Rolling Stones Unveil “Foreign Tongues” Album, Set for July Release

The Stones announced their next studio effort, “Foreign Tongues,” on May 5 2026 at a Brooklyn launch hosted by Conan O’Brien. The release follows 2023’s Grammy-winning “Hackney Diamonds,” the band’s first album of original material in 18 years and the first full-length record after drummer Charlie Watts’s 2021 death.

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Core members Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar) and Ronnie Wood (guitar) are joined by longtime collaborators Darryl Jones (bass), Matt Clifford (keyboards) and Steve Jordan (drums). Guest appearances include Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, Robert Smith of The Cure, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. A posthumous drum track by Charlie Watts, captured during his final sessions, also appears.

Rolling Stones’ ‘Foreign Tongues’ Album to Feature Paul McCartney, The Cure’s Robert SmithThe Rolling Stones Announce New Album ‘Foreign Tongues'Audacy NewsVariety MagazineWandsworth TimesThe Rolling Stones drop new single 'In the Stars' and announce new album, 'Foreign Tongues'

The album was recorded at Metropolis Studios in West London over a single month. Sessions began in early April 2026 and wrapped by early May 2026, yielding 14 tracks. The band released the lead single “In the Stars” digitally on May 5, alongside the opening track “Rough and Twisted,” which had previously been issued as a white-label vinyl under the alias “The Cockroaches.”

Deadline Hollywood

• Release date: July 10 2026 (Capitol/Polydor)

NME | New Musical Express

• Tracks: 14 songs, including “Hit Me in the Head” (featuring Watts)

Wandsworth Times

• Formats: CD, deluxe CD, cassette, multiple vinyl variants, box sets

Deadline Hollywood

• Guest count: 4 named guest artists plus Watts’s archival contribution

Rolling Stones announce new album ‘Foreign Tongues,’ out July 10 with star guests

• Previous album: “Hackney Diamonds” (2023), Grammy Award for Best Rock Album

Variety Magazine

Mick Jagger described the sessions as “very intense,” noting the band “went as fast as we could” and that the compact studio space allowed “the passion … from everyone.” Keith Richards called the effort “a month of concentrated punch” and emphasized continuity with “Hackney Diamonds.” Ronnie Wood said the atmosphere was “so creative” and that the band “nailed it on the first take” for many tracks.

The Rolling Stones Announce New Album ‘Foreign Tongues'

Some media outlets reported that the band’s management dismissed a full-scale tour, citing the members’ ages and health considerations. Critics have questioned whether the accelerated production schedule could compromise the depth associated with the Stones’ classic catalog, though others view the rapid turnaround as evidence of the group’s continued relevance.

The Rolling Stones have announced a new album to be released on July 10, marking 64 years of the band's existence

Most sources label “Foreign Tongues” as the Stones’ 25th studio album. However, a few outlets describe it as the 28th or even the 35th, reflecting differing counts of earlier releases, compilations, and pseudonymous projects. The discrepancy is noted without resolution.

USA Today

• “Well, I was taking a lot of drugs back in 1968,” — Mick Jagger, vocalist

USA Today

• “I love doing these recording sessions in London at Metropolis. 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.” — Mick Jagger, vocalist

The Rolling Stones Announce Foreign Tongues Album For July 10 Release

• “The Foreign Tongues album has a continuity from Hackney Diamonds and it was great to be working in London again, and to have that London vibe around us. It was a month of concentrated punch. To me, it's all about the enjoyment of it.” — Keith Richards, guitarist

Pitchfork

• “The atmosphere in the room was so creative, and the whole band was on top form throughout the whole process. Very often we nailed it on the first take. I hope everyone loves it.” — Ronnie Wood, guitarist

The Rolling Stones Announce Foreign Tongues Album For July 10 Release

• “We did that in Los Angeles with Charlie, and it’s real fast, like a punk rocker,” — Mick Jagger, vocalist

NME | New Musical Express

• “There was no intimidation with Paul. He just wanted to play with the band; he wanted to tick that box. He was like, ‘Finally, I can say I played with The Rolling Stones’.” — Mick Jagger, vocalist

NME | New Musical Express

The Stones will appear on three consecutive nights of The Tonight Show in May, with each surviving member hosting a separate episode. While a tour has not been confirmed, Jagger expressed a desire to “tour the album” as soon as feasible, leaving the possibility open for future live dates.

Boston Herald