The rock ‘n’ roll juggernaut that is the Rolling Stones continues to power on with Foreign Tongues (via Polydor/Universal Music), the band’s 25th studio album which arrives fully formed, 14-tracks in total.
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The followup to the Grammy Award-winning 2023 collection Hackney Diamonds, the new set houses 12 new compositions, including the previously-released “Rough and Twisted,” “Jealous Lover” and “In The Stars” — plus a cover of Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good” and a nod to one of the Stones’ all-time influences, Chuck Berry, on the closing track “Beautiful Delilah.”
Brought to life during a fruitful and “exceptionally creative period” at Metropolis Studios in West London, the new release features contributions from a starry lineup of guests Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney, The Cure’s Robert Smith and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers; longtime collaborators Darryl Jones, Matt Clifford and Steve Jordan; and late drummer Charlie Watts on “Hit Me In The Head,” his efforts captured during one of his final recording sessions before his death in 2021.
“It was a very intense few weeks recording Foreign Tongues,” recounts frontman Mick Jagger. “We had 14 great tracks and we went as fast as we could. I like the room there as it’s not too big so you can feel the passion from everyone.”
The atmosphere in the room “was so creative,” remarks guitarist Ronnie Wood, “and the whole band was on top form throughout the whole process. Very often we nailed it on the first take. I hope everyone loves it.”
With Foreign Tongues, the Stones could enter rare territory on the Billboard 200. The Rock Hall-inducted group has 38 top 10 hits on the all-genres chart, and nine No. 1s. Another leader would lift the Brits into double-digit chart crowns. In their homeland, the Stones’ have nabbed eight leaders on the Official U.K. Albums Chart, including a No. 1 with Hackney Diamonds, winner in the Grammys category for rock album.
“The Foreign Tongues album has a continuity from Hackney Diamonds and it was great to be working in London again,” enthuses founding guitarist Keith Richards, “and to have that London vibe around us. It was a month of concentrated punch. To me, it’s all about the enjoyment of it. I’m blessed to be able to do this and long may it last.”
A new Stones album tends to herald a new, global tour by this, the greatest rock band still doing it. Jagger has said he “can’t wait” to take the lads back on the road, though fans shouldn’t expect an imminent announcement.
Speaking on BBC Radio 2’s Tracks of My Years alongside Wood, Jagger was asked whether the Stones would ever tour again. “I’d love to go on tour, I can’t wait,” he said, before tempering expectations. “I don’t think it’s going to be this year. But hopefully it’s going to be as soon as possible.”
Those remarks come after the band scrapped plans for a U.K. and European stadium tour, on unconfirmed reports that Richards was unable to “commit” to the jaunt. Richards has since hinted at a potential return to the road in 2027, and Jagger’s latest comments are a good indication that the legendary outfit will head out once more.
Stream Foreign Tongues below.
