Cage the Elephant’s “Cigarette Daydreams”: A Melodic Journey

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‍Cage the Elephant’s Cigarette Daydreams
Cage the Elephant, an American alternative rock band, released their captivating single “Cigarette Daydreams” on August 26, 2014. This soulful song, produced by Jay Joyce, is the third single from their third studio album, “Melophobia.” With its introspective lyrics and melodic sound, “Cigarette Daydreams” quickly climbed the charts, becoming the band’s second number-one single from the album and their fifth overall chart-topper.

Finding Inspiration: The Origins of “Cigarette Daydreams”

Lead singer Matt Shultz drew inspiration for “Cigarette Daydreams” from a deeply personal experience. He revealed that the words flowed naturally to him, allowing him to capture the essence of his emotions. In fact, Shultz was so engrossed in the creative process that he received a phone call from the album’s producer, urging him to finish the song immediately. The raw honesty and transparency in the lyrics reflect Shultz’s desire to connect with listeners on a profound level.

“The song came from a desire to be transparent and speak from naked honesty.” – Matt Shultz

A Visual Journey: The Music Video

Directed by Mark Pellington, the official music video for “Cigarette Daydreams” was released on September 5, 2014. The video stars actress Juliette Buchs, who happens to be the former wife of Cage the Elephant’s frontman, Matthew Shultz. Buchs portrays a woman on a quest for inner peace, while simultaneously evading an unknown force. The video’s imagery beautifully complements the song’s introspective nature, leaving viewers captivated by its artistic storytelling.

Chart-Topping Success: Climbing the Charts

“Cigarette Daydreams” quickly gained popularity upon its release, securing its place on the charts. It reached the top spot on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, solidifying its status as a fan-favorite. This achievement marked the second number-one single from “Melophobia,” following the success of the album’s lead single, “Come a Little Closer.” Additionally, “Cigarette Daydreams” became Cage the Elephant’s fifth overall chart-topper, further establishing their prominence in the alternative rock scene.

Weekly Charts

Chart Position
US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard)[^9] 39
US Rock Airplay Songs (Billboard)[^10] 18

Year-end Charts

Unfortunately, “Cigarette Daydreams” did not make it to the year-end charts in 2015.

A Testament to Success: Certifications

The success of “Cigarette Daydreams” is not only reflected in its chart performance but also through its certifications. In the United Kingdom, the song was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), signifying 400,000 units sold. In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded “Cigarette Daydreams” with a 3x Platinum certification, indicating 3,000,000 units sold. These certifications are a testament to the song’s widespread acclaim and enduring popularity.

Please note that the sales and streaming figures mentioned above are based on certification alone.

The Journey Continues: Release History

“Cigarette Daydreams” made its debut on August 26, 2014, as a track played on modern rock radio. RCA Records, the band’s label, played a crucial role in promoting the song’s release. The resonant sound and heartfelt lyrics of “Cigarette Daydreams” captivated listeners from the very beginning, setting the stage for its subsequent success.

Conclusion

With its heartfelt lyrics, soulful melodies, and thought-provoking music video, “Cigarette Daydreams” is a testament to Cage the Elephant’s ability to connect with their audience on a deep level. The song’s chart-topping success and certifications only further solidify its impact. It is through songs like “Cigarette Daydreams” that the band continues to leave an indelible mark on the alternative rock genre, captivating listeners with their unique sound and emotional storytelling.

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