Mick Jagger Says He’s ‘Already Started Writing’ New Music After Release of New Rolling Stones Album Foreign Tongues
The 25th studio album by the English rock band released on July 10
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NEED TO KNOW
- Mick Jagger says he’s already writing new songs that could lead to another Rolling Stones album
- The Rolling Stones’ new album Foreign Tongues features collaborations with Paul McCartney, Bruno Mars and Chad Smith
- Jagger hinted at a possible 2024 tour while reflecting on the band’s evolving sound over six decades
While The Rolling Stones just dropped their new album, Mick Jagger already has his sights set on what’s next.
Following the release of The Rolling Stones’ Foreign Tongues, the legendary frontman, 82, revealed that he’s already writing new material — and it could lead to another Stones record.
“Yeah, it could be a trio [of records],” Jagger told NME in a June 30 interview. “I’ve already started writing songs anyway. They could be for other people though. When you write a song, you sometimes decide, ‘That’s not for me, but it could be for the Chili Peppers’ or whatever.”
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The singer said he continues to write freely, even when a song doesn’t necessarily fit The Rolling Stones’ sound.
“I’m very open-minded to it. I’ve got a lot of stuff, and not all of it’s suitable for The Rolling Stones,” he said. “It shouldn’t stop me writing them, you know. If you get an idea, just write it.”
That creative mindset helped shape Foreign Tongues, the band’s 25th studio album, which blends the rock, blues, soul, funk and R&B influences that have defined The Rolling Stones for more than six decades.
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The record also features an impressive lineup of guests, including The Cure’s Robert Smith, Paul McCartney, Bruno Mars and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. Jagger said McCartney’s appearance on “Covered in You” came from the same studio sessions that produced “Bite My Head Off” for the Stones’ 2023 album Hackney Diamonds.
“It was very easy,” Jagger said. “Obviously, I’ve known Paul for ages. He’s not a stranger, but he’s never played bass with us before. It’s a different thing, you know.”
Working with McCartney, 84, was a seamless experience, according to Jagger.
“I said to Andy [Watt], ‘Is he gonna be into this because it’s a punk tune and I want overdriven bass. It’s gonna be simple, no mucking about,’” he explained. “And Paul did exactly what was needed in like 10 minutes.”
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As for Mars, 40, Jagger had an unexpected assignment for the Grammy winner.
“Bruno came by the studio in LA when I was finishing off vocals — and we played him a few tracks,” he laughed. “But everyone has to work in our studio. So I was like, ‘Go get a beer or a biscuit or whatever and play cowbell.’”
While the Stones continue to celebrate their latest release, Jagger says fans shouldn’t assume the band is finished with the road. The group is hoping to return to live shows next year, though he noted that Keith Richards‘ availability played a role in the timing.
“Hopefully not. I don’t think there’ll be shows this year, but I hope to do some next year for the Stones,” Jagger said.
The frontman also reflected on the band’s enduring approach to music, explaining that The Rolling Stones have never been interested in staying locked into one sound.
“When we started, The Stones was a blues band,” Jagger said. “Brian [Jones] was a real purist, but I don’t think that Keith and I were ever like that… We loved the blues, but we’ve always liked every kind of pop music.”