After a year filled with gradual releases, the complete version of Hozier‘s latest album, Unreal Unearthed: Unending, has finally made its debut. Renowned for his captivating blend of sensual, blues-infused rock and roll, Hozier offers an array of intricate soundscapes and deep lyrical meanings that go well beyond initial impressions.
Gifted with a rare talent for storytelling, Hozier possesses an innate understanding of history. Growing up as the son of an artist and a musician, combined with studying music education at the prestigious Trinity College Dublin, his extensive experience in songwriting illuminates the emotional and historical complexities present in Unreal Unearthed. The tracks navigate vast emotional landscapes while tackling relevant geopolitical themes.
Despite Hozier’s brilliance and profound lyrics, many fans remain unaware of the rich narratives that accompany his work. Earlier this year, his single “Too Sweet”from the Unheard EP gained traction on TikTok, centered around a whiskey-drinking trend referenced in the song’s chorus. This phenomenon echoes the response to “Take Me to Church,”which soared in popularity without much emphasis on the message of its music video addressing the harsh realities of homophobic violence.
It is easy for infectious tunes to lead listeners to dance without discerning the deeper meanings woven into the lyrics. However, to bypass the complex layers of Hozier’s work is ultimately a disservice to both the artist and the audience, as he profoundly understands music’s ability to affect human emotion. Below are ten (technically eleven) of Hozier’s most musically and lyrically intricate tracks:
10 “Empire Now”
Unheard EP (2024)
Although “Empire Now”was not included on the original Unreal Unearth album, it appeared in the Unheard EP along with three other tracks from those recording sessions. Furthermore, it made the cut for the expanded edition, Unreal Unearth: Unending. This composition, like others on the project, maintains a balance between personal experience and broader themes, drawing inspiration from Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy — specifically Hell’s seventh circle, which punishes the most violent sinners.
The juxtaposition of “Empire Now”‘s hopeful lyrics against its solemn beat is striking. The chorus expresses optimism about the future, yet carries the weight of remembering the struggles that precede it. This year marks over a century since a majority of Ireland’s counties gained independence from the British Empire, subsequently leading to the Irish Civil War, the echoes of which still resonate in present-day Irish politics.
Irish music often serves as a powerful political voice. Within its seemingly simple refrains, “Empire Now”stands poised to join the ranks of Hozier’s politically charged songs. The song’s somber percussion, combined with intertwining electric and acoustic guitars, creates a sound reminiscent of a slow march, suggesting that a bright future might still transform into an uncontrollable wildfire.
9 “Butchered Tongue”
Unreal Unearth (2023)
The historical record shows that imperial powers often aim to eradicate native languages, resulting in the loss of over 75% of the languages that existed in 1950 within the United States, Canada, and Australia. Hozier reflects on this tragic reality, lamenting the decline of fluent Irish Gaelic speakers as English continue to grow in dominance.
In “Butchered Tongue,” Hozier pens a heartfelt tribute to dying languages, both within his homeland and throughout his global travels. When he first performed it live at Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall, he offered an insightful explanation of its origins. Watch the performance and his commentary in the video linked below.
Butchered Tongue (Plus his little explanation!) by u/pillarofmyth in Hozier
8 “Eat Your Young”
Eat Your Young EP (2023)
Another hit that gained traction on TikTok due to its catchy hook, “Eat Your Young” provides an infectious experience. Contrary to what the title suggests, the song does not literally advocate for cannibalism; inspired by Dante’s Inferno, it metaphorically depicts the third circle of Hell, where gluttonous souls languish. Released on Hozier’s birthday, the EP failed to make a significant chart impact, though the song itself reached a respectable 67 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Hozier shared that the sharp contrast in the song’s opening was quite intentional, using grotesque imagery to inject dark humor into the hook. As the narrative progresses, the juxtaposition of seductive hunger with the relentless consumption required by capitalism becomes apparent. The cruelty of modern war profiteering starkly contrasts with the urgency to provide food, embodying the phrase, “it’s easier to eat your young.”
On May 5, a second rendition of “Eat Your Young,”dubbed “Bekon’s Choral Version,”was released. Collaborating with producer Bekon, known for his work with Eminem and Kendrick Lamar, this version strips back instrumentation, layering a choir of haunting voices beneath Hozier’s vocals, creating a chilling and atmospheric retelling.
7 “Jackboot Jump”
Jackboot Jump (2019)
As a non-album track, “Jackboot Jump”showcases Hozier’s raw energy. With a driving beat provided primarily by drummer Rory Doyle, the song captures a whirlwind of frustration expressed through Hozier’s powerful guitar work. Recorded live, the performance emphasizes his signature fingerpicking style, evoking an intense emotional response.
Written amid significant global unrest, “Jackboot Jump”directs attention towards various social movements in 2019. Hozier mentions protests in Hong Kong, mass arrests in Moscow, and the response to the Dakota Access Pipeline controversy. During a performance, he explained his reservations about labeling it as a “protest song”but emphasized the urgent need to confront uncomfortable realities through music.
“I do have some reservations about the words ‘protest song’ and ‘protest music’. But if you’re familiar with an artist called Woody Guthrie, he wrote the evergreen anthem ‘Tear the Fascists Down.’ I was thinking, yeah, fuck it, it’s not subtle, but let’s do it.” (via Variety)
6 “Dinner & Diatribes”
Wasteland, Baby (2019)
As the final single from the apocalyptic Wasteland, Baby, “Dinner & Diatribes”captures the sentiment of escaping tedious social obligations. Hozier’s lyrics illustrate a yearning for deeper, more intimate experiences, highlighting the disconnection found within the pressures of societal expectations.
While undeniably sexy, this song exposes the underlying critique against the elitist attitudes often exhibited by upper socioeconomic classes, echoing Hozier’s sentiments expressed in many of his tracks. Even when Hozier’s lyrics don’t carry overt political messages, they reveal how intimate experiences can become entangled with societal issues in modern life.
5 “To Noise Making (Sing)”
Wasteland, Baby (2019)
Inspired by the works of Irish poet Seamus Heaney, “To Noise Making (Sing)”is another track that intertwines personal expression and broader societal themes. It encourages listeners to reclaim the joy of singing, reminding us of the power in collective creativity amidst a world that often stifles true connection.
The song’s pre-chorus evokes memories of carefree singing, contrasting sharply with the modern obsession with polished production. Hozier critiques how our cultural perspectives on music have shifted, often sidestepping the simplicity and joy of spontaneous expression.
4 “Nina Cried Power”
Nina Cried Power EP (2018)
With its title inspired by Nina Simone’s powerful anthem, “Nina Cried Power”serves as a tribute to the rich history of activism in music. The track pulsates with a synergy of Hozier’s vocals layered with the soulful tones of guest artist Mavis Staples, embodying resilience and hope.
This song honors previous generations of musicians and activists, invoking the names of legendary figures who shaped civil rights movements and music history. Yet, the song also motivates contemporary listeners to find their own power and influence, echoing the transformative nature of collective action.
3 “Moment’s Silence (Common Tongue)”
Nina Cried Power EP (2018)
In “Moment’s Silence (Common Tongue),”Hozier explores the tension between physical intimacy and institutional control. He aims to inspire hope and solidarity through love and human connection, raising questions about societal norms surrounding intimacy and power dynamics.
“It is about physical pleasure. Moreover, the kind of relationship between people within institutionalized power and particularly oral sex, I’m sorry to say. It was the decision to write something that was not cynical, when it was so easy to write something that kind of rolled its eyes at global politics.”
The dynamic rhythms and harmonious layers in the song create a compelling contrast between expressions of pleasure and the oppressive norms enforced by society. Hozier critiques moralizing forces that diminish the value of intimate experiences, reinforcing the necessity of individual dignity and freedom.
2 “To Be Alone”
Hozier (2014)
“To Be Alone”initially appeared as a bare-bones live version on Hozier’s From Eden EP. Featuring a fuller arrangement on his self-titled debut album, the song juxtaposes Hozier’s intricate guitar work with a layered band dynamic. Despite the richer instrumentation, the overall atmosphere evokes a feeling of intense loneliness.
Hozier describes “To Be Alone”as an exploration of loving a damaged individual amidst societal pressures that often promote superficial connections instead of genuine intimacy. The chilling lyrics reveal the stark contrast between the chaos of modern social settings and the longing for real connection.
1 “Foreigner’s God”
Hozier (2014)
“Foreigner’s God”delves into themes of cultural alienation and the longing for understanding amidst societal divides. Hozier’s critique of traditional religious structures and his own feelings of separation are depicted in a poignant narrative. In the context of a predominantly Catholic Ireland, questioning the nature of divinity brings about a distinctive sense of estrangement.
This track powerfully illustrates the difficulty of fostering connection amid cultural and emotional divides. As Hozier addresses the complexities of love within such constraints, grief emerges as a recurring motif, resonating throughout the song’s emotional landscape.
Hozier’s music invites deep reflection on personal and collective experiences, encouraging listeners to engage with the nuanced stories embedded within his captivating lyrics.
Sources: Genius Verified, Variety, Poetry Ireland, NPR
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