As expected, the Rolling Stones have re-teamed with producer Andrew Watt, who helmed their 2023 comeback Hackney Diamonds, for another new album. The 14-track Foreign Tongues will be released July 10 through Capitol and is being previewed with new single “In the Stars” as well as “Rough and Twisted,” which emerged last month as a limited white label vinyl release under the name the Cockroaches.
Foreign Tongues was recorded in under a month at London’s Metropolis Studios and features an eye-popping array of guest stars: Paul McCartney (who also made a cameo on Hackey Diamonds) Steve Winwood and both Robert Smith of the Cure and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Longtime Stones sideman Darryl Jones, Matt Clifford and Steve Jordan also lend a hand.
Of perhaps even greater import to fans, the album features one of drummer Charlie Watts’ final recording sessions prior to his 2021 death. “The atmosphere in the room was so creative, and the whole band was on top form throughout the whole process,” says guitarist Ronnie Wood. “Very often we nailed it on the first take. I hope everyone loves it.”
Adds Keith Richards, “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.”
American artist Nathaniel Mary Quinn crafted the album’s surreal cover art, enthusing that it was “an artistic honor” and “a dialog with one of the most enduring forces in cultural history.” Click here to explore pre-order formats.
Hackney Diamons, the Stones’ first of original music since 2005, boasted guest appearances by Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga and former Stones bassist Bill Wyman. It was rewarded with the Best Rock Album trophy at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
Stay tuned for coverage of the Stones’ album launch later today (May 5) in Brooklyn, N.Y., where they will be interviewed by Conan O’Brien.