12 Thrilling, But Utterly Sinful Songs | Playlist 🎧

1. Sam Hunt, “Sinning with You”

Sinning with You [Single] • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2020

Perhaps “Sinning with You” isn’t nearly as catchy as Sam Hunt’s hits from his debut album,  Montevallo (2014).  That said, the ballad has its fair share of positives.  First and foremost, vocally, Hunt sounds terrific.  His vocals are quite expressive, nuanced, and incredibly masculine given his full-bodied sound and tone.  Honestly, one of the things that made him standout in the first place (besides his dashing looks) was his voice, in all its glory.  Even with his ‘masculine sound,’ Hunt’s dedication to the wifey on “Sinning with You” is incredibly romantic, sensitive, thoughtful, and sensual.

“Your body was baptized, so disenfranchised / I was your favorite confession.” Focusing on the sensual, another pro occurring on “Sinning with You” is the liberal use of spiritual references.  In addition to baptism and confession, Hunt mentions Yeshua (verse one), forgiveness (verse two), and The Holy Spirit (bridge).  Sigh, one of my personal favorite approaches that musicians use is fusing secular and spiritual.  Sure, there’s blasphemy often involved, but it makes for a compelling record more often than not.  The chorus is the prime example of the sinfulness, of course:

“I never felt like I was sinning with you
Always felt like I could talk to God in the morning
I knew that I would end up with you
Always felt like I could talk to God in the morning
If it’s so wrong, why did it feel so right?
If it’s so wrong, why’d it never feel like sinning with you,
Sinning with you.” 

The pros clearly outweigh the cons on “Sinning with You”; there’s no cons. “Sinning with You” has its fair share of enjoyable and respectable moments.

2. Raphael Saadiq, “Sinners Prayer”

Jimmy Lee • Columbia • 2019

“Eight millimeters / And microscopes / Fingers on the triggers / Aimed at my dome / They’re gunnin’ for me / With loaded tongues / Just tryin’ to get home / Prodigal son…”  Sigh, eight years.  That’s how long it’d been since Grammy-winning R&B musician Raphael Saadiq released a new studio album.  Saadiq returned in 2019 with a contemporary masterpiece – his very personal, socially-changed, fifth studio album, Jimmy Lee.

Honestly, the aforementioned lyrics from “Sinners Prayer” are quite telling.  “Sinners Prayer” commences Jimmy Lee boldly, tackling such tough issues as police brutality against blacks, violence, even against the young.  Notably, Raphael Saadiq dedicates a sizable portion of the second verse to his “bud and seed,” his daughter (“Our baby daughter / May not see five / This kind of hurt can’t / Be justified / This girl’s my bud and seed”). Ultimately, he “[Looks] unto the hills, from whence cometh [his] help” (God), singing:

“God
Help me make it
God
Can we make it?
God
When the sinner is praying
God
Will you hear it?”

3. Like Mike, “Sinner”

Sinner [Single] • Like Mike • 2019

“You wanna ride with a winner? / Come ride with a sinner / We can kick it for a day / Anything you’re feeling.” Like Mike (Michael Thivaios) is best known as half of the Belgian-born dance/electronic duo Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike with his older bro.  However, on the song at hand, “Sinner”, it’s all Mike in a melodic hip-hop setting. The vibe is ripe plus there are elements of heartbreak, lust, and regret.  The crowning achievement of “Sinner” is superb production work. The ear candy is legit here; the sleekness is inescapable.  The backdrop consists of rhythmic drum programming (particularly those trappy, 808 kicks and synth toms) and a colorful assortment of synths and pads.

Like Mike’s vocal – rather melodic rap – performance is a vibe as well.  Love and sex are part of the modus operandi.  “Sinner” also seems to showcase love has fallen short, particularly moments like, “Tell me I didn’t treat you well / Do you really wanna be no more?” as well as, “Are you glad you remember / When you fought with a sinner?” Also, worth noting, Mike equates a ‘winner’ with being a sinner which seems a bit suspect, but whatever.  But you can also make the argument that Mike is less worried about labels than simply winning her love and affection.

4. Juice WRLD, “Flaws and Sins”

Death Race for Love • Grade A Productions / Interscope • 2019

Sadly, melodic, emo-driven rap sensation Juice WRLD passed away just days after his 21^st birthday, December 8, 2019.  2019 had been a big year for Juice, as his enjoyable, if overindulgent sophomore album, Death Race for Love debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard 200.   He’d undoubtedly seen his star ascend rapidly, following his 2018 gargantuan hit single “Lucid Dreams”. On this most sinful playlist, WRLD’s music lives on via “Flaws and Sins,” the ninth track on Death Race for Love that has the tall task of following the gem, “Robbery”.

Juice WRLD focuses on love, particularly sex on “Flaws and Sins.” “Good sex led to conversations getting a little deeper, uh / Tell me your darkest secrets, shit you wouldn’t even tell Jesus,” he pop raps, continuing on the first verse, “My karma been tweaking so much, I don’t even believe in karma / But you give me a reason to thank God for all these recent falls.” Also, worth mentioning, besides his sexual endeavors (“Got my sights on your ass, ooh, red dot”), Juice WRLD also references drug use, one of his demons that contributed to his on demise:

“Percocet 30 E 8, I’ve been gettin’ off
I done chilled out on the drugs since you’ve been involved…”

Sigh, unfortunate to say the least.  Moving beyond those troubling lines, one thing that stands out about this “Flaws and Sins” that’s endearing is Juice’s intentionally imperfect diction at times, particularly on the words ‘gorgeous’ and ‘compliments,’ which appear on the memorable, melodic chorus.

“I’m all, I’m really all in
In love with all your flaws and sins
Your scars are really gorgeous
Ain’t that a weird way to give compliments?”

5. The Game, “City of Sin”

Ft. Ed Sheeran

Born 2 Rap • Entertainment One U.S., LP • 2019

According to The Game (and he’d know), Born 2 Rap, his ninth album, is his final studio album. Of course, if you look over the Compton rapper’s career, he’s had some epic moments.  Personally, the albums that standout most when I look back are early gems like The Documentary (2005) and Doctor’s Advocate (2006), as well as R.E.D. (2011) and the controversial Jesus Piece (2012).  Here, on this compilation of sinful songs, The Game does even appear on the record at hand, “City of Sin.” Furthermore, “City of Sin,” featuring Ed Sheeran, runs less than two minutes in duration.  WTF?

Well, there’s some background, which arrives via an Instagram post specific to “City of Sin.” The Game expounds:

This is the intro to my new album. The absolute 1st thing you will hear when the album drops. I sat in the studio for hours with Ed Sheeran & gave him history on Los Angeles as well as how I grew up. Told him I had this hook I wrote on the way to the studio & asked if he’d be open to bringing it to life for me. He of course said yes & was more than happy to be a part of this project & I am so appreciative of him for lending his vocals to what I feel is a CLASSIC album. A real friend in & out of music.

“Whoomp! (There it is)”, right? Right.  What does Sheeran sing on “City of Sin” exactly? Well, “it goes a little something like this”:

“Welcome to the city of sin
Livin’ in the city of angels
And you’ll still hear them sing…
Lullabies to the night
No, no, no.”

6. Lady Gaga, “Sinner’s Prayer”

Joanne • Interscope • 2016

“I get on my knees and beg you…” Okay… Following her third studio album, Artpop, Lady Gaga opted for a different musical direction. It seemed bound to happen to be honest. She released a collaborative jazz album with Tony Bennett, the Grammy-winning Cheek to Cheek, while the album at hand, Joanne (2016), opted for a more mature sound compared to her previous, more dance-oriented efforts.  Sure, Lady Gaga had her mature moments previously, even under the sheen of glossier, dance-pop, but Joanne is a more eclectic. Fitting the sinfulness of this playlist is one of Joanne’s more underrated numbers, “Sinner’s Prayer.” Of course, it probably doesn’t help that “Sinner’s Prayer” follows the set’s crowning achievement, “Million Reasons”.

“Hear my sinner’s prayer / I am what I am / And I don’t wanna break the heart of any other man / But you, but you.” “Sinner’s Prayer” definitely fits the ‘eclectic’ characterization of Joanne.  It features some distinct, vintage musical cues.  Part of the sound constructed here is owed to co-writer Josh Tillman, better known as Father John Misty.  If you, for some reason, haven’t experienced the glory of a Father John Misty song, or better yet, a Father John Misty album, SHAME ON YOU! Anyways, focusing on “Sinner’s Prayer,” the novel element of this number that makes it unique. It’s a blend of country, folk, and singer/songwriter styles, with an indie sensibility is firmly planted.

7. Common, “7 Deadly Sins”

Nobody’s Smiling • Def Jam • 2014 

In 2014, Common released an excellent studio album, Nobody’s Smiling.  Unfortunately, the project didn’t exactly ‘fly off the shelves.’  That means that likely fewer people experienced the lengthier, more expensive deluxe edition of the album.  Likely, folks missed out on “7 Deadly Sins,” which covers the whole shebang.  The whole shebang of what you ask? Why, the seven deadly sins encompassed in the nine circles in hell! By the way, “7 Deadly Sins” previously appeared on the playlist, 21 Songs Associated with the Seven Deadly Sins, for your reading and listening pleasure!

“But the game is the game, so let it begin / In these streets, these are the seven deadly sins…” What originally stood out when including “7 Deadly Sins” on 21 Songs Associated with the Seven Deadly Sins is what Common said about gluttony, described as “an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires.” Common nails it, expounding on the characterization of gluttony like a champ:

“Now the myth about the fifth: it only happens when we eat
It’s gluttony, this is how it happens on the street
It’s a dude that’s getting paid in full, cars and jewels
So his plate is full, but the way this nigga move
He is never full and he gon’ want your food
Don’t overdo it, that's an underrated rule.”

While his bit about gluttony tickled my fancy, Common also does a fine job covering the others including pride (“Pride can have a man stuck in his ways, not subject to change”), wrath (“Never seen a man making money while he mad / So hustle plus wrath / Y’all do the math”), and of course, greed (“Greed is. mother, it’s greedy motherfuckers like Madoff / Cops getting paid off, greedy companies got my people getting laid off”).  Man, it’s a shame more people didn’t partake of Nobody’s Smiling in 2014.

8. Sturgill Simpson, “Life of Sin”

Metamodern Sounds in Country Music • High Top Mountain • 2014

Sturgill Simpson had a pretty sweet run in the 2010s.  In 2014, he delivered one of the most critically acclaimed country albums of the decade with Metamodern Sounds in Country Music.  A Grammy-nominated album, Simpson would win the Grammy for Best Country Album for another excellent country album, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, which was also nominated for Album of the Year.  But the focus is Metamodern Sounds in Country Music, specifically the second track on the album, “Life of Sin.”

On the intentionally vintage, retro country joint, Sturgill Simpson “Thank(s) God for this here life of sin.” His honesty is appreciated throughout the course of the record, apparent from the jump.

“Well, lately things have been a little more complicated
Quality of life has got me down
Well, sex is cheap, and talk is overrated
And the boys and me are still working on the sound.”

That’s only the beginning of the laments for Simpson.  Love comes into play, as does the bottle, with Simpson adding, “But the paranoia is slowly creepin’ in / I keep drinkin’ myself silly.” Of course, the self-hatred is quite relatable when he asserts, “Every morning when I rise look in the mirror and despise / The sight of everything and all that I’ve become.” Been there Sturgill, been there! This is a modern, old-school country record at its best.

9. J. Cole, “Born Sinner”

Ft. James Fauntleroy

Born Sinner • Roc Nation • 2013

“Should this be my last breath I’m blessed cause it was purposeful / Never got to church to worship lord, but please be merciful.” Hmm, food for thought, right? “Born Sinner” concludes the standard edition of Born Sinner, the sophomore album by rapper J. Cole. As the aforementioned quote suggests, the record is semi-repentant at best.

Essentially, J. Cole uses “Born Sinner” as a commentary on life:

“Yeah, this music shit is a gift
But God help us make it ‘cause this music biz is a cliff
I got her life in my grip, she holding tight to my wrist
She screaming: ‘Don’t let me slip.’”

Cole also provides commentary on the life trajectory of black men, something that he has commented upon beyond this particular song and album: “Teachers treated niggas as if they totally worthless / And violent, and hopeless.” Prior to that lyrical jewel from the first verse, he openly admits his sins and doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not: “Born sinner, was never born to be perfect / Sucker for women licking they lips and holding these purses.”  There’s plenty to take in and unpack on “Born Sinner,” and that doesn’t even consider the chorus, soulfully sung by James Fauntleroy and later, a choir:

“I’m a born sinner
But I’ll die better than that, I swear
You were always where I needed you to be
Whether you were there or not there (I was there)
I was born sinning
But I live better than that (better than tat)
If you ain’t fucking with that, I don’t care
(Oooh, ooh, ooh) Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

10. Usher, “Sins of my Father”

Looking 4 Myself • RCA • 2012

Confessions (2004) was the biggest and most important album of Usher’s musical career, period.  As a high school senior, I can remember how ubiquitous the single “Yeah!” was – you couldn’t escape the dominant no. 1 hit.  That said, Usher did move beyond the juggernaut, even if subsequent albums didn’t perform nearly as well.  One of those subsequent albums, Looking 4 Myself, truly marked a wane in popularity for the R&B standout.  Not only was Raymond becoming older, but R&B itself began to ‘cool down’ in that particular year, 2012.  Nonetheless, the more pop-centric urban contemporary album still debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard 200 and had its fair share of moments.  Among the best moments was non-single, “Sins of my Father.” 

What shouldn’t come as a surprise is that this groovy R&B record encompasses a three-letter-word.  “Whoa, now, I think this woman went and put a hex on me,” Usher sings on the first verse, continuing, “Whoa, now, why’d I let her go and put that sex on me?” Essentially, thinking with his pants, Ush let this woman ‘corrupt him’… Yeah, the same guy who turned innocent kisses into something much more X-rated on “Good Kisser”, sigh.  To be fair, “Good Kisser” arrived two years later, so, maybe Usher was ‘purer’ prior to this woman “Speaking in a tongue that sounds new to me.” Of course, the best moment of “Sins of my Father” (aside from killer production courtesy of Salaam Remi) is the chorus:

“It’s the sins of my father
He left the debt to his son
To pay the girl who’s a mother
Collector won’t let me run
But she didn’t make me pay for it with my money
I paid for the sins of my father.”

11.Neon Trees, “Sins of my Youth”

Habits • The Island Def Jam Music Group • 2010

“I’ve got these habits that I cannot break / And as I’m older there is more at stake / Go ahead and call me fake / But these are the sins, the sins of my youth.” Usher sung about the sins of his father on “Sins of my Father” (see song number 10). As for Tyler Glenn – pre-“Sleeping with a Friend” and pre-Excommunication – and Neon Trees, they focus on the “Sins of my Youth.” “Sins of my Youth” appears on the alternative collective’s 2010 debut album, Habits, which is best known for the gem, “Animal.” But before “Animal,” there were “Sins of My Youth.” Literally – it’s the opening song!

So, about those habits that Tyler Glenn cannot break.  Basically, on this rocking joint, he reflects on living recklessly in his youth.  “I found life out on the weekdays,” he sings on the first verse.  Shame on you Tyler – you couldn’t wait until the weekend at least? Confirming his sinful side, on the second verse he sings, “But when I took down my defenses / For the first time there was something in me.” Clearly, that something was devilish to the nth degree! SINFUL!!! But here’s the deal.  If partaking of the pleasure of listening to Tyler Glenn sings his face off on “Sins of my Youth” is a sin, well, then consider myself chief amongst them.

12. Panic! At the Disco, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”

A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out • Fueled by Ramen • 2005

“‘What a beautiful wedding! / What a beautiful wedding!’ says a bridesmaid to a waiter / ‘And yes, but what a shame, what a shame / The poor groom’s bride is a whore.’” Say what? Sigh, when your debut album is entitled, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, you know that there has to be a ‘random,’ ridiculous element to the music.  That is definitely the case for Panic! At the Disco. The colorful, theatrical single “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” served as a breakthrough moment for Brendon Urie and company back in 2005.  Musically, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” features brilliant production work, notably mixing Baroque pop elements (those pizzicato strings) with pop-punk.

As the aforementioned lyrics confirm, the lyrics throughout “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” are wedding-centric, with folks in the wedding criticizing the bride and the groom’s reaction (“The poor groom’s bride is a whore”). Of course, we all know that the most memorable lyrics come from the groom’s mouth, during the chorus:

“I chime in with a
‘Haven’t you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door?!’
No, it’s much better to face these kinds of things
With a sense of poise and rationality.”