Cage the Elephant Reigns Supreme: "Beaches in Tennessee" Dominates Alternative and Adult Alternative Airplay Charts

Cage the Elephant has achieved a significant milestone, with their latest single, "Beaches in Tennessee," soaring to the number one position on both Billboard’s Alternative Airplay and Adult Alternative Airplay charts. This dual triumph marks the band’s 14th career number one on the Alternative Airplay chart and their eighth on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, solidifying their enduring presence and appeal within the rock and alternative music landscapes. The chart-date for this impressive feat is September 19th, 2026.

The success of "Beaches in Tennessee" on the Alternative Airplay chart is particularly noteworthy. The track’s climb represents Cage the Elephant’s 14th chart-topper in this genre, placing them in elite company. They now stand tied with fellow rock giants Linkin Park and Twenty One Pilots, each boasting 14 number-one hits. This accomplishment positions them as the second-most decorated act in the Alternative Airplay chart’s 38-year history, trailing only the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers, who hold the record with 15 chart-topping singles. This continued dominance underscores the band’s consistent ability to connect with alternative radio audiences over nearly four decades of chart tracking.

A detailed look at the Alternative Airplay chart’s historical leaders reveals the caliber of artists Cage the Elephant is now sharing space with:

Most Alternative Airplay No. 1s

• 15: Red Hot Chili Peppers
• 14: Cage the Elephant
• 14: Linkin Park
• 14: Twenty One Pilots
• 13: Green Day
• 12: Foo Fighters
• 8: The Black Keys
• 8: U2
• 8: Weezer

Furthermore, "Beaches in Tennessee" has extended Cage the Elephant’s impressive streak of securing at least one number-one hit on the Alternative Airplay chart for three consecutive calendar years. This sustained success signifies a remarkable period of creative output and radio impact for the band, marking their longest such run to date. Their most recent prior Alternative Airplay number one was "Metaverse" in April 2025, preceded by two chart-topping singles in 2024: "Rainbow" and "Neon Pill." This consistent presence at the top highlights a period of strong momentum for the band, showcasing their ability to produce chart-ready hits year after year.

Chart Performance Breakdown: Adult Alternative Airplay

Simultaneously, "Beaches in Tennessee" has ascended to the pinnacle of the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, climbing one position to reach number one. This achievement was supported by a 1% increase in radio spins, as reported by Luminate. This marks Cage the Elephant’s eighth number-one single on this particular format, demonstrating their broad appeal across different segments of the rock radio audience. Their last topping the Adult Alternative Airplay chart was with "Rainbow" in September 2024, indicating a strong return to form on this chart as well.

With eight number-one hits on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, Cage the Elephant now holds a tie for the seventh-most leaders in the chart’s 30-year history. This places them among a distinguished group of artists who have consistently resonated with the adult alternative demographic.

Most Adult Alternative Airplay No. 1s

• 14: U2
• 13: Coldplay
• 11: Jack Johnson
• 11: Dave Matthews Band/Dave Matthews
• 9: The Black Keys
• 9: Death Cab for Cutie
• 8: Cage the Elephant
• 8: Hozier
• 8: The Lumineers
• 8: John Mayer

Broader Chart Impact and Album Context

Beyond their dominant performance on the Alternative and Adult Alternative charts, "Beaches in Tennessee" has also made its mark on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. The single currently holds steady at its peak position of number 14, having seen a 2% increase in plays. This represents the band’s most successful charting song on Mainstream Rock Airplay since "Ready to Let Go" reached number 12 in 2019, indicating a widening reach for their new material.

The release of "Beaches in Tennessee" signifies a new chapter for Cage the Elephant, being their first musical offering since signing with Big Loud Rock in July 2026. This move followed their departure from their long-time label home, RCA Records. The signing with Big Loud Rock, an imprint of Big Loud Records launched in 2021, has clearly injected renewed energy and momentum into the band’s career.

Lyrical Depth and Personal Revelation

Lead singer Matt Shultz elaborated on the personal significance of "Beaches in Tennessee" upon its release. He revealed that the song delves into his past struggles with mental health. "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 stated. He further explained that the experience led to a hospitalization of nearly three months, and the song serves as a "fictionalized account" of this period. Shultz described it as his attempt to "reclaim the ability to write about something serious that happened in my life, from a place of genuine experience."

Shultz drew a parallel between overcoming adversity and appreciating life’s simple joys, referencing the adage, "There’s nothing better than a poor Christmas." He elaborated, "It’s because you learn to make the most of what you have and appreciate it. Having gone through what I did, I’m grateful to have the perspective that I have now. The experience gave me a greater appreciation for my life when I came out on the other side. I’m thankful for where I’m at now in this new chapter." He expressed a hope that the song’s approach, which frames a difficult and turbulent real-life event in a "lighthearted way," would resonate with and help others as it had helped him. This candidness adds a profound layer of meaning to the song’s chart success, transforming it from a mere radio hit into a testament to resilience and personal growth.

Big Loud Rock’s Ascending Trajectory

The success of "Beaches in Tennessee" is also a significant win for Big Loud Rock, the rock and alternative division of Big Loud Records. This single marks the label’s third Alternative Airplay number one of 2026. Prior to this, Edgehill’s "Doubletake" reached the top spot in April, followed by Dexter and the Moonrocks’ "Freakin’ Out" in June. Big Loud Rock also celebrated an earlier chart-topper in 2024 with Dexter and the Moonrocks’ eight-week reign at number one with "Sad in Carolina." This series of successes underscores the label’s growing influence and ability to champion emerging and established artists within the rock genre.

Moreover, "Beaches in Tennessee" represents the first number-one hit for any artist under the broader Big Loud Records umbrella on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart. While the label had previously achieved a top 10 position with Kashus Culpepper’s "Believe" (No. 9 in December 2025), this number-one single signifies a new level of achievement and market penetration for the Nashville-based label’s rock aspirations.

Future Outlook and Upcoming Projects

"Beaches in Tennessee" is slated to be included on Cage the Elephant’s forthcoming seventh studio album. While the album’s title and official release date have yet to be announced, the strong performance of this lead single suggests significant anticipation for the full project. The band has also recently released another new track, "Dying in Reverse," on September 10th, 2026, further building excitement. Fans can also look forward to the band’s "Dying in Reverse" European tour, scheduled to commence in early 2027, promising a global showcase of their latest material and enduring catalog. This period of prolific output and successful chart performance positions Cage the Elephant for a dynamic and impactful future.