Hozier, an Irish born singer-songwriter, has made waves in the music industry since the release of his self-titled debut album “Hozier” in 2014. The singer’s deep, attention-grabbing voice has not been misplaced. His newest release, “Eat Your Young,” is just the beginning of a new era.
The newest release is only a teaser for what’s to come. “Eat Your Young” is a three-song release, though it has still grabbed the attention of listeners all over the world.
Hozier’s 2013 hit single, “Take Me To Church,” climbed the Billboard Hot 100 upon its release and grabbed the attention of every listener for its controversial themes of religion and homophobia, securing his spot in the music scene.
Since his breakthrough in 2013, Hozier has embraced the power of music to share his message, preaching to his massive crowds about modern political and religious issues. He also caters to simple human interest with his themes of unrequited love or total romantic obsession, all represented with his folk and R&B inspired rhythms.
After a near four-year gap since his last musical release, “Wasteland, Baby!,” Hozier broke his songwriting hiatus with his latest EP, “Eat Your Young.”
With only three songs, Hozier reminds listeners of his influence with his impactful lyrics.
The EP’s most popular release, also titled “Eat Your Young,” has quickly become one of Hozier’s most played songs, with over 16 million Spotify streams since its release on March 17.
Cover courtesy of Hozier
At first listen, the song sounds like a lustful and obsessively romantic song with captivating falsettos and a jazzy rhythm, though once the lyrics reveal themselves, a more controversial and political tone takes its place, which Hozier is certainly no stranger to.
The final chorus of the song is where the startling themes become present. It goes, “Skinning the children for a war drum/ putting food on the table selling bombs and guns/ it’s quicker and easier to eat your young.”
These lyrics allude to Hozier’s strong anti-war beliefs. He has made his opinion on war and violence clear. The singer went as far as taking a public stance, signing an open letter calling for Irish Americans in President Joe Biden’s cabinet to stand with Palestinians in 2021 during the height of the Israeli and Palestinian conflict.
The singer’s boldness in expressing controversial or uncomfortable topics in captivating ways has brought the attention of millions to the social causes he advocates. There is no topic that strikes fear in Hozier’s writing process.
Hozier’s iconic romantic side makes its debut in the newest EP with “All Things End.” Much like his other passionate pieces, all depict Hozier’s heavy heart.
With lyrics like, “I havе never known a silence like the one fallen here / Never watched my future darken in a single tear,” it’s not difficult for readers to reminisce on their own lost loves and fall headfirst into the song that mimics an old-fashioned gospel choir.
There is something therapeutic about Hozier’s depiction of heartbreak, tackling a topic so intimate and heavy yet still creating something so beautiful can serve as a reminder to listeners that solace can always be found.
Hozier’s poetic language is the beating heart of his music, and the EP’s final song, “Through Me (The Flood),” is a testament to Hozier’s way with words.
Written in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Through Me (The Flood)” expresses the power in seeing a new perspective on life — perseverance even through the fragility and pain that accompanies a life well-lived.
The song starts with Hozier depicting the scene of a man drowning in the sea. Filled with repetitive but still empowering lyrics. Hozier sings, “My willing soul (I’d see) … That the world, it flows through me.”
The song is reminiscent of William Ernest Henley’s “Invictus,” which is Latin for “Unconquerable.” The poem concludes with, “I am the master of my fate / I am the captain of my soul.”
After the two previous songs having controversial or heavy themes, it’s refreshing to hear a song about redemption and triumph. Paired with his folk style and the use of an organ through the beginning and the rapid crescendo that introduces a heavy percussion and accompanying choir, listeners will feel the redemption in real time.
Hozier baited his audience for their attention with only three songs in his newest release, and succeeded. The singer confirmed a new complete album coming in late summer of 2023 and a world tour with rapidly selling tickets.
Every fan, from those who have been with Hozier since his humble beginnings or those just tuning in, will find something for them within his teaser release.
