The Rolling Stones Return with ‘Foreign Tongues’: Amy Winehouse Cover and Star-Studded Collaborations

The Rolling Stones are proving once again that they have no intention of slowing down. The legendary rock band has announced their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues, a project that blends their signature grit with some unexpected contemporary influences and high-profile guest appearances.

A Bold Tribute to Amy Winehouse

In a surprising stylistic turn, the band is paying homage to the late Amy Winehouse. During an appearance on The Tonight Show, guitarist Ronnie Wood and host Jimmy Fallon revealed that Foreign Tongues features a cover of Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good,” a standout track from her iconic 2006 album Back to Black.

Fallon, who first heard the album after a chance encounter with Wood while on vacation, described the new record as “phenomenal.” The revelation came as Fallon read through the tracklist, leading to an impromptu a cappella version of the jazzy Winehouse cut performed by the host and Wood.

Unexpected Collaborations and Guest Stars

The Rolling Stones have a long history of collaborating with musical royalty and Foreign Tongues is no exception. The album features contributions from several industry titans, ensuring a rich, layered sound.

Featured Artists

• Paul McCartney: The former Beatle joins the band for a featured appearance.
• Steve Winwood: The seasoned musician also lends his talents to the project.
• Robert Smith: In perhaps the most surprising pairing, The Cure frontman appears on the album. The collaboration happened organically when Mick Jagger ran into Smith in a London studio. Jagger recalled the encounter, stating, “I said, ‘I’ve never met you before, but you’re Robert Smith of the Cure….'”

Building on Recent Success

This new project follows the momentum of the band’s 2023 release, Hackney Diamonds. That album was a critical and commercial triumph, reaching Number Three in the U.S. And earning the group a Grammy for Best Rock Album.

To introduce Foreign Tongues, the band—consisting of current members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood—held a high-energy Q&A event in New York City led by Conan O’Brien. Along with the album announcement, the group has already shared a new single titled “In the Stars.”

Looking Ahead

By bridging the gap between classic rock and modern soul, and bringing in diverse voices like Robert Smith, the Rolling Stones continue to evolve their sound while maintaining the raw energy that defined them. Foreign Tongues promises to be a testament to the band’s enduring relevance in a rapidly shifting musical landscape.