I was watching the entirety of the Lords of the Rings trilogy recently when it dawned on me that I hadn’t written an album review in a month! Life gets busy, but to be completely honest, this one might be my last. With two weeks until my last day of high school ever, I wanted to pick the perfect album for this final review. In a whimsical and magical mood after 11 hours of elf and hobbit nonsense, I could only think of Hozier’s debut and self-titled album, “Hozier.” Released in September of 2014, the folk album reminds me of frolicking around the Shire, and with summer coming up, I, too, want to feel like a carefree little hobbit living in the Shire without a care for IB exams or capitalism.
The album is described as a blues and indie rock record with elements of R&B and folk. It has 13 tracks, one of which we have probably all heard many, many times.
“Take Me to Church” is the opening and most well-known song, not just from the album but from Hozier’s whole discography. I recall hearing it on the radio as a kid, and even then, the song had a heavy and sad feel. However, after growing up, the song took on a whole new meaning. The song itself is about the hypocrisy sometimes present in religion, especially with its condemnation of sexuality. Despite the song not being explicitly about being queer, there’s clear queer undertones that showcase love and the desire to be sacred. Religious imagery with a choral/gospel feel intensifies the irony of the lyrics, as they are critiquing the institution and its treatment of homosexuals.
The next song I wanted to talk about was “Someone New,” which has a bright, romantic sound. The lyrics are about love. However, there are levels of cynicism that speak about emotional disconnection and performative affection. The beat is upbeat with jangly guitar and drums, contrasting with the darker lyrical theme. Hozier continues to use a gospel-style backing in his songs; it adds emotional fullness and helps mask the narrator’s inner emptiness. It’s a bittersweet track that critiques the superficiality of romance in modern times. It’s one of my favorites on the album.
“From Eden” is Hozier’s most symbol-rich song. It has a darker vibe and is rooted in biblical and mythological allusions. The narrator feels like a lover and a corrupting force simultaneously, an individual who is drawn to beauty but aware of the damage that can be caused. Flamenco-influenced guitars, syncopated handclaps, and layered sounds in the track create a special atmosphere. It’s definitely a heavier song, but the lyrics are really interesting to look into. Hozier references “the Serpent,” who’s traditionally been interpreted as an evil tempter who lures someone into danger. It ties in with the meaning of the song, as the narrator is tempted by desires that may not be right.
This song caught my attention the most when I was fully listening to the album. “Work Song” is fundamentally about eternal, unwavering love, which I obviously really like the idea of. The lyrics portray love that’s deeply spiritual, almost like a religious experience. It’s a fusion of blues, soul, and gospel, which Hozier seems to stick to. His voice works really well with gospel style. It also mirrors traditional work songs sung by laborers and enslaved people in the past.
I remember discovering “Like Real People Do” back in 2020, and I fell in love with the way it sounded. It’s such a beautiful, soft song about falling in love with someone with a past. There’s a mutual decision to move forward without judgment, to love like “real people” do with vulnerability and honesty.
Lastly, “Cherry Wine” is another of Hozier’s most popular songs. It’s delivered with a delicate acoustic sound that is contradicted by lyrics that describe a cycle of abuse in an intimate relationship. It’s cleverly deceptive and sounds gentle, but in reality, it captures the inner conflict of someone whose partner hurts them.
If you’re into a mystical, folk-like sound, Hozier is the artist for you. I was originally planning to review his sophomore album, but I’m glad I chose this one. It’s such a beautiful piece, especially if you listen to it in chronological order.
That said, I enjoyed sharing my love for music and turning it into a column. Writing for The Current has been a highlight of my senior year.
