What's happened
The Rolling Stones have released a new studio album, Foreign Tongues, continuing their late-career renaissance. Critics praise Jagger’s voice and the band’s cohesive sound, with guests including Paul McCartney and Bruno Mars. The record features political prickliness and a mix of blues, disco, and rock, building on Hackney Diamonds (2023).
What's behind the headline?
Deep dive, no fluff
- The album arrives as the band confronts aging and the political moment with a sharpened, modern sound.
- Jagger’s vocals are increasingly nuanced; Richards’ guitar work provides emotional ballast throughout.
- The record’s political themes, including anti-autocracy and critiques of autocrats, anchor the project in a broader social moment.
- Production by Andrew Watt captures a live-room energy that sustains momentum across tracks.
- The guest list (McCartney, Bruno Mars, Norah Jones on the podcast) signals a widening embrace of different eras and genres, reinforcing the Stones’ relevance.
What to watch next: how Foreign Tongues threads continuity with Hackney Diamonds and whether chart success translates to a lasting late-era peak.
How we got here
The Stones’ 2023 Hackney Diamonds revived original material after years of quiet, followed by 2026’s Foreign Tongues. The line-up remains Jagger, Richards, and Wood, with Watts contributing posthumously on one track. Guest appearances broaden the palette.
Our analysis
AP News: critiques of Mr. Charm and political lines; The Guardian: Foreign Tongues review emphasizes rejuvenated sound and political edge; The Guardian (podcast feature): Speaking in Tongues details recording process and guests.
Go deeper
- Will Foreign Tongues extend the Stones’ late-career run?
- Which tracks stand out most, and why?
- How will critics compare this to Hackney Diamonds?
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