“Nina Cried Power,” R&B artist Hozier’s latest EP, was released Sept. 6. With versatile songs, the EP is well-developed, though fan expectations may not be fully met. Photo fair use of www.hozier.com.
Hozier, the musician behind the hit song “Take Me to Church,” released his new EP, “Nina Cried Power,” on Sept. 6. The EP, complete with four tracks, displays Hozier’s diverse musical talents.
“Nina Cried Power,” released Sept. 6, is the latest EP by Hozier, a musician best known for his hit, “Take Me to Church.”
“Nina Cried Power,” available for streaming through Spotify, Amazon Music, and a variety of other services, is a taste of Hozier’s untitled album to be released in 2019.
The EP, complete with four new songs, sprang from political strife.
“Every song is standing around the same awful bonfire (of the world). Some of them are optimistic; some of them are terrified; some of them are really looking forward to just burning within it,” Hozier said in an interview with Billboard.
In the title track, “Nina Cried Power,” Hozier’s raw vocals combined with the power of R&B singer and activist Mavis Staples’ voice create a potent song. With lyrics describing Irish activists, “Nina Cried Power” captures Hozier’s gospel energy through the use of choir and organ music.
“NFWMB (No One F—- With My Baby),” the second track of the EP, is more subdued. The fire of “Nina Cried Power” is gone, leaving a somewhat defeated, underwhelming song.
The EP continues with “Moment’s Silence,” featuring a snappy beat paired with soft vocals. After a slow start, electric guitar ramps up the jam while Hozier’s voice weaves bluesy thoughtfulness into his lyrics.
The final track of the EP, “Shrike,” is a sweeter song, showcasing Hozier’s Irish roots. “Shrike” provokes the heavy emotions fans are accustomed to after Hozier songs like “In A Week” and “Like Real People Do.”
“Nina Cried Power” is a multifaceted addition to Hozier’s repertoire. Though the songs starkly contrast one another, the musician’s voice lends the EP a sense of unity. Fans can expect Hozier’s album, due 2019, to have the complex variety hinted at in “Nina Cried Power.”
