Swords cover

Swords

Morrissey · 2009

100 min · 26 tracks · alternative rock · indie pop · indie rock

A collection of acerbic reflections woven through jangly guitars and Morrissey’s signature baritone.

Why this album works

'Swords' stands out as it includes tracks that reflect Morrissey's evolving themes of loss and identity, receiving mixed to positive reviews from critics. It also features songs that underline his influence on contemporary indie music, even as some tracks sparked discussions around their provocative lyrics, particularly 'Ganglord'.
Best for
wave-like emotional fluctuations acerbic reflections on life dynamic journey with peaks
Context
Released in 2009, 'Swords' is a compilation album that marks a transitional phase for Morrissey following his 2006 album 'Ringleader of the Tormentors.' This record compiles B-sides and non-album tracks from his previous works, showcasing his continued relevance in the indie rock scene while navigating a more introspective lyrical direction.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Good Looking Man About Town 2:52
  • 2 Don’t Make Fun of Daddy’s Voice 2:51
  • 3 If You Don’t Like Me, Don’t Look at Me 3:38
  • 4 Ganglord Standout 5:14
  • 5 My Dearest Love 3:54
  • 6 The Never‐Played Symphonies 3:01
  • 7 Sweetie‐Pie 4:19
  • 8 Christian Dior 3:56
  • 9 Shame Is the Name 3:49
  • 10 Munich Air Disaster 1958 2:28
  • 11 I Knew I Was Next 3:45
  • 12 It’s Hard to Walk Tall When You’re Small 3:29
  • 13 Teenage Dad on His Estate 4:04
  • 14 Children in Pieces 4:01
  • 15 Friday Mourning 4:05
  • 16 My Life Is a Succession of People Saying Goodbye 2:50
  • 17 Drive‐In Saturday 5:01
  • 18 Because of My Poor Education 3:23

Disc 2

  • 1 Black Cloud 3:08
  • 2 I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris Standout 2:36
  • 3 I Just Want to See the Boy Happy 2:49
  • 4 Why Don’t You Find Out for Yourself 3:37
  • 5 One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell 3:03
  • 6 You Just Haven’t Earned it Yet, Baby 3:13
  • 7 Life Is a Pigsty Standout 8:55
  • 8 I’m OK by Myself 6:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata