Hozier New Album Review: Unreal Unearth

Hozier’s last album was released in 2019, the album ‘Wasteland, Baby!’, and his self-titled debut album was released in 2014. The singles for this album were Eat Your Young and All Things End, with an additional song not on the album, Through Me (The Flood). His music in general is otherworldly and mystical, and he continued that trend with this album. There is religious imagery and themes throughout, of christianity and of greek mythology. 

De Selby (Part 1)

The slow opening of this song starts the album off, with high vocals and a string, almost orchestral backing. With choral-like harmonies, the religious metaphors and undertones come through well. 

De Selby (Part 2) 

Much more upbeat than its former, it has drums, guitar, and a classic line up for the backing. The vocals are within a middle range, and there are synth vocals in the background during the chorus. 

First Time 

This song sounds like his classic sound, using the word ‘baby’, the guitar, drum, bass, and a softer chorus. I enjoy this one immensely. In this song you can hear the dragging of fingers across the strings, and it adds to the raw feeling of the song. 

Francesca

This song almost feels desperate, but it’s so filled with love because even through any disaster, the speaker would go back to that moment, just to be with their lover. The end of the song wraps it up well, with overlapping vocals filling the air. 

I, Carrion (Icarian)

The vocals at the opening of this song echo, but go into a folk-like song. The plucking of guitar strings gives it a fireside feel. 

Eat Your Young 

The drum beat is much more prevalent, and the song feels upbeat but edgy. The vocals are level, feeding the edge in the song. 

Damage Gets Done (feat. Brandi Carlile) 

This song is just so beautiful, Carlile’s vocals add so much to the texture of the song. If I could go back and listen to this song for the first time again, I would. The repeating backing track layers well with the vocals and the flow of the song.

Who We Are

The piano opening the song sets the mood well, because the song has an almost melancholy tone. When the drum comes in, it brings drama to the song. The backing vocals during the bridge elevate the song immensely. 

Son of Nyx

This song is instrumental, with soft, occasional backing vocals. It sounds almost chalky, hazy, kind of grainy to the point where it seems like a memory, or a combination of things you’ve known. 

All Things End 

This song is about the idea of trying but that things end and that’s just how life is. The light backing with piano and soft drumming creates a hopeful atmosphere for this topic. 

To Someone From A Warm Climate (Uiscefhuarithe)

The opening vocals ground the song before moving into the strong notes then fading piano. The use of the word ‘darling’ fits this song perfectly, and the way Hozier uses his voice to cut off the word softens the tone.

Butchered Tongue 

The layered opening brings a feeling of comfort and the song sounds so soft and lovely. The strings in this song greatly enhance the vocals themselves. 

Anything But 

This song is my favorite on this album. The song illustrates the desire to be anything but what you are, anywhere but where you are, and it’s quite easy for the youth of today to relate to. It sounds very upbeat, and the backing vocals add so much to the feel of the song. 

Abstract (Psychopomp) 

The piano has a bit of an echo to it, enhancing the build to the chorus, which is a phrase repeated 4 times. The drums come through beautifully in this song, overall putting together a lovely melody. 

Unknown / Nth 

The soft opening guitar with intermittent powerful strums opens this song perfectly. It sounds wistful, and delicate. 

First Light 

While this song opens with urgency, it moves into a softer tone. This is the perfect wrap up for this album- it is hopeful and motivating, and leaves the listener feeling like they can take on the world, before the first light.

This album is a no-skip. There is no song on this album I wouldn’t choose to listen to daily. If you haven’t, I highly recommend listening!