revival of classic Aussie Rock, especially for the younger generations who are beginning to engage with these bands.

Australian rock music has gone through many changes, but this countdown shows that old favourites are far from forgotten.

The Power of Music in Tough Times

In recent years, people have turned to familiar songs for comfort. Whether it’s during the pandemic, personal losses, or uncertain futures — music helps.

These songs, especially ones like “Never Tear Us Apart,” feel like home. And when a whole country votes to place that song at number one, it says something deep: we remember, we feel, we connect.

Final Thoughts

Triple J’s Hottest 100 of Australian Songs was more than just a countdown. It was a celebration of what music means to people — across ages, cities, and decades.

And at the top of it all stood INXS. A band that gave us not just hits, but feelings.

A reminder that even after all these years, great music never leaves us.