After the success of his self-titled debut album, Hozier has marked a trail across the world. Now a year on from the original release, Hozier gets a deluxe reissue, featuring 13 extra tracks. The addition of three bonus tracks and ten live recordings (including four covers) sees the Irish singer/songwriter taking his music to entirely new heights.
Listening to live renditions of fan favourites Take Me To Church and Someone New is an extremely satisfying experience. Between evocative vocal trills, shreds of guitar and the communal atmosphere created by the sound of his audience, Hozier proves this re-release is worth it.
This deluxe edition allows one to ponder the heart behind Hozier’s somewhat dark tales. The young talent comments on issues ranging from his frustrations with the Catholic Church and religion to the many perils of life and love. Escaping the expected, Hozier’s brutally honest blues draw attention to subjects many chose to shy away from.
Revisiting Jackie And Wilson, From Eden and My Love Will Never Die reveals them as love songs in their most authentic form. Whether it’s “She’s gonna save me”, “Honey, you’re familiar like my mirror years ago” or “Please try to love me”, Hozier’s lyrics explore the uncertainty of requited and unrequited love.
The inclusion of Hozier’s BBC Live covers – Problem/Regulate (Ariana Grande), Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin), Do I Wanna Know (Arctic Monkeys) and Lay Me Down (Sam Smith) – is the ultimate cherry on top. Bringing his unique flavour to each of the popular hits, Hozier establishes himself as a truly diverse artist and a born storyteller, no matter the tale.
BY PHOEBE ROBERTSON
