In the face of a turbulent and chaotic world, the Rolling Stones have sought to bring a bit of sanity and fury to these troubled times. That’s the first impression we mortals get when listening to their upcoming album, *Foreign Tongues*, out July 10—a 14-song album with very little filler and messages that pack a punch.
It’s been only three years since the release of the rebellious “Hackney Diamonds,” and after listening to “Foreign Tongues” in its entirety, it’s clear that Their Satanic Majesties are in better shape, with more vitality, sarcasm, and social commentary than in their early days—more than 60 years ago. Also, needless to say, they have more years under their belts and more money.
The first two tracks released were a tasty appetizer of what’s to come. The first single—“In the Stars”—with a powerful riff, a catchy chorus, and Jagger’s exuberant vocals, promised great things. The second, “Rough and Twisted,” confirmed that true rockers never grow old—even if you’ve lived like Keith Richards—and served as a reminder that when a sharp harmonica sounds, the devil is nearby and eager to strike with his trident.
So much so that songs like “Mr. Charm”—a catchy, danceable track that seems innocent at first glance—repeat the phrase “the crazy tycoon Mr. Musk,” referring to the owner of X and many other companies, while in the chorus, the charming “Charm” can be mistaken for President “Trump.”
More references to our American friend can be found in the remarkable and fast-paced “Divine Intervention”—released just a few hours ago alongside “Jealous Lover”—where a stroll through New York City can make you feel like you’re caught up in a game of chance. And it features a guest appearance on guitar by the returning Robert Smith, the frontman of The Cure.
The clearest critique of the new United States comes from a place of admiration and the resulting disillusionment in the song “Ringing Hollow.” In country-rock style, the song sounds like a lament that begins with Jagger singing “I watched all your movies/I smoked your cigarettes,” in reference to American culture, and ends with a group of dreamers doing fentanyl and cocaine while the Statue of Liberty doesn’t look too happy.
The Rolling Stones: A Tribute to the Past or a Testament
The band’s 25th studio album also recalls memorable moments from the British band’s history. For example, in the song “Jealous Lover,” a mid-tempo track perfect for dancing freely yet restrained, Jagger showcases a falsetto voice that he made memorable in the legendary “Emotional Rescue” (1980).
We should also mention the song “Never Wanna Lose You,” which brings back those bass lines from back when the Stones were dabbling in funk and we were all younger.
In this look back at the past, there are questions that can really make your head spin: How is it possible that two octogenarians—Keith and Mick—have the ability to write and perform the song “Hit Me in the Head”? Artificial Intelligence (AI) has answers for everything and explains this miracle of nature with phrases like “indestructible compositional chemistry” or “exceptional physical and medical machinery.” It’s all very polite but lacking in passion.
At the very least, technology has made it possible to include the drum track recorded by the late Charlie Watts on this track.
Among the living collaborators, we should also mention Sir Paul McCartney (on bass in “Covered in You”), Steve Winwood, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
In the tribute segment, the band Los Labios Rojos treat us to two surprises: a unique take on Amy Winehouse’s song “You Know I’m No Good,” and a rendition of “Beautiful Delilah” by the master Chuck Berry in true Southern U.S. style.
Another highlight worth noting is Keith Richards singing the ballad “Some of Us,” in which he comes across as sincere and looks back on the past without anger, putting aside the negative effects of drugs, as highlighted in another track: “Side Effects.”
Produced by Andrew Watt, who also played keyboards on the previous album, and recorded over the course of a month at Metropolis Studios in London, the legendary Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood are back with plenty of energy and great songs.
This dazzling comeback, however, raises several questions: Are we witnessing the Stones’ swan song? Is this an excuse for a new world tour? Will they bring down Taylor Swift’s musical empire? The answer may already be available in the marketing department of Their Satanic Majesties, according to Agencia EFE.