After announcing the release of his sophomore LP, ‘Wasteland, Baby!’, Irish singer/songwriter Hozier releases a new single, “Almost (Sweet Music).”

“Played from the bedside / Is ‘Stella by Starlight’ / ‘That Was My Heart’… / The drums that start off ‘Night and Day.’” That’s a number of different songs referenced to say the least! Hozier is back baby! That’s right, the alternative singer/songwriter, best known for his Grammy-nominated hit “Take Me to Church”, returns with his long-awaited, highly-anticipated sophomore album, Wasteland, Baby! (March 1, 2019).  The groundwork was already laid for Wasteland, Baby! With the release of the EP Nina Cried Power (“Nina Cried Power” and “Shrike” are reprised on the album), and superb, ‘moving’ single, “Movement”.  With the announcement of the album comes a brand-new single, “Almost (Sweet Music),” which appears as the second track on the 14-track affair.

Like many songs by Hozier, there’s plenty to love.  First and foremost are the vocals.  Hozier has a distinct and powerful instrument on his hands, period.  As always, he shines in this regard.  The production and sound of the record is another selling point of “Almost (Sweet Music).” There’s an excellent instrumental palette in play including guitar, piano, various percussion, and organ courtesy of the legendary Booker T.  This backdrop superbly fuels the singer/songwriter’s fire.  Also, can’t leave out the songwriting, particularly the catchy chorus:

“I wouldn’t know where to start
‘Sweet Music’ playing ‘In the Dark’
Be still ‘My Foolish Heart’
Don’t ruin this on me.”

Final Thoughts 

Just to reiterate, there’s lots to like about “Almost (Sweet Music).” One not mentioned is the pop sensibility that Hozier brings to this particular track.  No, it’s not got ‘no. 1 hit potential’ necessarily, but it sounds as if the singer/songwriter were trying to intentionally tap into pop.  That said, he doesn’t sell out either – this is still very much idiomatic of what we’ve come to love from him.

Hozier • Wasteland, Baby! • Rubyworks / Columbia • Release: 3.1.19

Photo Credits: Rubyworks / Columbia