Everyone has that one song, that one album, that one artist that truly speaks to them. It could be the words that are sung, the music that is played, or the message behind the art. For me, that one artist is Hozier.
I know, I know. Right now you are probably thinking, "Who?"
Ever heard "Take Me to Church"? That lovely voice behind the famous song belongs to Hozier, the long-haired Irish musician with the voice of an angel.
Andrew Hozier-Byrne was born on March 17, 1990, in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland to a blues musician and an artist. He grew up listening to his father's music, which would largely influence his own. He studied music at Trinity College of Dublin for awhile before dropping out to start producing his own demos and eventually released his first two EPs containing "Take Me to Church" and "Cherry Wine." Not long afterward, he would release his self-titled album Hozier.
Although Hozier grew up in Ireland, Celtic music did not have much sway on his style. His songs are mostly Americana or blues, with some gospel influence as well. Those genres of music are not popular in America, so it comes as no surprise that a vast majority of people do not know of Hozier. But his music has such an emotional energy that it is hard not to fall in love with him.
Hozier has outright stated that he is a feminist. He believes in true equality of the sexes and strongly supports same-sex marriage. In fact, his famous ballad "Take Me to Church" is meant to be a statement that raises awareness of Russia's criminalization of homosexuality. In an interview, Hozier said that the song points at religious doctrines and organizations that shame and damn homosexuality. The music video (which can be found on YouTube) tells the story of two men who love each other but then are hunted down and attacked because of their sexuality.
Hozier''s album Hozier contains a variety of beautiful and meaningful songs that can appeal to anyone. If you are looking for something more up-tempo, try "Jackie and Wilson" or "From Eden." If you want something light and simple, give "Cherry Wine" or "Like Real People Do" a listen. Maybe you favor rock music. If so, give "Sedated" or "Foreigner's God" a try.
My personal favorite is "Work Song." The song tells the story of someone who is madly in love. In the words of Hozier, "It is a sad little love song." This tune is the first song I have heard in my entire life that emotionally made me feel something. The slow and steady gospel music that leads you into the song is relaxing and inviting. Hozier's gentle and beautiful voice fills the speakers and you can't help but feel calm.
One of the many reasons I love Hozier and his music is because it gives me a sense of serenity. His music soothes me and every time I turn on one of his songs, I instantly feel calm. His voice, much like that of Ed Sheeran or John Mayer, is very natural. I wish I could wrap his voice around me like a blanket or turn it into a scented candle. Hearing Hozier's music makes me feel as if I'm sitting in front of a fireplace with a cup of hot tea in my hands and watching the leaves or snow fall outside my window.
I have often heard people say that music saved them. Hearing that one particular song, artist, or group saved them from unhappiness or the dullness in their life. I never could truly understand what they meant by that because, to me, it was just music.
But listening to Hozier saved me when I did not know I needed to be saved.
