The Rolling Stones have officially announced their next studio album, Foreign Tongues, set to drop on July 10 via Capitol Records. Arriving less than three years after the massive global success of their Grammy-winning record Hackney Diamonds, this vibrant 14-track collection promises a bold new chapter for the rock legends.
To kick off the album cycle, the band released the infectious lead single “In The Stars” digitally today, May 5, alongside the record’s opening track, “Rough And Twisted“. A physical release for “In The Stars” is scheduled to follow on May 15. Later today, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood will host a special media launch event in Brooklyn, New York, to celebrate the official announcement.
Hardcore fans were recently treated to a clever teaser when a limited white label vinyl of “Rough And Twisted” quietly surfaced under the pseudonym The Cockroaches. This secret release generated massive speculation among collectors about the raw, exploratory direction of Foreign Tongues before the album was even confirmed.
The new material was recorded in under a month during a highly productive stint at Metropolis Studios in West London. The band once again teamed up with Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt, who previously helmed Hackney Diamonds.
The core trio of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood are joined by their trusted live and studio collaborators Darryl Jones, Matt Clifford, and Steve Jordan. Most notably, the album features a special posthumous appearance from late drummer Charlie Watts, utilizing recordings captured during his final sessions before his passing in 2021. The guest roster is heavily stacked, featuring contributions from Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney of The Beatles, Robert Smith of The Cure, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Mick Jagger shared his thoughts on the fast-paced and passionate recording sessions: “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.”
Keith Richards echoed the sentiment regarding their hometown recording location: “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.”
Ronnie Wood praised the band’s energy and synergy in the studio: “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.”
The striking album cover was painted by acclaimed American artist Nathaniel Mary Quinn. Speaking on the collaboration, he stated: “Creating the album cover for The Rolling Stones is an artistic honour — a dialogue with one of the most enduring forces in cultural history.”
Foreign Tongues will be available across a wide variety of formats, including standard and deluxe CDs, cassettes, multiple limited-color vinyl pressings, special box sets, and exclusive retailer editions.
