Discover the Surprising Journey of Hozier’s ‘Too Sweet’ to Its First No. 1 Spot on the Hot 100 Chart after a Decade of Success

Breaking News: Hozier Claims His First-Ever No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100

In an unexpected turn of events, Hozier, the hitmaker from the 2010s, has secured his first-ever No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week. Despite his previous success with the 2014 megaballad “Take Me to Church,” which peaked at No. 2, the Irish singer-songwriter has finally reached the top spot with his TikTok-teased new single “Too Sweet” after eight long years of absence from the Hot 100 top rankings.

Wondering how Hozier managed to make his way back to the top after such a prolonged break, and what this achievement means for his future career? Billboard’s crew delves into these questions and more.

1. Initial Surprises and Reactions:

Katie Atkinson: 10/10! Although the current landscape of the Hot 100 has seen multiple new stars climbing to the top, Hozier’s ascendancy was unexpected considering his hiatus from the mainstream charts. The recent success stories of Teddy Swims, Benson Boone, and Noah Kahan, however, foreshadowed Hozier’s eventual chart-topping journey.

Stephen Daw: 10/10! An avid admirer of Hozier’s music, Daw expresses his surprise at the singer’s new No. 1 hit, admitting his initial skepticism regarding the song’s potential before witnessing its widespread acceptance.

Kyle Denis: 7/10. Denis foresaw Hozier’s potential for success post-Unreal Unearth, attributing the singer’s triumph to the current trend favoring analog instrumentation and guitar-based melodies in mainstream pop music.

Jason Lipshutz: 7/10. Lipshutz emphasizes Hozier’s loyal fanbase and the recent surge of folk-pop on the Hot 100, pointing out that the singer’s chart-topping achievement is a testament to his enduring appeal.

Andrew Unterberger: 9/10. Unterberger acknowledges the shifting music landscape and Hozier’s growing influence in the alt-folk genre, suggesting that a No. 1 hit was perhaps inevitable for the talented musician.

2. Success Factors of “Too Sweet”:

Katie Atkinson: Atkinson attributes Hozier’s success to the exceptional quality of “Too Sweet,” appreciating its catchy lyrics and melodic chorus, which resonated with listeners and contributed to its chart-topping position.

Stephen Daw: Daw highlights the convergence of timing and musical appeal in the song’s trajectory, drawing parallels with the ongoing folk music resurgence and TikTok’s role in propelling “Too Sweet” to the forefront of popular music.

Kyle Denis: Denis emphasizes the song’s alignment with current pop trends and Hozier’s dedicated fanbase, predicting that “Too Sweet” will usher in new listeners and cement the singer’s position in the industry.

Jason Lipshutz: Lipshutz recognizes the blend of pop trends and Hozier’s artistic evolution as crucial factors behind the success of “Too Sweet,” affirming that the song’s appeal resonated with audiences in the current music landscape.

Andrew Unterberger: Unterberger expresses surprise at the song’s chart-topping status, pointing to its effect rather than intrinsic qualities as the driving force behind Hozier’s resurgence.

3. Future Prospects for Hozier:

Katie Atkinson: Atkinson believes that Hozier’s recent success solidifies his standing in the music industry, emphasizing the singer’s potential for continued growth and recognition in mainstream radio.

Stephen Daw: Daw predicts a bright future for Hozier, foreseeing an expansion of his fanbase and sustained success in the folk-pop genre, fueled by the cult following and widespread acceptance of “Too Sweet.”

Kyle Denis: Denis views “Too Sweet” as a pivotal moment in Hozier’s career, anticipating increased fan engagement and potential mainstream hits in the singer’s future endeavors.

Jason Lipshutz: Lipshutz expects Hozier to maintain his current trajectory, leveraging his existing popularity and musical prowess to secure a stable position in the industry, despite potential fluctuations in chart performance.

Andrew Unterberger: Unterberger suggests that Hozier’s chart-topping achievement reflects his lasting impact on the music scene and predicts continued success for the singer in the coming years.

4. Potential Comeback Artists:

Katie Atkinson: The Lumineers emerge as a likely candidate for a resurgence, given their past success and current relevance in the folk-pop genre, hinting at a possible collaboration with Noah Kahan for future hits.

Stephen Daw: Daw points to Florence + The Machine as a contender for a comeback, citing the band’s consistent presence in the music scene and potential for crafting a TikTok-friendly anthem akin to “Too Sweet.”

Kyle Denis: Denis considers Gotye, George Ezra, Colbie Caillat, and Kings of Leon as artists with comeback potential, suggesting that a strategic remix or innovative release could reignite their chart success.

Jason Lipshutz: Lipshutz expresses hope for a Gotye revival, reminiscing on the artist’s past achievements and envisioning a return to the spotlight with a captivating new release.

Andrew Unterberger: Unterberger highlights Vance Joy as a prime candidate for a chart resurgence, noting the singer’s enduring popularity and the potential for a major hit with the right collaboration.

5. “Take Me to Church”: Timeless Classic or Dated Relic?

Katie Atkinson: Atkinson reaffirms the timeless status of “Take Me to Church,” praising its enduring appeal and welcoming Hozier back into the music landscape with open arms.

Stephen Daw: Daw champions the song as a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences, transcending its initial success and maintaining its impact over the years.

Kyle Denis: Denis echoes the sentiment that “Take Me to Church” remains a timeless classic, distinguishing it from fleeting pop hits and underscoring its lasting significance in music culture.

Jason Lipshutz: Lipshutz leans towards viewing “Take Me to Church” as a mid-2010s relic, acknowledging its past success while recognizing Hozier’s evolution as an artist beyond his breakthrough hit.

Andrew Unterberger: Unterberger appreciates the dual nature of “Take Me to Church,” acknowledging its association with a specific era while recognizing its elevated position as a standout track in modern pop music.