Rolling Stones Announce New Album, ‘Foreign Tongues,’ Featuring Guests Paul McCartney, the Cure’s Robert Smith and More

The Rolling Stones have officially announced their forthcoming studio album, "Foreign Tongues," set to drop on July 10 under Capitol Records. This 14-track collection arrives less than three years after their Grammy-winning "Hackney Diamonds," which itself marked their first batch of new material in nearly two decades. The band will kick off the rollout with the lead single "In the Stars," releasing digitally on Friday, May 5, accompanied by the album's opening track "Rough and Twisted." This swift follow-up is notable for a band that once took years between albums, suggesting a renewed creative surge in their sixth decade of recording.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood are slated to attend a media launch event for "Foreign Tongues" later today in Brooklyn, New York. In the weeks preceding the announcement, the group employed unconventional teaser tactics, including a limited white label vinyl pressing of "Rough and Twisted" under the pseudonym the Cockroaches. This playful nod to their early days, when the band often used aliases to bypass contractual restrictions, hints at a self-aware approach to their legacy. Remarkably, the album was recorded in under a month at Metropolis Studios in West London, a brisk turnaround that contrasts sharply with their historically prolonged creative processes. Metropolis, located in the Chiswick area, has hosted countless iconic acts over the decades, from Queen to David Bowie, making it a fitting venue for the Stones' latest work. The sessions reunited Jagger, Richards, and Wood with producer Andrew Watt, who previously helmed "Hackney Diamonds." Watt, who won a Grammy for his production on Ozzy Osbourne's "Patient Number 9," has earned a reputation for revitalizing veteran acts, bringing a modern edge to classic sounds. His collaboration with Lady Gaga and Elton John further underscores his versatility in bridging generational gaps in music.

The core lineup on the album features Jagger, Richards, and Wood alongside long-time collaborators: bassist Darryl Jones, keyboardist Matt Clifford, and drummer Steve Jordan. A poignant addition comes from the late Charlie Watts, captured during one of his final recording sessions before his death in 2021 at age 80. Watts, who had anchored the band's rhythm section since 1963, passed away after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of understated excellence. The guest list is equally impressive, including Paul McCartney (who also appeared on "Hackney Diamonds"), Steve Winwood, the Cure's Robert Smith, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. McCartney's involvement continues a long-standing mutual admiration between the two iconic British bands, dating back to the 1960s when they shared bills and influenced each other's sound. Jagger expressed enthusiasm for the recording environment, stating, "I love doing these 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 from everyone." Richards echoed this sentiment, noting, "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. I’m blessed to be able to do this and long may it last." Wood added, "The atmosphere was so creative, and the whole band was on top form throughout. Very often we nailed it on the first take. I hope everyone loves it." This collaborative energy, paired with a tight recording timeline, suggests a focused and cohesive project that builds on their recent renaissance.

The album's cover artwork features a painting by American artist Nathaniel Mary Quinn, known for his distinctive collage-like portraits that blend fragmented facial features. Quinn, whose work has been exhibited at the Whitney Museum and other major institutions, described the opportunity as "an artistic honor – a dialogue with one of the most enduring forces in cultural history." This choice reflects the band's ongoing engagement with contemporary visual art, a tradition that includes iconic covers from Andy Warhol's "Sticky Fingers" to Shepard Fairey's "Bridges to Babylon." As the Rolling Stones continue to defy expectations with their prolific output, "Foreign Tongues" promises to be a significant addition to their storied discography, blending classic rock roots with fresh creative energy. Fans can anticipate a full promotional campaign leading up to the July release, with potential tour announcements likely to follow, further cementing the band's status as enduring live performers well into their eighth decade.