Mastering the Bluesy Growl
Taken from his debut self-titled album, "It Will Come Back" is a masterclass in tension and release. Hozier blends folk storytelling with a gritty, blues-rock foundation. The song relies less on acrobatic high notes and more on tone color, rhythmic precision, and the ability to convey a sense of animalistic desperation.
The vocal style here is conversational yet melodic. You need to sound like you are whispering a secret one moment, and shouting a warning the next. Let’s break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: The "Vocal Fry"
Hozier uses "vocal fry" (the creaky door sound) at the start of phrases like "You know better babe." Don't push air through this; keep it relaxed to avoid irritation. The AI visualizer will show if you are compressing too hard.
Phase 1: The Verses (The Shuffle)
The verses sit low in the range (around E2-A2). This can be difficult if you are a Tenor. The key is to keep your larynx neutral. If you press your chin down to "reach" for the low notes, you will lose resonance.
Rhythm is King: The delivery is syncopated. You are singing slightly behind the beat of the guitar shuffle. It creates a lazy, confident vibe. Do not rush the lyrics "You know better babe, you know better babe."
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus Dynamics
As the song builds ("Don't let me in with no open hand"), the volume must swell. This isn't just louder; it's wider. Engage your diaphragm support to switch from the intimate verse texture to a projecting chest voice.
- Articulation: Hozier often swallows the ends of words to maintain the legato blues feel.
- The Growl: On lines like "Howling outside your door," add a bit of pharyngeal constriction (twang) to create distortion without actually screaming.
Phase 3: The Chorus Belt
The chorus hits a G4 with power. "Don't you hear it howling!" requires a solid belt. Keep your mouth shape vertical (drop your jaw) rather than wide. A smile shape will make the tone too thin for this style of rock; a vertical shape gives you the warm, round resonance Hozier is known for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest consistent chest belt is around G4, though Hozier uses falsetto flourishes that go higher. The challenge is the power required in the mid-range.
Yes, but the verses might feel very low. You can focus on "frying" into the low notes to give them texture, or use the Singing Coach AI app to transpose the key up +2 semitones.
Grit should come from the soft palate and airflow, not the throat squeezing. If you feel tickling or pain, stop immediately. Practice the "sigh" exercise in the app to reset your vocal cords.
