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

The Rolling Stones are setting the stage for their next studio release with the debut of a new single, “In the Stars,” offering an early look at Foreign Tongues, the band’s upcoming album scheduled for release on July 10.

The project marks the group’s first full-length effort since 2023’s Hackney Diamonds, which performed strongly on the charts and earned the band a Grammy. With Foreign Tongues, the Stones appear to be building on that momentum while continuing to explore variations within their established sound.

“In the Stars,” positioned as the album’s lead single, leans into a melodic pop-rock structure reminiscent of the band’s early 1980s work, while introducing subtle shifts in arrangement. The track opens with a familiar groove but expands during its chorus, where layered backing vocals and piano accents create a more atmospheric tone before returning to a signature guitar-driven sound associated with Keith Richards. Vocally, Mick Jagger balances the track’s polished production with the energetic phrasing that has defined the band’s catalog for decades.

Alongside the single, the band has also previewed another track from the album, “Rough and Twisted,” which takes a more stripped-down, blues-oriented approach. Built around slide guitar, piano, and saxophone, the song draws from the band’s earlier influences and recalls elements of their 1970s recordings. The track was initially introduced through a low-key promotional campaign under the name “the Cockroaches,” a pseudonym the band has used in the past.

The album itself consists of 14 tracks and was recorded at Metropolis Studios in West London. Producer Andrew Watt, who worked with the band on Hackney Diamonds, returned to oversee the sessions. According to the band, recording took place over an intensive period, with much of the material captured quickly.

In addition to Jagger and Richards, the lineup includes longtime guitarist Ron Wood, along with bassist Darryl Jones, keyboardist Matt Clifford, and drummer Steve Jordan. The album also features a posthumous contribution from Charlie Watts, using material recorded before he died in 2021.

Several guest musicians appear across the record, including Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, Robert Smith, and Chad Smith. Their contributions reflect a mix of classic rock and alternative influences, aligning with the band’s approach to collaboration in recent years.

In statements released alongside the announcement, the band described the sessions as focused and creatively productive. Jagger noted the intensity of the recording process, while Richards emphasized the continuity between Foreign Tongues and its predecessor. Wood highlighted the group’s performance during the sessions, suggesting that many tracks were completed in minimal takes.

The album’s visual presentation also reflects a contemporary approach. Its cover art, created by artist Nathaniel Mary Quinn, features stylized, layered portraits of the band members, offering a modern interpretation of their image while maintaining a connection to their identity.

Jagger, Richards, and Wood are expected to appear at a promotional event in Brooklyn tied to the album’s launch. The band has not announced any upcoming tour dates.

Foreign Tongues will be released across multiple formats, including vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital platforms. Physical editions of the lead single are also planned.