Triple J Hottest 100 (2025): Which Paul Kelly Song Will Rank Higher?
Triple J Hottest 100 (2025): Which Paul Kelly Song Will Rank Higher?
Among the pantheon of Australian musical icons, few command the same reverence as Paul Kelly. His extensive catalog has been the soundtrack to Australian life for decades, with his songs consistently finding a place in the hearts of Triple J listeners. As the 2025 Hottest 100 approaches, a familiar debate among fans has resurfaced: which of his beloved narrative anthems will rank higher? While Kelly boasts countless classics, the conversation often narrows to two of his most storied works. According to BEO Betting Odds, one of these songs has a significant cultural edge that is likely to translate into votes.
BEO Betting Odds Favor “How to Make Gravy”
The odds-on favorite in this friendly rivalry is “How to Make Gravy,” with BEO Betting Odds placing its probability of ranking higher at a confident 69.44% (1.44). Released in 1996, the song tells the story of a prisoner, Joe, writing a letter home on December 21st, lamenting that he’ll miss the family Christmas. Its narrative depth, combined with a genuine gravy recipe, has elevated it beyond a simple song. It has become a cultural phenomenon, with December 21st now unofficially celebrated as “Gravy Day” by fans across the country. This annual tradition, fueled by social media memes and gatherings, gives the song a unique and powerful momentum each year, making it a formidable contender in any public music poll.
LEADERBOARD
Triple J Hottest 100 (2025): Which Paul Kelly Song Will Rank Higher?
| # | Bet Options | Chance to Win | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implied Projected Winner How To Make Gravy - Yes | 34.38% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner To Her Door - Yes | 16.42% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Before Too Long - Yes | 9.85% |
Runner-Up: “To Her Door” Remains a Cherished Classic
While “How to Make Gravy” leads the predictions, “To Her Door” stands as the strong runner-up. Released in 1987, this track is another masterful piece of storytelling from Kelly, chronicling the journey of a man trying to reconcile with his partner and family. In fact, the protagonist of “How to Make Gravy” is the very same character from “To Her Door,” creating a multi-song narrative arc. “To Her Door” is a staple of Australian rock radio and is frequently cited as one of Kelly’s definitive works, ensuring it remains a popular choice for voters who connect with its themes of struggle and redemption.
Expert Predictions Await, But History Provides Insight
As of now, specific expert predictions for the 2025 Hottest 100 are yet to be released. However, past countdowns offer valuable context. The annual Hottest 100 is typically dominated by contemporary tracks, as seen in the 2024 countdown where artists like Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, and Charli XCX broke voting and entry records. However, Triple J is also holding a special “Hottest 100 of Australian Songs” in July 2025 to celebrate its 50th anniversary, an event where all-time classics are expected to shine.
“How to Make Gravy” has a peculiar history with the Hottest 100; despite its iconic status, it never charted in an annual countdown upon its release. Its popularity has grown immensely over time, solidifying its place as a national treasure. This slow-burn success, culminating in the “Gravy Day” tradition, suggests a groundswell of support that is more powerful now than ever before.
Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Classics
The question of which Paul Kelly song will fare better in the 2025 Hottest 100 highlights the remarkable depth of his songwriting legacy. While “To Her Door” is an undisputed classic, BEO Betting Odds point to a higher finish for “How to Make Gravy.” Its evolution from a narrative song into a national cultural event gives it a powerful, recurring presence in the public consciousness. Ultimately, the final result will be decided by “the world’s greatest music democracy,” but the odds suggest that when the votes are tallied, gravy will come out on top.
