The Rolling Stones have returned with Foreign Tongues, their second new album in recent years, finding a funkier, more robust rhythm in the overflow of the Hackney Diamonds sessions. While the band continues to navigate the complexities of their legacy as octogenarians, this latest effort serves as a testament to their enduring presence in the landscape of 2026 music.
A Rebirth of Archetypes
The album’s cover art, created by Chicago painter Nathaniel Mary Quinn, offers a glorious, grotesque reimagining of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood. It is a visual statement that embraces the band’s age rather than hiding it, channeling the glam-trash aesthetics of their late-’70s peak. Musically, the record marks a second collaboration with producer Andrew Watt, who continues to bridge the gap between classic rock reverence and the precision of contemporary pop songwriting.
Crafting the Stones Sound
Under Watt’s guidance, the band sounds more attuned to the mechanics of modern pop, where song structures are arranged with clinical timing. This approach creates an interesting tension throughout Foreign Tongues. Tracks like “Rough and Twisted” and “In the Stars” showcase the band’s innate, blues-rock swagger, yet they are frequently polished by choruses that feel distinctly modern. The result is a mix of the raw, roadhouse energy fans expect and a calculated, studio-perfected finish.
Mirror Images and Legacy
Built from material left over from Hackney Diamonds, the two albums function as mirror images. Both feature a similar sequence of rockers, country-tinged breathers, and gospel-ballad climaxes. The guest list remains star-studded, with appearances from Paul McCartney, Bruno Mars, and Robert Smith, alongside a posthumous contribution from the late Charlie Watts. Despite the familiar framework, Foreign Tongues distinguishes itself through a more robust rhythmic flair, particularly in the performances of bassist Darryl Jones and drummer Steve Jordan.
Ultimately, the album succeeds by allowing the band to lean into their punky and funky sensibilities. Whether they are covering Amy Winehouse or taking aim at modern power structures, the Stones prove that they are still capable of holding a mirror up to the world, forcing a reckoning with the very soul of the music they helped define.