Unraveling the Depths of Hozier's Music: A Personal Journey

Growing up, I first encountered Hozier's music through his widely popular track, "Take Me to Church." I was drawn to its catchy melody and poignant lyrics like many others. However, it wasn't until I listened to his latest album, "Unreal Unearth," that I truly “unearthed” the “unreal” impact his music could have on me.

My journey with Hozier's music began with the well-known anthem "Take Me to Church," but his song "Wasteland, Baby!" truly captivated me. Serving as the title track of his second album, this song beautifully portrays the apocalypse, which is quite ironic. Hozier highlights the potential for love to endure even in the bleakest of times through this portrayal of the apocalypse. My friend Riley and I were so taken with this song that we created a poster for Hozier's concert, urging him to perform it. Unfortunately, venue restrictions prevented us from bringing it inside, leaving it in a box of gifts for the band. I often wonder if Hozier has ever seen it. 

"Wasteland, Baby!" mentions pressing issues like environmental destruction and the resilience of human connection, themes found throughout the album. Hozier has described the song as an exploration of the worst-case scenario approached with humor, highlighting the potential for kindness and hope amidst adversity. By naming the album after this track, Hozier encapsulates the overarching theme of acknowledging and confronting the challenges of our time while finding solace and beauty amidst chaos.

"Unreal Unearth," released in August 2023, just over a month before I went to his concert, showcases Hozier's growth as an artist. While his earlier works displayed his talent, this album wonderfully elevates his artistry with cohesive storytelling. 

One of the best songs for me is "Francesca," the debut single from the album. Inspired by Dante Alighieri's epic poem "Inferno," the song delves into the tragic tale of Francesca da Rimini, condemned to the depths of Hell for her forbidden love affair. Through Hozier's lyrics, listeners are transported into the fiery depths of damnation, where Francesca's unwavering devotion shines amidst darkness. In "Francesca," Hozier masterfully explores love, desire, and commitment themes, drawing parallels between Francesca's plight and the universal human experience. The haunting refrain of "If I could hold you for a minute / Darlin', I'd go through it again," encapsulates the depth of emotion that permeates the album. Before I researched the meaning behind this single, I had interpreted this song to be about a toxic relationship, with someone saying they’d go through all the bad again to experience the good another time. With either explanation, I’ve found myself loving this song, and understanding how masterfully he told Francesca’s story in a song has made him genuinely admirable. 

But "Francesca" is just one piece of the puzzle that is "Unreal Unearth." From the dreamy darkness of "De Selby (Part 1)" to the triumphant crescendo of "First Light," each song offers a unique perspective on humanity, inviting listeners on a journey of self-discovery and introspection.

For me, "Unreal Unearth" is much more than just an album; it exemplifies the power of music to touch our souls and illuminate the hidden corners of our hearts. Through Hozier's music, I have found inspiration and gained a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. As I unravel the layers of meaning within "Unreal Unearth," I am reminded of art's power and profound impact on our lives. Oscar Wilde once said, “It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors.” In Hozier's music, I have found art that mirrors both myself, as the spectator, and life as he tells these stories.