What makes Hozier by Hozier notable?

The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and achieved multi-platinum status in several countries, propelled by the massive success of 'Take Me to Church'. The song's powerful themes and striking music video sparked discussions about love and social issues, cementing Hozier's place as an influential voice in contemporary music. Hozier's self-titled album marks his debut release, arriving after years of honing his craft in Dublin's music scene. By the time of its release in September 2014, he had gained attention through his earlier singles, particularly 'Take Me to Church', which set the stage for his rise to prominence.

Hozier works well if you're into steady emotional exploration throughout, soulful melodies for reflective moments and poignant lyrics about love and.

How many songs are on Hozier?

Hozier has 13 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Hozier

Hozier · 2014

53 min · 13 tracks · blues

Soulful melodies intertwine with poignant lyrics, creating a rich tapestry of blues and folk influences throughout this debut album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Take Me to Church — This track combines haunting melodies with a critique of organized religion, making it both a commercial hit and a cultural statement that resonates deeply.
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From Eden — With its lush instrumentation and alluring storytelling, this song exemplifies Hozier's ability to blend folk traditions with modern sensibilities, showcasing his lyrical depth.
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Work Song — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of enduring love against the backdrop of life's challenges, emphasizing Hozier's soulful vocal delivery and emotional resonance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

Hozier's debut showcases strong songwriting and emotional depth, though its cohesion is slightly affected by varied pacing.

What we noticed

The first track, 'Take Me to Church', opens with a powerful vocal performance and builds with layered instrumentation, setting a strong emotional tone for the album.
The album includes moments of tempo variation, such as the transition from the upbeat 'Jackie and Wilson' to the more introspective 'To Be Alone'.
The final track, 'Cherry Wine (live)', presents a stripped-down arrangement that contrasts with the more produced earlier songs, providing a reflective conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady emotional exploration throughout
soulful melodies for reflective moments
poignant lyrics about love and
captivating storytelling in each track

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Hozier's self-titled album marks his debut release, arriving after years of honing his craft in Dublin's music scene. By the time of its release in September 2014, he had gained attention through his earlier singles, particularly 'Take Me to Church', which set the stage for his rise to prominence.
Stylistic neighbors: Leon Bridges· Ben Howard· James Vincent McMorrow