Corvid's Corner - May 2023

Wasteland, Baby! By Hozier: Bluesy Influences with Inspired, Ethereal Vocals

Welcome to Corvid’s Corner! This is a place for me to geek out about whatever video game I’m playing or music I’m listening to, and write about it in a longer form than a staff pick. If you try this album on for size, please let me know! I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Hozier is an Irish musician who draws great inspiration from blues and soul musicians, and his otherworldly voice just melts me. I love acoustic guitar, so that definitely is a point in Hozier’s favor for me. So many of his songs have a gentle vibe to them which soothes my soul. If you are a fan of Nina Simone and Tom Waits, these are two artists who have heavily influenced Hozier, and I feel that shines through.

He has tackled heavy themes in his music from both albums, such as domestic violence and hate, which is pretty bold, especially considering indie music can be so focused on love and relationships. He definitely has some love songs, but they are unique in their poetic lyricism; for example, “Talk” is a song about seduction, and it uses flowery language to attract the listener and distract from the flirtation.

It is impossible for me to pick a favorite song from any album, but to highlight one, I’ll choose “Shrike.” This song is about a failed relationship, and it seems to be because Hozier couldn’t express his love in a way that clicked with his lover. “I couldn't utter my love when it counted / Ah, but I'm singing like a bird 'bout it now.” He regrets losing his love, and he recognizes that he should have treated them better. Now that they’re gone, he’s feeling morose and talking about the love he holds in his heart. The second verse points to him feeling insecure: “Then when I met you, my virtues uncounted / All of my goodness is going with you now.” He found his worth in his partner, and now they are gone. The soft acoustic guitar winds around my ears, meshing seamlessly with his beautiful voice making for a pleasant listening experience, even of this sad song.

Must Listen: Almost (Sweet Music); Shrike; Sunlight; Wasteland, Baby!

For a smooth, blues-influenced album with poetry in every line, look no further than Wasteland, Baby!