The Rolling Stones Teams Up with Paul McCartney to Robert Smith for New Foreign Tongues Album

JAKARTA - The Rolling Stones officially announced the release of their latest studio album, Foreign Tongues, which is scheduled to be released on July 10 under the label Capitol Records.

The presence of a collection of 14 new songs is quite surprising because it is less than three years since the album "Hackney Diamonds" which managed to win a Grammy trophy.

As an opener, Mick Jagger et al. first released two early singles titled "In the Stars" and "Rough and Twisted" digitally on Tuesday, May 5.

In addition to the core formation supported by Darryl Jones on bass, Matt Clifford on libor, and Steve Jordan on drums, this album holds a high sentimental value. The reason is, there is a contribution from the late Charlie Watts who was recorded in one of his last sessions before his death in 2021.

The list of collaborators in this album is not trivial. Big names such as Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, Robert Smith (The Cure), to Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), also contributed their talents. McCartney's presence marked a consecutive collaboration after he was previously involved in the album "Hackney Diamonds".

The creative process of "Foreign Tongues" is unique and different from the Stones' previous habits. This album was worked on in a very short time, less than a month at Metropolis Studios, West London.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood are collaborating again with Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt, who has previously successfully handled other big musicians such as Lady Gaga, Elton John, to Ozzy Osbourne.

"I'm really happy to do this recording session in Metropolis, London. It was a very intense few weeks to record 'Foreign Tongues'. We have 14 great songs and we're working on them as quickly as possible. I love the room there because it's not too big, so you can feel the passion of everyone in the room," said Jagger, quoted by Variety, Wednesday, May 6.

Meanwhile, Keith Richards said the Stones' new album this time has a continuity of energy with their previous works.

"The album 'Foreign Tongues' has continuity from 'Hackney Diamonds'. It feels amazing to be able to work in London again and feel the atmosphere of London around us. It was a month of concentration. For me, it's all about enjoying it. I feel blessed to be able to do this and hopefully it will last a long time," said Richards.

Ronnie Wood added that the creative atmosphere during the recording process was extraordinary. According to him, the band was in its best performance so that they often managed to get perfect recordings in just one recording.

"The atmosphere in the room was very creative, and the whole band was in the best performance throughout the process. Often we succeed on the first take. I hope everyone likes it," concluded Wood.