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. Beats Per Minute
    Jun 29, 2023
    90
    It’s noteworthy that this latest record is on par with those two [Soundtracks for the Blind and The Seer] in quality, because it marks his largest leap forward in a long time. By imagining a future without himself, Michel Gira has opened up an eternity of possibilities. He’s let the light shine in – and that is deeply moving. He’s found peace.
  2. Glide Magazine
    Jun 23, 2023
    80
    The Beggar is a challenging listen over its two-hour run time, but the sonic soundscapes SWANS create throughout deliver what the band set out to do; juxtapose the beautiful and grotesque while stretching out their droning sound to the breaking point.
  3. The Guardian
    Jun 23, 2023
    80
    The Velvet Underground-worthy Los Angeles: City of Death is the closest this Swans incarnation comes to rock and unusually for a band of this vintage, they’re still springing surprises, such as the way Michael Is Done suddenly erupts into beatific rapture reminiscent of early Brian Eno.
  5. Mojo
    Jun 21, 2023
    80
    44 minutes of scourging song broken up by ambient drone, terrifying din and choral interludes - is both uncompromising and brilliant. [Aug 2023, p.85]
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  6. Uncut
    Jun 20, 2023
    80
    What sometimes seems like attrition - "Paradise Is Mine's" relentless hammering, "Ebbing's" pounding 11 minutes - can, nevertheless, deliver ritualistic euphoria. [Jul 2023, p.34]
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  7. musicOMH.com
    Jun 20, 2023
    80
    Some might wish for more of the pounding drums and hellish vocals of old, others might hope for more of the experimental blasted patchwork of The Beggar Lover (Three), but the album succeeds best through its unwieldy, unmanageable length. They say Swans can break a man’s spirit with just two hours of unstinting grimness.
  8. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 22, 2023
    74
    The Beggar is definitely flawed as a front-to-back experience, but it's also the most engaging release that Swans have put out since To Be Kind.
  9. AllMusic
    Jun 22, 2023
    70
    A definite improvement over leaving meaning, The Beggar is a riskier yet more successful effort that feels like a step in a more fulfilling direction.
  10. Slant Magazine
    Jun 20, 2023
    70
    It proceeds in the same white-knuckle way as the group’s last four releases. It is, though, defined by the quality and craftsmanship that’s expected of Swans.

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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