While I'm the type of person who cringes when others complain about pop music as if it's the end of the world, I’m also often the first to admit that we are lacking in good music these days. Thankfully, Andrew Hozier-Byrne, better known as Hozier, is the artist the music scene has been waiting for.
Hozier rose to fame in 2013 with the song “Take Me to Church,” but all of his music is a masterpiece. Each of his songs carry a tremendous amount of depth and artistry, both in terms of lyrics and music. His lyrics are crafted like poetry, and I must admit I sit down and read them like poems sometimes. Though at first listen many of his songs seem to be about love and relationships, they always have a deeper underlying meaning. He uses music as a platform to discuss social issues, including the oppressive nature of organized religion and conflicts between society and the self.
In an interview with 3voor12, Hozier says he has been greatly influenced by James Joyce’s novel, "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man." A theme from the novel that is present in Hozier’s music is the theme of “the struggle reconciling your own personal need to be yourself against the expectations of… nationalism and religion.”
For example, his song “Take Me to Church” is a critique of the Catholic Church, specifically for its homophobia and the way it “undermines... natural parts of humanity.” Appropriately, James Joyce’s novel is about rebelling against Catholic values.
When it comes to Hozier’s sound, he draws influences from gospel, soul, and r&b music. According to a video series on Hozier’s YouTube channel where he explains the meaning of each of his songs, the track “Jackie and Wilson” is named after one of his biggest influences, Jackie Wilson, who was an American soul singer-songwriter in the 1950s and '60s.
This song is about idealizing a partner and believing that they’ll save you or solve all of your problems. It serves as a commentary about how people view relationships.
Another demonstration of Hozier’s unique approach to music is the way he covers songs; he makes them entirely his own. For example, when covering Sam Smith's “Lay Me Down,” which is a sad song about death, he puts a Motown spin on it. His cover of “Do I Wanna Know” by the Arctic Monkeys is slow and almost hypnotic, as opposed to the original, which is upbeat.
Outside his music, Hozier continues to demonstrate a refreshing intellect and unique outlook on ideas we take for granted. His perspective on fame is quite refreshing. In an interview with Idolator, when asked about dealing with fame, Hozier says that fame and success are myths perpetuated by society because they’re profitable. He therefore doesn’t spend much time worrying about the fame he has achieved.
Perhaps one of his most thought-provoking comments comes from an interview with FanPage.it. When discussing “Take Me to Church,” Hozier says he was surprised there was room for a song like it on the charts, because it was never designed to be a pop hit. This statement is a bit jarring, but not surprising. If anything, it’s sobering. Most songs that gain popularity in this day and age are designed for profit, not cultural significance.
Andrew Hozier-Byrne brings something rare to the music world, songs that are influenced by great musicians and thinkers alike. Songs that open up a discussion about pressing social issues while showcasing quality music. If you’re looking for a musical experience that’s both educational and enjoyable, Hozier is for you.
