Now that the local elections are done and dusted, it’s time to vote in the poll that actually matters: this year’s Hottest 100.
That’s right! It’s that time of year once again: voting is now open for the 2021 Hottest 100. Each year, it seems harder than the last to narrow down our short-lists, and this year is no exception.
Even throughout the turmoil of on-again-off-again relationships with lockdown, it’s been an incredible year in music, and we’re going to take you through where you can cast your votes, the most important releases of the year, and the top picks for favourites.
How do I vote??
Back in its inaugural days, one would have to physically write out their top 10 tracks of the year, and mail it in to the radio station to vote in Triple J’s Hottest 100. How archaic.
Although this resulted in entries being scripted on the most comical of objects – joint’s, condom wrappers, sick artworks – we now live in a simpler time in which you can cast a vote with a few beep bops on the ol’ internet machine.
Voting for 2021’s hottest 100 has opened today and will be open until January 17. Head on over to the Triple J Hottest 100 site to cast your vote’s.
What even happened this year?
We know the struggle of trying to rack your brain for your favourite tunes of the last 365 days, particularly in today’s world, what with all the overstimulation, and diminished attention spans. So, read on to find out what you need to know about this past year in music.
The pop girlies were killing the game
Arguably today’s biggest name in music, Billie Eilish was Triple J’s most played artist for the year following a string of singles leading into her second album Happier Than Ever. Taking out the top spot a couple of years ago with Bad Guy, it would be no surprise if we saw the 19-year-old become Hottest 100 royalty yet again. She did say we should see her in a crown.
Also topping charts this year, Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour had some important moments, with the angsty, pop-punk riddled Good 4 U looking like a potential top 5 favourite.
Homegrown indie-rock will continue to live long and prosper
Following their penultimate spot on last year’s hottest 100 countdown, Spacey Jane was Triple J’s second most played artist in 2021. They really must love that number two.
Hottest 100 hot-shots, Gang of Youth’s had an important new release this year, and if we were into betting, we would be feeling good about picking The Angel of 8th Avenue for a top 5 spot.
It was a huge year for hip-hop
Baker Boy’s Gela garnered undeniable critical acclaim, and Ride (featuring Yirrmal) is one of the stand out single’s from the year.
You’d be amiss not to talk about The Kid Laroi when discussing the year in music. F*CK Love 3+:Over was one of the year’s heavyweight albums, and with international mega-hits like Without You, and J-Beib collab Stay, we have a feeling he might dominate the hottest 100 this year.
The inclusion of Like A Version’s in the Hottest 100 countdown has been controversial for a while now, but this year’s The Wiggles x Tame Impala is undeniably enchanting. The Elephant cover is sure to rack up a top 10 spot.
Who’s gonna win?
Well, we don’t have a magic crystal ball, but it’s pretty easy to nail down the favourites.
Laroi is looking like the top contender, with Rodrigo not far behind. Gang of Youths, Billie, and Spacey are also looking like favourites for the top 5 spots.
Who knows, we might even see The Wiggles sneak up and take home the coveted number one spot.
We’ll find out on January 22 when the countdown takes off!
