By Ali Ikhwan 
Cage the Elephant’s latest single, "Beaches in Tennessee," has ascended to the pinnacle of both Billboard’s Alternative Airplay and Adult Alternative Airplay charts, marking a significant achievement for the Kentucky-bred rock band. The track’s commanding presence at No. 1 on both prestigious charts, as of the September 19th, 2026, tracking week, underscores the band’s enduring appeal and their consistent ability to resonate with diverse radio audiences. This dual chart-topping success not only highlights the song’s widespread popularity but also solidifies Cage the Elephant’s impressive legacy in the alternative music landscape.
A Dual Triumph on the Billboard Charts
The surge of "Beaches in Tennessee" to the top of the Alternative Airplay chart represents the band’s fourteenth No. 1 hit on this particular ranking. This accomplishment places Cage the Elephant in esteemed company, tying them with fellow rock giants Linkin Park and Twenty One Pilots for the second-most number-one singles in the chart’s 38-year history. Only the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers, with fifteen chart-toppers, stand ahead of them in this category. This statistic is a powerful testament to the band’s sustained influence and their consistent output of radio-friendly tracks that define the alternative genre.
Simultaneously, the single’s ascent to No. 1 on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart signifies their eighth leader on this format. This achievement further broadens their reach, demonstrating their ability to connect with a slightly different, yet equally appreciative, demographic. The Adult Alternative Airplay chart, which has been tracking hits for three decades, also sees Cage the Elephant making a significant mark, tying for the seventh-most number-one songs in its history. This dual dominance across two key rock formats illustrates a remarkable versatility and a broad appeal that transcends specific subgenres within rock music.
Chart Performance Breakdown and Historical Context
The Alternative Airplay chart has been a proving ground for Cage the Elephant since their early days. "Beaches in Tennessee" has now secured a No. 1 position for a third consecutive calendar year, establishing their longest such streak on the chart. This remarkable consistency is a rare feat in the ever-evolving music industry, where trends can shift rapidly. Their previous chart-toppers leading up to this latest success include "Metaverse" in April 2025, and two significant hits in 2024: "Rainbow" and "Neon Pill." Each of these songs contributed to their growing arsenal of No. 1s, building momentum that has now culminated in the current dual chart-topping achievement.
On the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, "Beaches in Tennessee" experienced a steady climb, ultimately reaching the summit with a 1% increase in plays, according to data compiled by Luminate. This chart’s history is rich with enduring artists, and Cage the Elephant’s inclusion among its most successful acts speaks volumes about their artistic longevity. Their previous No. 1 on this chart, "Rainbow," also reached the top in September 2024, showcasing a pattern of strong performance in the latter half of the year.
To provide further context, the "Most Alternative Airplay No. 1s" list showcases the elite tier of artists who have consistently dominated this chart:
- 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
Similarly, the "Most Adult Alternative Airplay No. 1s" list highlights the band’s place among other influential artists:
- 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
Beyond the Top Two: Mainstream Rock Airplay and Label Significance
The success of "Beaches in Tennessee" is not confined to the Alternative and Adult Alternative charts. The single also holds strong on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, currently residing at its peak position of No. 14. With a 2% gain in spins, this performance marks the band’s highest-charting song in this format since "Ready to Let Go" in 2019, which peaked at No. 12. This indicates a broadening appeal for the track, reaching listeners who may not exclusively follow alternative programming.
This period of chart success also coincides with a significant new chapter for Cage the Elephant: their recent signing with Big Loud Rock. This move, which occurred in July 2026, followed their departure from their longtime label home, RCA Records. "Beaches in Tennessee" is the first release under this new partnership, and its immediate chart impact suggests a promising future for both the band and their new label.
Big Loud Rock, an imprint of Big Loud Records launched in 2021, is experiencing a banner year, and "Beaches in Tennessee" is a key contributor to this success. This marks Big Loud Rock’s third Alternative Airplay No. 1 of 2026, following Edgehill’s "Doubletake" in April and Dexter and the Moonrocks’ "Freakin’ Out" in June. The label had previously achieved one No. 1 with Dexter and the Moonrocks’ eight-week chart-topper "Sad in Carolina" in 2024. The new Adult Alternative Airplay No. 1 is also the first for any artist on the broader Big Loud Records label. Prior to this, the label had only achieved one top 10 hit with Kashus Culpepper’s "Believe," which reached No. 9 in December 2025.
The Personal Narrative Behind the Hit
Lead singer Matt Shultz has offered profound insights into the lyrical content and personal significance of "Beaches in Tennessee." 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 explained. He elaborated on the deeply personal nature of the song, stating, "I was hospitalized for nearly three months. The song addresses it by creating a fictionalized account of it. It was my attempt at reclaiming the ability to write about something serious that happened in my life, from a place of genuine experience."
Shultz further reflected on the therapeutic and cathartic nature of creating this song, drawing a parallel to the concept of appreciating what one has after experiencing scarcity. "There’s a saying, ‘There’s nothing better than a poor Christmas,’ Shultz continued. "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 hope that the song’s approach, which roots itself in a difficult real-life event but presents it in a lighthearted manner, will resonate with and help others who may be facing similar challenges. This personal narrative adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the song’s widespread appeal, transforming it from a chart-topping hit into a beacon of hope and resilience.
Future Prospects and Upcoming Releases
"Beaches in Tennessee" is slated to be featured on Cage the Elephant’s forthcoming seventh studio album. While the title and release date for this highly anticipated project have not yet been officially announced, the success of this lead single undoubtedly builds considerable anticipation among fans. The band also recently released another new track, "Dying in Reverse," on September 10th, 2026, signaling an active period of creative output. Furthermore, Cage the Elephant is preparing to embark on their "Dying in Reverse European tour" in early 2027, promising live performances of their new material and beloved hits to audiences across the continent. This combination of new music, chart success, and upcoming tours suggests a vibrant and dynamic phase for Cage the Elephant, reinforcing their status as a leading force in contemporary rock music. The band’s ability to consistently deliver impactful music and connect with a broad audience across multiple radio formats demonstrates a remarkable staying power and a continued relevance in the music industry.
