Rolling Stones Preview 'Ringing Hollow' as 25th Album Foreign Tongues Arrives Friday

The Rolling Stones performed an acoustic version of "Ringing Hollow," a track from their forthcoming 25th studio album Foreign Tongues, at a special London gathering this week. The album is scheduled for release on Friday, with four singles already released ahead of the launch. Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, and keyboardist Matt Clifford showcased the country-rock influenced song at what is believed to be an event held at St. Clement Hotel in London.

Album Details and Sound

"Ringing Hollow" marks a shift toward country rock territory, drawing comparisons to the influence of Gram Parsons on the band's musical direction. The track functions as a commentary on the United States, with Jagger delivering lyrics that reference a departure from earlier enthusiasm. Critics have noted the song's introspective quality, positioning it as a departure from more aggressive compositions in the band's catalog.

The album Foreign Tongues follows a carefully staged release strategy. Prior to "Ringing Hollow," the band released four singles: "In the Stars," "Rough and Twisted," "Jealous Lover," and "Divine Intervention." The latter notably features additional guitar work from Robert Smith, the frontman of The Cure, marking a notable collaboration on the project.

Expanded Rolling Stones Universe

Beyond the album itself, the Rolling Stones have launched a companion podcast titled Speaking in Tongues, hosted by Norah Jones. The podcast series consists of six episodes, with Episode Two already available to listeners. This multimedia approach reflects the band's broader strategy for the album rollout.

Regarding future touring plans, Keith Richards recently suggested uncertainty about the band's ability to sustain extensive road schedules. However, he indicated openness to alternative performance formats, specifically mentioning the possibility of residency shows in major cities including London, New York, and Paris, rather than traditional touring circuits.