The Rolling Stones claimed Tuesday their validity and the overflowing energy of their new album, ‘Foreign Tongues’, which will be released on July 10 and that, as they said today when presenting it in New York, is full of “urgency”, the result of a quick recording of just a month in his native London.
The group, formed in 1962, also unveiled a new single, ‘In the Stars’, already available on digital platforms, during an event held at the Weylin Hotel in Brooklyn, where Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards and Ron Wood (guitars) posed in front of media and fans next to their iconic open-mouth logo with tongue out.
Jagger, dressed in an eye-catching striped jacket, Richards in a cap and silk scarf, and Wood in a butterfly print jacket, were in good humor and complicity in a brief chat with host Conan O’Brien restricted to guests of honor and international media.
The vocalist noted that, for this album, it was key to record almost live and, on many occasions, in one take, to take advantage of the chemistry between the band members: “You have to move your eyes and see everyone: Keith, Ronnie…. you see exactly what they’re doing and thinking. The studio worked very well for us and the sound was very good,” he said.
That relaxed atmosphere and the fact that many of the songs were recorded in such a short time contributed to give the album “an energy of urgency”, achieving a sound that, despite its age (Jagger and Richards are 82 years old and Wood, 78), manages to avoid any sense of routine.
‘Foreign Tongues’ is their first studio work since ‘Hackney Diamonds’ (2023), with which they returned after several years of silence and which won a Grammy Award.
On this occasion, the Stones emphasized that they have continued to “explore new nuances” without renouncing their rock essence, faithful to an identity that they have been polishing for more than six decades.
“We never forget our roots,” agreed the musicians, who defined the album as a journey through different genres, from classic rock to ballads and country-influenced songs.
“We have nothing to prove, but we’re still a rock band capable of doing different styles,” Jagger noted.
Richards, in his usual scattered but casual air, accompanying his words with theatrical hand gestures, assured that inspiration is still something almost mystical, spontaneous, and bragged that his riffs “just come”, provoking laughter from the audience.
They also joked about splitting the lead on the album: “We like the album, but I don’t have many solos…he has all the solos,” Jagger joked, pointing to Richards.
The Rolling Stones to collaborate with various artists on ‘Foreign Tongues’
The band announced that the album features several collaborations, including ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, who participated in a recording (they joked imitating McCartney’s enthusiasm when talking about the sessions), and Robert Smith, leader of The Cure, who, with his iconic face made up with lipstick, ended up joining them on a track after meeting them in the studio.
‘Their Satanic Majesties’ made it clear that their creative ambition remains intact: “There’s always more out there,” concluded Jagger, who said the group “has nothing to prove” but remains “a rock band capable of doing ballads and exploring a wide range of styles,” something he said is reflected in this album.
The release of ‘Foreign Tongues’ has been preceded by a progressive social media campaign: last Saturday, the group revealed the album’s title and today it announced that it will be released on July 10.
In April, they had released a limited edition vinyl with the track ‘Rough and Twisted’, under their historic pseudonym The Cockroaches, as part of a promotional campaign that sold out in a few hours in independent stores.
However, his live activity remains shrouded in uncertainty, especially after the European tour planned for 2026 was cancelled due to the difficulties Richards says he has in keeping up with the demanding pace of concerts.
Formed in London in 1962, the Stones remain one of the most influential and successful bands in rock history, with anthems such as ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’, ‘Paint It Black’ and ‘Start Me Up’, reported Agencia EFE.
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