87 million streams makes Hozier’s hit the ‘most viral song’ on Spotify

Irish singer Hozier’s hit song ‘Take Me to Church’ has been named as streaming service Spotify’s global "most viral song" as well as its biggest song in the world at this moment.

The song, which has so far had more than 40 million hits on Youtube, has had 87 million ‘streams’ on Spotify, according to Universal Music Ireland.

“It caps a hugely successful, breakthrough year for Andrew Hozier-Byrne with his critically acclaimed eponymous album debuting at No 1 on the Irish album chart with the biggest chart debut of 2014,” a spokeswoman for the record company said. “Having held the #1 spot for five weeks and remaining in the Top 5 since release in September, Hozier has now been certified triple platinum in Ireland.”

She said the Spotify accolade “further cements the young Wicklow musician as the first tangible example of a breakthrough streaming”.

‘Take Me To Church’ has also been nominated for a Grammy for song of the year making Hozier the second Irish artist to be nominated after U2.