Following his brilliant ‘Nina Called Power (EP),’ Irish singer/songwriter Hozier impresses once more on his thrilling new single, “Movement.”

After a four-year hiatus, Irish singer/songwriter Hozier returned strong in 2018 with Nina Cried Power (EP).  The title track, featuring Mavis Staples, is easily among the best songs of 2018. After whetting listener’s palates with the four-track EP, he drops another awesome single, “Movement,” which is among the best of his career.

Hozier delivers a superb, nuanced vocal performance throughout the course of “Movement.” On the verses, he opts for a more tender approach, gradually growing more dramatic and powerful during the chorus. Complementing his restrained approach on the verses is tender electric piano accompaniment. The record begins with this sound on the intro, accompanied by a subtle underlying groove.  Electric piano transforms into a more passionate, gospel-tinged quality on the chorus, including organ, and chilling choral vocals.  This particular sound develops even more on the bridge, leading into the closing section of the record, which ends up being backed by the most overt groove of the record. Not only is the organ amplified even more during this section, Hozier digs even deeper into his chest voice, as well as sounding throughly impressive when he sings in falsetto.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, with “Movement,” Hozier adds another brilliant record to his collection. Sure, he’s only an album and an EP in, but the Irishmen has already proven he’s truly a ‘force to be reckoned with.’ Personally, I thought there was no chance that things got any better than the likes of “Take Me to Church” from his 2014 self-titled debut, or “Nina Cried Power” from the EP of the same name, but “Movement” gives both gems a run for their money.  Awesome songwriting, awesome vocals, and awesome production make “Movement” a surefire hit.

Hozier » Movement [Single] » Rubyworks / Columbia » Release: 11.16.18

Photo Credits: Rubyworks / Columbia