"The Beggar" is the sixteenth studio album by American experimental rock band Swans, released on June 23, 2023, via Mute and Young God Records. It was written during the COVID-19 pandemic and recorded in Berlin with contributions from both past and present band members. To fund the album, frontman Michael Gira released an acoustic demo album, Is There Really a Mind?, in 2022.
Musically, the album blends post-rock and drone, characterized by heavy repetition, dark tones, and a slow, meditative atmosphere. Critics described the sound as "unsettling," "claustrophobic," and at times "oppressively introspective."
Promotion included two singles—“Paradise Is Mine” and “Los Angeles: City of Death”—as well as the announcement of a world tour.
The album received generally favorable reviews, earning an 80/100 on Metacritic and 7.5/10 on AnyDecentMusic?. Critics praised its emotional depth, lyricism, and experimental ambition, although some found it overlong and difficult for casual listeners. Overall, The Beggar was seen as a bold and introspective evolution in Swans' discography.
