Getting real tired of Hozier fans. Y'all will hang on his every word up until he starts asking people to listen to the music (often Black music!) that inspires him. Y'all will listen to Almost (Sweet Music) but haven't listened to Almost - the references. Y'all will listen to Someone New but haven't listened to Aretha Franklin, whose song I say a little prayer is mentioned in the lyrics. Y'all will listen to Nina Cried Power but haven't heard Nina Simone's Sinnerman (the song "Nina Cried Power" pulls its inspiration from) or any of the other artists referenced in the song.

Hozier is one of my favorite artists and I truly feel like nobody is doing it like him (partially BECAUSE of who he's pulling inspiration from), but knowing the music he pulls inspiration from makes it SO much more fun to listen to his songs. Plus it broadens your horizons in general and keeps you from getting "Irish forest man" brain rot, where you can't appreciate the protest influences and Black influences on his music. Check out the references playlist above! Check out some classic jazz (Ella Fitzgerald, that unbelievable talent, is a great place to start)! Listen to some Nina Simone! Look up the lyrics to Nina Cried Power and check out the artists he mentions there! (I actually found a few in there that I don't know! Excited to check them out). Don't fall victim to thinking a white man stands on his own when his work borrows from others! I promise you'll have a good time if you give it a chance.