Hozier

“If the Heavens ever did speak, She’s the last true mouthpiece.”

This soulful verse is the creation of Andrew Hozier-Byrne, otherwise known as Hozier, in his hit song “Take Me To Church.” Earning him a Grammy nomination in 2014, this single sparked the Irish singer-songwriter’s rise to fame. Heavy and full of meaning, this song demonstrates his thoughtful and familiar lyrical references to mythology, religious allusions, and a deep idolization of romantic relationships.

Hozier primarily creates music under the genres of Irish folk, rock, soul, and blues. With 30.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify, many of his fans praise his songs for their introspective lyrics that delve into intense themes. “‘Take Me to Church’ has words that hit home about love and society, and I like how Hozier expresses deep feelings with his simple but powerful lyrics,” junior Eloise Phillips said, who attended his concert in Los Angeles.

In his song, “Would That I,” released in his 2019 album “Wasteland, Baby!,” Hozier reflects on the destruction and discovery of love. He draws upon a strong appreciation for the natural world, describing the protagonists as trees. Released in 2019 in his second album, “Wasteland, Baby!,” Hozier captures the yearning for unrequited love that other love songs wish they could portray.

“With each love I cut loose, I was never the same, Watching still living roots be consumed by the flame.”

He also discusses political and social justice issues. In “Swan Upon Leda,” a single EP released in 2022, Hozier references the Greek myth of Zeus transforming into a swan to assault the unsuspecting Leda, illustrating the oppression of women. Simultaneously, he comments on abortion restrictions in the Republic of Ireland, commending Irish Nationalism and folk culture.

Detailing romance, religion, and real-life issues through ecstatic poetry, Hozier is a representation of the genius of twenty-first-century music.

Lana Del Rey

“I know if I go, I’ll die happy tonight.”

Her single “Summertime Sadness” from the album, “Born To Die,” stayed at No.6 most listened to songs on the Billboard for 23 weeks. Despite backpack in her early career during the release of this album, she stayed true to her style: aesthetically, culturally and personally. Del Rey is now being recognized as one of the most influential pop musicians, and it is certainly not a surprise that her music is popular among “Gen Z” listeners.

“There are so many different songs that she writes about that are about her personal abuse that a lot of people can relate to,” senior Nikki Mielcarek said.

Her lyrics revolve around the theme of tragic romance and melancholia that reveal intimate emotions and deep trauma that she experienced in her youth. “Lana puts herself in really vulnerable positions, which I think is really brave and admirable,” said junior Sydney Fisher.

 In her song “Cinnamon Girl,” Del Rey evokes conflicted feelings, and the distancing of a relationship due to drug usage: “All the pills that you take-violet, blue, green, red, to keep me at arm’s length don’t work.”

“Born to Die” features prominent references to 1950s and 60s Americana. The album was the world’s fifth best-selling album of 2012, selling over 7 million copies by 2014, and remaining one of her most successful albums. She wrote the song “Young and Beautiful” for the 2013 film, “The Great Gatsby,” and she has been nominated for six Grammys, all while staying true and genuine to her music and audience. 

Lana Del Rey’s music often features a dreamlike production that creates a nostalgic and cinematic feel, all of which contributes to her coquette and old American aesthetic; she has been nominated for six Grammys, all while staying true and genuine to her music and audience.

Sufjan Stevens

“Oh, will wonders ever cease? Blessed be the mystery of love.”

American singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens was nominated for a Grammy for best original song, “Mystery Of Love,” for the 2017 critically adored film, “Call Me By Your Name.” This delicate song mirror reflects a specific stage in the main characters’ romance, describing their secretive romance and channeling the film’s theme of intimacy. This reflective song emanates feelings of comfort and bliss, mirroring a specific stage in the characters’ lives.

Stevens has released a large variety of albums with different genres and themes, revealing a somber and atmospheric essence in his lyrics. His albums range from baroque pop and electronica to rock and avant-garde folk. Many of his lyrical references are involved with faith, family, and spirituality.

“His songs always give a melancholy, almost nostalgic vibe that I really resonate with,” junior Dionne Peterson said.

“Visions of Gideon” is another one of Stevens’ top songs on Spotify, with over 150 million streams. “Visions of Gideon” plays at the end of the film when one of the protagonists succumbs to heartbreak. This song ends with the lines “And I have kissed you for the last time,” contrasting with the opening lines of “Mystery of Love,” “the first time you kissed me.” The song applies to a figure from the Old Testament, Gideon, who overcomes his own fears in a similar way to the film’s protagonist. These hidden connections reiterate Stevens’ expert take on poetry and storytelling.

With over 150 million streams on Spotify, “Visions of Gideon” is another of his most praised songs that featured at the end of the film, when the protagonist succumbs to heartbreak; this song ends with the lines “And I have kissed you for the last time,” contrasting with the opening lines of “Mystery of Love,” “the first time you kissed me.”

The song applies to a figure from the Old Testament, Gideon, who overcomes his own fears in a similar way to the film’s protagonist. These hidden connections reiterate Stevens’ expert take on poetry and storytelling.

In other albums, Steven’s talent for emitting reflective and solemnity shines through, such as in his 2015 album, “Carrie and Lowell.” The most streamed song in that album, “Fourth of July,” introduces a story personal to Stevens, detailing the night his mother died. The heaviness of this song lingers in the sweet names he calls his mother, such as “dragonfly” and “star in the sky.”

A brilliant narrator and an even better artist, the attraction to Stevens’ music links to his understanding of human experiences and passion.