More than six decades into one of the most remarkable careers in music, The Rolling Stones have once again shown why they remain one of rock's defining forces. Released today via Capitol Records, Foreign Tongues arrives less than three years after the Grammy Award-winning Hackney Diamonds, and rather than resting on past success, it builds on it with confidence, energy and a willingness to keep evolving.

Across 14 tracks, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood sound revitalised. There is a sense that the band are enjoying themselves as much as ever, whether tearing through swaggering blues rock or venturing into soul, country and even disco-inspired territory.

Opening track "Rough and Twisted" immediately sets the tone with dirty slide guitar, pounding piano and harmonica that recalls the Stones at their most dangerous. It is gritty, loud and unapologetically old school, yet the production from Andrew Watt gives everything a crisp modern edge without losing the band's unmistakable identity.

The infectious "In The Stars" keeps the momentum going before "Jealous Lover" shifts gears into soulful territory. Backed by Steve Winwood's warm keyboard work, the single demonstrates just how versatile Jagger remains as a vocalist. His performance throughout the album is remarkable, delivering wit, attitude and emotional depth with the same ease that has defined the Stones for generations.

Elsewhere, Foreign Tongues is full of surprises. "Ringing Hollow" embraces classic country influences, while Keith Richards takes centre stage on the heartfelt "Some Of Us", offering one of the album's most intimate moments. The trademark guitar interplay between Richards and Ronnie Wood remains as compelling as ever, particularly on the beautifully understated "Back In Your Life".

The guest appearances never feel like distractions. Paul McCartney's bass work blends seamlessly into "Covered In You", Robert Smith adds haunting textures to "Never Wanna Lose You", and Chad Smith's percussion complements the record's closing moments. Even the brief appearance from Bruno Mars feels understated rather than attention seeking.

Perhaps the most emotional moment comes with "Hit Me In The Head", which features Charlie Watts from one of his final recording sessions before his passing in 2021. His unmistakable feel behind the kit serves as a touching reminder that while the Stones continue to evolve, their history remains woven into every note they play.

The album closes with an acoustic take on Chuck Berry's "Beautiful Delilah", a fitting tribute to one of the band's earliest inspirations and a reminder that their roots have never been forgotten.

Recorded in less than a month at London's Metropolis Studios, Foreign Tongues captures the excitement of a band working on instinct. That urgency can be heard throughout the record, giving it an energy that feels refreshingly immediate.

While the polished production occasionally smooths away some of the rough edges that made earlier Stones records feel unpredictable, it never diminishes the spirit of the songs themselves. Instead, it allows the performances to shine with clarity and purpose.

Foreign Tongues doesn't chase the past. It celebrates everything that makes The Rolling Stones timeless while sounding confidently rooted in the present.

At an age when most bands would be celebrating anniversaries rather than releasing ambitious new material, The Rolling Stones have delivered an album that honours their extraordinary past while refusing to become trapped by it. Foreign Tongues is packed with memorable songs, inspired performances and enough swagger to remind everyone why they remain one of rock's greatest survivors.

Foreign Tongues doesn't chase the past. It celebrates everything that makes The Rolling Stones timeless while sounding confidently rooted in the present.

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

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and chief editor of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.