If you’re looking for the best Hozier songs of all time, you’ve come to the right place. Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, known simply as Hozier, is an Irish singer-songwriter whose music blends soul, blues, folk, and indie rock into something unmistakably powerful. From his 2014 self-titled debut to his acclaimed 2023 album Unreal Unearth, Hozier has built a catalog that resonates deeply with millions of listeners around the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his music through a curated song list, this guide covers everything you need to know about his greatest tracks.
Take Me to Church
Released in 2013 and featured on his self-titled debut album in 2014, “Take Me to Church” is undoubtedly Hozier’s most iconic and globally recognized song. The track uses the metaphor of devotion and worship to explore themes of love, sexuality, and opposition to institutional religion, particularly drawing attention to the Catholic Church’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights. It became a worldwide phenomenon after going viral, reaching the top five in multiple countries, and earning Hozier a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year at the 2015 ceremony.
Too Sweet
Released in 2024 as part of his Unheard EP, “Too Sweet” is one of Hozier’s most recent hits and quickly became a viral sensation on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. The song contrasts the narrator’s lifestyle — staying up late, drinking whiskey, and not being a morning person — with a partner who is too wholesome and pure for him, creating a witty and relatable romantic conflict. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Hozier’s first time topping the chart and proving his commercial appeal in a new era of his career.
From Eden
“From Eden,” featured on Hozier’s 2014 self-titled debut, is a sultry and seductive track that draws heavily on biblical imagery, referencing the Garden of Eden and the serpent to portray a dangerously irresistible romantic attraction. The song’s warm acoustic guitar and Hozier’s velvety baritone vocals give it a hypnotic, almost folk-gospel feel that sets it apart from more mainstream pop productions. Many fans consider “From Eden” to be one of his most lyrically sophisticated compositions, showcasing his ability to weave religious allegory into deeply personal storytelling.
Work Song
“Work Song” is a tender love ballad from Hozier’s 2014 debut album that uses the imagery of hard labor and spiritual longing to describe a devotion so deep it transcends death itself. Hozier sings about a love so consuming that even the hardest work means nothing compared to returning home to the one you love, drawing on the tradition of African-American work songs and gospel music. The song became one of his most beloved tracks for its emotional sincerity and rich musical heritage, resonating with fans who appreciate both lyrical depth and soulful performance.
Cherry Wine
“Cherry Wine,” also from the 2014 debut, is a hauntingly beautiful and deeply emotional song that addresses the complexity of an abusive relationship, portraying the confusion and cyclical nature of domestic violence through a soft, acoustic lens. The song is notable for its gentle musical arrangement, which deliberately contrasts with the gravity of its subject matter, creating a sense of the denial and minimization that often accompanies abuse. Hozier has spoken openly about the song’s importance in sparking conversations around domestic violence, and a music video featuring both male and female victims helped amplify its message during fundraising campaigns.
Someone New
“Someone New” is a charming and upbeat track from Hozier’s 2014 debut album that describes the joy of falling in love with a stranger — even briefly — every time you meet someone new in a crowd or public setting. Unlike many of his more brooding compositions, this song has a lighter, almost celebratory energy, with a breezy guitar riff and playful vocal delivery that makes it immediately appealing to a wide audience. It stands out in his discography as one of the more accessible and feel-good tracks, offering a refreshing counterbalance to the heavier emotional weight found in much of his work.
Francesca
“Francesca,” from his 2023 album Unreal Unearth, is inspired by Dante’s Inferno and tells the story of Francesca da Rimini, a soul condemned to the second circle of Hell for eternity alongside her lover Paolo. Hozier uses this literary reference as a vehicle to explore a love so consuming and all-encompassing that even damnation would be preferable to separation from the beloved. The song features a lush, cinematic arrangement and showcases his gift for transforming classical literature into emotionally resonant contemporary music that invites listeners to explore the deeper layers of meaning at their own pace.
Jackie and Wilson
“Jackie and Wilson” is one of the most upbeat and infectious tracks from Hozier’s 2014 debut, driven by a driving rhythm section and a sense of joyful abandon that is somewhat atypical for his catalog. The song draws its name from Jackie Wilson, the legendary soul singer known as “Mr. Excitement,” and uses the spirit of that era to paint a picture of wild, liberating love. Its energetic, almost danceable quality made it a fan favorite and a standout live performance track, demonstrating the full breadth of Hozier’s musical influences beyond folk and blues.
Would That I
“Would That I,” from his critically acclaimed 2019 album Wasteland, Baby!, is a rich and soulful track that deals with the pain of longing and the desire to return to something lost. The song’s slow-burning intensity is complemented by gospel-influenced harmonies and Hozier’s emotionally raw vocal performance, making it one of the standout moments on an already exceptional album. Wasteland, Baby! debuted at number one in Ireland and reached the top five in multiple other countries, and “Would That I” is often cited as a key reason for the album’s overwhelming critical success.
Movement
“Movement” is a breathtaking track from Wasteland, Baby! that serves as a sensual and worshipful ode to a lover’s physical presence, describing the beauty of their movement with reverence typically reserved for the divine. Hozier once again blurs the line between the sacred and the romantic, using imagery of celestial bodies and gospel-like vocal arrangements to elevate a love song into something almost spiritual in its execution. The song is one of his most lyrically rich and musically lush compositions, with layered production that rewards repeated listening and reveals new nuances each time.
Like Real People Do
“Like Real People Do” from the 2014 debut is a hauntingly intimate folk track that describes a dreamlike encounter between the narrator and a mysterious figure, with Hozier drawing on imagery of animals and nature to convey vulnerability and trust. The song’s sparse acoustic arrangement and whispering vocal delivery create an almost eerie tenderness, making the listener feel as though they are witnessing something incredibly private and fragile. It became one of the most beloved tracks among dedicated fans for its understated beauty and its ability to evoke deep emotion with remarkably few musical elements.
NFWMB
“NFWMB” — which stands for “Nothing Fucks With My Baby” — is a fierce and passionate track from Wasteland, Baby! that channels classic rock energy into a declaration of protective, unwavering love. Built around a thunderous guitar riff and Hozier’s most powerful vocal performance on the album, the song feels like a battle cry for devotion, with an intensity that sets it apart from his quieter, more reflective work. It showcases a harder, more aggressive side of Hozier’s artistry that electrifies live audiences and earns consistent praise from fans who appreciate his ability to command both intimacy and sheer sonic power.
Eat Your Young
“Eat Your Young,” the lead single from his 2023 Unreal Unearth EP of the same name, is a politically charged and satirical track that criticizes the exploitative nature of capitalism and the way older generations extract value from younger ones without accountability. The song features a blues-rock swagger and a darkly humorous lyrical approach that sees Hozier operating at the intersection of social commentary and musical artistry. It helped generate significant anticipation for Unreal Unearth and demonstrated that Hozier was entering a new, bolder chapter in his career both musically and thematically.
Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene
“Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene” from the 2014 debut is one of Hozier’s darkest and most cinematic compositions, exploring themes of addiction, vulnerability, and the intimacy found in moments of weakness and surrender. The phrase “la petite mort,” a French idiom meaning the brief sensation of transcendence at the moment of orgasm, is woven into the song’s imagery alongside references to a “codeine scene,” painting a picture of altered states and desperate love. Its brooding, blues-drenched instrumentation and layered vocal harmonies make it one of the most hauntingly beautiful tracks in his entire catalog, beloved for its uncompromising emotional depth.
Wildflower and Barley
“Wildflower and Barley,” released in 2024 as part of the Unheard EP alongside “Too Sweet,” is a warm and pastoral folk track that showcases Hozier at his most gentle and introspective. The song evokes the Irish countryside with its acoustic simplicity and imagery of nature, love, and belonging, offering a tender contrast to some of his more dramatic compositions. As one of his newer releases, it has already earned significant praise from fans and critics for its heartfelt sincerity and for demonstrating that Hozier’s gift for quiet, emotionally resonant storytelling remains as sharp as ever.
Arsonist’s Lullaby
“Arsonist’s Lullaby” from the 2014 debut is a slow-building, hypnotic track that uses the metaphor of fire and destruction to describe an all-consuming passion that cannot be contained or controlled. Hozier’s vocal performance escalates gradually throughout the song, moving from a hushed murmur to a full-throated roar in a way that mirrors the song’s thematic escalation from smoldering desire to overwhelming conflagration. The track gained renewed popularity after being featured in the film The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, introducing Hozier’s music to an even wider global audience and cementing its place as one of his most cinematic and dramatically effective compositions.
Talk
“Talk,” from Wasteland, Baby!, is a quietly devastating reflection on communication breakdown and the longing for genuine connection in a world increasingly defined by noise and distraction. The song’s sparse production places Hozier’s voice front and center, and the lyrical content speaks with unusual directness about the difficulty of being truly heard and understood by someone you love. It resonates deeply with listeners who have experienced the frustration of emotional distance in relationships and has become one of the most shared and discussed tracks in his catalog among fans who value lyrical honesty above all else.
Almost
“Almost,” from Wasteland, Baby!, is a bittersweet and reflective track that examines a relationship that came heartbreakingly close to working but ultimately fell just short of what both parties needed it to be. The song’s gentle arrangement and Hozier’s restrained vocal performance capture the particular ache of near-misses in love — the lingering what-ifs that define so many human connections. It is one of the more understated but deeply appreciated tracks in his discography, resonating most strongly with listeners who value emotional nuance and the honest portrayal of imperfect love.
Unknown / Nth
“Unknown / Nth,” from Unreal Unearth, is one of the most conceptually ambitious tracks Hozier has ever written, inspired by Dante’s descent into the underworld and exploring themes of unknowability, devotion, and the terror of loving something beyond your full comprehension. The song’s musical arrangement is appropriately vast and atmospheric, building layers of sound that reflect the journey into the depths of both the earth and the self. It stands as one of the most critically praised tracks on Unreal Unearth, an album that many reviewers hailed as a career-defining achievement and a significant evolution in his artistry and ambition.
Nina Cried Power
“Nina Cried Power,” released in 2018 as the lead single from the EP of the same name, is Hozier’s tribute to the great protest singers and civil rights artists who shaped music history, including Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Mavis Staples, and James Brown. The track features a stunning guest vocal performance from Mavis Staples herself, lending the song an authenticity and historical weight that no amount of production could manufacture. It is both a celebration of musical heritage and a call to action, urging listeners to draw strength from the tradition of artists who used their voices for justice — and it pairs beautifully with good over-ear headphones that let you hear every layer of its rich, gospel-soaked arrangement.
Why Hozier’s Music Stands the Test of Time
Hozier’s enduring appeal comes from a rare combination of literary intelligence, soulful vocal power, and genuine emotional authenticity. His music draws from an extraordinarily wide range of influences — gospel, blues, folk, rock, and classical literature — and synthesizes them into something that feels entirely his own. Whether you’re listening through premium wireless earbuds on a morning commute or through a full speaker system at home, his songs reward attention and repeat listening in a way that few artists manage to achieve. Across three studio albums and multiple EPs, he has built a catalog that speaks to universal human experiences — love, loss, longing, spirituality, and social justice — with a depth and craft that sets him apart in contemporary music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hozier’s most famous song?
“Take Me to Church” is widely considered Hozier’s most famous song. Released in 2013 and included on his 2014 self-titled debut album, it became a global hit, reaching the top five in multiple countries and earning him a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year. The song’s powerful commentary on religion, love, and LGBTQ+ rights made it a cultural landmark that introduced Hozier to audiences worldwide.
What is Hozier’s newest hit song?
“Too Sweet,” released in 2024 as part of his Unheard EP, is Hozier’s newest major hit. The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his first time topping the chart. It quickly went viral on social media, introducing his music to a new generation of fans while delighting longtime followers with its witty, relatable lyrics and warm acoustic sound.
What album is Hozier’s “Francesca” from?
“Francesca” is from Hozier’s third studio album, Unreal Unearth, released in 2023. The album is loosely inspired by Dante’s Inferno and is widely regarded as one of his most ambitious and critically acclaimed works. “Francesca” specifically draws on the story of Francesca da Rimini from Dante’s second circle of Hell and is one of the standout tracks on the record.
Has Hozier won any major music awards?
Hozier has received numerous award nominations throughout his career, including a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year for “Take Me to Church” at the 2015 Grammy Awards. He has also won multiple Ivor Novello Awards and Irish Music Awards, and his album Wasteland, Baby! debuted at number one in Ireland and the United States. While he has not yet won a Grammy, his critical and commercial recognition places him among the most celebrated singer-songwriters of his generation.
Is Hozier’s music good for listening on headphones or earbuds?
Absolutely. Hozier’s music is produced with exceptional sonic richness, featuring layered vocals, intricate acoustic arrangements, and deep bass tones that reward high-quality audio equipment. Listening through premium headphones or earbuds allows you to pick up subtle harmonics, background vocal textures, and instrumental details that may be lost through lower-quality speakers. His catalog is frequently recommended by audiophiles as a benchmark for testing audio equipment.