Hozier is a living document of music history

[@peanutpilled]

hozier is one of the few artists with unmatched lyricism. his words are magical. he totally deserves more recognition on his artistry.

[@allygurngemoeder2795]

Nina cried power should've gotten the same mainstream praise that take me to church did in my opinion

[@MisterMaster698]

Just not as catchy I guess

[@comrademorgan2631]

Bingo!!

[@aidansuguitan6533]

The entire album actually. I think Wasteland, Baby! was severely underrated compared to his self-titled

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

@@aidansuguitan6533 I don't know if I agree, I mean Wasteland Baby did debut #1 on the Billboard 200, and the Hozier debut only got second place. As for professional reviews yeah Wasteland Baby was rated lower. Although I think the debut album's much better in my opinion, his latest album did not deserve the 4 out of 10 Pitchfork gave it. It's incredibly good as far as second albums go...

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

@@MisterMaster698 I think it's the musical landscape when "Church" came around, it was so different from other mainstream music. And because the music video went viral and became a part of the movement of LGBTQ rights. I bet "Nina" would have gone viral as well if it was used as a Nike Ad to bolster the right of athletes as citizens to speak about issues.

[@charliewenzday]

Say what you will about Hozier, but he refuses to pull any punches when it comes to the statement he wants to make with his music and I respect him for that

[@saoirsefitzpatrick1123]

the music video for Nina Cried Power features prominently the leaders of the abortion rights movement in Ireland too, which I think is a point that you missed a little bit!!!

[@duality4me]

When "Take Me To Church" was on the radio, I loved it at first but then it became very fatigued. It wasn't until I saw Hozier on NPR's Tiny Desk series that I fell in love with the rest of his music. Because of this, "Cherry Wine" and "To Be Alone" became my favorite tracks. With "Wasteland, Baby", it only solidified my awe for him as a lyricist and a musician. Thank you for making this video!

[@sunnydays9144]

Had the same reaction to the NPR video :) saw him live after and it was amazing.

[@cascharles3838]

I also thought Take Me To Church got old after a while, so I spent some time avoiding it, but eventually I listened to it again and it was just as good as the first time

[@jkimm7]

Some artists are great at writing and performing music, some are phenomenal poets; Hozier embodies both lyrical genius and incredible musicianship.

[@manicpixiecurse5337]

Hozier is a gift to this universe.

[@sophiebradshaw4157]

Nina Cried Power is so incredibly powerful live. He plays video of protests both long past and current on the big screen during the song. I left the show wanting to start a revolution

[@abigailbarrerasuarez4358]

I loved the aesthetic of this video, it makes it very much a summary of the images and concepts Hozier uses for his songs.

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

Fitting to give Hozier wings and a crown and a halo. He's our Angel of Small Death, and he's glad to be Icarus to our certainty.

[@lauraevans8965]

"Work Song" is probably my favorite from Hozier's discography, and I never in all the times I've listened to it did I notice the reference to "Ain't No Grave." My mind is blown. Fantastic analysis man!

[@pervincaperiwinkle8605]

I'm so glad Hozier made it to polyphonic! The bog man is truly a wonderful artist: the lyrics, the music, what he stands for and the way he fights for what he believes in, truly inspiring!

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I love when a talented political voice meets a beautiful vocal voice. I’m not sure if Sam Johnson spoke of this or if it was just in his comments section. I know Sam notes that one of Hozier’s strengths as a vocalist was always choosing the perfect vowels (which is actually really important to vocals and retaining a consistent sound through the song). I think it’s was people in the comments who pointed out that it was due to his Irish accent- the Irish tend to be excellent with their vocals because it’s much closer to how they speak. I thought that was interesting. But if anyone hasn’t seen it, there’s a performance of Take Me To Church in a NYC subway. It’s a difficult place to sing, but he sounds even better there than he does on the album. He’s a talented songwriter, for sure, and I love how his influences are reflected in his music. But- his voice is one of the best of our generation, rich and smooth. It deserves so much more praise.

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

I don't think it's just his natural Irish accent though. Since his own is quite mild sometimes almost neutral when he speaks. I'm betting the vowel choices are deliberate because though he isn't classically trained, he's had mentoring from the best choristers when he was in Anuna: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKLEk4l6g9ebors

[@viennekemper188]

can we just appreciate the VISUALS of this video??? ugh chills

[@AliM-kz7oh]

I’m glad you made a video about hozier. His music is very underrated especially his meanings behind his songs

[@darialooker]

I listen Hozier music, but I never would've thought how much political and religious influences are there in the lyrics. How much he gives to those, who were before him. Really phenomenal! Thank you for making this video, I love watching them especially when they are connected to my favourite artists with your insight and in-depth analysis.

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

He's been name dropping the greats even on the first album with Jackie and Wilson and that Aretha Franklin reference in "Someone New"

[@ponganfutbolenstardewvalle2888]

“John Lennon the champion of the feminist movement...” I’m-

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

Yup a glaring mistake in an otherwise great and well researched video. Oh and assuming Patti is Patti LaBelle instead of activist musician Patti Smith. So maybe the research needs a little more work...😅

[@silly6517]

@@chrizeldabernil8323 It def says on lyrics.com that it's Patti LaBelle, I couldn't find anything saying it's not.

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

​@@silly6517 lyrics.com isn't the most reliable site Genius at least confirms the lyrics with artists but it's annotations like wikipedia can be iffy. It's enough to note that Patti LaBelle isn't really known for being a political activist but Patti Smith sure is. She sang "People Got the Power". I can't think of any Patti LaBelle song off the top of my head that is somewhat a protest.

[@silly6517]

@@chrizeldabernil8323 hfjgkh i meant genius i was tired rip. Anyway, yeah she's def not but ultimately who knows which Patti. they both are cool

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

@@silly6517 But did Patti LaBelle cry power though... I think that's the main thing. Not just musicians that inspired him but musicians who were also politically active and who sang about political issues. Patti LaBelle's great but I don't really think that she did that in any significant way...

[@genevieve9248]

hozier deserves so many video essays i love to see it

[@wafelijzer4909]

This has been the 4th or 5th time you've completely changed my opinion on an artist just by explaining the background. Heard Hozier's big hit of course, but never thought twice about him. Your channel always inspires me to look into the artists music more. Thanks.

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

You are in for a treat!

[@Emily-zu2qd]

Honestly, I'm jealous that you get to listen to the rest of Hozier's music for the first time!

[@EmmaLiza]

...I mean, of all the causes John Lennon spoke for, I'm not sure if associating him primarily with feminism is the *best* idea?

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

Should have been the anti war protests. But then he also puts up a picture of Patti LaBelle instead of Patti Smith for "Nina Cried Power". 😪 At least it's genuine Hozier appreciation.

[@asterismos5451]

What's the problem with this? (I genuinely don't know much about John Lennon, please explain.) Is it just that he did more for other causes?

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

@@asterismos5451 www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/4713954/Dad-was-a-hypocrite.-He-could-talk-about-peace-and-love-to-the-world-but-he-could-never-show-it-to-his-wife-and-son.html Of course he did more for other causes. But this is a glaring reason why him and feminism is more than a bit cringe 😬

[@dairebeare7839]

EmmaLiza I guess it’s kind of complicated. He was abusive towards women as a young man and spoke openly about his shortcomings and tried to make amends and warn people not to copy his mistakes, and did make songs that could be called feminist in their message, even if some of them feel dated now. There’s good and bad in him.

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

@@dairebeare7839 Yes, but that doesn't wash out the fact that he was abusive and he was never really known as a feminist in the first place. He was more known for his antiwar stance. It would be better for 3 second mention to tackle that instead a more long winded complicated thing about whether he can be considered a feminist despite his murky past.

[@sunberry3447]

Hozier completely became my favourite modern artist, I'm glad this video exists

[@timr7084]

Hozier might have started on the shoulder on Giants but he is becoming a giant himself inspiring the youth

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

Yup quite the giant figuratively and literally. The best kind 😍

[@Emily-zu2qd]

I have been a fan of Hozier and his music since early 2015, and my love and appreciation for him, his musicianship, and his lyrics, as well as his many musical influences, has only continued to grow. I am so happy to see him being appreciated more, and I love to see some of his "deeper cuts" being talked about! Loved this video!

[@tententagidim]

Yes! Hozier finally canonized on Polyphonic!

[@quirovinloterte6934]

Canonized. I love that.

[@attou1506]

I'm so happy you've made this video! Hozier is one of the most talented songwriters out there. He deserves all the love.

[@markooms2923]

hozier + polyphonic= A+ match. and theres still songs like cherry wine, no plan, moment's silence, in a week, but the wages....every single song of his is phenomenal and packed with meaning. so glad you did this video and acknowledged his podcast too. he also helped lead a protest for homelessness in ireland a few years back too!

[@jayinderkaushik]

I think Hozier will surely be remembered as a legend just because of his musical talent.

[@sebastianelytron8450]

Never heard of this artist yet now Polyphonic has got me mighty curious! A lot of listening to do!

[@athas12]

Jeez man where were you in 2014? Take me to church was non-escape-able!

[@manicpixiecurse5337]

You're going to love him.

[@ab_2367]

Cant recommend his Self Titled album enough, start to finish amazing!

[@alarcon99]

Sebastian Elytron I second this

[@leanmeangreenbeanmachine3347]

A Toaster you’re*

[@Jette...]

Hozier deserves so much more recognition, he is an amazing musician and person!

[@Josh_Sweet]

This video coming out just as I'm getting into Hozier's music

[@communistloser3182]

Oh shit, oh fuck, GUYS! HE IS QUESTIONING THE SIMULATION!

[@Mia-ki3jx]

welcome to the wonderful world of hozier 💚

[@valentino1646]

I love this video, not just because Hozier's work is fantastic, but also, who could resist the beauty of great analysis and evaluation. I've been telling people Hozier is a poet and his music is severely underestimated, but most of my friends don't care for folk, indie or lighter alternative :(

[@harls9856]

I'm so glad that you did a video about him! He is one of the most complex and wonderful artists of our times

[@edwardchen9619]

always appreciated how versatile he could be when it comes to art

[@pinkpandamiranda]

You're literally talking about all my favorite songs! I'm so happy you're talking about him!

[@simonecruice-barnett4560]

Dude I already loved your channel so much and Hozier is my all time favorite artist. This is such a spot on and beautiful analysis of his genius work

[@FooFighter193]

Hozier's "Almost (Sweet Music)" is an ode to jazz. Whilst "Sweet Soul Music" of Arthur Conley is an ode to Soul. Maybe he got some inspiration off that song.

[@thegladys2651]

I was a complete ignorant before this amazing video. Even when I have listened to many of the artist you mention, I did not realize that Hozier was so smart as a composer. I also have to give you a kudos because the way you explain the information and connect it trough the video is AMAZING 👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Regards from Chile 👍🏾

[@RebelwheelsNYCShow]

I always thought when Hozier sings Patti cried power, I thought he was referring to Patti Smith? That said this was great and I enjoy both this channel and Hozier's music and activism, so it was cool to see these two things combined

[@FraserFir]

Hozier is the artist who made me realize that music can be just as powerful, deep, and timeless as other art forms. His work should be remembered alongside Hemingway's books, Emerson's poems, even Michelangelo's paintings

[@FabianSalas_]

More about Hozier please, he´s such a great artist.

[@gentianviolet2785]

Thanks for this Our boy is finally getting the recognition he deserves 😤❤️

[@morgancs740]

Hozier’s lesbian cult following is shaking right now thank u 😌

[@thevfxmancolorizationvfxex4051]

Take Me To Church was one of the best songs of the lastdecade

[@quentinbringthenumetalchil5125]

Don’t you mean last decade?

[@LorcaLoca]

It's not even one of the best singer/songwriter songs

[@rolnesc2459]

@Jared Dowty Angel of Small Death or Nina Cried Power?

[@insanepoet9]

I love the amount of care and research you put into videos like these where you talk influence and context! Great job!

[@Bea-re4eb]

This video is put together beautifully

[@peteroneill5426]

Maithin Buachaill! Tanks for covering the Wicklow Legend!!

[@sacagaweanboss1158]

Been waiting for this one.

[@ollieskill7546]

Holy shit man I’ve been watching for this video for ages man love hoizer

[@zohmingtluangi176]

I'm so happy that KZbin recommended me this video!❤️ Love this!

[@PurpleMax]

I never really listened to Hozier's music exept for 'Take Me To Church' but your video got me interested in checking it out!

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

Ooh you're gonna be in for treat! And I envy you coz you've a shorter wait for new music.

[@ruthjohnson4380]

Do yourself a favor and watch him live. Jack Boot Jump is a live single that is definitely a protest song.

[@BabaaYaga888]

I'm so happy this came to existence at the same time as I'm awake and breathing...

[@troydeleon1973]

You made me re-read all Hozier's lyrics, salute to you sir!

[@MattTCLucas]

I'd LOVE the Polyphonic treatment on James Taylor's incredible songwriting.

[@camerondavis6462]

I am so glad you are covering our favorite forest god

[@user-cr2bt3zp1f]

Don’t forget James Brown’s tremendous impact on Civil Rights.

[@virginia.malone]

I got out of work early: just in time to enjoy this video. Love your work, man. 11/10

[@PranavMV]

Finally on hozier!!!.. one of my all time favourites.. for your next video .. please do one on Brandi Carlie

[@ClarityTheParody]

I admire him so much ❤️

[@devon6236]

pOLYPHONIC'S TALKING ABOUT THE BOG MAN Terribly sorry for fan-girling.

[@hellotherefriends-7501]

SO AM I OMGGG THE BRAVE SOCK RAVEN IS MY BAEEEE

[@annaequare]

ah yes, john lennon, a wife beater, our feminist icon. slay queen

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

Cringed on that bit too. Since he actually sings about it too...

[@alphabettical1]

Why even say feminism when the Vietnam war is right there

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

@@alphabettical1 Right?!? I thought more news coverage was about that because he got fully naked with his wife to protest that! It was quite controversial and therefore effective as a protest. Nowhere I've seen him touted as a feminist. Maybe he fully regrets his abusive actions but that isn't the same...

[@pixel-hy4jx]

Chrizelda Bernil I mean he’s dead so he kinda can’t

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

@@pixel-hy4jx Grammar correction: I said "sings" to imply that we still hear his songs about it like "Jealous Guy" even after he died. All the other statements in the present tense with regard to John Lennon's regrets about his abusive behavior was meant to refer to the time right before he died or whenever he supposedly owned up to his faults and tried to change.

[@CaitlynFrench]

oh this video made me cry? neat

[@KootFloris]

Polyphonic. Wow, intelligent, enthusiastic, in depth, beautifully made video with great content. And less than 1 million views?

[@Andrea-go3jn]

Yassss! This is currently my favourite video in the world!!🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@JimTheTwin]

This channels is so underrated

[@asterismos5451]

Great video but I'm so happy to see Trattatello used in the wild; it's my favourite non-title font!

[@taxedtothemax]

I love how well these are put together, thank you

[@professornope4792]

He’s the jojo of music

[@comrademorgan2631]

First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos. They're always incredibly insightful, informative, articulate in their style and wholly fucking gnarly! If I'm being entirely truthful, I had neglectfully declined to ever set down and dig through Hozier's catalog and archives until now. This video was excellent. Oddly enough, now that I'm listening to his lesser known work and even his popular stuff, I HEAR that sweetly gritty and powerful NINA SIMONE influence pouring out of almost all of it. Thank you, Polyphonic, for once again altering my playlists!

[@quirovinloterte6934]

Proof that Hozier is a fuccin musical genius

[@Littlestraincloud]

Love the graphic work in this one.

[@jipsmolders8595]

I really love this channel beyond words, so much research goes into your video’s. Amazing

[@darinhaller6034]

Thank you for your videos! I love music of all types and have a huge collection but have trouble digging into current modern pop and would have never even given Hozier a chance! I have since got his music and digging in to it and I also got Beyoncé’s Lemonade and 4 too. Keep it up!

[@killerpea]

Excellent research, excellent thought process and excellent visuals on your video. Great job!

[@blissclair9743]

YAY! Finally a Hozier video!

[@dominikat3840]

Yesss! I have been waiting for a Hozier video from you for forever dbsjsj

[@BabaaYaga888]

FINALLY FINALLY WE GET HOZIER! Fucking AMEN!

[@mauricechavez2522]

ahhh. it's about damn time.

[@suleb1]

I'm missing his music :'( That first album was beautiful from start to finish

[@greissava1525]

Finally, how did this not happen earlier

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

He may be gearing up for a new release and requested this video released just before it comes out.

[@PatrickHogan]

“John Lennon championed the cause of feminism.” *Don’t tell his ex-wives that*

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

Yup, baffling how the hell he came to that conclusion. What kind of googling led him to that instead of Lennon's naked bed in for peace with Yoko? And Patti LaBelle instead of Patti Smith? What protest song has Patti LaBelle sung? I mean she's great but Patti Smith literally wrote and sung "People have the Power".

[@ArmedPoverty]

Chrizelda Bernil I can assume he was talking about Lennon’s public statements and protests rather than his personal life. He still did good for the movement as a whole despite his own shortcomings. I think you would be surprised at the amount of shady bad shit inspiring people did in their spare time. Martin Luther King Jr, Ghandi, Mother Theresa are all good examples. Not condoning anything he did, but sometimes the whole message is more important than personal things for movements. Everyone is human in the end and make mistakes.

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

@@ArmedPoverty I don't remember any public protest or statement he had that pertains to feminism but I do remember clearly he got naked with his wife in a B & B and stayed in bed for God knows how long to protest against the Vietnam War. And that's it! People remember him for his anti-war protests and the abuse against his wife and child is not news to many. He even sang about it. So why associate him mainly with feminism? 🤨

[@ArmedPoverty]

Chrizelda Bernil nobody is associating him with mainly feminism. I just brought up the fact that his public ideologies were definitely pro-feminism. The video brought that specific point up because it was relevant to the subject matter at hand being said in the video. It wouldn’t make sense to mention say, his childhood or drug use or personal relationships or other protests he did in the context of the subject matter being displayed.

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

@@ArmedPoverty Polyphonic did, of all the things he could mention about John Lennon's political activism, the only thing mentioned was feminism, which is both wrong and nonsensical. And there was no specific context other than activism. You have not mentioned anything specific that John Lennon did or said that significantly benefited the feminist cause by the way 😒

[@daro9582]

I love using influences, I know it’s not gonna sound like the music I’m referencing because I don’t play guitar or sing like those greats I see myself as a storyteller, so it is always first that I write the lyrics for a song, in that situation it is very helpful to have a roadmap, so I put on some songs that have the feel I want for the song I’m writing So don’t be afraid to get inspiration for individual songs, you’re unique enough to let yourself stay in the Centre of your music

[@soapy9472]

I love this thank for you for putting in time to make it!

[@elanyacoleman9862]

Thank you hozier for all that you are ! I love you !

[@TheActualCathal]

I'm surprised you didn't mention that Nina Cried Power ties directly to the modern politics of Ireland. In quick succession Ireland had new laws legalising gay marriage, recognising gender identity and decriminalising abortion, the first and last of those by wide-margin public referenda. The video features many of the activists that campaigned for the right to access abortion.

[@arpanghosh884]

I'm really a huge fan of your videos and usually, you almost always manage to blow me away by drawing the best references. However, in this one, in my opinion, you probably missed out on mentioning TS Eliot while both Joyce and Eliot seem to be equally present in his lyricism. Especially the "tradition and individual talent" doctrine you spoke of.

[@robsonnoia4512]

Que ótimo vídeo, nem sabia da existência. E ainda mais falando sobre o meu artista preferido... adorei, parabéns!

[@finnwhittaker2556]

Weird hearing him say my name😂 great video as always!

[@NicholasDobbie]

I would say needs more views but it's cliche. This channel is fantastic. Passionate, consistent with a distinct style and voice. When I think music video essay I think of this. Keep it up, I'm watching

[@nicolasramos2170]

Yes 👏👏👏👏👏 I love Hozier

[@crystalcomedy1117]

Thank you polyphonic for showing me klaatu...

[@Sijan.G]

I feel like he is lost somewhere but let’s what this video opens me up to

[@chrizeldabernil8323]

He's definitely hiding out somewhere in the Irish countryside hopefully making more songs, at the moment. But his album last year debuted number one and he just came off the back of a sold out tour of Europe and America.

[@rachelroseangel]

Make a video on Dream Pop/Shoegaze(Mazzy Star, Cocteau Twins)

[@sanniichigo949]

Hozier is the best musician of our times

[@untitled4525]

Dude make a video on pavement or on pixies. Please itd be awesome.

[@asherselig7408]

I love this Channel!!!

[@clarapilier]

Great vid.

[@phoebexxlouise]

I misread the title and thought it was about Hozier patting himself on the back for his own influence

[@3_raccoons_in_a_business_suit]

Watching this after the overturning of Roe v Wade and the subsequent release of "Swan Upon Leda" makes this all the more true 🙏🙏

[@emilysorano7768]

MY MAN

[@feelinghealingfrequences7179]

fascinating

[@JantomPlayzGamez]

This comment section: 40% normal comments 60% John Lennon was not a feminist”

[@Aron-ru5zk]

Ruth Johnson he was definitely pro feminism, people change, listen to his song woman, besides getting into a fight with his partner is hardly a stance on feminism is it?