After subtle cryptic hints that intrigued fans and the media, The Rolling Stones on Tuesday, May 5 announced new studio album Foreign Tongues, due July 10 via Polydor/Universal Music, three years after the globally acclaimed, Grammy-winning, chart-topping and multi-platinum release Hackney Diamonds.
Described as an incredibly lively collection of 14 tracks, the album is heralded by the upbeat and energetic lead single 'In the Stars', which was revealed alongside the album's opening track 'Rough and Twisted'. The single "In The Stars" will be available in physical edition on May 15.
In anticipation of the announcement, the band subtly but thoroughly created an atmosphere of anticipation, including a limited edition of the song "Rough and Twisted", available only on vinyl, released under the name "The Cockroaches". The release has heightened excitement and further fueled speculation among fans and collectors about the new album's sound and direction, providing an early glimpse of the raw and exploratory energy driving the release.
Recorded during a highly creative period, Foreign Tongues came to life in less than a month at West London's Metropolis Studios where Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood reunited with Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt, with whom they worked on Hackney Diamonds. The result is a dynamic and forward-thinking album that brilliantly captures the band's unmistakable sound, while breaking into new sonic and lyrical territory, further cementing the band's legacy.
Featuring the extraordinary skills of Jagger, Richards and Wood, the release features contributions from regular collaborators Darryl Jones, Matt Clifford and Steve Jordan, and features a special recording of Charlie Watts, made during one of his last visits to the studio before his death in 2021.
Adding to the charm of the album was an impressive list of guest artists, including Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney, Robert Smith of The Cure and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Reflecting on the recording process, Mick Jagger stated: "I love working in London at Metropolis. It was a very intense couple of weeks recording 'Foreign Tongues'. We had 14 great songs and we went as fast as we could. I especially like the room itself because it's not too big so you can feel the passion of each one of us."
The Rolling Stones, photo: Universal Music promo
Keith Richards also reflects on working in the studio with longtime colleagues: "The album 'Foreign Tongues' comes in continuity with 'Hackney Diamonds' and it was great to work in London again and feel that London vibe around me. It was a month of strong impact. For me it's all about enjoying what we do. I'm blessed to be able to do this and may it continue."
Ronnie Wood concludes: "The atmosphere was extremely creative and the whole band was in top form throughout the whole process. We often 'nailed it' on the first try. I hope everyone enjoys it."
The striking cover is the work of acclaimed American artist Nathaniel Mary Quinn, who proudly points out the privilege of working with rock icons: "Creating an album cover for The Rolling Stones is a true privilege and honor - a dialogue with one of the greatest forces in cultural history."
"Foreign Tongues" will be available in various versions, including CD, deluxe CD editions, cassettes, several vinyl variants (standard and limited color editions), exclusive editions and special box sets, with the additional release of the single "In The Stars" on CD and vinyl.
