Mckenzie Sussman
Staff Writer
Hozier created “Wasteland, Baby!” to be a musical reflection on his artistic and cultural influences to capture his personal beliefs.
Hozier’s album features meaningful messages about love accompanied by a low rhythm. Each song is unique its own way, leaving the viewer always wanting more. Hozier’s special voice and message makes the album worth the listen.
“Wasteland, Baby!” is the second studio album by Hozier at Rubyworks Records. The album consists of 14 tracks, which were written and recorded in a period of over a year.
Hozier is an Irish musician, singer and songwriter from County Wicklow. “Wasteland, Baby!” is Hozier’s first album since 2014, and it includes the songs “Nina Cried Power” and “Strike” from his 2018 EP “Nina Cried Power.”
The first song on the album, “Nina Cried Power,” is a political anthem to inspire action and shows the overlap of art and activism. It focuses on the legacies of activists, such as Nina Simone and Billie Holliday. The track features Mavis Staples, whose vocals add an amazing effect.
Hozier’s vocals are unlike any other. He has a very distinct and beautiful voice and he uses it well. He is able to adapt to different music styles like gospel, blues and rock ‘n’ roll, which allows for each song to have different instrumentals.
“Almost (Sweet Music)” provides a glimpse into Hozier’s personal journey between his first album, “Hozier,” and this album, “Wasteland, Baby!” The piano melody shows his vulnerability and exhaustion that this chapter of his life has brought him.
The presence Hozier’s “Take Me To Church” single can be found in “Almost (Sweet Music)” and “To Noise Making (Sing).” Their upbeat choruses reminds listeners of classic gospel choirs, just like “Take Me To Church,” which ties the album to Hozier’s past.
“Wasteland, Baby!” is more mature and advanced than anything Hozier has written before. The album shows a transitional period for Hozier and allows him to grow and expand his horizons, but also keep his style intact.
“Wasteland, Baby” has beautiful acoustics with deep, meaningful messages that engages the listener. Each song is unique in its own way, with a different style and instruments. Hozier’s soulful voice creates an unmistakable style that is phenomenal.
Released on March 1, “Wasteland, Baby!” can be streamed on Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon and can be purchased on iTunes for $11.99.
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