Hozier

Hozier's self-titled debut album is a fascinating mélange of old school blues, altrock, Irish folk, dashed with R&B and touches of gospel. Andrew Hozier-Byrne, hailing from southern Ireland, wields a wide variety of guitars with a deft touch with influences ranging from Robert Johnson to Jimi Hendrix. "Hozier" is simultaneously chic and new while also feeling ancient and soulful with intelligent challenging lyrics. The opening track "Take Me to Church," expertly blending altrock and gospel, is gaining airtime on L.A.'s alternative KROQ and currently at #2 on my best songs of 2014 playlist. The engrossing call and response, "Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene," also featured on Hozier's Saturday Night Live appearance, will gain airtime. The slow blues burn of "To Be Alone" with it's irregular rhythm is a masterpiece best listened to late at night in the solitude of high quality headphones. Other top tracks are the uplifting "From Eden" and the more somber "The Work Song" both from this year's E.P. release. The most accessible track for pop fans is the song Hozier wrote about a lost love, "Someone New," with "Like Real People Do" showing-off Hozier's Irish folk roots. I predict that Hozier will not only be nominated, but win Best New Artist at the first Grammy awards for which he's eligible.

I'm sure I'm like so many others here and wound up on this page because of Take Me To Church. And I'm so glad I made the trip. Every song on this album is epic and moving. I don't even listen to music like this usually but good Lord how can you not fall in love and FEEL this album song for song. Not just the bluesy rock sound, but the incredible voice of this man and the lyrics all combine to make songs that warrant the repeat button. I don't feel the need to skip a single song, but rather I want to listen to each over and over. I'm in awe of this Irish gentleman and thankful for such full and hearty music you can feel like a gut punch. These songs are guaranteed to make you feel something powerful, it is just that simple.

Found his music about 10 years ago when he introduced his first album and TMTC was a hit. Been a fan since.

The record is amazing, had a few scratched on vinyle and the sleeve but other then that I couldn't be happier

Another exciting wonderful new retro soul/blues/folk singer songwriter from across the pond. He is an incredible lyricist and composer with a hauntingly beautiful voice. His debut album will take your breath away and is completely unforgettable. "Take Me To Church" is an instant lyrical masterpiece that speaks deeply about love itself as religion. These young people that are able to express the wisdom and emotional depth of many lifetimes keep amazing me! Get it and it will keep you thinking and in good company for a long time to come...

Bought after seeing the Sergei Polunin video set to Take Me To Church, and there isn't a single song on this CD I don't like--and that pretty much never happens for me! Soulful, bluesy, and a little big macabre at times. The man's LYRICS have a distinctive voice to them, never mind the velvety timbre of his actual voice. Intense, raw and real, I've got a serious case of word envy. Hell of a songwriter. Hell of a musician. Love love love.

I first heard 'Take Me To Church' in early August of this year. I knew instantly that I'd discovered an untapped source of brilliance and beauty, a remarkable style of songwriting, an "Artist You Oughta Know" on the rise. Fast forward to October of this year, I watched my predictions prove true as Andrew Hozier-Byrne hit SNL's stage. Hozier's premiere self-titled album is the most gratifying and worthwhile purchase (as far as music goes) that I've made in 2014. My personal opinion of the album's key tracks: "Jack and Wilson", "Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene", "From Eden", and "Like Real People Do". I think it's fair to say to that "Take Me To Church" goes without mention. These songs exemplify what defines a quality album, truly; it exceeded expectation. I believe that the musicians who produce this kind of excellence deserve support. You won't be disappointed.

My 20 year old granddaughter wanted this for Christmas and was so happy with the CD and all the extras.

Great album, really enjoyed it, good value with the souvenir edition giving you extra songs. Strongly recommend it.

Non sono particolarmente appassionata di blues o R&B, e fino a tre mesi fa non conoscevo questo giovane musicista. Ne ho letto nella stampa inglese riguardo al suo pezzo più famoso, Take me to church , e ho provato ad ascoltarlo -non mi sono più fermata, ho comperato il cd, sono andata a sentire il concerto a Segrate - ormai fa parte della mia serie musicale quotidiana. Mi colpisce molto come in un disco d'esordio i diversi elementi si fondano così bene: Hozier ha una gran bella voce e la sa usare, suona molto bene e ha un bell'ensamble (che include un violoncello, usato come equivalente acustico di una chitarra elettrica distorta). La musica è un melange molto riuscito di blues delle origini e folk britannico moderno, con una robusta dose di rhythm'n'blues. I testi sono maturi, mai banali, spesso e scritti molto bene, il ragazzo ha un talento per le metafore e le immagini; ascoltando, le emozioni evocate dalla musica e dalla voce corrispondono ai testi, e non è davvero poco. Solo un paio di pezzi secondo me non sono all'altezza del resto, "A foreigner's god" e "Angelo of small death", che dal vivo migliora. Oltre a "Take me to church", che non perde mai il suo impatto anche a sentirla a ripetizione diversi brani diventeranno dei classici, tra tutte "Cherry wine", "Work song" "To be alone " e "It will come back". Esiste una versione deluxe con alcuni pezzi in più dei quali l'unico davvero bello e' Arsonist's lullaby.

Irlanda,cuna de grandes músicos. Los dos discos supuran blues con melodías de poderoso soul aderezados con toques de góspel impresionantes. Recomendable su edición de luxe con dos cds.

Amo a Hozier y este disco cumplió con mis expectativas, llegó a tiempo y muy bien cuidado, además dentro vienen las letras de las canciones. ¡Me encantaaaa!

5 stars