Cage the Elephant’s latest single, “Beaches in Tennessee,” has surged to the pinnacle of two prominent rock radio formats, marking a significant achievement for the Kentucky-bred band and underscoring their enduring appeal in the alternative and adult alternative music landscapes. The song has officially claimed the No. 1 position on both Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart and its Adult Alternative Airplay chart for the week dated September 19. This dual chart-topping success represents a powerful testament to the band’s consistent ability to connect with radio audiences across diverse rock subgenres.
The ascent of "Beaches in Tennessee" to the top of the Alternative Airplay chart is particularly noteworthy, as it marks the band’s 14th career No. 1 on this particular ranking. This impressive milestone places Cage the Elephant in esteemed company, tying them with fellow rock giants Linkin Park and Twenty One Pilots for the second-most No. 1 singles in the chart’s 38-year history. Only the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers, with 15 chart-toppers, stand ahead of them. This achievement solidifies Cage the Elephant’s legacy as one of the most dominant forces in modern alternative rock radio.
A Reign on Alternative Airplay
The Alternative Airplay chart, a barometer for rock music’s more experimental and edgier sounds, has been a consistent playground for Cage the Elephant. Their 14th No. 1 single with "Beaches in Tennessee" extends a remarkable streak, making it their third consecutive calendar year to secure a top spot on this chart. This ongoing success signifies a consistent output of radio-ready material that resonates with the alternative rock audience.
Prior to "Beaches in Tennessee," the band’s recent chart-topping efforts include "Metaverse" in April 2025, and two chart-toppers from 2024: "Rainbow" and "Neon Pill." This sustained period of No. 1 hits demonstrates a remarkable creative and commercial momentum that few bands achieve. The consistent presence at the top of this chart highlights their ability to evolve their sound while retaining the core elements that have endeared them to fans and radio programmers alike.
Dominance on Adult Alternative Airplay
Complementing their success on the Alternative Airplay chart, "Beaches in Tennessee" has also reached the summit of the Adult Alternative Airplay chart. This format caters to a slightly broader demographic, often favoring a more melodic and mature rock sound. The song’s achievement here further broadens the band’s reach and impact.
This latest No. 1 on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart is Cage the Elephant’s eighth leader on this format. Their previous No. 1 on this chart was "Rainbow" in September 2024, indicating a strong and consistent performance across both rock radio segments. With eight No. 1s, Cage the Elephant now ties for the seventh-most chart-toppers in the Adult Alternative Airplay chart’s 30-year history. This places them alongside other decorated artists who have achieved sustained success in this space.
The chart’s all-time leaders include U2 with 14 No. 1s, followed by Coldplay (13), Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews Band/Dave Matthews (both 11), and The Black Keys and Death Cab for Cutie (both 9). Cage the Elephant’s inclusion in this elite group underscores their significant and lasting influence on adult alternative radio.
Momentum on Mainstream Rock Airplay
Beyond the primary rock charts, "Beaches in Tennessee" is also making its mark on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, holding steady at its peak position of No. 14. The single has seen a 2% increase in plays on this chart, indicating a growing presence in a more traditionally hard-rock-oriented format. This performance represents the band’s highest charting song on Mainstream Rock Airplay since "Ready to Let Go" reached No. 12 in 2019, signaling a potential broadening of their radio footprint.
A New Chapter with Big Loud Rock
The success of "Beaches in Tennessee" arrives at a pivotal moment for Cage the Elephant, as it is their first release since signing with the newly established Big Loud Rock label in July. This move followed their departure from their longtime label home, RCA Records. The signing with Big Loud Rock, an imprint of Big Loud Records launched in 2021, signifies a new strategic direction for the band.
Big Loud Rock has been experiencing a highly successful year, and "Beaches in Tennessee" further solidifies this momentum. This No. 1 single marks Big Loud Rock’s third Alternative Airplay No. 1 of 2026. Prior to this, the label celebrated chart-topping success with Edgehill’s "Doubletake" in April and Dexter and the Moonrocks’ "Freakin’ Out" in June. The label also previously achieved a No. 1 with Dexter and the Moonrocks’ eight-week leader "Sad in Carolina" in 2024.
Furthermore, "Beaches in Tennessee" is the first No. 1 for any artist on the broader Big Loud Records roster, marking a significant achievement for the entire organization. The label had previously achieved one top 10 hit with Kashus Culpepper’s "Believe," which peaked at No. 9 last December. This dual chart success for Cage the Elephant is a major win for Big Loud Rock and highlights their growing influence in the rock music industry.
Personal Resonance and Artistic Growth
Lead singer Matt Shultz shed light on the deeply personal inspirations behind "Beaches in Tennessee" upon the single’s release. He explained that the song is a profound reflection on his past struggles with mental health. Shultz revealed that he experienced a significant mental health crisis a few years prior, leading to a hospitalization of nearly three months.
"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 described the song as a fictionalized account of his experience, an attempt to reclaim his ability to write about serious life events from a place of genuine emotional experience.
Shultz drew a parallel to the saying, "There’s nothing better than a poor Christmas," explaining that such experiences foster resourcefulness and appreciation. He conveyed that navigating his mental health crisis provided him with a newfound perspective and a greater appreciation for life. "Having gone through what I did, I’m grateful to have the perspective that I now have. 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 said. He added, "As a band, we were able to reclaim the ability to write a song rooted in a difficult and turbulent real-life event, but do it in a lighthearted way. I hope it helps someone else the way it helped me."
This candid explanation reveals the therapeutic and cathartic power of music for both the artist and potentially the listener. The song’s ability to transform a deeply personal struggle into a relatable and uplifting anthem speaks volumes about Cage the Elephant’s songwriting prowess.
Future Endeavors and Touring Plans
"Beaches in Tennessee" is slated to be featured on Cage the Elephant’s forthcoming seventh studio album. While the album’s title and release date have yet to be announced, the anticipation is palpable. The band also recently released another new track, "Dying in Reverse," on September 10, further signaling their creative output.
The band is also preparing for a significant international tour. Their "Dying in Reverse European tour" is scheduled to commence early next year, offering fans across Europe an opportunity to experience their latest material and enduring catalog live. This tour promises to be a major event for their dedicated fanbase and a chance to showcase their continued artistic evolution. The band’s consistent touring history, coupled with their prolific recording output, solidifies their position as a vital and active force in the global music scene. The synergy between their chart success, new label partnership, and upcoming tour suggests a bright and dynamic future for Cage the Elephant.
