Rock and Roll's Enduring Spirit: A Timeless Journey Through "Foreign Tongues"
Mick Jagger's Humorous Take on the Apocalypse and Societal Critique
In the track "Divine Intervention" from The Rolling Stones' latest album, "Foreign Tongues," Mick Jagger playfully recounts a consultation with a Hollywood psychic about the end of days, only for the psychic to become ill. Over a guitar riff reminiscent of "Some Girls," Jagger's lyrics convey a message of embracing life with gusto, even in the face of impending doom. He asserts that "dystopian values are too hot to handle," signaling a fiery approach to existence. This sentiment aligns with Jagger's historical focus on the present, evident in past hits like "Time Is on My Side" and "Time Waits for No One," always favoring immediate experience over future anxieties.
The Band's Unfiltered View on America's Landscape
The album features "Ringing Hollow," a country rock piece influenced by Gram Parsons, where Jagger and Keith Richards offer a candid perspective on the United States. Jagger's lyrics reflect a once passionate but now disillusioned view of America, with lines like "Lady Liberty is wearing a frown." The song uses irony to comment on social issues, mentioning "fenty" and "coke" and a desire to speak out when voices are silenced. This continues the band's tradition of addressing societal injustices, echoing previous tracks such as "Sweet Neo Con" and "Street Fighting Man."
Critiques of Modern Power Structures and Influential Figures
On "Divine Intervention," one of "Foreign Tongues'" standout tracks with a notable bluesy guitar solo from Ronnie Wood, Jagger vividly portrays billionaires rushing to their "bolt holes in the sky." In another song, "Covered in You," he raps about the proliferation of "autocrats" who are "breeding like a swarm of dirty rats." While careful not to name political leaders directly, Jagger subtly references "mad mogul Mr. Musk" in "Mr. Charm," a whimsical track about a gigolo, highlighting a powerful figure without explicitly criticizing a head of state.
Love, Location, and the Working Man's Anthem
In "Never Wanna Lose You," a pop-rock track enhanced by funky bass and Robert Smith's synthesizers, Jagger explores the theme of love by telling his partner he would even live with her in Naples, possibly referring to Naples, Florida, given the description of a "rundown trailer park." This narrative underscores the Aristotelian idea that politics often revolves around the conflict between the rich and the poor, a dynamic Jagger, despite his own wealth, consistently brings into focus.
Following Up on a Triumphant Return
This new album comes three years after "Hackney Diamonds," which marked a significant comeback for the band with their first collection of original music in almost two decades and garnered critical acclaim, including a Grammy. Featuring long-time collaborators like bassist Darryl Jones and drummer Steve Jordan, "Foreign Tongues" continues this momentum. The album largely compiles tracks that were potentially in development during the "Hackney Diamonds" sessions, offering a consistent and effective musical experience that maintains the band's renowned quality.
A Diverse Sonic Palette: From Rockers to Ballads
The album features a diverse collection of 14 songs, including powerful rock anthems like "Hit Me in the Head" and "Rough and Twisted," and introspective ballads such as "Back in Your Life" and Keith Richards' heartfelt "Some of Us." It also includes disco-infused tracks like "Jealous Lover" and "Never Wanna Lose You," country-flavored tunes like "Ringing Hollow," and numerous Chuck Berry-inspired guitar riffs, exemplified by a respectful cover of Berry's "Beautiful Delilah." The album avoids unexpected shifts or experimental sounds, instead providing a comforting and familiar experience for fans.
Producer Andrew Watt's Essential Role in Shaping the Sound
While the album occasionally boasts a polished sound, "Foreign Tongues" largely remains true to The Stones' iconic style, or at least to Charlie Watts' vision of their sound. Producer Andrew Watt, who also worked on "Hackney Diamonds," played a crucial role in maintaining this authenticity. Listed as producer and co-writer on several tracks, Watt also acted as a "conscience" for the band, reminding them of their core essence: soulful, blues-infused guitar work coupled with Jagger's signature biting wit.
The Timeless Collaboration: Jagger and Richards' Enduring Bond
The album culminates with Jagger and Richards, whose musical partnership spans decades since their childhood, performing Berry's "Beautiful Delilah" with Chad Smith on drums. This track, much like their cover of Muddy Waters' "Rolling Stone Blues" on "Hackney Diamonds," symbolizes a full-circle moment, recalling their earliest days inspired by blues and rock pioneers. This enduring collaboration underscores the undiminished spark that has defined their career.
A Legacy Honored: The Stones' Lasting Impact
While Mick Jagger has expressed a desire for more albums, the advanced age of the band members, with Richards and Jagger in their eighties and Wood approaching eighty, brings a sense of finality to each new release. However, if "Foreign Tongues" were to be their last, it stands as a testament to their enduring legacy, a collection that proudly upholds the esteemed reputation of The Rolling Stones.