The Rolling Stones' days as an unstoppable rock 'n' roll roadshow may be behind them, but they're still making noise. Ronnie Wood confirmed late last year that a new album was locked and loaded. Today, after weeks of teasing, the Stones have officially announced Foreign Tongues and shared new single "In The Stars." Guests on the album include Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, and the Cure’s Robert Smith.
Last time the Stones released an album, it wasn't half bad. That was 2023's Hackney Diamonds, their first batch of original songs in 18 years and their first since the death of drummer Charlie Watts. Hackney Diamonds paired the band with Andrew Watt, the millennial producer who has become a go-to collaborator for aging rock legends. He's back on board for Foreign Tongues, which is set for release in July. The cover art, viewable above, is by Nathaniel Mary Quinn. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood will attend an album launch event in Brooklyn this afternoon.
A quote from Jagger on the new music:
I love doing these recording sessions in London at Metropolis. It was a very intense few weeks recording Foreign Tongues. 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 in the room from everyone.
And from Richards:
The Foreign Tongues album has a continuity from Hackney Diamonds and it was great to be working in London again, 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.
And from Wood:
The atmosphere in the room was so creative, 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.
On Record Store Day, the Stones put out advance track "Rough And Twisted" under the pretty-funny pseudonym the Cockroaches. Today we get the proper lead single, "In The Stars." Check it out below along with a Foreign Tongues album trailer.
Foreign Tongues is out 7/10 via Capitol. Pre-order it here.
