11 Miraculous Miracle Songs to Believe in

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11 Miraculous Miracle Songs to Believe in features music courtesy of Boys Like Girls, Calvin Harris, Deniece Williams, Jonas Brothers, and Whitney Houston.

“Yes, it’s gonna take a miracle / To make me love someone new.” Well, Deniece Williams, miracles do happen. The musical compendium at hand, 11 Miraculous Miracle Songs to Believe in, focuses on miracles! With the exception of the Mariah Carey / Whitney Houston classic, “When You Believe”, the other songs feature the word miracle in their title. Even the Mariah/Whitney joint references miracles. 11 Miraculous Miracle Songs to Believe in features music courtesy of Boys Like Girls, Calvin Harris, Deniece Williams, Jonas Brothers, and Whitney Houston among others. So, without further ado, get your belief on and speak those miracles into existence… something like that!

1. Jonas Brothers, “Miracle”

The Album // Jonas Brothers Recording / Republic // 2023

“Walkin’ on a hot coal, never wore a rhinestone, but you really suit my body…” Um, okay, Nick Jonas, sure… “Sweeter than a pastry, winter with the AC, colder than a snowflake on me…” Yeah, Joe Jonas… if you say so! Anyways, Jonas Brothers commence The Album in spirited fashion with the brief “Miracle.” The pop-soul track features ripe falsetto, slick electric keys, strings, and a fat bass line.  It hearkens back to the 1970s, while coming off at least moderately refreshing in the 2020s.  Sensual without crossing the line – “You’re something like a full-blown miracle / The places your hands go…” – “Miracle” is an enjoyable and one of the best songs from the LP. Are the lyrics confusing? YOU BET!

Appears in :

Miracle: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 58 (2023)

2. Deniece Williams, “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle”   

Niecy // Columbia // 1982 

“Loving you so / I was too blind to see / You letting me go / But now that you’ve set me free,” Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Deniece Williams sings on “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle”, continuing, “It’s gonna take a miracle / Yes, it’s gonna take a miracle / To make me love someone new / ‘Cause I’m crazy for you.” Oh, the plight of love – those matters of the heart !  “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” has the distinction of being one of three top-10 hits by Williams. “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle,” is the song to beat on her 1982, gold certified album, Niecy, peaked at no. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Williams produced this update of the The Royalettes’ 1965 joint alongside the late, great Thom Bell.   

All writers and producers on “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” earn incredibly high marks.  First and foremost, this is a well-written record.  It superbly captures the relatable feeling of struggling to move on from a past relationship – it’s literally gonna take a miracle to get over this person! Williams does a marvelous job of bringing the lyrics to life authentically with her classy and sophisticated lead vocals.  Furthermore, she does some impressive, playful ad-libs that are a must-hear.  Also, she receives fine support from backing vocals, upping the soulful ante. Focusing on the production, it is stunning; utterly sublime.  “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” benefits from a superb, soulful groove.  Specifically, the ostinato piano lines are lovely, while the vibraphone hits are timely. Additionally, the string orchestration is marvelous – lush and warm.  One other note about the brilliance of this top-10 smash. The bridge provides sizable contrast to other sections of the song with the harmonic adventurousness being a big selling point.  All told, the excellence of “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” speaks for itself. It’s simply marvelous, darling!    

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3. Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding, “Miracle”

“Miracle” // Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited // 2023

“When you hold me / There’s a place I go / It’s a different high / Oh, no.” Oh, no indeed. So, what happens when Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding collaborate? Sheer magic, of course! The Scottish and English standouts unleashed a “Miracle” in 2023. “Miracle” runs a respectable three minutes and change in duration. Goulding is accompanied by a warm, instrumental backdrop early on. She sings beautifully, flaunting her distinct, one-of-a-kind voice. Following the lush, percussion-less opening verse, “Miracle” gets more punch with its hard-hitting beat and electrifying bass line.

Goulding unveils the centerpiece, the chorus:

“Are you too cynical

To believe in a miracle?

Let you slip through my hands

But could you take a chance on me?

Can you forgive it all

To believe in a miracle?

Yeah, I put you through hell

But I’m askin’ you to believe

To believe in a miracle.”

Ooh-wee! Beyond the memorable chorus, there’s an essential part of any dance record – the drop! It drops for sure! During the second verse, Ellie’s vocals are harmonized, further upping the ante. Also, the groove is intact from the beginning of the ‘second’ verse (which lyrically repeats the first verse). All told, “Miracle” is a lit dance track. It benefits from gorgeous vocals, sweet production and musical cues (Harris and BURNS produce), and tuneful melodies. Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding put in work on this dance banger!

Appears in :

Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding, Miracle: Bangerz N Bopz No. 18 (2024)

4. Stephanie Beatriz, “Waiting On A Miracle”

Encanto (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) // Disney // 2021

“Hey, I’m still a part of the family Madrigal / And I’m fine, I am totally fine,” Mirabel aka Stephanie Beatriz sings in the first verse of “Waiting On A Miracle.” “Waiting On a Miracle” is an early moment from the Academy-Award winning film, Encanto. While Mirabel suggests early on she’s fine, it’s ultimately a lie (“I’m not fine, I’m not fine”). The gist is, everybody else in her family has special powers but she feels out of place. “I can’t move the mountains / I can’t make the flowers bloom,” she sings in the chorus, continuing, “I can’t take another night up in my room / Waiting on a miracle.” Essentially, rather than sulking and waiting for change unlikely to happen, Mirabel, and any of us who relate and sympathize with her, must be assertive to find our place – our special powers, etc. How does and where does Mirabel fit in? As this brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda number progresses, in its triple meter glory, Beatriz marvelously portrays this change of mindset for Mirabel, who is ready to find her special powers aka find herself and what makes her special.

Appears in :

Miracle: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 58 (2023)

5. Boys Like Girls, “MIRACLE”

SUNDAY AT FOXWOODS // Boys Like Girls Music, Inc. // 2023

In 2023, Boys Like Girls needed a “MIRACLE”! “I’m still hung up on a younger love, yeah / Get something good and fuck it up, oh,” Martin Johnson sings in the first verse, adding, “You left just like you said you’d leave, yeah / Guess you got tired of me bein’ me, oh.” Word! So, it seems Martin messed up when it came to L-O-V-E. He is regretful, but admits he’s STILL flawed.

Still, he needs somebody, but not just anybody – “Somebody like you!” Woo! With tuneful melodies in the verses, the most tuneful comes in the chorus, where he admits, “I need a miracle / How did I , how did I let you get out of my bed?” Can Johnson and Boys Like Girls get this remarkable woman back? It seems unlikely, but perhaps she’ll hear how authentic, bright, and energetic the sixth track from SUNDAY AT FOXWOODS is and take him back.

6. Whitney Houston, “Miracle”

I’m Your Baby Tonight • Arista • 1990

“How could I throw away a miracle?” That is a thought-provoking question Whitney Houston asks on “Miracle”, the sixth track on her third studio album, I’m Your Baby Tonight (1990). Another top 10 hit (no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100), the writing and production on “Miracle” come from two heavyweights Babyface and L.A. Reid. As always, at least in her heyday, Houston sounds fantastic, never missing a note. When she brings the power as “Miracle” progresses, it’s nothing short of special. Digging deeper, the Academy and Grammy award-winner tackles a controversial topic: abortion. “It’s all my doing, I made a choice / And today, I pay,” Houston sings in the emotional first verse, speaking about the pain, seemingly as the result of the song’s protagonist terminating her pregnancy. The second verse is filled with regret, as Houston asserts, “Thought I was looking out for myself / Now it seems the pain / Is all that I have gained.” Of course, the word abortion is never uttered explicitly, but, it’s clearly implied. Regarding this beloved pro-life single, Houston stated in a Jet Magazine interview:

I think about the air we breathe, the earth we live on. I think about our children. I think about a lot of things, things God put here for us to have, things that we need, and we take for granted. I think all of these things are miracles and I think we should try and take better care of them.”

In the chorus, where Houston excels the most, she sings, “Nothing should matter / Not when love grows inside you / The choice is yours / There’s a miracle in store.” Conservatives eat this song up for good reason – its pro-life. That said, even if you’re team pro-choice, you can appreciate (1) the first-class musicianship and (2) the fact that “Miracle” eloquently and thoughtfully delivers how emotional such a decision and the aftermath can be. You don’t have to agree, but what everyone can agree about is how gorgeous this nearly six-minute song is.

Appears in :

Miracle: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 58 (2023)

7. Paul Kandel, “The Court of Miracles”

The Hunchback of Notre Dame // Walt Disney // 1996

“Maybe you’ve heard of that mythical place / Called the Court of Miracles…” Um, maybe! One of the most ‘adult’ films of the Disney Renaissance was none other than The Hunchback of Notre Dame. By adult, I’m not referencing erotica – nothing that deep – but The Hunchback of Notre Dame felt less child friendly. Think about it… the “Hellfire” and that lustful Judge Claude Frollo, easily one of Disney’s most evil villains. Focusing on the music, The Hunchback of Notre Dame features one of the elite soundtracks of the era, penned by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz – what a team! “The Court of Miracles” is a terrific moment, performed primarily by Paul Kandel as Clopin, with the assistance of Gypsies. Notably, “The Court of Miracles” is set in a minor key, as well as compound duple meter. So, what happens at this mythical place, per Clopin and the Gypsies? Well, “the lame can walk / And the blind can see / But the dead don’t talk / So you won’t be around / To reveal what you’ve found.” Oh, snap! And just for added oomph, Clopin and Gypsies assert, “Here in the Court of Miracles / Where it’s a miracle if you get out alive.” Fittingly, courtroom speak enters the mix, specifically an interaction between Clopin and a puppet. “The Court of Miracles” is another reason why The Hunchback of Notre Dame soundtrack is epic.

8. Bebe Rexha, “Miracle Man”

Bebe // Warner // 2023

“You say I’m everything that you crave, you fight for, that you cry for / Can you handle my demons, my demons?” It’s a legit question! “Miracle Man” appears as the second track on, Bebe, the 2023 album by Grammy-nominated pop artist, Bebe Rexha. Well-produced by Ido Zmishlany, “Miracle Man” benefits from an electrifying groove, robust bass line, and most importantly, Bebe. Rexha delivers a solid vocal that’s nuanced and exudes personality. Of course, when the songwriting has some attitude, that helps! She penned this gem alongside Zmishlany, Solly, Bonnie McKee, and jesse saint john – a talented crew! What’s the premise? Bebe is in search of “a miracle man / Who can make me believe in love again / Say amen.” Amen, girl! That said, she makes it clear “I’d rather be lonely than the wrong one, hold me, baby.” Facts! Are the spiritual references blasphemous? Well, “Drink your holy water, sip it slow / I can feel you drippin’ down my soul” won’t please the most devout, but, hard to deny the cleverness and intrigue. Can you knock her for wanting a miracle man?

9. Bruce Springsteen, “There Goes My Miracle” 

Western Stars // Bruce Springsteen // 2019

“Sunrise, sundown / The streets gone golden brown / Auburn skies above / I’m searching for my love.” Iconic rock singer/songwriter Bruce Springsteen limits the number of lyrics while keeping them relatively simple on “There Goes My Miracle.” “Moonlight, moon bright / Where’s my lucky star tonight?” is another example of the power of simplicity. This approach, and “There Goes My Miracle” itself is highly effective, as Springsteen serves up one of the loveliest melodies of his 2019 album, Western Stars. The chorus is quite memorable: “There goes my miracle / Walking away, walking away.”  The production strengthens the case for Springsteen – it’s those strings.  There are also additional sounds including timpani, adding to the orchestral sensibilities.

Appears in :

Miracle: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 58 (2023)

10. Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston, “When You Believe”  

The Prince of Egypt (Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1998

“There can be miracles when you believe / Though hope is frail, it’s hard to kill.” Amen, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston! Please, ladies, continue, won’t you with your uplifting musical sermon? “Who knows what miracles, you can achieve / When you believe, somehow you will / You will when you believe.” Yes, yes, yes! It should come as no surprise that “When You Believe”, from the 1998 animated motion picture, The Prince of Egypt, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. No, the two gifted divas that performed the end-title duet version weren’t awarded, but decorated songwriter Stephen Schwartz was victorious, deservedly so. “When You Believe” is all about the power of faith.  What better way to sing about faith than to have two of the most gifted singers of all time duet? Babyface produces this powerhouse rendition.   

Whitney Houston is the first voice we hear, setting the tone for the first verse and of course, the tuneful chorus.  Essentially, Houston sings about ample prayer, with little evidence prayers would be answered.  Still, because of faith, even when it seemed like there was no reason to believe, ultimately, “We were moving mountains long before we knew we could.” In the second verse, Mariah Carey echoes the sentiment, asserting, “Hope seems like the summer birds / Too swiftly flown away.” Despite the adversity, she goes on to state, “My heart’s so full, I can’t explain / Seeking faith and speaking words / I never thought I’d say.”  Houston and Carey join forces the rest of the time, inspiring with what can be deemed unshakable faith: “A small but still resilient voice, says ‘Help is very near!’” Nearly 25 years after its debut, “When You Believe” remains one of the greatest pop duets of all time. Furthermore, it’s an awesome testament to faith.  Now that is a better lift than you can get at the gym, any day! Worth noting, the duet also appears on Houston’s 1998 album, My Love is Your Love and Carey’s Greatest Hits (2001).

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11. The Stylistics, “The Miracle”

Heavy • Amherst • 1974 

“Thank God for the miracle / You belong to me.” “The Miracle” (Heavy, 1974) is one of many stunning songs by the iconic soul collective, The Stylistics.  Underrated compared to the Philly soul group’s more renowned hits, “The Miracle” is a gem, nonetheless. It graces the final album where Russell Thompkins, Jr. and company collaborated with the late, great Thom Bell. Thematically, The Stylistics, once skeptical of the miraculous happenings of life, become believers, thanks to finding that special somebody in their lives.  “I used to think that time was just a thing to pass away / Love was just the game that children play / God was just another word to say,” the second verse goes, later confirming the paradigm shift, “Now I believe, I believe / Miracles can be / And in my song, I thank God / You belong to me.” Besides the positive vibes and theme, the singing, the musical underpinnings, and the arrangement and production make “The Miracle” triumphant too.  Harmonically, there are some marvelous chord changes that go beyond simple, standard chords.  This adventurous, innovative approach helps The Stylistics navigate numerous modulations (key changes) seamlessly.  Beginning in the key of E, the collective serves up modulations to A, C, F, Db, Gb, G, and Ab in that sequence . Ear-catching is an understatement regarding “The Miracle”. Notably, Shareefa, samples this classic on her 2006 R&B gem, “Cry No More”.

Appears in :

11 Miraculous Miracle Songs to Believe in (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Amherst, Arista, Boys Like Girls Music Inc., Bruce Springsteen, Columbia, Disney, Jonas Brothers Recording, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited, UMG Recordings Inc., Warner; Erik McLean from Pexels; Chil Vera from Pixabay]

11 Miraculous Miracle Songs to Believe in | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on March 27, 2024March 27, 2024