The Rolling Stones announce new album, ‘Foreign Tongues.’ Here’s what we know so far – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr)
New York — The Rolling Stones have officially confirmed their next studio album, Foreign Tongues, slated for release on July 10. The announcement arrived alongside a fresh single, “In The Stars,” marking another chapter for the legendary rock band. Fans can catch Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood at a special event in Brooklyn later today, underscoring the group’s enduring draw.
A Swift Follow-Up to ‘Hackney Diamonds’
The band’s previous effort, 2023’s Hackney Diamonds, marked their first collection of original songs in 18 years, dating back to 2005’s A Bigger Bang. That album also represented their initial full-length project after drummer Charlie Watts passed away in 2021. Watts contributed to two tracks on it posthumously, a poignant link to the band’s storied past.
Foreign Tongues continues that spirit with a special appearance from Watts, drawn from one of his last recording sessions. Additional guests include Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney, Robert Smith of The Cure, and Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Such collaborations highlight the Stones’ ability to bridge generations while honoring their roots.
Teasers That Captivated Fans Worldwide
Rumors of new music had swirled for weeks before the reveal. Posters featuring the pseudonym “The Cockroaches”—a nod to the band’s history—popped up around London, complete with QR codes directing to a sign-up page on thecockroaches.com. Sign-ups triggered messages from Universal Music, the group’s label, though details remained under wraps initially.
Those efforts culminated in a limited white-label vinyl of “Rough and Twisted,” a track that superfans quickly tied to the upcoming project. Billboards soon followed in global cities, sporting the iconic tongue logo alongside “Foreign Tongues” translated into languages like Danish, Dutch, Filipino, Korean, and French. The band’s website refreshed with studio footage styled as surveillance clips, heightening the intrigue.
Inside the Recording Process
Mick Jagger shared enthusiasm about the sessions in a statement. “I love doing these recording sessions in London at Metropolis,” he said. “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.”
The project reunites the Stones with producer Andrew Watt, whose credits include Hackney Diamonds and work with artists like Post Malone and Justin Bieber. This continuity suggests a polished yet energetic sound, blending classic rock grit with modern production flair. The quick pace Jagger described points to a focused creative burst.
What Matters Now for Fans and the Legacy
On Sunday, the band shared a slide puzzle revealing the official artwork: a cartoonish collage of the members’ faces. A brief 10-second video clip hinted at another track, further stoking excitement. These moves reflect a savvy rollout, engaging a digital-savvy audience while nodding to analog traditions like vinyl teasers.
Key album highlights:
- 14 tracks recorded in London
- Charlie Watts’ final session appearance
- Guests: Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, Robert Smith, Chad Smith
- Producer: Andrew Watt
- Lead single: “In The Stars”
As the Stones press forward, Foreign Tongues stands as proof of their vitality. This release not only extends their catalog but also weaves in threads from their history, offering listeners a blend of nostalgia and novelty that keeps the conversation alive.