10 Secular Hallelujah Songs | Playlist 🎧

We examine “10 Secular Hallelujah Songs,” most of which aren’t appropriate for Sunday morning church service.

Here at The Musical Hype, we love to explore a variety of themes within our playlists.  Our latest playlist comprised of 10 songs is no different.  This time, we go religious in the most secular way possible by compiling 10 secular hallelujah songs. There were only two considerations in assembling this list: (1) songs must feature the word hallelujah within their song title and (2) songs must be secular – no church songs! Without further ado, here are 10 Secular Hallelujah Songs featuring artists including Logic, Panic! At The Disco, and Andy Grammer.

1. Logic, “Hallelujah”

Everybody • Def Jam • 2017

“Hallelujah” opens Everybody epically, to say the least.  Led by a grand, gradual crescendo, Logic blesses the track with quick-paced, sharp rhymes. On the hook, he affirms his own beliefs, painting the exuberant major key production masterfully: “I’m like hallelujah! / Praise God, almighty, the most high / Alpha and omega in the sky.” Throughout “Hallelujah,” he plays on words, incorporating the spiritual and secular. Lengthy, a skit about death – part of the conceptual narrative – extends the length.  Here, the listeners get their first taste of Neil deGrasse Tyson, playing the role of God.

2. Panic! At the Disco, “Hallelujah”

Death of A Bachelor • Fueled by Ramen • 2016 

On “Hallelujah” (Death of a Bachelor), Panic! At the Disco frontman Brendon Urie asserts, “All you sinners stand up, sing hallelujah!” Yes, on the ‘sanctified’ chorus, Urie is all about sinners everywhere allowing the spirit to move through them. Is “Hallelujah” spiritually driven? Eh. “Hallelujah” ranks among the deepest song of their career – it’s more transcendent and thought-provoking. Ultimately, it seems that this song is directed toward the audience. While Urie uses his own experiences, they are such common experiences as opposed to specific ones, anyone who listens to the song can relate. “Hallelujah,” hence, is more of a ‘congregational hymn.’

3. Andy Grammer, “Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah)”

Magazines or Novels – Deluxe • S-Curve • 2015

“I’ve been grinding so long, been trying this shit for years.” Indeed, Andy Grammer, indeed.  Prior to issuing the deluxe edition of Magazines or Novels, Grammer had a surefire gem on his hands with “Honey, I’m Good.” He became even richer with another hit, “Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah).” On “Good to Be Alive,” the production work is gimmicky while Grammer sounds ebullient. He’s thankful for the success he’s achieved, asserting, “Feels good to be alive right about now.”

4. Gorillaz, “Hallelujah Money”

Ft. Benjamin Clementine

Humanz • Parlophone • 2017

“Hallelujah Money” features Benjamin Clementine, speaking on the power of money.  Like Humanz as a whole, President Donald Trump isn’t explicitly mentioned, but an anti-Trump sentiment is easily perceptible.  This is a very unique song, thanks to Clementine’s distinct vocals, the production, and the choral vocals.  Perhaps imperfectly assembled, “Hallelujah Money” is conceptually perfect.

5. Choir! Choir! Choir!, “Hallelujah”

Ft. Rufus Wainwright

It’s rare that a cover can give goosebumps. Often, even good covers don’t pack enough punch to move the listener nearly as effectively as the original.  Every now and then, there’s a magic cover like the Rufus Wainwright and Choir! Choir! Choir! take on Leonard Cohen classic, “Hallelujah.” The secret weapon – the 1500-member choir! It’s lovely to hear a choir add such depth to this familiar song. Among the best moments are when the choir has different parts than Wainwright, which shows just how notable their presence is.  Although brief, there is a wonderful a cappella section that puts the sole focus on Wainwright and choir. What more can be said than stunning?

6. Rachel Platten, “Hey Hey Hallelujah

Ft. Andy Grammer

Wildfire • Columbia • 2016

“Hey Hey Hallelujah” ranks among the highlights from Wildfire, the major label debut album from 36-year old pop-singer-songwriter Rachel Platten. Contextually, it follows juggernauts “Stand by You” and “Fight Song.” Despite the stiff competition, “Hey Hey Hallelujah” benefits from an infectious groove and gritty vocals from Platten. Interestingly, Andy Grammer joins her for the ride – he has his own hallelujah song of course.  A bit corny, but certainly enjoyable.

7. Chief Keef, “Hallelujah”

Finally Rich • Interscope • 2012

“Bitch I’m cooler than a cooler, big shouts out to my jeweler / Hit a lick been rich ever since / Say Chief Sosa broke that’s a rumor…” Oh Chief Keef, sigh. “Hallelujah” incorporates excellent heroic, hardcore, dark production work.  Among notable features are the synthetic strings. The main rub with this particular “hallelujah” is that it lacks depth.  The second verse in particular ends each line either on the words shit or again. Give him credit for the clever lyric, “I love when me and Ben Franklin be spending some time.” Or not.

8. The Game, “Hallelujah”

featuring Jamie Foxx

Jesus Piece • Interscope • 2012 

“Halle-motherfucking-lujah/ All my real n*ggas I salute ya/ All the bad bitches I’mma run through you.” “Hallelujah,” at the version presented by The Game assisted by Jamie Foxx, isn’t exactly holy or sanctified. Understatement. Fueled by sample “We See God with the Eyes of Our Soul” (The Dynamic Reverend Maceo Woods & Christian Tabernacle Choir), The Game is tough as nails. “Bad Bitches in here, forgive me for my sins/ I ain’t meant to walk inside the church cursing again/ I wanna live righteous and you know I love Jesus/ But you can’t catch the holy ghost in the Prius.” True.  “Hallelujah” is blasphemous and creative in one fell swoop.”

9. Fall Out Boy, “Hum Hallelujah”

Infinity on High • Island • 2007

“Hum Hallelujah” is a quick, inescapable attention-getter on Infinity on High, the second major label album by Fall Out Boy. Initially, the clarity of Patrick Stump is a bit suspect, while the rapid pace and sensational music speaks for itself. Things are clearer by the second verse, as the cards are revealed. While it doesn’t feature the most memorable chorus ever, it is nonetheless irresistible.

10. T.I., “Hallelujah”

Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head • Atlantic • 2012

After a cover of the Leonard Cohen classic “Hallelujah” appeared earlier on this playlist, it’s only fitting it recurs, right? In this case, T.I. lifts off of the staple on the hook of his own “Hallelujah.” But that’s not before a sung intro that incorporates a liberal take on childhood hymn, “Jesus Loves Me.” The production work is mysterious, incorporating highly rhythmic drums, strings, and vocal synths. Ultimately, it’s an appropriate closing cut for the standard edition of Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head.

Photo Credits: Atlantic, Choir! Choir! Choir!, Columbia, Def Jam, Fueled by Ramen, Interscope, Island, Parlophone, S-Curve