Hozier | 4GEMZ 

1. Hozier, “Take Me to Church”

Hozier • Rubyworks / Columbia •  2014

“Take Me to Church” was a no. 2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 – a huge, breakthrough hit for Irish singer/songwriter Hozier. Furthermore, the standout from Hozier (2014) was nominated for the Grammy (Song of the Year).  Listening emptily, it’s easy to see why it was a massive hit.  Who doesn’t enjoy a song that references sex?  Considering the depth of its subject matter analytically, it’s almost unbelievable it achieved the commercial accolades it did.

In a NY Mag interview, The Irish singer/songwriter describes the song as being about sex, humanity, and disdain for the church “teaching shame about sexual orientation.”  The lyrics of the song confirm those strong feelings:

“My church offers no absolutes
She tells me ‘worship in the bedroom’
The only heaven I’ll be sent too
Is when I’m alone with you.”

Furthermore, in the interview, he tackles the influence of church in Ireland, and homophobia in Russia. Key lyrics, such as “We were born sick, you heard them say it,” confirms this.   Throughout its course, “Church” amplifies blasphemous references to make a statement.  Ultimately, that statement is that all humans, regardless of sexuality, should be able to love and be with whomever they’d like.

Also appears on :
A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs

2. Hozier, “Work Song”

Hozier • Rubyworks / Columbia •  2014

“My babe would never fret none / About what my hands and body done / If the Lord don’t forgive me / I’d still have my baby and my babe would have me.” Wow… WOW! Hozier lays it all on the line – this love is totally a deep one on “Work Song,” a gem from his 2014 debut album, Hozier. If he makes nothing else clear, he totally loves his bae: “Boys, workin’ on empty / Is that the kinda way to face the burning heat / I just think about my baby.”

Hozier confirms the depth of his love on the chorus, ludicrously suggesting he’d exit his grave (escaping inevitable death essentially) to be with her.  Give him credit – that’s poetic stuff right there, and authenticity by all means!

“When, my, time comes around
Lay me gently in the cold dark earth
No grave can hold my body down
I’ll crawl home to her.” 

Also Appears On :
11 Songs Where It’s All Work and No Play

3. Hozier, “Nina Cried Power”

Wasteland, Baby! • Columbia • 2019

“It’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’ / It is the groundin’ of a foot uncompromisin’ / It’s not forgoin’ of the lie / It’s not the openin’ of eyes / It’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’.” Hozier commences  Wasteland, Baby! powerfully with “Nina Cried Power”. He’s in full-on soul mode (think gospel), fitting given his legendary collaborator,  Mavis Staples.

Both artists pay ode to various musicians who were unafraid to protest via their songs including legends like Nina Simone, James Brown, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and John Lennon.  The chorus, with names changing, is the crème de la crème of the record.

“And I could cry power (power)
Power (power)
Power, lord
Nina cried power
Billie cried power
Mavis cried power.”

Also appears on :
13 Superb Gospel-Tinged Secular Songs
101 Best Songs of 2018 (#2)
13 Contemporary Protest Anthems
11 Energetic, Powerful and or Strong Songs
13 Songs That Feature Names in Their Title
15 N Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason

4. Hozier, “Movement”

Wasteland, Baby! • Columbia • 2019

“When you move / I’m put to mind of all that I wanna be / When you move / I could never define all that you are to me.” Hozier delivers a superb, nuanced vocal performance throughout the course of “Movement” ( Wasteland, Baby!).  Awesome songwriting, awesome vocals, and awesome production make “Movement” one of the best songs of 2018.  On the verses, Hozier opts for a more tender approach, gradually growing more dramatic and powerful during the chorus. Complementing his restrained approach on the verses is electric piano accompaniment.

By the chorus, the electric piano transforms into a more passionate, gospel-tinged backdrop that includes organ, and chilling choral vocals. 

“So, move me, baby
Shake like the bough of a willow tree
You do it naturally
Move me, baby.”

The sound develops even more on the bridge, leading into the closing section of the record, which is backed by the most overt groove of the record.  Here, Hozier digs even deeper into his chest voice, as well as sounding thoroughly impressive when he sings in falsetto.

Also appears on :
101 Best Songs of 2018
11 Songs That Are All About Movement