Cage the Elephant Tops Two Billboard Charts With Beaches in Tennessee
Cage the Elephant have taken “Beaches in Tennessee” to No. 1 on two United States rock radio charts. The single tops Billboard’s Alternative Airplay and Adult Alternative Airplay charts dated Sept. 19, as reported by Billboard. It is a double win for the Kentucky-formed band.
On Alternative Airplay, which counts plays on alternative-format stations, the song is the group’s 14th No. 1. That moves Cage the Elephant level with Linkin Park and Twenty One Pilots for the second-most leaders in the chart’s history. Only Red Hot Chili Peppers sit ahead, with 15.
The result extends a run. “Beaches in Tennessee” gives the band an Alternative Airplay No. 1 in a third straight calendar year. That is the longest such streak of its career. The group last led in April 2025 with “Metaverse,” following two No. 1s in 2024 with “Rainbow” and “Neon Pill.”
On Adult Alternative Airplay, which tracks adult-leaning alternative stations, the single is the band’s eighth No. 1. It is the first since “Rainbow” led in September 2024. With eight leaders, Cage the Elephant are tied for the seventh-most No. 1s in the chart’s 30-year history. The latest move came on a 1% gain in plays, according to Luminate.
Elsewhere, the song held at its peak. It stayed at No. 14 on Mainstream Rock Airplay. That is the band’s highest placing at the format since “Ready to Let Go” peaked at No. 12 in 2019.
The chart success follows a label change. “Beaches in Tennessee” is the band’s first release since signing with Big Loud Rock in July after departing RCA Records. For the label, it is a third Alternative Airplay No. 1 of 2026. Edgehill’s “Doubletake” led in April and Dexter and the Moonrocks’ “Freakin’ Out” followed in June. The new leader is also the first Adult Alternative Airplay No. 1 for any Big Loud Records artist.
Frontman Matt Shultz has spoken about the personal context behind the song. He said “Beaches in Tennessee” symbolises moving past his mental health crisis. He said he was hospitalised for nearly three months.
What makes this stand out is the timing. A new label deal in summer, then two No. 1s by September. For listeners, it means the band’s next chapter has started with strong airplay across two formats.
