The Glowing Man
by Swans
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. Rolling Stone
    Jul 11, 2016
    60
    While their long, drawn-out, circling dark clouds remain potent, ultimately The Glowing Man is the weakest of the three powerful epics they've released since 2012. It can be muted and jammy, the build-ups are not as dramatic and it brings little in new ideas for Gira's dead-eyed yowl.
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jun 17, 2016
    60
    For a record seeking personal elevation via uncontainable energy, The Glowing Man doesn’t always glow often or energetically enough to help its listeners realize that it’s trying to attain such elevation.

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Most Discussed Album of 2016
96
#96 Most Shared Album of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 71 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 71
  3. Negative: 4 out of 71
  1. Typickup
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    The perfect way to end this era of Swan's discography. More meditative and transcendental than the rest, the band creates massive soundscapesThe perfect way to end this era of Swan's discography. More meditative and transcendental than the rest, the band creates massive soundscapes that captivate the listener and feel biblical in scale.… Full Review »
  2. Lovdahl
    Oct 27, 2016
    10
    The Glowing Man is the best album I've heard in years. Gira and his talented group of musical alchemists created a perfect piece of music. IThe Glowing Man is the best album I've heard in years. Gira and his talented group of musical alchemists created a perfect piece of music. I could gush on and on about this project, but a 10 will suffice for now.… Full Review »
  3. alexo774
    Aug 18, 2016
    9
    The more that I listen to this album, the more that I realize that it is my favorite album in the 3 album trilogy that has comprised theThe more that I listen to this album, the more that I realize that it is my favorite album in the 3 album trilogy that has comprised the latest era of Swans. This album, in its most abrupt moments kicks ass, but also leaves you with a sense of calmness. This is heavy music that isn't exactly aggressive, but peacefully chaotic and beautiful. One of the best albums of the year so far.… Full Review »
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