Rolling Stones detail new album 'Foreign Tongues' creation

The Rolling Stones continue their enduring legacy with "Foreign Tongues," their 25th studio album, set for release on July 10. This new collection of songs arrives just three years after their critically acclaimed "Hackney Diamonds," marking a significantly shorter gap than the 18 years between "Hackney Diamonds" and its predecessor, "A Bigger Bang." The band, with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards approaching 83, demonstrates remarkable longevity in an industry where such sustained output is rare.

“

When we were making 'Hackney Diamonds,' we had a lot of material, which sometimes happens, and sometimes it doesn't. I was looking at 'Black and Blue' when it was reissued recently and there were eight songs on the whole album. But on 'Hackney Diamonds' we said: 'Look, we can only put a certain number of songs on it, and we'll save others. We'll make another album.' So we were already planning to do the next one, and some of the songs on this album come from those sessions, but not that many. We had that discussion, because the songs were too good to put on the shelf. Then we started planning this and ended up with even more songs.

"We had a lot of material when we were making 'Hackney Diamonds,'" Mick Jagger explained. "We said, 'Look, we can only put a certain number of songs on it, and we'll save others. We'll make another album.' So we were already planning to do the next one, and some of the songs on this album come from those sessions, but not that many."

Keith Richards reflected on the band's creative process, stating, "You make music, you learn how to do it, and you play with the best. As long as you're playing with the people you're happy with, you never know what's going to come out." He noted the continuity with "Hackney Diamonds" and expressed curiosity about the band's future direction.

“

You make music, you learn how to do it, and you play with the best. As long as you're playing with the people you're happy with, you never know what's going to come out. When I first heard these songs, I'd say, 'I don't know if this is an album or not,' and then, as it all came together, I said, 'Yeah, damn it, it is.' There's a continuity with 'Hackney Diamonds.' We have to see where this goes next.

Ronnie Wood highlighted the bluesy feel of the new track "Rough and Twisted," emphasizing its roots. "I love the bluesy feel of that song, because that's where this band came from and we never want to lose that essence," he said. The band's ability to evolve while staying true to their origins is a hallmark of their 64-year career.

“

I love the bluesy feel of that song, because that's where this band came from and we never want to lose that essence.