Audioslave's Most Popular Song Reaches a Higher Summit, Decades After the Band's Disbandment
Audioslave's debut single "Like a Stone" caused quite a stir when it hit the airwaves in 2002. Fronted by Chris Cornell and featuring members of Rage Against the Machine, this supergroup managed to land two Hot 100 hits from their self-titled album. Despite the release of the album over two decades ago, "Like a Stone" continues to resonate with audiences, maintaining a place in the charts and even seeing an uptick in popularity recently.
This timeless track has overcome the test of time, proving to be Audioslave's most recognizable song to this day. In fact, it's still gaining traction, climbing two spots to No. 14 on the Hard Rock Streaming Songs chart this week. This isn't the first time "Like a Stone" has reached this peak position; it also held this spot on the Rock Streaming Songs chart, showcasing its enduring popularity in various rock genres.
Interestingly, the Hard Rock Streaming Songs chart wasn't even in existence when Audioslave first released their debut album. The chart, which ranks the most-streamed hard rock tunes in the U.S., only started recognizing "Like a Stone" last August. Since making its debut on the chart, the track has only managed to spend six weeks on it, occasionally improving its best standing.
"Like a Stone" holds a unique position in the U.S. music scene. It made its mark on two radio rosters during its heyday, becoming a champion on both the Mainstream Rock Airplay and Alternative Airplay charts. It even narrowly missed the No. 1 spot on the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart, peaking at No. 2 in 2017, following Cornell's suicide.
The tune also made waves on several other charts, including Rock Digital Song Sales, Hot Rock Songs, and Hot Rock & Alternative Songs, where it peaked at No. 5, 7 and 30, respectively. Surprisingly, it managed to crack the top 40 on the coveted Hot 100, where it reached a commendable No. 31 position. A remarkable achievement for a rock band in the modern era.
Despite "Like a Stone" not currently being listed in the current rankings of the Hard Rock Streaming Songs chart, its historical success and enduring popularity on platforms like YouTube indicate that it remains a vital and influential piece of the hard rock genre. With over one billion views on YouTube, it's evident that this song continues to captivate and resonate with audiences.
Audioslave's debut single "Like a Stone" streams strongly on platforms, climbing two spots to No. 14 on the Hard Rock Streaming Songs chart this week. This is reminiscent of its past charts performance, as it previously held the top spot on the Rock Streaming Songs chart.
The track's enduring popularity can be seen in its consistent sales, with Audioslave like a stone sales remaining steady even two decades after its release. Its success is further illustrated in the various charts it has appeared on, including the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs, where it peaked at No. 30.
As a testament to its impact, "Like a Stone" also made its mark on radio, becoming a champion on both the Mainstream Rock Airplay and Alternative Airplay charts. It even narrowly missed the No. 1 spot on the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart, peaking at No. 2.
Audioslave's supergroup status, featuring members from Rage Against the Machine and fronted by Chris Cornell, contributed to the song's success. Its debut, which caused a stir in 2002, featured "Like a Stone" as one of the two Hot 100 hits from the self-titled album.
The song's longevity is also evident in its Billboard chart presence, where it reached a commendable No. 31 position on the Hot 100. This is a remarkable achievement for a rock band in the modern era.
Interestingly, the Hard Rock Streaming Songs chart, which started recognizing "Like a Stone" last August, only began ranking the most-streamed hard rock tunes in the U.S. after Audioslave's debut album release. Since making its debut on the chart, the track has only managed to spend six weeks on it.
"Like a Stone" continues to resonate with audiences, maintaining a place in the charts and even seeing an uptick in popularity recently. This Long-lived success of this Audioslave's debut single is a testament to its timeless quality and Cornell's enduring legacy in music.