“Honey, you’re familiar like my mirror years ago.” As the weather changes and it starts to feel like fall, I find myself turning to Hozier’s music to hear beautiful and comforting lyrics like this one. If I had to encompass my favorite Hozier songs in one word, it would be “soul-soothing”. Listening to his music feels like home. I, along with many others, have been captivated by Hozier’s music since his big hit “Take Me to Church” in 2003 and have been a big fan of him ever since.
Andrew Hozier-Byrne was born in 1990 in Ireland. He started making music when he was 15 years old. In 2013, he released his hit solo “Take Me to Church.” Right off the bat, this song took on a big social impact. It directly challenges discrimination of gay people in the Catholic church. I was only 10 when this song came out, so I just liked the tune at the time, but now as I’ve grown up with his music have even more respect for him for tackling these issues. He has two studio albums, Hozier (2014) and Wasteland, Baby! (2019) in addition to many EPs and singles.
Just like with all my favorite artists, it is VERY difficult for me to pick my favorite songs. If I had to pick, “Jackie and Wilson”, “Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene”, “Almost (Sweet Music)”, “Wasteland, Baby!”, and “From Eden” would all be some of my favorites. I would describe Hozier’s music as soulful, deep, and comforting. His music is primarily inspired by folk and blues. It’s very different than a lot of music that I listen to, but it’s still some of my favorites. His songs have streaks of darkness (Cherry Wine!!!) and passion, but above all always sound like art. All of his lyrics are incredibly artful, but a few of the most interesting ones to me are “Idealism sits in prison, chivalry fell on it’s sword… Innocence died screaming, honey ask me I should know”, “We tried the world, good God, it wasn’t for us”, “The way she tells me I’m hers and she is mine/Open hand or closed fist would be fine/The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine.”
Hozier is extremely passionate about many issues, talking about everything from gay rights to the opioid crisis in his interviews. Overall, he is extremely talented and I encourage you to listen to his music if you want to think and feel comforted at the same time.
Biography source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hozier_(musician)
I really enjoy reading your weekly posts about artists that are relevant to you. It’s very interesting to see how the the lyrics in songs written by Hozier have not only impacted you but the society at large. Nicely done!
I also hopped onto the Hozier trend after hearing “Take Me to Church.” I agree with your thoughts that Hozier is a soulful and singer. I appreciate and respect that he addresses prominent issues through his lyrics. My favorite song is “Almost (Sweet Music).”