The Stones Before the New Album: Expectation, Skepticism and the Weight of a Farewell

London - 10 July 2026: The Rolling Stones release their 25th studio album, "Foreign Tongues". The date carries symbolism: three years after "Hackney Diamonds" (2023), which marked a late high point, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood present themselves again as a working band — not as a myth under glass. First impressions from a small pre-listening in London and early reviews paint a picture between respect and skeptical curiosity.Jagger's voice remains striking, combining a brittle edge with elastic phrasing. Wood's guitar runs provide the familiar bite, while producer ...