The Rolling Stones released two previously unreleased tracks featuring Robert Smith of the Cure on their upcoming Foreign Tongues project. The collaboration marks an unexpected partnership between rock's elder statesmen and one of alternative rock's most distinctive voices.
"Divine Intervention" stands as one of the standout moments from the collection. Smith's baritone and atmospheric sensibility complement the Stones' blues-rooted foundation in ways that feel both surprising and inevitable. The Cure frontman has spent decades crafting moody, introspective records that operate in a different universe from Mick Jagger's swagger and Keith Richards' primal groove. Yet the contrast works.
This pairing reflects the Stones' ongoing interest in collaborations during their later years. The band has consistently sought out contemporary artists to refresh their sound while maintaining their core identity. Smith brings a gothic edge and emotional depth that pushes the Stones beyond their comfort zone without requiring them to abandon what made them essential.
The Foreign Tongues project appears to be a broader exploration of the band recording with guest vocalists and musicians outside their traditional circle. Having Smith appear on two tracks suggests he made enough of an impression during sessions that the band wanted to maximize the collaboration.
For Smith, the association carries different weight. The Cure remain relevant and touring, but the Stones operate at a different scale of cultural presence. A collaboration this visible potentially introduces his voice and sensibility to listeners who may not have encountered the Cure's deeper catalog. It positions Smith as a figure important enough for the Stones to seek out, validating his four-decade career.
The release underscores how modern rock elder statesmen operate. Rather than fade into catalog reissues and nostalgia tours, bands like the Stones remain creatively engaged by pursuing collaborations that feel genuinely interesting rather than purely commercial. Smith's presence suggests the Stones still care about artistic surprise.