The Beggar
by Swans
  • Record Label: Mute
  • Release Date: Jun 23, 2023
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. The Skinny
    Jun 20, 2023
    60
    The Beggar is another solid entry into the Swans canon, if not one that suggests it will have the staying power of their classics. It still marks Swans as a group intent on developing long into their career, and there’s no threat of them losing their intensity.

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Most Discussed Album of 2023

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Lajaleaa
    Jul 19, 2023
    6
    At this point I think it is clear that Swans make an album every time they trip on acid, and, I guess, it is fine they want to paint theirAt this point I think it is clear that Swans make an album every time they trip on acid, and, I guess, it is fine they want to paint their complete trip or most of it with their instrumentation and composition. Joining them in their trip can be interesting, but I do feel this is not just a very "exclusive" experience, but I also think it is both empty of catharsis or "movement" and saturated with ambientation and "aura". This can only mean one thing: you hate it, or you love it, and I'm seeing how people are loving and appreciating this album, which is great, but I'll have to disagree.
    Swans seems to be a very "we sell an experience" situation, which can put the focus away the quality of the product and its process. I appreciate the experience, actually, I think they work better with longer tracks that can actually allow them to express their complete feeling with a lot more of narrative, but the smaller tracks make me feel in a senseless loop of empty sermons that failed to get me closer to the main entity. I'm sorry, this might not be the right church for me.    … Full Review »
  2. Motorik6
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Back on form after the transitional Leaving Meaning.
    A gamut of depth and variety.
  3. user1983073
    Jun 27, 2023
    0
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