The Rolling Stones Tease ‘Foreign Tongues’ Album With New Single ‘In the Stars’

The Rolling Stones are officially teasing their highly anticipated new album, Foreign Tongues, with the release of an upbeat new single, “In the Stars.” This track, alongside the bluesy “Rough and Twisted”—which the band previously teased through a grassroots campaign under the pseudonym the Cockroaches—serves as a powerful introduction to the LP’s 14-track collection. The album is slated for a July 10 release, following the success of 2023’s Hackney Diamonds, which earned the band a Grammy and reached Number Three on the U.S. charts.

“In the Stars” captures a fresh energy, blending early Eighties pop-rock sensibilities with a distinct, melodic chorus. As Mick Jagger sings, “It’s in the stars, it’s our destiny,” the track is bolstered by lush backing vocals and piano arrangements that highlight a new creative direction for the band, all while remaining anchored by an unmistakable Keith Richards riff.

“Rough and Twisted” offers a stark contrast, leaning into the band’s signature blues-rock swagger. Laden with slide guitar, boogie-woogie piano, and saxophone, the track recalls the gritty, high-energy recordings of the early Seventies. Jagger’s harmonica work adds an authentic, raw edge to the song, solidifying the band’s enduring connection to their blues roots.

Recorded at West London’s Metropolis Studios under the guidance of producer Andrew Watt, Foreign Tongues features a stellar lineup. In addition to Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood, the album marks the return of bassist Darryl Jones, keyboardist Matt Clifford, and drummer Steve Jordan. Notably, the project includes a posthumous appearance by the late Charlie Watts, recorded during his final sessions in 2021. The album also boasts an impressive roster of guest artists, including Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney, Robert Smith of the Cure, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Reflecting on the recording process, Jagger noted, “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.” Richards echoed this sentiment, adding, “The Foreign Tongues album has a continuity from Hackney Diamonds, and it was great to be working in London again. It was a month of concentrated punch.”

The album art, created by Nathaniel Mary Quinn, features striking illustrations of the band members’ faces. Foreign Tongues will be available in multiple formats, including CD, deluxe CD, cassette, and various vinyl editions, ensuring fans can experience the new music in their preferred medium.