The rock and roll world shifted on its axis this week as the legendary trio of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood descended upon Brooklyn to unveil their latest masterpiece. The Rolling Stones Foreign Tongues album, the band’s 25th studio effort, is officially set for a global release on July 10, 2026, through Capitol Records. This announcement comes less than three years after the Grammy-winning success of Hackney Diamonds, signaling a prolific late-career renaissance for the "World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band."
Rolling Stones Foreign Tongues Album Details
To help fans prepare for the upcoming release, here are the essential details regarding the new project:
- Release Date: July 10, 2026
- Producer: Andrew Watt
- Lead Single: "In the Stars"
- Guest Artists: Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, Steve Winwood, Chad Smith, and Charlie Watts
- Number of Tracks: 14
The Brooklyn Launch Event: Conan O'Brien and the Weylin
The Rolling Stones Brooklyn launch event took place at the Weylin in Williamsburg, a venue as historic and grand as the band itself. Hosted by Conan O'Brien, the evening was an intimate Q&A session where the band showcased their enduring chemistry. Jagger, now 82, appeared in high spirits, reflecting a "peaceful life" alongside his fiancée Melanie Hamrick, a sharp contrast to the harrowing tales of his 1976 health scares detailed in recent biographies.
During the Conan O'Brien interview, the band discussed the "concentrated punch" of the recording process. The atmosphere at the Weylin was electric as invited guests were treated to a sneak peek of the music video for the lead single, "In the Stars," and a first listen to tracks like "Mr. Charm" and "Jealous Lover."
Foreign Tongues Tracklist and the Amy Winehouse Tribute
One of the most talked-about reveals is the Rolling Stones Amy Winehouse cover. During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show, Ronnie Wood confirmed that the band has recorded a studio version of Winehouse’s "You Know I’m No Good." This tribute holds deep historical weight; the Stones famously performed with Winehouse at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2007. While that was a live cover of "Ain’t Too Proud to Beg," this new studio recording marks a full-circle moment, arriving as the Back to Black classic nears its 20th anniversary.
The Foreign Tongues tracklist is a 14-track journey recorded in less than a month at Metropolis Studios London. This rapid-fire recording schedule is a departure from the years-long sessions of their past, with the band often "nailing it on the first take."
Confirmed and Expected Tracks:
- Rough and Twisted (The opening track, previously teased as a white label vinyl)
- In the Stars (The official lead single)
- You Know I’m No Good (Amy Winehouse cover)
- Mr. Charm
- Jealous Lover
- Foreign Tongues (Title track)
- London Vibe
- (Remaining 7 tracks to be confirmed via Capitol Records)
Star-Studded Collaborations: McCartney, Smith, and Watts
The Andrew Watt Rolling Stones producer partnership continues to bear fruit. Watt, known for his work with Lady Gaga and Elton John, has once again brought a modern sheen to the Stones' gritty roots. The album features a heavy-hitting guest list that bridges generations of rock royalty.
A Paul McCartney collaboration is confirmed, marking his second consecutive appearance on a Stones record. Perhaps most surprising is the inclusion of Robert Smith of The Cure, whose atmospheric guitar work is expected to add a gothic layer to the band’s bluesy foundation. Steve Winwood and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers also contribute, but the most emotional guest is the late Charlie Watts. The album includes drum tracks from one of Watts’ final sessions before his 2021 passing, ensuring the heartbeat of the band remains intact for this 25th milestone.
A New Visual Era: Nathaniel Mary Quinn and the Reimagined Logo
The aesthetic of Foreign Tongues is as bold as the music. The Nathaniel Mary Quinn Rolling Stones art featured on the cover is a bespoke painting that Quinn describes as a "dialogue" with the band's cultural history. Known for his composite portraits that challenge the viewer's perception of identity, Quinn’s involvement suggests a more cerebral, artistic direction for this era.
Accompanying the new art is a reimagined tongue logo. While the original 1970 John Pasche design is untouchable, this new iteration features a more textured, painterly look that aligns with Quinn’s visual style. This shift signals that the Stones are not just looking back at their legacy, but actively evolving it for 2026 and beyond.
The History of "The Cockroaches" and Vinyl Variants
In the weeks leading up to the announcement, the band utilized a deep-cut pseudonym to build hype: The Cockroaches. Long-time fans will recognize this as the name the band used for secret club shows in the 1970s and 80s. A limited white label Rough and Twisted vinyl was released under this name, instantly becoming a collector's "holy grail."
For those looking to secure the album, several Foreign Tongues vinyl variants are expected, including:
- Standard Black 2-LP: High-fidelity 180g pressing.
- Limited Edition White Label: A nod to the "Cockroaches" teaser.
- Deluxe Box Set: Includes exclusive behind-the-scenes photography from Metropolis Studios and a lithograph of the Nathaniel Mary Quinn painting.
Key Takeaways
- Official Release: Foreign Tongues drops on July 10, 2026.
- Amy Winehouse Tribute: The album features a studio cover of "You Know I'm No Good."
- Legendary Guests: Contributions from Paul McCartney, Robert Smith (The Cure), and the late Charlie Watts.
- Andrew Watt Production: Recorded in a "concentrated month" at Metropolis Studios, London.
- Visual Identity: Features a reimagined logo and cover art by Nathaniel Mary Quinn.
The Road Ahead: Tour and Legacy
While a formal tour announcement has yet to be made, the energy displayed at the Weylin suggests the band is far from finished with the stage. The Rolling Stones Foreign Tongues album serves as a testament to their longevity. By recording at Metropolis Studios—a venue Jagger praised for its intimate, passionate vibe—the band has captured a "London vibe" that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
As the July 10 release date approaches, the anticipation continues to build. Whether it is the emotional resonance of hearing Charlie Watts one last time or the curiosity of a Robert Smith collaboration, Foreign Tongues is shaping up to be more than just an album; it is a cultural event that proves the Rolling Stones are still the masters of the "Rough and Twisted" road of rock and roll.
