The Most Popular Australian Song, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the song you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:29
Music has a unique way of capturing the heart of a nation, and in a country as culturally vibrant as Australia, each song tells a rich story. From iconic anthems that stir national pride to poignant ballads that explore the contours of personal and communal identity, these tunes hold a mirror up to the society that births them. A ranked list of Australia's most beloved songs not only celebrates this artistic diversity but also provides a snapshot of the evolving tastes and values of its people.
Having a live, user-generated ranking of Australian songs brings fans and communities closer to the music they love. By voting for their favorite tracks, listeners influence the list directly, adding a dynamic layer of interaction between Australian music and its audience. This constant flux of preferences offers a fresh perspective with each visit, making every click a discovery of what currently resonates with Aussies from all walks of life.
What Is the Most Popular Australian Song?
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169votes
"Down Under" by Men at Work
Men at WorkThis 1981 classic is often considered the unofficial Australian anthem, and it reached No. 1 in several countries. It's a fun, catchy tune that celebrates Australia's laid-back culture and natural beauty.Down Under is a popular song by the Australian band Men at Work. Released in 1981, it quickly became a worldwide hit and an unofficial anthem for Australia. The song cleverly combines catchy melodies with witty lyrics that reflect on Australian culture and identity. Down Under is recognized for its distinctive flute riff and upbeat tempo, making it a staple of '80s pop music. The song's lighthearted and infectious nature helped it reach the top of the charts in multiple countries, including Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.- Release date: 1981
- Genre: Pop rock
- Length: 3 minutes and 44 seconds
- Label: Columbia
- Writer(s): Colin Hay, Ron Strykert
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217votes
"Land Down Under" by Colin Hay
Colin HayThis is a stripped-down, acoustic version of "Down Under" that was recorded by one of the original members of Men at Work. It's a more introspective take on the song that highlights its poetic lyrics.The song 'Land Down Under' by Colin Hay is a popular Australian song released in 1981. It is a single by the Australian rock band Men at Work, which features Colin Hay as the lead vocalist and songwriter. The song became a huge international success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and becoming an unofficial anthem of Australia. It is a catchy and upbeat track that combines elements of rock, new wave, and pop music. 'Land Down Under' is known for its iconic flute riff and memorable lyrics that depict a lighthearted and optimistic view of Australia's culture and landscape.- Release Date: 1981
- Genre: Rock, New Wave, Pop
- Primary Artist: Men at Work
- Lead Vocalist: Colin Hay
- Lyricist: Colin Hay
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314votes
"Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia
Natalie ImbrugliaThis 1997 hit was actually written by American songwriters, but Imbruglia's cover version became a massive international success. It's a melancholy ballad that showcases her powerful voice.Torn is a popular Australian song performed by Natalie Imbruglia. It was released in 1997 as the lead single from her debut studio album 'Left of the Middle'. The song became one of Natalie Imbruglia's signature hits and achieved great success worldwide.- Release Date: 1997
- Album: Left of the Middle
- Genre: Pop
- Length: 4 minutes and 5 seconds
- Songwriter(s): Anne Preven, Scott Cutler, Phil Thornalley
"Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most underrated song
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420votesThis 1990 single is a beloved Australian classic that has been covered by many other artists. It's a soaring, anthemic song that celebrates the power of love and freedom.The Horses is a popular Australian song written by Rickie Lee Jones and Walter Becker, originally released by Rickie Lee Jones in 1989. The song gained huge success in Australia when it was covered by Daryl Braithwaite in 1991, becoming Braithwaite's signature song. It is a sentimental ballad with catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
- Original Release: 1989 (by Rickie Lee Jones)
- Cover Artist: Daryl Braithwaite
- Cover Release: 1991
- Genre: Pop rock, Soft rock
- Length: 4 minutes and 30 seconds
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58votesThis 1986 song is another anthem that has become a staple of Australian culture. It's an uplifting rock ballad that encourages listeners to speak up and make a difference.
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616votes
"Great Southern Land" by Icehouse
IcehouseThis 1982 song is a tribute to Australia's unique landscape and culture. It's a moody, atmospheric track that captures the essence of the country's vast, open spaces.Great Southern Land is a song by the Australian rock band Icehouse. It was released in 1982 as the lead single from their album 'Primitive Man'. The song is a patriotic ode to Australia and has become an iconic representation of the country's landscape and identity.- Release Date: 1982
- Album: Primitive Man
- Genre: Rock
- Length: 5 minutes and 16 seconds
- Label: Regular Records
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711votesThis 1978 song is a gritty, raw rock anthem that has become a symbol of Australia's working-class culture. It tells the story of a Vietnam War veteran who struggles to adjust to civilian life.
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86votesThis 1976 song is a raucous, rebellious anthem that has become a mainstay of Australian pub rock. Its famous call-and-response chorus is often chanted by crowds at sporting events.
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97votesThis 1966 song was a breakthrough hit for the Easybeats and remains a classic of Australian rock. Its catchy melody and infectious energy captured the spirit of the Swinging Sixties.
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103votes
"Throw Your Arms Around Me" by Hunters & Collectors
Hunters & CollectorsThis 1984 song is a romantic ballad that has become a staple of Australian weddings and other special occasions. Its heartfelt lyrics and soaring chorus make it a timeless classic.Throw Your Arms Around Me is a beloved Australian song that was released by the band Hunters & Collectors in 1984. It is a timeless ballad with heartfelt lyrics and a beautiful melody that has resonated with audiences for decades.- Year of Release: 1984
- Genre: Rock, Ballad
- Album: Hunters & Collectors: Greatest Hits
- Length: 4:23
- Lyrics by: Mark Seymour
Missing your favorite song?
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular song
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Chart performanceAnalyze the song's performance on music charts, such as the ARIA Charts, which track the success of singles and albums in Australia. Higher rankings and longer chart run usually indicate a higher popularity for the song.
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Sales and certificationsThe number of copies sold can be a good indicator of a song's popularity. Additionally, certification levels (such as Gold, Platinum, or higher) awarded by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) can be used as a measure of the song's success.
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Radio airplayThe frequency with which a song is played on Australian radio stations can reflect its popularity. Songs with higher spin counts and airplay points are generally considered more popular.
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Streaming numbersIn the digital age, streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have become essential to gauge a song's popularity. Consider the number of streams a song garners in Australia, as well as its ranking on streaming platform charts.
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Awards and recognitionWinning or being nominated for major Australian music awards, such as the ARIA Music Awards or the APRA Music Awards, can contribute to a song's popularity. Additionally, international awards, such as the Grammys or the MTV Music Awards, can help boost an Australian song's profile.
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Impact on popular cultureA song's influence on the cultural landscape, including its use in films, television shows, commercials, or notable cover versions, can enhance its popularity. Viral moments, such as social media trends or challenges, can also contribute to a song's popularity.
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LongevityThe lasting appeal and continued relevance of a song in the years following its release can also be a measure of its popularity.
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Critical receptionPositive reviews and high ratings from music critics can contribute to a song's success and popularity.
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Fan base and audience engagementA strong and active fan base, high attendance at live performances, and high levels of audience engagement on social media can all be indicators of a song's popularity.
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Cultural significanceFinally, consider the cultural impact of the song in Australia. Songs that resonate with listeners on a deeper level or reflect the national identity and spirit can contribute to their lasting popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Australian song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1460 views
- 174 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular australian song
Australia is known for its rich cultural heritage, and music is an integral part of it. Over the years, Australian artists have produced numerous iconic songs that have captured the hearts of music lovers across the globe. From rock and pop to folk and country, the Australian music scene boasts of diversity and creativity.
One of the most popular Australian songs of all time is "Down Under" by Men at Work, which was released in 1981. The song, which features the iconic flute riff, became a massive hit and topped the charts in Australia, the US, and the UK. It has since become a cultural touchstone and an anthem for Australia.
Other popular Australian songs include "The Horses" by Daryl Braithwaite, "Treaty" by Yothu Yindi, "Khe Sanh" by Cold Chisel, and "You're the Voice" by John Farnham. These songs and many others have become an integral part of Australian culture and continue to inspire new generations of artists.
So, what is the most popular Australian song? That's a question that has been asked many times, and the answer is subjective. However, one thing is for sure – the Australian music scene is vibrant and diverse, and there is no shortage of great songs to choose from.
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