A massive wave of pride, nostalgia, and heated music debate is sweeping across Australia after British pop megastar Robbie Williams unveiled his official curated playlist of favorite homegrown anthems—and delivered an unforgettable tribute to national treasure John Farnham!
For decades, the Angels and Rock DJ hitmaker has shared an extraordinary, unbreakable bond with Australian audiences, famously declaring that stepping onto Aussie soil feels like “coming home spiritually and physically”.
Yet, when Robbie sat down with Apple Music to hand-pick the 20 iconic Australian songs that shaped his ongoing love affair with the country, his eclectic mix of pub-rock royalty, electronic pioneers, and pop classics immediately sent music fans into a frenzy.
Which legendary tracks claimed the top spots on Robbie’s personal list, and why did his heartfelt salute to John Farnham strike such a deep emotional chord across the nation?
Long before curating his official Favorite Australian Songs collection for Apple Music, Robbie Williams proved his deep reverence for Aussie music history on the biggest stage in the country.
During his spine-tingling 2022 AFL Grand Final performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Robbie halted his set to honor John Farnham—who was recovering in hospital following life-saving mouth cancer surgery—by leading 100,000 fans in a thunderous rendition of “You’re the Voice”.
“I want everyone to sing along to this—the next song is the unofficial national anthem of Australia,” Robbie told the roaring crowd, a gesture that deeply moved John and his family as they watched from his hospital room.
Reflecting on his deep connection with local audiences in his Apple Music interview, Robbie explained why Australian music culture resonates so powerfully with him: “There’s an ongoing love affair for me. I think they get me”.
The centerpiece of Robbie’s curated 20-track playlist—totaling over an hour and twenty minutes of pure Aussie gold—leaves zero doubt about who holds the crown in his heart, placing John Farnham’s “You’re the Voice” right at the very top at number one.
Surrounding Farnham’s timeless masterpiece is a jaw-dropping cross-generational lineup that blends iconic stadium rock with modern electronic beats and unforgettable pop classics:
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The Pub-Rock & Stadium Titans: INXS (“Never Tear Us Apart”), AC/DC (“T.N.T.”), Jimmy Barnes (“Working Class Man”), Cold Chisel (“Forever Now”), and Daddy Cool (“Eagle Rock”).
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Pop Royalty & Global Smash Hits: Kylie Minogue (“What Do I Have to Do?”), Men At Work (“Down Under”), Savage Garden (“To the Moon & Back”), Natalie Imbruglia (“Torn”), Crowded House (“Better Be Home Soon”), and John Paul Young (“Love Is in the Air”).
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Modern Indie & Electronic Trailblazers: Flume & Chet Faker (“Drop the Game” and “Never Be Like You”), The Avalanches (“Frontier Psychiatrist”), Empire of the Sun (“Walking on a Dream”), Jet (“Are You Gonna Be My Girl”), Gotye (“Hearts A Mess”), The Temper Trap (“Sweet Disposition”), and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (“Red Right Hand”).
The reveal of Robbie’s star-studded tracklist has sparked immediate excitement and lively debate across Australian radio airwaves and social media feeds.
Thousands of music lovers flooded comment sections applauding Robbie for placing John Farnham at the pinnacle of Australian music, celebrating how deeply the British showman understands the soul of Aussie culture.
At the same time, passionate debates erupted among pub-rock purists and indie fans over notable omissions—with listeners passionately arguing for the inclusion of legends like Midnight Oil, Powderfinger, Silverchair, or Paul Kelly, while praising Robbie’s bold nods to Flume and The Avalanches.
For devoted Farnham fans, seeing an international superstar repeatedly champion “The Voice” as Australia’s greatest musical icon served as another deeply touching tribute to a living legend.
This heartwarming musical tribute serves as a joyful reminder that great music transcends borders, uniting artists and audiences through shared emotion and timeless anthems.
Robbie Williams’ ultimate playlist proves that Australia’s rich musical heritage—anchored by the unmatched voice of John Farnham—continues to inspire the biggest entertainers on the planet.
Here is to turning up the volume on homegrown classics, celebrating our musical legends, and keeping John Farnham’s extraordinary legacy alive!
Do you agree with Robbie Williams crowning John Farnham’s “You’re the Voice” as the ultimate Aussie classic?
Which iconic Australian song do you think he left off his top 20 list? Share your favorites and debate in the comments below!