Swords
by Morrissey
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Uncut
    60
    While a large proportion of these Swords are decidedly blunt blades, a few could have easily found a place on a greatest hits.
  2. Mojo
    60
    The themes are familiar, yet still captivating, as rock's most misanthropic man sings about a world of emotional retardation and alienation. [Dec 2009, p.111]
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  3. AllMusic
    50
    Nothing here is quite an embarrassment, but compared to his other albums of this nature, including the muddled World of Morrissey, there's a distinct lack of humor and hooks, or anything else memorable.
  5. Pitchfork
    50
    You see, as Swords, mopping up of the stray B-sides and bonus tracks from the comeback years, suggests, Morrissey now has a dilemma: Following group glory, solo vindication, political notoriety, sullen exile, and dramatic revival, what on earth does he do for an encore?
  6. Slant Magazine
    50
    Considering the quality of the singles drawn from "You Are the Quarry," "Ringleader of the Tormentors," and "Years of Refusal," it's an utter disappointment that Swords, the collection of B-sides from those singles, is so uneven.
  7. Under The Radar
    50
    Most of what's here are, predictably, mid-tempo mopers, as opposed to the more agressive, distorted side that's driven some of his best work this decade. [Holiday 2009, p.80]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Tokyochuchu
    Aug 26, 2014
    7
    Swords is not perfect. As a B-side compilation album there are inevitably going to be some misfires, and indeed there are (Sweetie Pie springsSwords is not perfect. As a B-side compilation album there are inevitably going to be some misfires, and indeed there are (Sweetie Pie springs to mind immediately). But there is also plenty of wonderful material on offer here and, for whatever reason, I still find this compilation more engaging than Morrissey's studio albums of the same era (namely Ringleader of the Tormentors, Years of Refusal and, to a lesser extent, You are the Quarry). Swords ain't no Bona Drag but it's still a great addition to Morrissey's catalog.… Full Review »
  2. adpirtle
    Jul 31, 2014
    7
    This isn't the strongest Morrissey album of its type - how could it be, with a masterpiece like Bona Drag banging around - but it is artfullyThis isn't the strongest Morrissey album of its type - how could it be, with a masterpiece like Bona Drag banging around - but it is artfully put together, and most of the songs are good enough to merit the effort involved. A few are actually amazing.… Full Review »
  3. sex4free
    Nov 23, 2013
    9
    I dont get the reviews for this one. For me this is maybe my favorite Morrissey solo album, especially in terms of the other intstruments thenI dont get the reviews for this one. For me this is maybe my favorite Morrissey solo album, especially in terms of the other intstruments then Morrisseys voice, but also the singing and lyrics is to me very special on this. Put on "If you dont like me...", "Shame is the name", "I knew I was next" and you will hear what I'm talking about.… Full Review »
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