Iwan Fals - Swami

thoughtsofamedic

Review by Ryan Anderson

Album Review: Swami by Iwan Fals – A Pop Rock Gem from 1991 If you’re diving into Indonesian music history, Swami by Iwan Fals is a name that’ll pop up sooner or later. Released in 1991 under Airo Swadaya Stupa Records, this album feels like a time capsule of raw emotions and unfiltered storytelling. It’s a mix of Pop and Rock, leaning heavily into the Pop Rock style—a genre blend that was just starting to find its groove in Indonesia back then. The label might not be a global giant, but they sure knew how to let Iwan’s voice shine. Now, onto the tracks. With songs like Bongkar and Eseks...Eseks...Udug...Udug (Nyanyian Ujung Gang), it’s hard not to feel something. Let me break it down for ya. Bongkar hits different. It’s one of those tracks where the lyrics stick to your brain like glue. Iwan’s voice carries this gritty honesty, almost like he’s sitting right next to you, telling a story over coffee. The song’s energy builds slowly—simple guitar riffs at first, then BAM, it all comes together. You can’t help but hum along, even if you don’t speak Bahasa Indonesia fluently. For me, it’s the kind of song that makes you stop scrolling on your phone and just listen. On the flip side, there’s Eseks...Eseks...Udug...Udug (Nyanyian Ujung Gang). This one’s wild—it’s chaotic, playful, and kinda feels like eavesdropping on a street conversation. The title alone screams “don’t take life too seriously,” and the melody backs that up. It’s messy in the best way possible, with layers of sound that make you wonder what exactly went down in the studio. Every time I hear it, I picture a bustling Jakarta neighborhood, full of life and noise. Other tracks like Cinta and Perjalanan Waktu keep the vibe going, but honestly, it’s those two standouts that make the album unforgettable. Even the live version of Bento adds a nice touch, showing off Iwan’s ability to connect with an audience. Looking back, Swami feels like more than just an album. It’s a snapshot of a moment when Pop Rock was finding its footing in Indonesia. Sure, some production bits might feel dated now, but isn’t that part of its charm? Listening to it today feels like flipping through an old photo album—you notice the imperfections, but they only add character. Unexpectedly, I found myself thinking about how music like this doesn’t get made anymore. In an era of auto-tune and polished beats, Swami reminds us that sometimes, raw and real wins the race. Or maybe it just makes you wanna grab a guitar and strum along. Either way, it’s worth a listen—or three.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: iwan-fals-swami.zip
  • MP3 size: 62 mb
  • FLAC size: 306 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Bongkar
Bento (Live Version)
Bunga Trotoar
Condet
Eseks...Eseks...Udug...Udug (Nyanyian Ujung Gang)
Cinta
Potret
Perjalanan Waktu
Oh... Ya!
Badut

Images

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Catalog Numbers

097, NO : 097

Labels

Airo Swadaya Stupa Records, Izin Industri Airo

Listen online

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Formats

  • Cassette
  • Album

Notes

Appears to be completely different from this release with the same title: Swami

About Iwan Fals

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Biography Iwan Fals (born 3 September 1961 in Jakarta as Virgiawan Listanto) is an Indonesian singer and songwriter. He has released more than 35 albums of mostly solo guitar-based material in a style said to be influenced by Bob Dylan. He is considered a popular singer in the country. He is known as a social observer and protest singer, although he has sung many songs about love and romance. He is married (his wife's name is Rosana) with three children: , Annisa Cikal Rambu Bassae and Raya Rambu Rabbani. His eldest son, Galang Rambu Anarki, died in April 1997 of asthma. Iwan Fals had previously written an eponymously titled song for him on his birth in 1982.

Real Name

    • Virgiawan Listanto

Name Vars

  • Iwan F
  • Iwan Fales
  • Iwan Falls
  • Pitat Haeng

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The album *Swami* by Iwan Fals, released in 1991, is a gem of Indonesian pop-rock. It blends catchy melodies with raw social commentary. One standout track, "Bento (Live Version)," became iconic for its critique of societal inequality. The album even features a playful yet thought-provoking song titled *Eseks...Eseks...Udug...Udug (Nyanyian Ujung Gang)*, capturing everyday life in Indonesia’s streets. It’s no wonder *Swami* remains a beloved classic.