In a recent interview, Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of The Rolling Stones, shed light on the intriguing lyric "mad mogul" from their new album, "Foreign Tongues." This album, the band's 25th, delves into the current state of America, with a particular focus on Elon Musk, the eccentric billionaire and CEO of Tesla.
The song "Mr. Charm" features a playful jab at Musk, questioning his role in space exploration: "Who would take you into space? Is it Boeing, is it NASA, or the mad mogul Mr. Musk?" Some fans interpreted this as a criticism, but Jagger clarified his intention, revealing a deeper admiration for Musk's achievements.
"When I wrote it, I was thinking about how Musk stepped in when NASA couldn't provide transportation for those stranded astronauts. It's a backhanded compliment; he's the one I remember for getting the job done," Jagger explained. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the song, showcasing Jagger's thoughtful approach to songwriting and his appreciation for Musk's contributions.
However, Jagger acknowledges the potential for misinterpretation: "Mogul doesn't always go down well either." This self-awareness highlights the fine line between criticism and admiration, a theme that runs throughout the album.
"Foreign Tongues" also boasts an impressive list of collaborations, including Paul McCartney, Robert Smith of The Cure, Steve Winwood, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Additionally, the band has launched an official podcast series, "Speaking in Tongues," narrated by Norah Jones, featuring interviews with Jagger and other band members.
In a recent interview with NME, Jagger expressed his admiration for Sam Fender, praising his album "People Watching" as "excellent." He also spoke fondly of his collaboration with Paul McCartney, describing it as a "very easy" experience.
NME's review of "Foreign Tongues" was positive, describing it as "fresh and refined." The publication highlighted the band's surprising creative resurgence and suggested that there's still plenty of energy and inspiration left for future projects.
This new album and its surrounding narrative showcase The Rolling Stones' continued relevance and their ability to engage with contemporary issues and artists. Jagger's commentary on Elon Musk and his choice of collaborators demonstrate a band that is not only iconic but also deeply engaged with the modern musical landscape.
Personally, I find it fascinating how Jagger's lyrics can spark such diverse interpretations. It's a reminder of the power of art to provoke thought and discussion, and how a single word or phrase can take on a life of its own. In this case, "mad mogul" has become a talking point, inviting us to reflect on the role of billionaires in society and the complex dynamics of power and influence.
What makes this particularly intriguing is the way Jagger navigates the fine line between critique and admiration. It's a delicate balance, and his ability to do so with such nuance speaks to his skill as a songwriter and his understanding of the impact his words can have.
From my perspective, this album and its accompanying commentary highlight the enduring relevance of The Rolling Stones. They continue to push boundaries, engage with contemporary issues, and collaborate with a diverse range of artists, proving that their legacy is not just about their past achievements but also about their ability to stay relevant and engaged in the present.
In conclusion, "Foreign Tongues" is a testament to The Rolling Stones' enduring creativity and their willingness to explore new themes and collaborations. Jagger's commentary on Elon Musk adds an extra layer of depth to the album, inviting listeners to consider the complex relationship between art, power, and influence. It's a reminder that even in the world of rock legends, there's always room for growth, reflection, and a little bit of mischief.
