Hozier (Deluxe Gatefold 2LP)

Hozier's soul-tinged, eponymous debut album has received unprecedented critical and commercial reception, with the songwriter's sold-out live shows garnering universal appeal. Since the release of his touchstone single "Take Me To Church", he has rolled up pinnacle successes in video, digital, radio, and performance platforms - sparking rare agreement among critics, fans and viral-followers.

Hozier proceeds to chalk up new milestones in one of the most compelling breakthrough debuts this year. His celebrated self-titled debut album entered the Billboard/Soundscan 200 at # 2, making it the second highest charting entry for a new artist in 2014.

Hozier wowed TV audiences with an impeccable performance on Saturday Night Live, the first debut artist of 2014 to appear as musical guest on the celebrated show. He performed "Take Me To Church" and "Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene ." Rolling Stone remarked, "the rising soul singer delivered a rousing performance that ensured people don't forget his name anytime soon." Entertainment Weekly declared, "Hozier wins the evening's 'Best Musical Moment' with his performance of 'Take Me To Church,' a bluesy, eerie song the Irish singer performed with just enough soul." He has also earned praise for recent TV turns on The Late Show With David Letterman and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, among others.

"Take Me To Church" has become one of the most incredible Spotify success stories since the streaming service began, surpassing 30 million streams worldwide with Hozier landing six songs in the US Spotify Viral 50, making him the most viral artist in the history of Spotify.

Hozier's first two EPs, Take Me To Church and From Eden, established his deftly woven signature sound. He co-produced the new album with Rob Kirwan (PJ Harvey and Depeche Mode), with critics immediately embracing his spirited, unfiltered storytelling. He's drawn praise from NPR, New York Magazine, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic, WXPN's Gotta Hear Song of the Week, MTV Buzzworthy, Consequence of Sound, and more, including features on NPR's All Things Considered and Tiny Desk Concert.

Most recently, the album shot straight to the top of the official Irish sales chart with the biggest week 1 sales of 2014, outselling the top 12 albums combined. The hit single re-entered the top 10 Irish charts 1 year to the week since its initial release, with the UK's Daily Telegraph nailing a five star review to Hozier's door, trumpeting the debut album as 'glorious and uplifting.'

"Gospel-inspired epic." - New York Magazine

"Hozier hits the big time with 'Take Me to Church'"- NY Daily News

"Hozier proved himself a consistent songwriter that unites his influences as much as he explores them."- Billboard

"Hozier lives up to heavy buzz with his debut LP" - Boston Globe

"Hozier processes a voice that's remarkable not only for its tonal beauty but also for its versatility"- Entertainment Weekly