Review by Kimmarie Erickson for MPM
The Rolling Stones- Foreign Tongues. I think the conversation with my editor went something like this: ” What about the Rolling Stones? ” I responded, ” What about them?” My editor was talking about the new album by the iconic English rockers, of course.
I guess I have been living under a rock, because I had no idea that the Rolling Stones released their 27th American studio album on July 1st, 2026.
Recorded at Henson Studios in L.A. and London’s Metropolis Studios, it is produced by the legendary Andrew Watt. The album has no shortage of guest superstar contributors like Sir Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, Darryl Jones, Steve Winwood, Bruno Mars, and Chad Smith, among others. It also features a song recorded with Charlie Watts prior to his death.
The 14 track album opens with Rough and Twisted, a fun, back to basic bluesy romp. Definitely a good choice of tracks to open with. The second track, In the Stars, the album’s lead single, is smooth and melodic.
The vocal harmonies are catchy and memorable with a tasty guitar hook. Jealous Lover, the second single from the album, is hard to describe, in all honesty. Lead singer Mick Jagger switches up his vocal style, stretching his vocal range to higher falsetto. I swear I detected a hint of Motown undertones. Track 4 and 5, Mr Charm and Divine Intervention, are classic Stones paint by number, similar in beat and vibe. Track 6, Ringing Hollow, switches it up a little, with a honkey tonk swagger. Never Wanna Lose You, track 7, comes out of the gate hot. Strong 70’s era bass line, funky shake your booty vibe. Most definitely my go-to track on this album with it’s perfectly blended harmonies in the chorus and spicy breakdown. Hit Me in the Head, Track 8 features the drumming of Charlie Watts, proving he was a prolific drummer and still a legend. Track 9, You Know I’m No Good, is a cover of the song recorded by the late great Amy Winehouse. I think she would approve. Track 10, with lead vocals by Keith Richards, slows the album down to ballad speed.
A solid track with deap thought provoking vocals. Skipping to track 12, Side Effects, brings back the fun, blues-infused aura shaking things up just enough to make this my second favorite track. Back In Your Life, second-to-last track, is a feeling-inducing creeper. I heard it the first time and dismissed it as a filler ballad; now don’t come for me. I can be a tad hasty when in critique mode, and that is why I always listen multiple times.
This track is beautifully crafted and lyrically robust. A cover of Chuck Berry’s Beautiful Delilah wraps up the album, which confused me at first. After doing a little research, I found out that The Stones performed the track during their early BBC radio sessions in 1964. I think it is a fitting tribute to their over 6-decade career, bringing it full circle.
Full disclosure, I have never been a Rolling Stones fan; there, I said it. I never understood the hype. After listening to this album multiple times while writing this review, I now understand why they have stayed relevant and at the top of the Rock and Roll world. Mick and the boys have been churning out number one hits longer than I have been alive and still achieve number one status, that fact alone deserves utmost respect. This album is definately worth a listen and is Skullgurl Metalchick approved.
Track listing:
1. Rough and Twisted
2. In The Stars
3. Jealous Lover
4. Mr. Charm
5. Divine Intervention
6. Ringing Hollow
7. Never Wanna Lose You
8. Hit Me In The Head
9. You Know I’m No Good
10. Some Of Us
11. Covered In You
12. Side Effects
13. Back In Your Life
14. Beautiful Delilah
ORDER FOREIGN TONGUES HERE
