The 2025 Hottest 100 lineup proves once again that music is a powerful force shaping our cultural landscape—and this year’s chart holds surprises, debates, and unforgettable moments. But here’s where it gets controversial: with so many new artists making a splash alongside familiar favorites, can we truly call this a representative snapshot of the year's musical landscape? Let’s dive into the details and see what made 2025’s top tracks stand out.
The top spot was claimed by British neo-soul singer Olivia Dean, who took home the coveted #1 position with her beautiful song "Man I Need," marking her first time ever placing in the Hottest 100. Released in August, Olivia wrote this track while sitting comfortably in her East London home, surrounded by familiar objects like her piano, photo frames, mugs, and slippers—elements that create a warm, intimate environment for songwriting. Olivia shared with triple j’s Lucy Smith in October that she surrounds herself with her personal comforts and her touring band, which fostered a sense of community and shared experience in her creative process.
Olivia also has a meaningful connection with Australian audiences. Her live set at Laneway Festival 2025 served as a testing ground for new music, sparking the creation of her second album, The Art of Loving. She revealed to Concetta and Luka that she had only written a few tracks at that point, including "Nice To Each Other," which she introduced during the tour because she believed the Australian and New Zealand crowds would vibe with it. Inspired by those performances, Olivia was motivated to finish her album, saying, "I knew what I needed to do after that tour."
Notably, Olivia secured another top 10 spot with "Nice To Each Other," coming in at number seven—a testament to her strong debut in the countdown. The top 10 overall includes a mixture of newcomers and well-established Australian acts. For example, Keli Holiday made a delightful debut with his smooth track "Dancing2," and Playlunch’s provocative, humor-filled anthem "Keith"—which features an explicit language warning—made waves for its cheeky take on neighborhood disputes, with AFL legend Barry Hall cameoing as the character Keith. This entry is one of the more polarizing tracks because of its boldness.
The chart also showcases the enduring appeal of Australian artists like Ball Park Music, Spacey Jane, and Tame Impala, all of whom placed throughout the top 10, emphasizing the country's strong presence in the Australian and international music scenes. As a result, 2025’s countdown continues to highlight the depth of local talent.
Let’s explore the full top 10—a list that perfectly encapsulates the hits that defined the year:
10. Ball Park Music — "Please Don't Move To Melbourne"
This heartfelt plea, issued in February, hints at feelings of longing and the pain of distance. While ostensibly directed at the Victorian capital, the band clarified it’s more about the universal desire to hold onto loved ones and avoid feeling abandoned.
9. Disco Lines & Tinashe — "No Broke Boys"
This remix went viral even before its official release, amassing over 40 million views on TikTok. It transformed Tinashe’s original soulful R&B into an energetic club track, breathing new life into the song and securing its place in the countdown.
8. sombr — "12 to 12"
Part of his debut album I Barely Know Her, sombr’s latest track shows influences from the ’80s synth-pop and new wave, combined with a dash of ’70s funk and blues, showcasing his versatility as a young artist breaking into the scene.
7. Olivia Dean — "Nice To Each Other"
This track’s gradual rise was spurred by its testing in Australia, where it resonated deeply. Released in late May, it became the lead single for her upcoming album, embodying themes of connection and vulnerability.
6. Spacey Jane — "Whateverrrr"
A consistent favorite, Perth’s indie rock outfit landed another top 10 spot with this song, which served as the final single before their album If That Makes Sense. The album’s success, including a J Award nomination, cemented their status as triple j’s darlings.
5. RAYE — "WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!"
Released in September as a teaser for her second album This Music May Contain Hope, this track quickly soared to number one on the UK charts, bolstering her reputation and hinting at a bright future.
4. Playlunch — "Keith"
Warning: this song is loaded with explicit language. Playlunch’s cheeky anthem, featuring a humorous cameo from Barry Hall, encapsulates the frustrations of neighborhood disagreements, delivering humor with a side of controversy.
3. Tame Impala — "Dracula"
Kevin Parker’s psychedelic project continued its evolution with this groovy, electronic-infused hit. Not only did it top the countdown, but it also marked Tame Impala’s first track to reach the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing the group's expanding global influence.
2. Keli Holiday — "Dancing2"
His debut as a solo artist marked a massive breakthrough, especially since he’s known as part of Peking Duk. The song, inspired by his partner Abbie Chatfield, became a hit online and was played at countless events, crowd-surfing on its infectious energy.
1. Olivia Dean — "Man I Need"
Topping the chart, Olivia’s romantic ballad perfectly summed up the love theme pervasive in 2025. Released in August and part of her new album, it resonated strongly with voters, cementing her as one of the year’s biggest breakout stars.
The countdown isn’t just a reflection of musical tastes but a cultural snapshot of 2025—highlighting the diversity of new voices and the ongoing dominance of Australian artists. As we look ahead, triple j will continue to celebrate the top tracks in its upcoming special, airing the Hottest 200 of 2025 on Saturday, January 31. Additionally, the station will revisit the most beloved hits from previous decades, such as 2005 and 1995, ensuring the magic of these songs lives on.
What do you think about this year's chart? Are your favorites represented, or do you believe certain artists or genres got overlooked? Drop your opinions below—let’s keep the conversation going!
