Triple J's Hottest 100 countdown annually chronicles Australia's musical zeitgeist, often reflecting the nation's deepest emotions. Among its pantheon of winners, two songs stand out for their profound capture of human experience: Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" and Vance Joy's "Riptide." These tracks, topping the polls in 2011 and 2013 respectively, became anthems of heartbreak and burgeoning hope, resonating far beyond Australia's shores.
Background: The Genesis of Chart-Topping Emotion
The journey of these two tracks to the summit of the Hottest 100 began in distinct creative spaces, each imbued with personal introspection that would soon connect with millions globally.
“Somebody That I Used to Know” (2011): A Post-Breakup Masterpiece
Wouter "Wally" De Backer, known as Gotye, conceived "Somebody That I Used to Know" in a barn on his parents' property in Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Released in July 2011, it served as the second single from his third album, *Making Mirrors*. The song delves into the painful, often unequal, experience of a relationship's end, exploring the lingering emotional disparity between two former lovers.
The track featured New Zealand singer Kimbra, whose counter-narrative added a crucial layer of perspective and emotional depth. Initially gaining traction on Australian independent radio, including Triple J, its popularity quickly escalated to commercial airwaves. On Australia Day 2012, the song topped the 2011 Hottest 100 countdown, securing a record number of votes at the time.
“Riptide” (2013): A Whimsical Ode to New Beginnings
James Keogh, performing as Vance Joy, began writing "Riptide" as a short idea in 2008, gradually developing it over several years in Melbourne, Victoria. Released in May 2013, it was the lead single from his debut EP, *God Loves You When You're Dancing*. The song weaves a narrative of youthful infatuation, clumsy charm, and the hopeful uncertainty of new love, filled with quirky imagery and personal anecdotes.
Its distinctive ukulele riff and Keogh's warm, earnest vocals quickly made it a favourite on Triple J, praised for its simplicity and genuine emotion. On Australia Day 2014, "Riptide" claimed the top spot in the 2013 Hottest 100 countdown, solidifying Vance Joy's burgeoning status in the Australian music scene.
Key Developments: From Local Hits to Global Phenomena
The success of both songs transcended national borders, transforming them from beloved local hits into internationally recognised anthems.
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Gotye’s Global Ascendancy
"Somebody That I Used to Know" achieved viral status largely due to its unique animation-style music video, directed by Natasha Pincus. The video quickly amassed hundreds of millions of views on YouTube, propelling the song to international chart domination. It topped charts in over 20 countries, including the US Billboard Hot 100, the UK Singles Chart, and numerous European nations.
The song's widespread acclaim culminated in two Grammy Awards in 2013: Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. It became a ubiquitous breakup anthem, spawning countless covers, parodies, and remixes, firmly embedding itself in global pop culture lexicon.
Vance Joy’s Enduring Charm
While "Riptide" did not achieve the immediate, explosive global chart dominance of Gotye's hit, it cultivated a sustained international presence. The track was featured prominently in various advertising campaigns and television shows, significantly broadening its reach. It became one of the most streamed songs of its era, particularly on platforms like Spotify, demonstrating its long-term appeal and enduring popularity.
Vance Joy embarked on extensive world tours, playing to sold-out crowds and festivals across North America, Europe, and Asia. Within Australia, "Riptide" was awarded the APRA Song of the Year in 2014, acknowledging its songwriting excellence and impact.
Impact: Shaping Personal Narratives and Musical Landscapes
These songs did more than just top charts; they became integral to the personal and cultural narratives of their listeners, leaving a lasting mark on the music industry.
“Somebody That I Used to Know”: The Voice of Disillusionment
Gotye's track provided a poignant soundtrack for millions navigating the complexities of post-relationship grief and identity shifts. It resonated deeply with individuals experiencing the often-unequal emotional aftermath of a breakup. The song also served as a powerful validation for independent artistry, demonstrating that a track conceived and produced outside major label constraints could achieve global dominance. Its success significantly elevated Australian music onto the world stage, showcasing its innovative and emotionally intelligent output. Furthermore, the collaboration significantly boosted Kimbra's international profile, leading to her own successful solo career and Grammy win.
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“Riptide”: An Anthem of Optimism and Vulnerability
"Riptide" connected profoundly with a younger demographic, articulating the excitement and apprehension inherent in early romantic experiences. Its distinctive sound contributed to a resurgence in the popularity of the ukulele in contemporary music, inspiring many aspiring musicians. The song proved that heartfelt, unpretentious songwriting could achieve mainstream success without relying on overt pop production. Its widespread appeal catapulted Vance Joy into a prominent position within the global indie-folk scene, establishing him as a compelling songwriter and performer.
What Next: The Enduring Legacy of Hottest 100 Icons
Both "Somebody That I Used to Know" and "Riptide" continue to hold significant cultural weight. Gotye's track remains a perennial choice on breakup playlists, a poignant reminder of past connections, while "Riptide" frequently appears on 'feel-good' or 'love song' compilations, its charm undiminished. These songs exemplify Triple J's Hottest 100's unique ability to capture fleeting moments that become timeless.
They stand as testaments to the power of raw, human emotion translated into melody and lyric, ensuring their place in the Australian and global music canon for years to come. While Gotye has largely stepped away from the mainstream spotlight, his legacy as a one-hit wonder of profound impact endures. Vance Joy continues to release new music and tour globally, building on the foundation "Riptide" established, his career a testament to sustained artistic growth. Their narratives, one of poignant farewell and the other of hopeful embrace, continue to echo, reminding listeners that music, at its core, is a reflection of the human heart's complex journey.
