Hozier’s Unreal Unearth Unendings is a profound and atmospheric journey through sound and poetry, reaffirming his place as a master of blending deep lyrical themes with lush, evocative melodies. The album draws heavily on themes of love, loss, and self-reflection, set against a backdrop of natural and spiritual imagery that has become a hallmark of his work. While the record offers an emotionally rich experience, it does have moments of inconsistency.
The best tracks on the album—“Nobody’s Soldier,” “Too Sweet,” and “July”—stand out for their poignancy and depth. “Nobody’s Soldier” is an anthem of resilience, delivering a powerful mix of vulnerability and strength through its lyrics and impassioned vocal performance. “Too Sweet” feels like a tender lullaby, with its delicate instrumentation and subtle harmonies drawing the listener into an intimate emotional space. “July,” with its haunting melody and heartfelt lyricism, captures the bittersweet essence of longing and nostalgia.
On the other hand, songs like “Wildflower and Barley,” “That You Are,” and “Swan Upon Leda” fall short of the album’s high points. “Wildflower and Barley” feels personally lacking in rhythm. “That You Are” feels overly indulgent in its poetic abstraction, making it harder to connect with emotionally. “Swan Upon Leda” aims for grandeur but lacks the dynamism needed to elevate it beyond a standard ballad.
Hozier’s lyrical prowess shines throughout the album, weaving vivid imagery and poetic storytelling into each track. The lyrics contribute significantly to the album’s overarching themes of vulnerability, defiance, and transcendence. In “Nobody’s Soldier,” the words explore the strength found in personal freedom, while “Too Sweet” paints a picture of love’s gentle and enduring power.
The album evokes a wide range of emotions, from the quiet solace of “Too Sweet” to the stirring resolve of “Nobody’s Soldier.” It excels at creating a sense of place and mood, transporting listeners to windswept cliffs, dimly lit rooms, or verdant meadows that Hozier so vividly describes. Tracks like “July” are particularly effective at conjuring memories of love lost or moments of introspection, resonating deeply with the listener.
Compared to Hozier’s previous albums, Unreal Unearth Unendings feels more reflective and subdued, focusing less on the anthemic choruses of his debut and more on introspective storytelling. While it doesn’t feature songs as iconic as “Take Me to Church” or “Movement,” it still presents a mature body of work. The album bears many similarities to artists like Ben Howard or Bon Iver, who also delve into introspective and nature-inspired themes, though Hozier’s distinct voice and Irish sensibilities set him apart.