In a surprise studio moment recounted at the Rolling Stones’ album announcement, frontman Mick Jagger says he unexpectedly found Robert Smith of the Cure in the room and urged him to join a session — a cameo that now appears on one of the Stones’ new tracks. The recording, released alongside another single and a star-driven video, underscores how veteran rock acts are still leaning on high-profile collaborations to shape new releases.
At a press event unveiling the Rolling Stones’ forthcoming record, Jagger described walking into a studio and recognizing Smith despite the singer’s unconventional look. According to Jagger, once he learned who it was, he invited Smith to contribute to whatever the band was working on that day.
That contribution is credited on the track titled “Divine Intervention”, one of two songs on the new album that list Smith in the personnel. Early listeners noticed something curious: Smith’s presence is audible as instrumental color rather than a prominent vocal cameo. The album credits confirm he played guitar on the song rather than providing lead vocals.
New releases and visuals
Along with “Divine Intervention,” the Stones have released another fresh cut, “Jealous Lover”, which arrives with a short film-like music video featuring actors Anya Taylor‑Joy and Charles Melton in a physical, cinematic encounter. Both tracks serve as the opening promotional push for the full record.
- Album: Foreign Tongues
- Release date: July 10
- Guest appearance: Robert Smith (credited on guitar for “Divine Intervention”)
- New singles: “Divine Intervention” and “Jealous Lover”
- Music video: Stars Anya Taylor‑Joy and Charles Melton
The Stones’ decision to feature a contemporary indie-rock icon like Smith speaks to two current trends: legacy artists increasingly enlist recognizable collaborators to broaden reach, and streaming-era rollouts favor a steady stream of singles and visuals that sustain media attention ahead of an album drop.
For listeners, the immediate implication is practical: fans of Smith may tune into the Stones’ campaign and discover new material, while long-time Stones followers get fresh production textures layered into the band’s sound. Musically, Smith’s contribution — guitar work rather than a vocal spotlight — suggests a supporting role that blends rather than steals focus.
What to expect next
The Stones will likely use the next month to release further tracks, videos or promotional appearances leading up to the July 10 release of Foreign Tongues. How those pieces are sequenced could determine whether collaborations like Smith’s are headline moments or subtle musical touches within a broader album narrative.
In the meantime, both new songs are available now for streaming, and listeners can judge how prominent Smith’s presence feels within the mix — some will hear a distinct cameo, others a quieter textural contribution. Either way, the pairing adds a fresh talking point to an album rollout from a band that has been shaping rock’s public conversation for six decades.
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