by Chelsea Ives

Classic 1930’s and 40’s jazz songs are artfully embedded in the lyrics of Hozier’s new song, “Almost (Sweet Music)”. The song pays homage to a number of classical artists such as Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald by integrating song titles, lyrics, and the names of these iconic artists throughout the song. Hozier has created an intriguing and satisfying melody which is pleasant to the ear and the soul.

The Irish indie-rocker keeps his toes in soul, blues, folk, and R&B music for inspiration. The fourth song on Hozier’s newest album, “Almost (Sweet Music)” is a refreshingly different and expressive song, which truly gives fans the history of his inspiration. Opening with hand claps and a catchy beat, the song is a clever mash-up of jazz/soul song titles and artists who influenced Hozier himself in his musical tastes while he was growing up. Sometimes referencing only the artist, sometimes just the name of a song, and sometimes both: “Do I owe each kiss to lip and cheek as soft as Chet can sing ‘Let’s Get Lost’” in the second verse, Hozier pays tribute to Chet Baker’s song, “Let’s Get Lost”.

In an interview with Entertainment, Hozier said that “Almost (Sweet Music)” was “a fun song writing challenge. I was also eager to point to some of the music that shaped my formative years […] it was a way to leave little bread crumbs for younger fans to follow a path to check those songs out”. You can hear a playlist of the songs Hozier pays homage to here.

Hozier released his newest album early March 2019 entitled, Wasteland, Baby! The album touches on important themes such as politics and religion. Billboard recorded this as the first rock album to top the Billboard 200 so far in 2019. It is Hozier’s second studio album.