The Rolling Stones have returned with a biting critique of modern global affairs on their 25th studio album. Released today, «Foreign Tongues» combines hard-hitting blues, poignant power ballads and sharp political commentary, proving the rock veterans remain fully engaged with contemporary anxieties.
Following the critical success of 2023’s «Hackney Diamonds», the core trio of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood reunited with producer Andrew Watt. The resulting 14-track collection, recorded in less than a month at west London’s Metropolis Studios, captures a visceral urgency that defies the band’s advancing years.
Jagger, 82, directs his lyrical frustration at rising autocracy and widening social divides. On the honky-tonk track «Ringing Hollow», he protests American unrest by noting a «tear in her gown» when referring to Lady Liberty. The societal critiques continue on «Divine Intervention», which takes aim at billionaires escaping to «boltholes in the sky», while «Mr Charm» includes a direct swipe at technology mogul Elon Musk.
A swift, star-studded production
The raw energy of the brief recording sessions translates directly into the stomping opening track «Rough And Twisted». Long-time keyboardist Matt Clifford, bassist Daryl Hall and drummer Steve Jordan provide the rhythmic backbone for the album. Jordan’s forceful playing actively elevates searing cuts like «Side Effects» and the uplifting lead single «In The Stars».
«Foreign Tongues» boasts an eclectic roster of high-profile musical collaborators. Former Beatle Paul McCartney delivers a standout bassline on «Covered In You», a politically charged track where Jagger laments autocrats «breeding like a swarm of dirty rats». Pop star Bruno Mars and The Cure’s Robert Smith make surprising appearances on «Never Wanna Lose You», contributing quick percussion and synthesisers respectively. Veteran musicians Steve Winwood and Benmont Tench provide lush piano and organ flourishes across the record.
Reimagined covers and a posthumous return
Amid the 12 original compositions, the Stones honour their foundational influences with two distinctly different covers. Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith anchors a stripped-down rendition of Chuck Berry’s «Beautiful Delilah». The band also tackles Amy Winehouse’s «You Know I’m No Good», transforming the dour R&B anthem into a howling, harmonica-driven blues piece.
Nostalgic grooves surface on «Jealous Lover», which strongly echoes the disco influence of 1978’s «Miss You» through Jagger’s slinky falsetto. Fans are also treated to a posthumous appearance from former drummer Charlie Watts on «Hit Me In The Head», a jagged, punky track where Jagger leans into mortality-defying irony.
Despite the political disillusionment running through the album, moments of vulnerability remain. The six-minute power ballad «Back In Your Life» features a soaring saxophone and an emotive guitar solo from Wood, while Richards takes the microphone for the 1980s-originated plea «Some Of Us».
Rather than resting on their legacy, the band delivers an energetic batch of new music that easily rivals their late 1980s output and 1994’s «Voodoo Lounge». The dynamic performances suggest these tracks will shine during live concerts, sparking hope among fans for a final global tour.
