Music legends The Rolling Stones have officially announced their highly anticipated new album, ‘Foreign Tongues’, set for release on July 10 via Polydor/Universal Music. The record promises an electrifying blend of raw energy and star-studded collaborations, featuring guest appearances from iconic figures like Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, and Chad Smith.

This news follows a string of intriguing teasers, including a mysterious international billboard campaign and a surprise single release under the alias ‘The Cockroaches’. Fans can now digitally stream the infectious lead single, ‘In The Stars’, released today (May 5), alongside the previously teased ‘Rough And Twisted’.

‘Foreign Tongues’ will comprise 14 tracks, introducing listeners to a sound that band members say captures their signature raw and exploratory energy. A poignant inclusion will be one of the final recordings from the late, legendary drummer Charlie Watts, who passed in 2021.

The album boasts an impressive roster of additional collaborators beyond McCartney and Smith, including Steve Winwood and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Andrew Watt, who also produced their critically acclaimed 2024 release ‘Hackney Diamonds’, returned to the helm for this new project.

The entire record was brought to life in under a month at West London’s Metropolis Studios, emphasizing the band’s efficient and passionate creative process. This rapid turnaround suggests a vibrant, immediate sound.

From The Studio: The Stones Speak

Speaking on the recording experience, Mick Jagger remarked, “I love doing these 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 highlighted a sense of continuity, adding that the record has a “continuity from ‘Hackney Diamonds’” and captures “that London vibe” from their last effort. Ronnie Wood echoed this sentiment, stating that “the atmosphere in the room was so creative, and the whole band was on top form throughout the whole process.” He concluded, “Very often we nailed it on the first take. I hope everyone loves it.”

A New Era, or a Coda for the Stones?

The announcement of 'Foreign Tongues' less than two years after 'Hackney Diamonds' marks a surprisingly prolific period for The Rolling Stones, especially considering their decades-long career. While 'Hackney Diamonds' was celebrated for its renewed vigor and fresh collaborations, 'Foreign Tongues' appears to double down on this strategy, bringing in even more high-profile guests like Paul McCartney and Robert Smith – a testament to the band’s enduring influence and appeal across generations and genres.

The inclusion of Charlie Watts's final recording lends a significant emotional weight to the album, potentially positioning it as a powerful bridge between their past and present. The rapid recording process, praised by Jagger, suggests a raw, unpolished energy that could appeal to long-time fans yearning for their classic sound, while the diverse guest list might draw in new listeners.

However, the simultaneous confirmation that a 2026 UK and European stadium tour was scrapped due to Keith Richards's inability to commit paints a picture of a band balancing creative output with the realities of age. While their 2024 North American 'Hackney Diamonds' tour was a monumental success, earning a spot on the highest-grossing tours list, 'Foreign Tongues' might represent a strategic shift towards studio work and more selective live engagements, consolidating their legacy through new material rather than extensive touring. This album, therefore, could be seen as both a vibrant continuation and a thoughtful reflection on their unparalleled journey.

Album Launch and Touring Outlook

The three core members – Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood – are scheduled to attend a media launch for 'Foreign Tongues' later today in Brooklyn, New York. Despite this new release, a full tour announcement appears unlikely in the near future.

The group had previously confirmed the scrapping of a planned 2026 UK and European stadium tour due to Keith Richards's commitments. Their last major North American trek was the highly successful 'Hackney Diamonds' tour in 2024, while their most recent UK performances were in 2022, including two BST Hyde Park gigs and a stadium show in Liverpool.