Fans were given their first taste of the new era today with the digital release of the upbeat lead single, “In the Stars,” alongside the album’s opening track, “Rough and Twisted.” The latter had previously been part of a clandestine “white label” vinyl release under the pseudonym The Cockroaches, a move that sparked intense speculation among collectors. Recorded during a surge of creative energy, the album was completed in under a month at Metropolis Studios in West London. The band reunited with producer Andrew Watt to craft a record that balances their classic grit with forward-looking sonic exploration.
Foreign Tongues features the core lineup of Jagger, Richards, and Wood, supported by longtime collaborators Darryl Jones, Matt Clifford, and Steve Jordan. In a moving tribute to the band’s history, the album includes a performance by the late Charlie Watts, captured during one of his final recording sessions in 2021. The record also boasts an eclectic list of guest contributors, including Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, Robert Smith of The Cure, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Mick Jagger reflected on the “intense” recording process, noting the passion felt in the studio, while Keith Richards praised the “London vibe” that shaped the album’s concentrated punch. Ronnie Wood added that the band was on top form, frequently nailing tracks on the first take. The album features striking cover art by American painter Nathaniel Mary Quinn and will be available in various formats, including multiple vinyl variants and deluxe box sets, ensuring the Stones’ enduring legacy continues to thrive in 2026.
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