Hozier Makes History: First Irish No. 1 Hit in Decades

Irish singer-songwriter Hozier has finally achieved what many thought might never happen: surpassing the massive success of his breakout song “Take Me To Church” with a chart-topping single. “Too Sweet,” released as part of an EP for outtakes that didn’t make the cut for Hozier’s latest album “Unreal Unearth,” has unexpectedly soared to the Billboard number one position on the 100 Hot chart.

Hozier Billboard Number One

“Take Me To Church,” released in 2014, became an international phenomenon, peaking at No. 2 on the Hot 100. While an impressive feat, especially for a relatively unknown artist at the time, it seemed like “Take Me To Church” might be the pinnacle of Hozier’s commercial success.

However, “Too Sweet” has defied expectations. The song debuted at No. 5 on the Hot 100 just three weeks ago, and this week it has ascended to the top spot. This is a particularly noteworthy achievement considering the trajectory of Hozier’s career since his first album a decade ago. He has continued to release well-received albums, “Wasteland, Baby” in 2019 and “Unreal Unearth” in 2023, but none of his music since “Take Me To Church” has broken through to the mainstream in the same way.

Hozier expressed his surprise and gratitude to his fans in an Instagram video. He wrote on his Instagram page, “I’ve been both thrilled and taken massively by surprise by such a staggering reaction. It means the world that you’re enjoying this song so much. Thank you all so much 🖤“

There are several factors that contribute to the unexpected success of “Too Sweet.” The nature of its release is certainly unconventional. Debuting as part of an EP for rejected tracks, “Too Sweet” wasn’t initially expected to be a major hit. Furthermore, according to Billboard, “Too Sweet” marks the longest wait between the top 10 singles for an artist since The Beatles’ return to the chart with “Now And Then” last November.

Hozier Makes History: First Irish No. 1 in Decades

“Too Sweet” also holds the distinction of being only the fifth No. 1 song by an Irish artist in history. The last Irish artist to top the Hot 100 was Sinéad O’Connor with “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 1990.

This week’s Billboard Hot 100 chart also features a strong debut from Sabrina Carpenter with her song “Espresso,” landing at No. 7. Carpenter recently wrapped up her second weekend at Coachella, where she made playful references to her boyfriend and a past controversy with the Catholic Church. With both established artists like Hozier achieving new heights and exciting newcomers like Carpenter breaking through, the music industry appears to be headed for a bright future.

Here’s a look at the rest of the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week of April 27, 2024:

• No. 2: Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar – “Like That” (down from No. 1)
• No. 3: Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things”
• No. 4: Teddy Swims – “Lose Control”
• No. 5: Beyoncé – “Texas Hold ‘Em”
• No. 6: Jack Harlow – “Lovin on Me”
• No. 8: Ariana Grande – “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)”
• No. 9: Noah Kahan – “Stick Season”
• No. 10: SZA – “Saturn”

What is your favorite Hozier song? And what do you think about Hozier’s music and lyrics in general? Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments below!

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