More than six decades into one of the greatest careers in rock history, The Rolling Stones are proving once again that they have no intention of slowing down.
The legendary band has officially announced their brand-new studio album, Foreign Tongues, arriving on 10th July 2026, the long-awaited follow-up to their Grammy-winning album Hackney Diamonds (2023).
The announcement arrived after weeks of fan speculation, cryptic teasers popping up around London, and a mysterious single simply called ‘The Cockroaches’ - a known pseudonym previously used by the Stones to promote small-scale gigs, dating all the way back to 1977. The original alias stemmed from a joke about cockroaches surviving even after the world ends, withstanding the test of time, just like the Stones themselves, sonically it could be argued. Eagle-eyed fans noticed a website, thecockroaches.com, featuring the phrase ‘Who the f- are the cockroaches?’, paying homage to a famous Keith Richards t-shirt worn on tour. Fans quickly connected the dots after hearing the unmistakable swagger of the new track “Rough and Twisted.”
Now the Stones are back in full force.
A New Era
Foreign Tongues marks the band’s 25th studio album and sees Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood reunited with producer Andrew Watt, whose work on Hackney Diamonds helped reignite the band’s late-career creative surge.
According to reports from the album launch event in New York, the record spans blues, punk, country, and classic rock influences while still sounding unmistakably like the Stones. Frontman Jagger described the sessions as an effort to ‘raise the bar’ creatively rather than repeat familiar formulas. Apparently, the album came together in under a month, giving it a loose and energetic feel while still sounding reminiscent of classic Stones. Cementing one thing entirely, the Stones have still got ‘it’.
The New Singles
The lead single ‘In The Stars’ has already been released digitally alongside the album's first track, ‘Rough and Twisted’. The tracks showcase different sides of the album - the lead single feels more modern and polished, while the latter is more raw and blues-heavy.
Rough and Twisted
The first song on the album is reminiscent of an older Rolling Stones sound - the ‘69 album Let It Bleed comes to mind, particularly tracks like “Midnight Rambler” that also carry a heavy blues feel. It’s got a dirty groove, great guitars, and that unmistakable harmonica sound from Jagger - what more could you want?
In The Stars
On the other hand, the lead single feels much more polished and tidy. More similar to their Hackney Diamonds sound, the track feels tighter and more modern while still carrying that familiar Stones feel and epic guitar presence. It also arguably leans a bit more indie pop-ish at times, with a special mention going to Mick’s falsetto near the end of the track.
What To Expect
Between the two songs released so far, fans can likely expect a blend of old and new-sounding Stones throughout the album. Fans can also expect a stacked list of collaborators, including appearances from Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, Steve Winwood, and Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The record will also feature contributions from late drummer Charlie Watts, using recordings captured before his passing in 2021, adding an emotional layer to the album while allowing his presence to remain part of the Stones’ sound.
The Stones Are Still Rolling
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Foreign Tongues isn’t simply that the Stones are releasing another album - it’s that they still sound creatively energised while doing it. At the New York launch event, hosted by Conan O’Brien, the band appeared relaxed, ambitious, and fully aware of the legacy they continue to build. O’Brien quipped that maybe the band would ‘finally make it after decades of obscurity’ after this album, met with laughter from a room full of famous faces, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Baz Luhrmann, and Odessa A’zion - the latter of whom is set to star in one of their new music videos.
Over 60 years after forming in London, the Stones remain one of the few bands capable of turning a new album announcement into a genuine global event. And if the early singles are anything to go by, Foreign Tongues could become another essential chapter in one of rock music’s greatest catalogues.
Pre-order the new album and singles below. (Single out 15th of May, full album out 10th July)
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