Rolling Stones Unveil 'Foreign Tongues' Album with Star-Studded Guest List

Key facts

• The Rolling Stones will release their new album 'Foreign Tongues' on July 10.
• Paul McCartney and Robert Smith of The Cure are featured guests.
• The album follows their 2023 release 'Hackney Diamonds'.
• A new single, 'In The Stars', was released on Tuesday.
• The album cover art is designed by American artist Nathaniel Mary Quinn.
• Mick Jagger is 82 years old; Keith Richards is 82; Ronnie Wood is 78.
• The band last played in Ireland at Croke Park in 2018.

New Album 'Foreign Tongues' Set for July Release

The Rolling Stones are poised to release their latest studio album, 'Foreign Tongues', on July 10. This new record marks the band's follow-up to their 2023 offering, 'Hackney Diamonds'. The upcoming album promises a rich tapestry of sound, described as being 'rooted in blues, country, rock and classic Stones songwriting'. 'Foreign Tongues' will feature the band's current lineup: frontman Mick Jagger, guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, alongside core collaborators Darryl Jones, Matt Clifford, and Steve Jordan. The album has been produced by Grammy-winning Andrew Watt, who also helmed 'Hackney Diamonds'. Fans can anticipate new music, with a single titled 'In The Stars' having been released on Tuesday, accompanied by the album's opening track, 'Rough And Twisted'. A physical release for 'In The Stars' is scheduled for May 15.

An Impromptu Encounter Inspires Collaboration

Frontman Mick Jagger, 82, recounted the serendipitous meeting that led to Robert Smith, the frontman of The Cure, contributing to 'Foreign Tongues'. Jagger described spotting Smith, 67, outside a London studio where he was recording vocals. Smith, recognisable by his distinctive long gown and makeup, was approached by Jagger. 'You're Robert Smith of The Cure,' Jagger recalled saying, before adding, 'While you're here, you better go and do something.' This spontaneous invitation exemplifies Jagger's view on how collaborations sometimes unfold, highlighting the organic nature of creativity within the music industry. Smith's appearance on the album is one of several high-profile guest spots. Former Beatles bassist Paul McCartney also lends his talents to the record. The album also features contributions from Steve Winwood, formerly of The Spencer Davis Group and Traffic, the late Stones drummer Charlie Watts, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers drummer Chad Smith.

A Stellar Cast Joins the Stones

Beyond the core band members, 'Foreign Tongues' boasts an impressive roster of guest artists. Paul McCartney, a legend in his own right, contributes to the album, continuing a long history of cross-generational collaborations. Steve Winwood, a veteran of both The Spencer Davis Group and Traffic, also features, adding his distinctive musicality. The album also pays tribute to the band's history, including contributions from the late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts. Chad Smith, the drummer for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, further rounds out the percussive elements. These collaborations underscore the enduring appeal and influence of The Rolling Stones across different eras and genres. Speaking at the album's launch event in New York, Jagger, Richards, and Wood engaged with American TV host Conan O'Brien. When asked about the longevity of his voice, Jagger quipped, 'Well, I was taking a lot more drugs in 1968…' Keith Richards, 82, expressed his drive for continuous improvement, stating, 'Anything you do, you want it to be better than you’ve done before.'

Album Artwork Sparks Controversy

The visual identity of 'Foreign Tongues' has drawn considerable attention, largely due to its distinctive album artwork. Designed by American artist Nathaniel Mary Quinn, the cover features a collage of the band members' faces mashed together in a cartoonish, photo-fit style. This design has been described as a 'slide puzzle collage' and has elicited strong reactions. While artwork is subjective and separate from the music's quality, its impact on a release's reception is undeniable. The Rolling Stones have a history of iconic album covers, including those for 'Sticky Fingers', 'Exile on Main St.', and 'A Bigger Bang'. However, the design for 'Foreign Tongues' has been met with mixed opinions, with some finding it visually jarring. This album cover has been noted for its unconventional aesthetic, prompting discussions about album art's role in marketing and artistic expression. The band and their collaborators have embraced the creative process, with Jagger expressing his satisfaction with the recording sessions in London, describing them as 'very intense' and filled with 'passion'.

Recording in London and a Mysterious Single

The recording sessions for 'Foreign Tongues' took place at Metropolis Studios in London. Mick Jagger described the environment as conducive to creativity, noting, 'I like the room there as it’s not too big so you can feel the passion in the room from everyone.' This intimate setting apparently fostered a productive atmosphere over 'a very intense few weeks'. Keith Richards echoed this sentiment, finding continuity with 'Hackney Diamonds' and appreciating the 'London vibe' during the recording process. He expressed gratitude for the ability to continue making music, stating, 'I’m blessed to be able to do this and long may it last.' The band's creative energy was palpable, with Ronnie Wood commenting, 'The atmosphere in the room was so creative, and the whole band was on top form throughout the whole process.' Adding to the pre-release buzz, The Rolling Stones released 'Rough And Twisted' as a limited white label 12-inch record under the pseudonym 'The Cockroaches'. This mysterious release appeared in several UK record shops, generating intrigue among fans ahead of the official album launch.

The Band's Irish Connection and Future Prospects

The Rolling Stones have a history of performing in Ireland, with their last appearance at Croke Park dating back to 2018. This connection to the Irish music scene highlights their enduring global reach and the widespread anticipation for new material. The band members, particularly Jagger, Richards, and Wood, are set to attend a launch event for 'Foreign Tongues' in New York. This event will provide a platform to discuss the album further and engage with fans and media. With the release date set for July 10 and a string of high-profile guests and a unique visual aesthetic, 'Foreign Tongues' is positioned to be a significant release for the veteran rock band. The members' continued dedication to their craft, as expressed by Richards, suggests a commitment to creating music for as long as possible.

The bottom line

• The Rolling Stones' new album 'Foreign Tongues' is scheduled for release on July 10, featuring guest appearances from Paul McCartney and Robert Smith.
• The album continues the sonic direction of 'Hackney Diamonds', blending blues, country, and rock influences.
• Mick Jagger described the recording process in London as intense and passionate, fostering a creative environment.
• The album's cover art, designed by Nathaniel Mary Quinn, presents a collage of the band members' faces and has generated discussion.
• A limited release of the single 'Rough And Twisted' under the name 'The Cockroaches' preceded the album announcement.
• The Rolling Stones last performed in Ireland in 2018, underscoring their continued international presence.