For over 30 years, Sublime has been a staple of alternative rock radio. Songs like “Santeria,” “Wrong Way” and “Doin Time” have echoed on speakers for generations of fans. Now, the group’s newest song – “Ensenada” – has reached radio heights never before achieved by one of their previous songs.
On September 20, “Ensenada” officially hit No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. It has remained there ever since, now enjoying its 4th week in a row at the top of the chart. That streak breaks the band’s previous personal record, set by “What I Got” in 1996. That classic track was No. 1 for 3 weeks before being overtaken by “Swallowed” by Bush.
READ MORE: Sublime’s ‘Ensenada’ Hits No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay Chart
While “Ensenada”’s current No. 1 run officially places it as Sublime’s most successful radio song, the success story doesn’t end there. Currently, only one other single released to alternative radio this year – “Back to Friends” by Sombr – has enjoyed a longer stay at No. 1. If “Ensenada” can keep its streak going for a couple more weeks, it could become the most successful alternative radio hit of 2025.
Such an achievement would put a massive exclamation point on what has been an incredible comeback story for Sublime. “Ensenada” marked the band’s first No. 1 in nearly 30 years and their first original material with new frontman Jakob Nowell (son of late original singer, Bradley Nowell). Fans have overwhelmingly embraced Sublime’s return, including huge festival crowds and major television performances.
With a new album of original material awaiting on the horizon, Sublime’s renaissance is just getting started.