With consistent album releases over the past decade, legendary English rock band the Rolling Stones released their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues, on Friday. Their debut album, The Rolling Stones, released in 1964, proving the band’s persistent urge to keep the rock flowing.
With a steady stream of pop and R&B albums, the Stones’ lead singer Mick Jagger keeps his name in the rock music world, maintaining the same sounds from classic songs like “Beast of Burden” and “Paint It, Black.” Their latest 14-track release is nothing short of impressive, showing the classic rock sound from the ‘60s and ‘70s is here to stay.
The album opens with “Rough and Twisted,” whose timeless guitar riff evokes a sound similar to the band’s 1981 song, “Start Me Up.”
“Why don’t you guide me? / ‘Cause I don’t know which way to go / Promise to take me / Yeah, to where the water glows,” Jagger sings, continuing to use satirical and narrative metaphors that prove his lyrical genius.
Guitarist Keith Richards engineered the Stones’ signature bluesy guitar sounds, inspired by Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson, which shows in this opening track.
Jagger is widely known for his intriguing songwriting, featured in the memorable song “Wild Horses.” However, he is also known for his wild rockstar attitude, even into his old age. The fourth track, “Mr. Charm,” features a combination of the two, reflecting his own experiences in his songwriting. Potentially referencing himself with the title, Jagger sings about how his personality has led to a notorious reputation.
“I know we’ve never met, but you seem to know my name,” Jagger sings. “Did you hear bad things about me? / That would be a crying shame.”
Honoring the late Amy Winehouse, the band covers one of her iconic songs “You Know I’m No Good.” Although the cover maintains the same tempo as Winehouse’s soft, raspy original, Jagger turns the song into an angrier rock tune with an intense vocal performance. While nothing will compare to Winehouse’s version, the Rolling Stones twist one of her heartbreaking tunes into an anthem listeners can scream in the car.
While the band’s sound lies in blues guitar riffs and the heavy drums, the album takes a turn for heartfelt reflections in “Back In Your Life,” with soft guitar strokes and gutwrenching lyrics. A dedication to friendship, Jagger proves his great lyricism that makes him the frontman. No Rolling Stones album is complete without a solid guitar riff tucked into a ballad, provided this time by powerful guitarist Ronnie Wood.
The Rolling Stones continue to bring back that old school rock feeling with Foreign Tongues. Despite the active living band members’ ages ranging from 79 to 82, and two band members passing away, this album shows Jagger, Richards and Wood are still kicking, keeping their raunchy, blues sound alive, even if it’s been 64 years.
4 delilahs out of 5
