Hozier’s self-titled album is his debut album released in September 2014 which reached commercial success almost immediately. Hozier was placed in the top ten lists in the UK, Ireland, Greece, Denmark, Australia, the U.S., and Canada. “Take Me to Church” which is the first song on the album has over 1.2 billion adds on Spotify. Over the years the album has gained critical acclaim and is debatably one of the most memorable Folk/ Blues albums of all time. 

Hozier has always been a part of my music since I jumped into the Alternative music universe. The music videos for “Cherry Wine” and “Take Me to Church” are etched in my mind. They had such a strong impact on me for their strong content. “Cherry Wine” displays an abusive relationship and has a “face up to domestic violence” tag at the end of it. “Take Me to Church” shows a hate crime against a gay couple. Both of these music videos opened my eyes to so much that I had neglected to educate myself on. I recommend preparing to cry while listening to this entire album, not only from the content but also from his beautiful voice.

Hozier was the first thing that came to mind when I thought to write another Fall blog. This year I have been listening to this album over and over. The relaxing, folksy songs specifically radiate Autumn. “ Like Real People Do” is the perfect example of a folksy fall song. Then there is a deeper side to the album. These songs have more of the Blues side to his music. Like “Work Song” for example has this grounding feeling that reminds you that Autumn isn’t only about apple cider. It almost feels like being reminded that Fall is a season based on death. The two feelings together make the album poetically the essence of Fall, beauty in death.

Track List:

1. Take Me to Church
2. Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene
3. Jackie and Wilson
4. Someone New
5. To Be Alone
6. From Eden
7. In a Week (feat. Karen Cowley)
8. Sedated
9. Work Song
10. Like Real People Do
11. It Will Come Back
12. Foreigner’s God
13. Cherry Wine – Live
14. In the Woods Somewhere
15. Run

Article by Haley Isom