The Rolling Stones have officially announced the title of their forthcoming studio album, Foreign Tongues, following a weekend of cryptic social media activity that had fans piecing together a facial puzzle believed to represent the album cover.
Album Announcement and Artwork Reveal
Band members Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood each shared a portion of what is expected to be the album artwork on Instagram. When combined, the images form a caricatured face featuring Sir Mick's lips, Richards' signature headband, and two eyes, at least one belonging to Wood. The album is scheduled for release on July 10.
This announcement comes after months of mysterious billboards and online posts that fueled speculation about new music from the iconic rock band. Foreign Tongues will be their first album since the Grammy Award-winning Hackney Diamonds, released in 2023.
Teasers and Hints
On Friday, the group released a 13-second video snippet of an unnamed song, featuring their iconic tongue and lips logo against a moving backdrop. The caption included two emojis, one of a CD, hinting at the impending release. Rumours intensified last month when cryptic messages, including posters and QR codes linked to the pseudonym The Cockroaches, appeared across London.
The Stones, formed in London in 1962, have previously used the alias for releases and performances. Teaser videos hinting at the new name were shared with their 4.2 million Instagram followers.
New Music and Lineup
The Cockroaches released a limited-edition vinyl single, Rough And Twisted, on April 11, which will feature on the upcoming album. In September last year, Ronnie Wood confirmed the band was working on new material, stating, "Yes, you will be getting a new album next year. It is done." A track titled Mr Charm was rumoured for release on April 11, but no such song appeared that day.
Foreign Tongues marks The Rolling Stones' 25th studio album. Following the death of long-serving drummer Charlie Watts in August 2021 at age 80, Steve Jordan has taken over drumming duties for the band.
