The Rolling Stones – ‘Foreign Tongues’

(Polydor Records)

The Rolling Stones have always had a knack for making survival sound effortless. Every time someone declares them finished, they swagger back with another reminder that rock and roll isn't about perfection, it's about attitude, chemistry and the willingness to stare time in the face with a grin. Foreign Tongues feels like another chapter in that remarkable story. It's an album that doesn't pretend to reinvent the wheel, but instead reminds you why the wheel was worth building in the first place.

From the opening moments there's an unmistakable sense of confidence. This isn't a band chasing trends or trying to prove they still belong. They've long since earned that right. Instead, Foreign Tongues sounds like musicians who know exactly who they are, leaning into decades of shared experience while still finding enough spark to keep the engine roaring. That's no small achievement when you're dealing with a catalogue that stretches across generations.

What immediately stands out is the balance between grit and polish. The production has plenty of modern punch without sanding away the rough edges that have always been essential to The Rolling Stones' identity. The guitars bite when they need to, the rhythm section locks into grooves with effortless precision, and there's enough breathing space in the mix to let everything feel organic rather than overworked. It sounds like a rock band in a room, not a collection of computer files stitched together after the fact.

Mick Jagger remains one of rock's great communicators. Time has inevitably altered his voice, but rather than becoming a weakness it's become another colour in his palette. There's a weathered authority in his delivery that suits the material perfectly. He doesn't need to chase the high notes anymore because experience fills in the emotional gaps. Every lyric arrives with conviction, whether he's delivering swagger, vulnerability or a sly wink of humour.

Keith Richards continues to prove that feel will always beat technical perfection. His guitar playing isn't about dazzling speed or complexity; it's about finding exactly the right lick at exactly the right moment. His partnership with Ronnie Wood remains one of rock's most underrated strengths. Together they create that wonderfully loose, conversational style that's instantly recognisable. It's gloriously untidy in all the right places, giving the music an irresistible human quality that many younger bands spend years trying to manufacture.

The rhythm section deserves equal praise. Charlie Watts may no longer be with us, but the heartbeat of the Stones remains firmly rooted in restraint rather than excess. The drumming serves the songs instead of competing with them, while the bass provides a sturdy foundation that allows the guitars to weave around each other with complete freedom. The groove has always been the secret ingredient in the Stones' recipe, and Foreign Tongues never loses sight of that fact.

Lyrically, the album explores familiar territory without feeling stale. Love, regret, temptation, ageing, resilience and self-reflection all make appearances, but they're viewed through the eyes of people who've actually lived through the consequences. There's less youthful rebellion and more hard-earned perspective, yet the sense of mischief never disappears entirely. The Stones have always understood that rock and roll should have a smile lurking beneath the surface, even when the subject matter turns darker.

One of the album's greatest strengths is its pacing. Rather than relying on constant volume or endless bombast, it ebbs and flows naturally, allowing moments of reflection to sit comfortably alongside the more muscular performances. That dynamic approach gives the record a satisfying sense of shape. By the closing stages, you've travelled somewhere rather than simply endured an uninterrupted wall of guitars.

What also impresses is how comfortably Foreign Tongues sits alongside the band's classic work without attempting to imitate it. There are echoes of the blues, country, soul and straight-ahead rock influences that have always fuelled the Stones, but none of it feels like self-parody. Nostalgia is present, certainly, but it's used as seasoning rather than the main course. The band sound interested in making music, not simply recreating memories.

Of course, no Rolling Stones album arrives without inviting impossible comparisons to the towering classics that defined entire eras. That's both the blessing and the curse of being one of the greatest rock bands in history. Judged against those monumental records, Foreign Tongues may not rewrite the band's legacy. Judged on its own merits, however, it stands as a thoroughly enjoyable, confident and remarkably vital collection that many groups half their age would be delighted to call their own.

There's something deeply satisfying about hearing musicians who still understand the value of restraint. Nobody is trying to cram every idea into every minute. Solos arrive because they're needed, not because someone feels obliged to show off. Choruses are allowed to breathe. Hooks emerge naturally instead of being forced into submission by overproduction. It's an album that trusts the listener, and that's becoming increasingly rare.

Perhaps that's the greatest compliment you can pay Foreign Tongues. It sounds authentic. Not because it's chasing some mythical vintage sound, but because it reflects exactly where The Rolling Stones are today. Older? Certainly. Wiser? Probably. Less dangerous? Not entirely. The spark that made them one of rock's defining bands still flickers brightly enough to illuminate every corner of this record.

‘Rough And Twisted’ is a gritty opener that wastes no time getting down to business. Full of swagger and attitude, it sets the tone perfectly with a groove that's unmistakably Stones.

‘In The Stars’, the pace eases slightly, allowing a more melodic side to emerge. It's reflective without losing its edge, balancing emotion with classic rock muscle.

‘Jealous Lover’ is a bluesy slice of relationship drama that leans into the band's long-standing knack for turning heartache into something you can tap your foot to.

‘Mr Charm’ is packed with confidence and plenty of tongue-in-cheek attitude, this one rolls along effortlessly with a catchy chorus and infectious energy.

‘Divine Intervention’ is one of the album's more ambitious moments, blending thoughtful lyrics with a powerful arrangement that gradually builds to an impressive climax.

‘Ringing Hollow’ is a moodier affair that proves the Stones still know how to create atmosphere. It carries a darker tone without sacrificing melody.

‘Never Wanna Lose You’ is warm, heartfelt and surprisingly tender, this is one of the record's most accessible moments, with a memorable hook that lingers long after it ends.

‘Hit Me In The Head’, the title suggests chaos, and the music delivers plenty of punch. Loud, lively and full of bite, it's one of the album's most energetic performances.

‘You Know I'm No Good’ is loose, confident and dripping with attitude, this track captures the band's effortless cool while embracing its rough-around-the-edges charm.

‘Some Of Us’ is a reflective number that explores life's ups and downs with maturity. The performance feels honest and lived-in rather than overly sentimental.

‘Covered In You’, rich melodies and a strong vocal performance make this an easy standout. It's polished without feeling over-produced and showcases the band's enduring chemistry.

‘Side Effects’, driving rhythms and sharp guitar work keep the momentum going. It has an infectious energy that makes it an instant crowd-pleaser.

‘Back In Your Life’, classic Stones territory, mixing nostalgia with hope. There's a warmth to the performance that gives the song genuine emotional weight.

‘Beautiful Delilah’, the closing track signs off with confidence and style, wrapping up the album on an upbeat note. It leaves listeners with one final reminder that The Rolling Stones still know exactly how to deliver a satisfying finish.

In the end, Foreign Tongues isn't trying to convince anyone that the Stones are twenty-five again. It doesn't need to. Instead, it celebrates longevity, craftsmanship and the enduring power of a band that's spent over six decades perfecting the art of sounding effortlessly cool. This is rock music made with confidence, experience and no shortage of swagger. The Rolling Stones may have nothing left to prove, but thankfully they still have plenty worth saying and Foreign Tongues makes sure we listen.

9/10

Essential Track – ‘Never Wanna Lose You’

Review by Woody