MusicFreaks

Tag: In The Stars

  • The Rolling Stones reflect on losing Amy Winehouse: “It was like saying goodbye to Billie Holiday again”

    The seismic shift caused by the loss of Amy Winehouse continues to resonate through music, prompting reflection from rock titans. As The Rolling Stones gear up for a new chapter, they are approaching their 25th studio effort, Foreign Tongues, with a depth and emotional resonance that touches on themes of memory, addiction, and enduring friendship.

    The upcoming album promises a rich tapestry of sound, featuring tracks like In The Stars and a cover of the iconic Winehouse classic, ‘You Know I’m No Good’. This project is particularly poignant as it brings together legendary musicians for an ambitious undertaking.

    Beyond the music itself, the announcement has sparked reflective conversations among the band members. Ronnie Wood, who was particularly close to Amy Winehouse, shared candid thoughts about her struggles and her talent. He reflected on the dichotomy of performance versus personal life:

    “She would go, ‘Oh, Ronnie, what am I going to do?’ I said, ‘Look, everyone knows you’ve got vodka in the water bottle. Get it together and get on stage.’ If you could get her up there [on stage] and she stayed there, it’d be great.”

    Keith Richards also shared his own feelings, expressing regret that he hadn’t gotten to know Winehouse better after their time on the Isle of Wight. He noted that while expectations often fail, records are indeed the place where true connections endure: “I’m just very glad and honoured to have played with her at least once.”

    The collaborative spirit continues to define the Stones’ new venture. Foreign Tongues is set to feature guest contributions from a constellation of musical greats, including Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, Steve Winwood, and even the late drummer Charlie Watts.

    The dynamic between the Stones and McCartney, in particular, is highlighted by their work on the album. When Mick Jagger spoke about collaborating with McCartney, he revealed that the experience was remarkably easy. He explained how effortlessly they navigated the studio, recalling recording his part for the track “Covered In You” in the same session as “Bite My Head Off.”

    “It was very easy,” Jagger noted, discussing the smooth exchange between him and McCartney. He described how McCartney delivered exactly what was needed within minutes, demonstrating a seamless blend of experience and musical vision.

    This history of collaboration is deep-rooted, extending back to the 1960s when Paul McCartney and John Lennon helped shape the Stones’ early hits, and later, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones shared a stage in 1968. This long line of musical interplay shows that connections forged in performance can transcend time.

    The resulting album is not just a collection of songs; it is a vibrant tribute to musical legacy, weaving together the raw energy of rock with the poignant beauty of personal history and the magic of shared creative endeavor.

    Credit: NME

  • Mick Jagger praises Geese for being “very experimental” and Rosalía for her “conceptual” album ‘Lux’

    Mick Jagger Unpacks His Musical Obsessions for New Rolling Stones Album

    The legendary Rolling Stones are gearing up to drop a new gem, their 25th studio album Foreign Tongues, set for release on July 10 via Polydor/Universal Music. But the buzz surrounding the record isn’t just about the new tracks; it’s also about the eclectic musical landscape that shapes the band’s creative mind, as frontman Mick Jagger shares his deep-dive into contemporary art and sound.

    In a recent interview, Jagger opened up about the current musicians who inspire him. When asked about his influences, he didn’t settle for just rock history; instead, he painted a picture of a listener who embraces the present moment. He highlighted collaborations that reflect a broad appreciation for global sounds, noting that working with Burna Boy, for instance, revealed an undeniable affinity for afrobeats. While acknowledging figures like David Bowie as historical benchmarks, Jagger stressed that true inspiration lies in living within what is happening now, dismissing the notion of being a slave to the present moment while still engaging with it.

    Jagger also pointed toward experimental sounds that push boundaries. He spoke highly of Geese and their work, admitting admiration for their willingness to be “very experimental.” Upon hearing about their album Getting Killed, he expressed delight at the departure from traditional indie rock into more unconventional territory, admiring the audacity of the sound.

    His taste also extended to contemporary vocalists. Jagger gave his approval to Rosalía, praising her album Lux for being “really conceptual” and creatively compelling. This reflective appreciation for artistic ambition extends beyond music, showing a desire for depth and concept in modern artistry.

    The sonic tapestry of Foreign Tongues itself is a masterclass in musical synergy. The album boasts significant contributions from heavyweights like Robert Smith of The Cure, Paul McCartney, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, underscoring how this new work bridges classic rock sensibilities with cutting-edge production.

    The project is rich with material, incorporating previously released singles such as Rough And Twisted and In The Stars, alongside a striking cover of the Amy Winehouse classic ‘You Know I’m No Good.’ Furthermore, the album features the involvement of the group’s late drummer, Charlie Watts, adding another layer of history to the new offering.

    Beyond the music, the Stones are engaging their fanbase further by launching a new podcast series titled Speaking In Tongues. This six-episode series offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the creation process of Foreign Tongues, providing an intimate view of the album’s journey.

    Looking ahead, Jagger remains ready for action, teasing the possibility of a new Rolling Stones tour in the coming year. He expressed that he “can’t wait” to get back on the road with the group, while Keith Richards hinted at potential dates for 2027, suggesting that the band is poised for another era of live performance and creative exploration.

    Credit: NME

  • Listen to The Rolling Stones’ rollicking new song ‘Divine Intervention’ – featuring The Cure’s Robert Smith – and soulful single ‘Jealous Lover’

    The Rolling Stones are back, and they aren’t just bringing back the blues—they’re mixing old-school grit with startling new collaborations. The band has dropped fresh previews from their forthcoming 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues, offering listeners a taste of the eclectic and adventurous sound they are crafting.

    The latest singles, including the rollicking rock tune Divine Intervention and the soulful ballad Jealous Lover, highlight the band’s willingness to explore musical boundaries. A standout track, Divine Intervention, features a high-tempo rock energy with guitarist Robert Smith on electric guitar and piano/organ work from Steve Winwood.

    The creative partnership driving this new material is just as fascinating as the music itself. The album is bolstered by contributions from talent such as the Cure frontman Robert Smith, alongside legendary figures like Paul McCartney and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, promising a rich tapestry of influences on the record.

    Behind the scenes, the collaborative spirit extends beyond the studio walls. Mick Jagger recently shared an amusing anecdote about working with Robert Smith, recalling a moment where Smith appeared covered in lipstick during a session—a reminder that musical partnerships often start with unexpected encounters and open doors for unique sounds.

    Meanwhile, the soulful track Jealous Lover showcases Mick Jagger delivering a captivating falsetto lead vocal over a slick yet soulful R&B groove. The song has found visual life through an official music video starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Charles Melton, showcasing a modern, cinematic spin on the classic feel.

    The accompanying video, directed by Chris Barrett & Luke Taylor, is currently available for streaming and tells a compelling story, further cementing the track’s mood. You can watch it here:

    The forthcoming album, Foreign Tongues, promises to be a deep dive into the band’s diverse musical range. It will include previously released singles like Rough And Twisted and In The Stars, alongside a cover of Amy Winehouse’s classic “You Know I’m No Good.” The project also features the input of the group’s late drummer, Charlie Watts.

    Adding another layer to the creative process, the band has launched a new official podcast series called Speaking In Tongues. This six-episode series offers fans an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the making of Foreign Tongues, featuring key figures including Robert Smith, Andrew Watt, and others.

    The band’s ongoing momentum is palpable. While recent touring plans were adjusted, Mick Jagger remains eager to be on the road, and Keith Richards is hinting at future dates, suggesting that the creative energy from their recent work is fueling an exciting new chapter for the Stones.

    Credit: NME