Muse Returns to No. 1 on Alternative Songs Chart With 'Thought Contagion'

The band earns its fifth No. 1 and first since 2015.

For the fifth time in its career, Muse has the No. 1 song at alternative radio.

The band's "Thought Contagion" rules Billboard's Alternative Songs airplay chart, rising 2-1 on the list dated June 9. Muse notches its first chart-topper in three years, having last led with "Dead Inside" for five weeks in May-June 2015.

"Contagion" is Muse's second single released in the past year, following "Dig Down," which peaked at No. 3 on the Aug. 19, 2017-dated ranking.

While Muse's overall collection of Alternative Songs No. 1s is smaller than, say, Red Hot Chili Peppers, who boast the most leaders (13) in the chart's 30-year history, Muse's No. 1s tend to be mighty. "Contagion" contributes Muse's 46th total week at No. 1, the fifth-most of any act. Overall, Muse's five leaders place the band in a four-way tie for eighth place with Bush, Kings of Leon and Nirvana.) 

Most Weeks at No. 1 on Alternative Songs

86, Red Hot Chili Peppers

82, Foo Fighters

71, Linkin Park

56, Green Day

46, Muse

Those 46 weeks on top include two of the longest-running No. 1s in the chart's history. "Madness" ruled for 19 weeks beginning in October 2012, a record until last year, when Portugal. The Man's "Feel It Still" scored 20 weeks at No. 1, and "Uprising" logged 17 weeks at No. 1 beginning in September 2009.

"Contagion" ranks at No. 3 on the all-rock-format Rock Airplay chart with 10.9 million audience impressions, up 5 percent, according to Nielsen Music, a new 16-week high for the song. The sum is assisted by its No. 10 placement on the Mainstream Rock Songs airplay chart, where it's Muse's third top 10.

The song is believed to be the second single from Muse's upcoming eighth studio album; however, no title or release date has yet been announced. The set would mark the follow-up to 2015's Drones, which became Muse's first No. 1 on the Billboard 200.