The beat goes on with new albums from music icons Julio Iglesias and Rolling Stones' Keith Richards

Two music legends are releasing new albums on Sept 18, Spanish singer Julio Iglesias (left) and Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, both 71. PHOTOS: REUTERS

NEW YORK (AFP) - Two music legends are releasing new albums on Sept 18. Spanish singer Julio Iglesias, 71, has a new album of songs inspired by Mexico, while, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, also 71, announced his first solo album in 23 years, saying the music was influenced by blues, country and reggae.

Iglesias, Latin music's top-selling artist and the father of fellow singer and sex symbol Enrique Iglesias, said on July 10 he will release the single Fallaste Corazon (You Failed, Dear), the first track on his album Mexico - Julio Iglesias.

It will be his first studio work since 2006's Romantic Classics, in which he interpreted well-known English-language songs, and his first in Spanish since 2003's Divorcio. Iglesias said that the new album will feature 12 songs with a Mexican flavor and pay tribute to the country's great songwriters.

Known for his romantic ballads and prolific love life, Iglesias is considered by Guinness World Records to be the top-selling Latin artist with more than 300 million albums sold. Unusually for a Spanish-language artist, much of his fame comes from other parts of the world and he enjoys an avid fan base in China and other parts of Asia.

On July 9, Rolling Stones guitarist Richards said Crosseyed Heart, his third solo album will come out on Sept 18 and feature his singing - a rarity on Stones songs dominated by Mick Jagger's vocals - as well as guitar playing. His label said a first single, Trouble, would come out on July 17.

His label said collaborators on the album include Norah Jones, the multiple Grammy-winning jazz and blues singer; the R&B singer Aaron Neville; as well as Richards' frequent partners, drummer Steve Jordan and guitarist Waddy Wachtel, who have both worked with many major names in rock.

Two songs will feature Bobby Keys, the saxophonist for the Rolling Stones and other bands who died in December.

Richards, who keeps a busy touring schedule with the Rolling Stones, has released two previous solo studio albums: Talk is Cheap in 1988 and Main Offender in 1992.

The Rolling Stones' last album of new material was 2005's A Bigger Bang.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.