Rolling Stones release 'Foreign Tongues,' their 25th studio album

The Rolling Stones have released 'Foreign Tongues,' their 25th studio album, marking a continuation of a late-career creative resurgence. The album is described as more rambunctious and memorable than 2023's 'Hackney Diamonds,' with Mick Jagger's voice still remarkably sharp at nearly 83 Source: AP News.

Sound and style

The album opens with 'Rough And Twisted' and 'In The Stars,' and features a mix of rock gems, funky pop, and a confessional solo from Keith Richards. A standout is 'Ringing Hollow,' a breakup song with the United States that criticizes 'scoundrels' without naming names Source: AP News. The band also takes a jab at 'mad mogul Mr. Musk' on 'Mr. Charm' Source: Euronews.

Guests and production

Guest appearances include Paul McCartney on bass, Bruno Mars on cowbell, and Robert Smith on guitar and backing vocals. However, while AP News calls them an 'enviable guest contingent' Source: AP News, Euronews finds the cameos 'don't register as particularly essential' Source: Euronews. The late Charlie Watts appears posthumously on 'Hit Me in the Head,' adding a poignant touch Source: AP News.

Verdict

Overall, critics agree 'Foreign Tongues' is a strong, consistent album that defies expectations for a band in its eighth decade, though opinions vary on the impact of its guest spots.