The likely problem of being in a band like the Rolling Stones is that every new album or song they release, and they just dropped their third and fourth singles, "Jealous Love" and "Divine Intervention," from their upcoming album, Foreign Tongues, comes with the same question: Does the new stuff hold up in comparison to the old stuff?
To be sure, "Jealous Lover" doesn't sound like the two previous tracks released from the new record. Rough and Twisted" and "In the Stars," as both those singles were straightforward rockers. The new track is more of an R&B tune, and singer Mick Jagger unleashes his falsetto, a vocal ability that he maintains in surprisingly excellent form.
"Divine Intervention" is quite the opposite and feels much more like old-school Stones. One might feel as if they are about to hear "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)," and that is not to disparage the more recent tune.
Rolling Stones release two more singles ahead of July 10 new album drop
The Andrew Watt-produced songs, as all the tracks on Foreign Tongues are produced by Watt, who also helmed the band's previous effort, 2023's Hackney Diamonds, feature Steve Winwood. His presence on "Jealous Love" is quite fitting, as he augments the tune with his Rhodes piano and organ.
The Cure's Robert Smith plays guitar on "Divine Intervention." That is one of two songs he will participate in with the Rolling Stones on Foreign Tongues.
First off, "Divine Intervention" is quite good. There's a heavy bass and drum, and Jagger's vocals strut in a way that only he has ever been able to pull off. Of the four tracks released so far for the new record, this is the track that would rival some of the band's best from the last 40 years. It's a gem.
Plus, Andrew Watt does a good job of not trying to do too much with the tune. It's a great rock song, and it makes no bones about it. Thank goodness for it.
"Jealous Lover" isn't quite as good. The style is fine, and there is an homage to the 1970s Stones. Winwood's presence is felt heavily. Jagger's falsetto is good, and the song certainly isn't bad. What makes it truly work is that in the chorus, Jagger sings in a lower voice, which gives the tune a more natural state.
Both songs are strong enough to give fans confidence, along with the previous two singles, that the new album is going to be quite good. Possibly the band's best since 1981's Tattoo You. In other words, the new LP could actually rank among the Rolling Stones' best since the early-1970s greatness.
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