Best Aussies songs in the 2000s: From Powderfinger’s My Happiness to Silverchair’s Straight Lines
Across the nation, pubs, parties and backyard barbecues hum along to that old chestnut: what’s the best Australian song of this era or that year?
Put down those tongs and argue no more, our entertainment team has sizzled our homegrown music down to the best song of each year from 1958 to last year.
Based on chart performance, sales and cultural impact, we have chosen 66 Aussie anthems spanning more than half a century and genres ranging from country to hip-hop, from Slim Dusty to 5 Seconds of Summer.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.We’ll reveal our top picks from each decade so come back to see which songs dominated in the other decades.
We hope this gets you talking — and listening.
2000
Powderfinger: My Happiness
The Brisbane boys won their second consecutive Triple J Hottest 100 with Bernard Fanning’s paean to the loneliness of the touring lifestyle. Our Olympic year was also a great time for Aussie music.
2001
Kylie Minogue: Can’t Get You Out of My Head
Catchier than measles, Kylie’s synth-pop single danced to No. 1 in 40 countries and re-energised her career in the US. Great video, too.
2002
Kasey Chambers: Not Pretty Enough
While Kylie, Holly and Delta all scored hits, country singer Kasey Chambers enjoyed the biggest hit of her career with a song about the reluctance of mainstream radio to play her music. Oh, the irony.
Other contenders
Holly Valance: Kiss Kiss
Delta Goodrem: Born to Try
Kylie Minogue: Love at First Sight
The Vines: Get Free
2003
Jet: Are You Gonna Be My Girl
The Australian Idol era began with Guy Sebastian producing the best-selling single of the year with his winner’s song Angels Brought Me Here, but Melbourne rockers Jet borrowed from Iggy Pop, the White Stripes and Motown to crack overseas markets with high-octane rocker Are You Gonna Be My Girl.
2004
Eskimo Joe: From the Sea
Idol runner-up Shannon Noll, Spiderbait and Missy Higgins all topped the charts in 2004, but Freo trio Eskimo Joe released an enduring song inspired by storms rolling in over the Indian Ocean. From the Sea came third on this year’s Hottest 100.
2005
Bernard Fanning: Wish You Well
This is how you launch a solo career. Wish You Well won the Hottest 100, collected multiple ARIAs and dominated radio. No wonder the rest of Powderfinger were a tad peeved.
2006
Augie March: One Crowded Hour
Where some acts burnt bright, then out (see: Jet, Savage Garden), Victorian indie rock outfit Augie March peaked a decade after forming with this Hottest 100-winning pop waltz inspired by Australian wartime photographer Neil Davis.
2007
Silverchair: Straight Lines
Now unrecognisable from the scruffy grunge trio of Tomorrow, the ‘Chair were now Daniel Johns’ band. The singer teamed with the Presets’ Julian Hamilton for this surging rock song about overcoming life’s obstacles.
2008
Empire of the Sun: Walking on a Dream
After struggling to make the big time with the Sleepy Jackson, Perth’s Luke Steele joined forces with Nick Littlemore of Pnau to form electronic pop duo Empire of the Sun. Their uplifting debut single remains their best, and came with an eye-popping video shot in Shanghai.
2009
The Temper Trap: Sweet Disposition
Featuring the sweet falsetto of Indonesian-born singer Dougy Mandagi, Sweet Disposition is a bona fide indie anthem thanks to it featuring in commercials, video games and films, such as 500 Days of Summer.
