The Kentucky-bred rock outfit Cage the Elephant has reached a significant career milestone, as their latest single, "Beaches in Tennessee," has ascended to the No. 1 position on both Billboard’s Alternative Airplay and Adult Alternative Airplay charts for the week dated September 19. This achievement marks the 14th time the band has reached the summit of the Alternative Airplay chart, placing them in an elite tier of modern rock history.
The song’s performance indicates a robust trajectory for the band, which continues to demonstrate longevity and relevance in a volatile musical landscape. By securing these top spots, Cage the Elephant has now tied with Linkin Park and Twenty One Pilots for the second-most No. 1s in the 38-year history of the Alternative Airplay chart. They currently trail only the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who hold the record with 15 chart-topping entries.
A Chronology of Chart Dominance
The rise of "Beaches in Tennessee" is the latest chapter in a prolific run for the group. The band has maintained a consistent presence at the top of the charts over the past three calendar years—a streak that stands as their longest in the history of their career.
The momentum began in earnest with the success of their 2024 singles, "Neon Pill" and "Rainbow," both of which reached the top of the Alternative Airplay charts. This was followed by the April 2025 chart-topper "Metaverse," which further cemented their status as a staple of modern rock radio. The consistency with which Cage the Elephant delivers radio-ready hits has allowed them to bypass the traditional "one-hit wonder" pitfalls that plague many bands in the alternative sphere.
On the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, the achievement is equally noteworthy. "Beaches in Tennessee" climbed to the top spot following a 1% increase in airplay, according to data provided by Luminate. This marks the group’s eighth No. 1 at the format, positioning them in a tie for the seventh-most leaders in the chart’s 30-year existence. The band now shares this ranking with established acts such as Hozier, The Lumineers, and John Mayer.
The Significance of the Big Loud Rock Partnership
This recent success serves as a major endorsement for Big Loud Rock, the alternative-focused imprint of Big Loud Records. "Beaches in Tennessee" is the first release from Cage the Elephant under this new label, following the band’s departure from RCA Records in July.
The partnership has already yielded significant dividends. For Big Loud Rock, which launched in 2021, the success of this single marks their third Alternative Airplay No. 1 of 2026. Prior to this, the label saw success with Edgehill’s "Doubletake" in April and Dexter and the Moonrocks’ "Freakin’ Out" in June. Furthermore, this No. 1 represents a historic first for the broader Big Loud Records umbrella, as it is the first time any artist on the label has secured the top spot on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart.
Industry analysts suggest that this shift to an independent-leaning, genre-specialized label may have provided the band with a fresh promotional strategy, allowing them to lean into their rock roots while maintaining their broad commercial appeal.
Personal Context and Artistic Narrative
Beyond the metrics of chart performance, "Beaches in Tennessee" holds deep personal significance for lead singer Matt Shultz. Upon the single’s release, Shultz offered a candid look into the inspiration behind the track, describing it as a reflection of his own mental health crisis that occurred several years ago.
"It’s no secret that I went through a mental health crisis a few years back; this song for me symbolizes me finally being able to move past it," Shultz explained. He noted that his three-month hospitalization served as the catalyst for the song’s thematic structure. By fictionalizing the account, Shultz stated that he aimed to reclaim his agency as a songwriter, turning a period of intense turbulence into a cohesive, artistic statement.
Shultz emphasized that the song is rooted in the philosophy of finding value in difficult times, referencing the adage, "There’s nothing better than a poor Christmas." This perspective of gratitude and resilience is central to the track’s tone, which remains surprisingly lighthearted despite its heavy subject matter. The band’s ability to weave personal trauma into accessible, radio-friendly rock music is a hallmark of their songwriting evolution and likely a key factor in their enduring popularity with audiences.
Broader Market Implications
The success of "Beaches in Tennessee" on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart—where it holds a steady No. 14—further illustrates the band’s cross-format appeal. This is their highest-charting song at the format since 2019’s "Ready to Let Go." The consistency across multiple radio formats indicates that Cage the Elephant has successfully bridged the gap between traditional alternative rock and mainstream rock audiences.
As the band prepares to release their seventh studio album—the title and release date of which remain under wraps—the chart performance of this single serves as a powerful lead-in. The release of their other recent track, "Dying in Reverse," on September 10, suggests that the band is ramping up for a significant promotional cycle. The upcoming "Dying in Reverse" European tour, scheduled for early next year, is expected to capitalize on the renewed radio presence of the band.
Data Analysis and Future Outlook
The data provided by Luminate confirms that the band’s airplay remains resilient. While some legacy acts see their radio footprint diminish over time, Cage the Elephant has managed to maintain a "steady-state" growth. Their ability to reach the No. 1 spot on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart—a format often characterized by its preference for established, singer-songwriter-driven acts—demonstrates that their fan base is maturing alongside them.
The statistical tie with Linkin Park and Twenty One Pilots is particularly revealing. These two groups are known for their massive, multi-generational fan bases and their ability to dominate the digital streaming era. That Cage the Elephant, a band that emerged from the independent scene in the late 2000s, remains competitive with these juggernauts speaks to the efficacy of their long-term branding and their sustained commitment to touring and radio outreach.
Looking ahead, the industry will be watching to see if "Beaches in Tennessee" can hold its position against emerging challengers. In the current radio environment, where songs often experience rapid peaks and sharp declines, the multi-week potential for this track will be a litmus test for the band’s continued dominance.
Conclusion
Cage the Elephant’s current chart performance is more than just a collection of statistics; it is a testament to the band’s ability to pivot, adapt, and remain relevant in an industry defined by rapid change. By successfully navigating a label transition, maintaining their connection to their audience through vulnerable songwriting, and continuing to produce music that resonates with radio programmers across multiple formats, the band has secured its place in the pantheon of modern alternative rock.
As they move toward their seventh studio album and an extensive European tour, the band finds themselves in a unique position of strength. Whether they can surpass the Red Hot Chili Peppers to hold the all-time record for Alternative Airplay No. 1s remains to be seen, but their current trajectory suggests that they have every intention of continuing their streak well into the future. For now, "Beaches in Tennessee" stands as a landmark achievement, marking both a personal milestone for Matt Shultz and a professional high-water mark for the band’s career.
