SÃO PAULO, SP (FOLHAPRESS) - Few bands have defied the logic of longevity as much as the Rolling Stones. For decades, the question was never whether there would be a last album, but when it would arrive. The death of Charlie Watts, in 2021, seemed to definitively end this story, but the group found an unexpected second wind with "Hackney Diamonds", from 2023.
Rolling Stones remain relevant by avoiding nostalgia in new album
SÃO PAULO, SP (FOLHAPRESS) - Few bands have defied the logic of longevity as much as the Rolling Stones. For decades, the question was never whether there would be a last album, but when it would arrive. The death of...
As always, it was received as their best work in many years, a common affective reaction to each new release by the band, even if later some editions reveal that the album is not as good as people thought. But "Foreign Tongues", which hits platforms this Friday (10), just over two years later, may indicate that perhaps the Stones have found solid motivation to move forward.
The great merit of the album is precisely to avoid the weight of nostalgia. Instead of putting together a collection of self-references, the band mixes elements that have always been part of their repertoire, such as blues, rock, country, soul, disco and ballads, without letting Andrew Watt's usually mediocre production take away from the Stones' personality.
There are moments when the mix favors exaggerated bass and excessively compresses the instruments, but, overall, Watt manages to convey the feeling that the musicians are really playing together, something that often disappeared in more recent works.
The opening with "Rough and Twisted" shows vigorous rock, built on references to Chicago blues and the tradition that shaped the band. The song doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but it reminds us why the Stones continue to be a reference when it comes to transforming simplicity into energy.
Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood maintain the dialogue between guitars that has always characterized the band, while Mick Jagger sings with a vitality that is difficult to imagine for someone who will turn 83 on the 26th.
In fact, Jagger is the main protagonist of "Foreign Tongues". The singer alternates the low register with falsettos that refer to albums like "Emotional Rescue", without it sounding like a mere repetition. In "Jealous Lover," this choice works especially well.
In "Mr Charm", he adopts a more aggressive stance, while "Ringing Hollow" brings him closer again to the country and honky-tonk that the Stones have explored since the 1960s.
Something curious is noticing the band's willingness to comment on the contemporary world. The Rolling Stones have always reflected the spirit of their times. Not that "Foreign Tongues" repeats the strength of "Satisfaction" or "Street Fighting Man", but it reappears in lyrics that address authoritarianism, concentration of wealth and political polarization.
"Covered in You" criticizes the proliferation of autocratic leaders, while "Mr Charm" makes unsubtle references to economic and technological power. This thematic concern prevents the album from becoming just an exercise in memory. At the same time, the Stones avoid a pamphlet tone. Social criticism appears diluted in songs that continue to prioritize strong melodies.
Not even the most powerful band active on the planet can do without the special appearances that have become the norm in pop music. Steve Winwood, legend of the British group Traffic, adds elegance to the keyboards, while Paul McCartney appears discreetly.
Robert Smith contributes its melancholic atmosphere, and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith reinforces the rhythmic weight. Even Bruno Mars showed up in the studio. Everyone seems to understand that the spotlight continues to belong to the Stones.
The album's emotional moment, however, is Charlie Watts. As with "Hackney Diamonds", previously unreleased recordings by the drummer appear on some tracks, especially the explosive "Hit Me in the Head". His discreet, precise beats remain instantly recognizable.
Not everything works with the same efficiency. There are times when the album seems to rely too much on familiar formulas. "Never Wanna Lose You" is practically a reinterpretation of "Some Girls", while other songs use structures that the Stones have mastered for decades.
After the powerful "Back in Your Life", the Stones close the album with a stripped-down interpretation of Chuck Berry's "Beautiful Delilah", a totally unnecessary testament to blues worship.
After so many farewell rumors that did not materialize, the Rolling Stones prove once again that they continue to postpone the moment of leaving the party. In the meantime, they're still worth listening to.
FOREIGN TONGUES
- Rating: Very good - Price: On digital platforms - Author: The Rolling Stones - Record label: Universal Music Brasil
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Source: Noticias ao Minuto - Ultima Hora
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