← Back

The Beggar (album)

by Swans

Released: June 23, 2023

Drone, Post-rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

The Album

"The Beggar" is the sixteenth studio album by American experimental rock band Swans, released on June 23, 2023, via Mute and Young God Records. To fund the album, frontman Michael Gira released an acoustic demo album, Is There Really a Mind?, in 2022. Overall, The Beggar was seen as a bold and introspective evolution in Swans' discography.

Inside the Recording

It was written during the COVID-19 pandemic and recorded in Berlin with contributions from both past and present band members.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Musically, the album blends post-rock and drone, characterized…

Musically, the album blends post-rock and drone, characterized by heavy repetition, dark tones, and a slow, meditative atmosphere.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

Paradise Is Mine

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.

Los Angeles: City of Death

The Beggar

"The Beggar" is the sixteenth studio album by American experimental rock band Swans, released on June 23, 2023, via Mute and Young God Records.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Swans - The Beggar (album)

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

Critics praised its emotional depth, lyricism, and experimental ambition, although some found it overlong and difficult for casual listeners. The album received generally favorable reviews, earning an 80/100 on Metacritic and 7.5/10 on AnyDecentMusic?. 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.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"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.