The Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band in the World isn’t slowing down. The Rolling Stones have officially announced their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues, scheduled to drop on July 10 via Capitol. Arriving less than three years after the Grammy-winning Hackney Diamonds, this new project proves that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are currently experiencing their most prolific creative streak in decades.
The announcement comes after a brilliant “guerrilla” marketing campaign involving their legendary Cockroaches pseudonym and secretive GPS coordinates. Led by the shimmering new single “In the Stars,” the album promises a “concentrated punch” of London energy, reuniting the band with star producer Andrew Watt.
Stones Go ‘Rough and Twisted’ for Foreign Tongues
The road to Foreign Tongues was paved with mystery. Fans first caught wind of the project when posters for “The Cockroaches”—an alias the Stones have used for secret club shows since the 70s—began appearing in Camden Town. This culminated in a white-label vinyl release of the track “Rough and Twisted,” sold for a cryptic price of £10.07, which die-hard fans correctly decoded as the July 10 release date.
A Sonic Bridge to Hackney Diamonds
Recorded in a lightning-fast month at Metropolis Studios in West London, Foreign Tongues isn’t just a collection of outtakes. Keith Richards describes it as having a “continuity” with their 2023 predecessor. “It was a month of concentrated punch,” Richards noted, emphasizing the “London vibe” that permeated the sessions.
Mick Jagger, now 82, echoed the intensity of the process: “I like the room there [Metropolis] as it’s not too big so you can feel the passion from everyone.” This sense of intimacy is captured in the album’s cover art by Nathaniel Mary Quinn, which features a fragmented, modern aesthetic that reflects the band’s enduring relevance.
Legendary Guests and a Final Farewell to Charlie Watts
Perhaps the most touching aspect of Foreign Tongues is the inclusion of the late Charlie Watts. The album features drum tracks captured during his final sessions before his 2021 passing, ensuring the heartbeat of the Stones remains intact.
The guest list is equally staggering, bridging the gap between Brit-rock royalty and modern icons:
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Paul McCartney: Returning for a second consecutive Stones collaboration on bass.
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Robert Smith: The Cure’s frontman lends his distinct atmospheric touch.
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Steve Winwood & Chad Smith: Adding classic soul and funk-rock power to the rhythm section.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-F_oHOvBsM
The Verdict: A Golden Era Revived?
Following the Grammy success of Hackney Diamonds (Best Rock Album 2025), the Rolling Stones are operating with the urgency of a new indie band rather than octogenarian legends. By blending the raw, “Rough and Twisted” energy of their London roots with top-tier modern production, Foreign Tongues is shaping up to be more than just another entry in their discography—it’s a victory lap that refuses to end.