After weeks of teasing, The Rolling Stones have officially announced the details of their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues.
Set for release on July 10th in numerous configurations, including cassette, it contains 14 songs. The single "In the Stars" is available now on YouTube and other streaming services, followed by a physical release on May 15th. Also out now is "Rough and Twisted," which they released as a limited-edition "while label" vinyl last month under their alias, The Cockroaches. The album’s title is taken from a lyric in the song -- “Why don’t you teach me/ Teach me all those foreign tongues?”
Recorded last spring at Metropolis Studios in West London, Foreign Tongues, like 2023's Hackney Diamonds, contains an appearance from their late drummer Charlie Watts, captured during one of his final recording sessions before his passing in 2021, as well as Paul McCartney, who played bass on "Bite My Head Off" on Hackney Diamonds, Steve Winwood, The Cure’s Robert Smith, and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith.
Mick Jagger says, “I loved doing those 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 adds, “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.”
And Ronnie Wood says, “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.”
Foreign Tongues was produced by Andrew Watt, who did the same for Hackney Diamonds, which Jagger tells us was a great experience.
"First of all, he's like young and super enthusiastic, but he also knows The Rolling Stones music backwards. He's a guitar player, bass player, he can play any Rolling Stones song he wants. Wasn't someone that was just a pop producer that was like hot because he produced a lot of hit singles, which is great because you got a contemporary sensibility. And then when we got in the room, you know, he just made sure that everything was perfect, everyone was comfortable, but then just made sure that everyone really worked really hard. You know, there was no mucking about. And the sessions went really pretty smooth."
The Stones are in New York City today (Tuesday) for a launch party this afternoon that will include a Q&A with Conan O'Brien.