The Rolling Stones have released their 25th studio album, "Foreign Tongues," continuing a late creative surge that began with the Grammy-winning "Hackney Diamonds." The new album features the band members reflecting on aging, offering social and political commentary, and showcasing their enduring musical prowess.
Mick Jagger, the band's 83-year-old frontman, contemplates mortality on tracks like "Mr. Charm," where he sings about a desire to stay home with cocktails and wine, a departure from the band's earlier rebellious image. Despite their age and status as "natty multimillionaires," the band injects a dose of cheekiness, including a jab at "mad mogul Mr. Musk" in "Mr. Charm."
Political and Personal Themes
The album takes a more serious and political turn on "Ringing Hollow," a song chronicling a strained relationship with the United States. Lyrics describe a past infatuation with the country, now soured by a present-day landscape where "there's always a scoundrel trying to whip up the crowd" and "Lady Liberty don't look so good when she's wearing a frown." No current leaders are named.
Jagger's voice remains a focal point, retaining its potency and even flexing a fierce falsetto on the breakup song "Jealous Lover." Keith Richards delivers a poignant lead vocal on "Some of Us," and Ronnie Wood is highlighted with a searing solo on "Back in Your Life."
Guest Appearances and Tributes
"Foreign Tongues" features a notable lineup of guest musicians. Bruno Mars contributes cowbell to "Never Wanna Lose You," and Paul McCartney plays bass on "Covered in You." Steve Winwood handles organ duties, and Robert Smith of The Cure adds guitar and backup vocals. The album also includes a track, "Hit Me in the Head," recorded by the late drummer Charlie Watts before his death in 2021, featuring his distinctive drumming.
Musical Direction and Influences
Produced by Andrew Watt, who also helmed "Hackney Diamonds," the album is described as strikingly consistent. While most songs are credited to Jagger and Richards, the album also includes a cover of Amy Winehouse's "You Know I'm No Good," with Jagger on vocals and harmonica, and closes with a cover of Chuck Berry's "Beautiful Delilah."
Tracks such as "Divine Intervention," "Rough and Twisted," and "Ringing Hollow" are noted as potential future additions to live sets. The album, rated four out of five stars, offers something interesting on every track, appealing to fans of pure rock 'n' roll.