In the realm of soulful lyricism and hauntingly beautiful melodies, Hozier has established himself as a true musical force with his new album Unreal Unearth, released August 18, 2023. The Irish singer-songwriter takes us on a profound journey through a world similar to that of Dante’s Inferno, which inspired this album with its themes of sin and self-exploration. Blending elements of folk, blues, and gospel, Hozier crafts an album that not only showcases his remarkable vocal abilities but also delves into deeply resonant themes that leave the listener amazed. Here are some of my favorite tracks from this album:

“Francesca”: Hozier explains that the song was inspired by Francesca da Rimini in the second circle of Hell: Lust. The track explores how love is a double-edged sword, and how love and despair go hand in hand. Lyrically, “Francesca” demonstrates Hozier’s ability to subtly tell a narrative, with lyrics like “Heaven is not fit to house a love like you and I / I would not change it each time.” His choice of powerful metaphors is not missed by listeners, who see the true beauty beyond his words.

“Son of Nyx”: Being the track at the halfway point of the album, it is truly different compared to the rest. The haunting piano, violin, and no lyrics beyond fragments of other songs make it fascinating and ethereal. It is an otherworldly track, and all three minutes and nineteen seconds transport you to another world. This song is heavy on its references to Greek mythology, mentioning Nyx, the goddess of night, and the fifth circle of Hell: Wrath, where Nyx’s son ferries newly deceased souls across the River Styx. 

“Butchered Tongue”: This track has mentions of one of the lower circles of Hell that punishes violence against others and their property. Hozier graphically depicts the cruel actions that took place during the Wexford Rebellion in 1798, and the extreme torture Irish rebels had to deal with from Englishmen. However, the mesmerizing melody and Hozier’s soulful voice captivate any listener before the brutality behind the lyrics reveals itself.

“Unknown / Nth”: Arguably my favorite song from this album, it describes the heartbreak of being unknown or misunderstood in a relationship. It references the ninth circle of Hell, where people who have betrayed others are punished with methods like being frozen in ice. He draws parallels to that form of punishment and the feeling of being unknown. Many people have a yearning to be known entirely, inside and out, by another person, and this song truly captures the disappointment and grief when they are not willing to put in the effort to know you on that level. Its heartfelt message is accompanied by simple acoustic guitar and stunning vocals that make the song a true masterpiece. 

In conclusion, this album is a true testament to Hozier’s talent. His ability to explore deep themes and craft thoughtful lyrics sets this album apart from any other. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Hozier’s music, Unreal Unearth is bound to leave an indelible mark on your soul.