Reading Time: 20 min read

13 Gripping Songs That Reference God (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Gerd Altmann, Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]13 Gripping Songs That Reference God features songs by Behemoth, Bruno Mars, Jake Wesley Rogers, JORDY, Mitty Collier, and Norman Hutchins.

“It makes no difference what you’re going through,”
Norman Hutchins (R.I.P.) sings encouragingly, and continues, “You’re going to make it, GOD’S gonna see you through.” Preach, preacher! SPEAK ON IT! Behemoth, however, has a not-so-favorable view of G-O-D: “Eat my flesh, drink my blood / I am the shit ov God…” Oh, Nergal, you’re one of a kind, for sure! Bruno Mars has a more positive view, asserting “GOD was showin’ off / Makin’ you, girl.” Amen 🙏… I think!

God, rather God and god-related playlists, have been published multiple times on The Musical Hype. 13 Gripping Songs That Reference God, our latest god-centric list, is the sequel to 13 Songs Filled with God (2022). That godly list was preceded by God is in the Midst of These 11 Secular Songs (2018), 11 Secular Songs from 2019 That Reference Jesus or God (2019), and OMG! 11 Totally Oh My God Songs (2020). And, of course, there are Jesus-related playlists too, including the most recent 12 Jaw-Dropping JESUS Songs (2026). But enough about the past! Let’s focus on the present! 13 Gripping Songs That Reference God features songs by Behemoth, Bruno Mars, Jake Wesley Rogers, JORDY, Mitty Collier, and Norman Hutchins.  So, without further ado, why don’t you “Call Him up, call Him up / Tell Him what you want!” Who? God, of course.  Or, if you choose to call on Him at a later time, or that’s not your thing (no judgement zone here, like Planet Fitness), you can just check out this mostly secular, though occasionally sacred, playlist.


~ Table of Contents ~

1. JORDY, “GOD COMPLEX”

JORDY, GOD COMPLEX [📷: JORDY / EMPIRE]

2. Bruno Mars, “God Was Showing Off”

Bruno Mars, The Romantic [📷: Atlantic]

3. Aware Worship, “Trust in God”

Aware Worship, Trust in God [📷: Aware Worship]

4. Mike Taveira, “G.OD”

Mike Taveira, G.OD [📷: Mike Taveira]

5. Nemo, “God’s A Raver”

Nemo, Arthouse [📷: Universal Music GmbH]

6. Jake Wesley Rogers, “God Bless”

Jake Wesley Rogers, In The Key of Love [📷: Facet / Warner]

7. Juno Lev, “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)”

Juno Lev, when they find your body (EP)[📷: Milkboy]

8. Behemoth, “The Shit Ov God”

Behemoth, The Shit Ov God [📷: Nuclear Blast]

9. Bentley Robles, “GOD IS A F**KBOY”

Bentley Robles, UGLY CRIER (DELUXE) [📷: Bentley Robles Music]

10. James Ingram & Michael McDonald, “Yah Mo B There”

James Ingram, It’s Your Night [📷: Qwest]

11. Norman Hutchins, “God’s Got a Blessing (with My Name on It!)”

Norman Hutchins, Nobody But You [📷: JDI Entertainment, Inc.]

 

12. Mitty Collier, “I Had A Talk with God Last Night”

Mitty Collier, The Warning [📷: Mitty Collier]

13. The Beach Boys, “God Only Knows”

The Beach Boys, Pet Sounds [📷: Capitol]

 


1. JORDY, “GOD COMPLEX”

GOD COMPLEX (EP) » JORDY / EMPIRE » 2026

JORDY, GOD COMPLEX [📷: JORDY / EMPIRE]

“I know you like it when I’m down on my knees.”
Are you praying, JORDY (Jordy Shulman), or are you doing something else? Listening to the next line in “GOD COMPLEX”, Shulman sings, “Asking forgiveness over something I didn’t do / Got me thinking that you’re some kind of priest / Confessing over something you know that isn’t true.” Early on, in the first verse of “GOD COMPLEX,” the religious and spiritual references run rampant.  Down on my knees, forgiveness, priest, and confessing are all key words. Shulman composed the two-and-a-half-minute song with Perrin Xthona and producer mattisnotfamous (Matthew Roy Ferree).

The second verse of “GOD COMPLEX” moves beyond religion, well, sort of.  JORDY shares his plans to become friends with his ex’s ex – an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth! In the pre-choruses, Shulman discusses losing and eventually finding himself following this shitty experience. That, my friends, leads to the Chorus, the centerpiece of the record.  “You were a bad decision, bad religion, can’t believe that I committed / To a normal guy, with a god complex,” he sings, and adds, “Rather be a sinner, pull the trigger, altogether / Couldn’t tell you why, I was so obsessed.” Once more, religious and spiritual references rear their head, with JORDY singing them like a champ.  His voice is terrific as he rocks out over the pop/rock, pop-punk-infused music accompaniment.  The theme and lyrics are entertaining and honest, while the melodies are tuneful. All in all, “GOD COMPLEX” is another bop in the hands of JORDY.  Rock on! 

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2. Bruno Mars, “God Was Showing Off”

The Romantic » Atlantic Records » 2026

Bruno Mars, The Romantic [📷: Atlantic]

“God was showin’ off / While makin’ you, ooh / God was showin’ off / Makin’ you, girl.”
Those song lyrics, from the chorus of “God Was Showing Off”, speak for themselves.  No further explanation necessary.  As always, Grammy-winning pop/R&B singer-songwriter Bruno Mars shows off singing the fourth track from his fourth solo album and fifth overall, The Romantic.  This ode to an angel was written by Bruno Mars, Dernst D’Mile Emile II, Philip Lawrence, James Fauntleroy, Homer Steinweiss, Leon Michels, and Dave Guy. Mars and D’Mile produced it.

In Bruno’s eyes, this girl is perfect, PERIODT! “I bet in the pourin’ rain, you still shine,” he sings in the first verse, and adds, “Is Heaven your name? / Or is it Divine? / Don’t matter, girl, it’s gonna look good next to mine.”  In the second verse, he admits, “I ain’t never seen beauty like this / I was blind, but now I see.” I see that “Amazing Grace” reference, Bruno! In the pre-chorus, he continues to praise this girl, acknowledging, “The way you put together, only God can do.” Yes, sir 👏! The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the crème de la crème, confirming that God did something special with her. In the bridge, he has to testify, “Hallelujah… Ooh, you make me wanna sing.” And sing Bruno does authentically, with great sincerity and soulfulness.  Like most Mars songs, the theme and lyrics are easily digestible, memorable, and relatable.  The melodies are tuneful from start to finish.  The musical accompaniment and production are terrific, too.  There’s the core band (rhythm section), as well as biting, articulated horns and lush strings – the whole shebang! Not only was “God Was Showing Off” when he created this angelic lady, but Bruno Mars also shows off, in a big way, on this sophisticated and sublime soul-pop record. 

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3. Aware Worship, “Trust in God”

“Trust in God” » Aware Worship » 2024

Aware Worship, Trust in God [📷: Aware Worship]

Aware Worship gives praise, honor, and glory to God in their inspirational song, “Trust in God”.  Notably, this contemporary Christian song quotes the hymn, “Blessed Assurance.” “Trust in God” was originally performed by Elevation Worship. Chris Brown sings lead in the original, a role that worship leader Mark Gutierrez assumes in the Aware Worship cover.  Even though “Trust in God” is a cover, Gutierrez and company make it sound original.

The spirit is lofty from the beginning.  Gutierrez sings authentically with the utmost sincerity.  Watch the accompanying music video and you can also see his immense faith. The choir, likewise, provides support that sounds heartfelt – sincere without question. They are witness to the greatness and wonder-working power of God. They share the ministry through the music superbly.  From the Aware Worship perspective, “Trust in God” leans into gospel music more than CCM. Gutierrez makes brilliant vocal choices with his ad-libs.  The riffs and runs are dynamic and soulful, upping the ante. With the text inspiring itself – “I trust in God, my Savior / The one who will never fail / He will never fail” and “I sought the Lord and He heard, and He answered” – high-flying vocals only elevate the spirit to higher heights.  “Trust in God” by Aware Worship is truly a blessing. 

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4. Mike Taveira, “G.OD”

“G.OD” » Mike Taveira » 2025

Mike Taveira, G.OD [📷: Mike Taveira]

“Sunday, open door / Blacked out, he’s on all fours.”
👀 Somehow, I don’t believe the almighty God is involved with this, Mike Taveira! Even if the Most High is not the focal point, Taveira gives us four minutes of greatness with “G.OD”.  This is a much more experimental-sounding pop song from the pansexual singer-songwriter.  The spiciness is not in question – did you read those lyrics?! “G.OD” was written by Taveira, Alex Koste, Paul Mauer, Skyler Cocco, and volkan can. Alex Koste and volkan can produced it.

“G.OD” begins enigmatically. It features unique nebulous synths and pads. Once the hard-hitting groove settles in, the picture becomes clearer but still maintains its mysteriousness. Mike Taveira also brings an air of mysteriousness to his vocal performance. That said, I love his breathy, sensual tone and the vibe given off through the melody. He continues singing in the first verse, “Finding God right on your mattress / Day and night, tick-time just passes / G-O-D looking down at us.” Again, 👀. With the arrival of the second verse, the modus operandi and script make more sense. The Biblical references are something else: “Eden, pinch your nose and breathe in / Demon, bite the apple freedom /… Adam, Eve, and Adam just got kicked out of the garden.” The chorus is incredibly tuneful, and, of course, sexual. I love the warmth of the production here particularly.

“Shoot me up, lay me down, love

Taste it on your tongue, hurt me just for fun

Like you did before, babe

Cut me up, cut me out, love

Let you hold the gun, hurt me just for fun

Like you did before, babe

You’ll be the end of me

Give me your G-O-D

Shoot me up, lay me down, love (Love).”

What more can you say to that? Mike T said what he said.  I have questions about the gun, but I’ll leave it at that.  One final note: post-chorus, there are some incredible instrumental sounds.  All told, the handsome (understatement) and talented (understatement) Mike Taveira compels on “G.OD”.  I love the uniqueness of this record, while we still get S meets E, and then they X.  What more can you ask for?! 

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5. Nemo, “God’s A Raver”

Arthouse » Universal Music GmbH » 2025

Nemo, Arthouse [📷: Universal Music GmbH]

“I’d join a cult for you, sell my soul to you / When we touch, it’s a miracle.”
Swiss pop artist Nemo (Nemo Mettler, they/them) uses striking religious imagery in their track “God’s A Raver”. It is intentionally blasphemous, and we Stan! They don’t stop there in the first verse of this gay bop! “I’m seeing the holy light, I could die tonight,” they sing, and continue, “When you touch me, it’s biblical.” Damn, Nemo! Nemo, Maegan Cottone, and Jez Ashurst wrote the song while Nemo, Ashurst, Sacha Rudy, and Liam Maye produced it.

Beyond its provocative lyrics, the music is vibrant, particularly the piano and a strong groove. Nemo’s vocals are playful, filled with personality and sinfulness! “Oh, hey, girl, you say you wanna take me there / I’m just a little bit scared, uh, can you hold my hand for a second,” they assert in the second verse. The pre-chorus prefaces the memorable chorus: “Oh, I think I love you, love, you, love you, you.” The chorus is the crème de la crème:

“If there’s a God, we just met at the gay bar

She is a raver just like me

If there’s a God, please, forgive my behavior

I just wanna taste her on my knees.”

Oh, snap 😳! The post-chorus continues to reference religious themes: “Touching heaven, met my maker, I believe that God’s a raver.” Ooh-wee! Conservative Christians may be pissed off by “God’s A Raver”, while progressive Christians might find the song clever and appealing. As for me, it is an irresistibly delicious bop.

 

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6. Jake Wesley Rogers, “God Bless”

In The Key Of Love » Facet / Warner »  2025

Jake Wesley Rogers, In The Key of Love [📷: Facet / Warner]

“Momma’s little gun on the back of your head / Got a little drunk, ordered jockstraps on the internet.”
Two lines into “God Bless”, Midwest-bred pop singer/songwriter Jake Wesley Rogers is locked in and loaded. The openly gay musician expresses how complicated sexuality is from the pressure of loved ones and desiring to be yourself.  Wesley Rogers continues in the first verse from the sixth track of his 2025 debut album, In The Key Of Love, “You taste just like honey on cornbread / I feel so alone when you’re not in my bed.” Regardless of your sexuality, those lines should resonate. Rogers penned this thrilling ballad alongside Greg Wells. Mike Sabath produced it.

From the beginning, Rogers spoils us with his fabulous vocals.  His tone is terrific, while his ad-libs and riffs give you chills.  He sings authentically and sincerely. The second verse is as impressive as the first. “We’re having car sex in a business park / Like we’re the last couple on Noah’s ark,” he sings honestly and memorably. His ‘bread is buttered’ in the chorus, which excels melodically and lyrically:

“God bless the straight man in a dress

God bless threesomes when I’m celibate

God bless doing mushrooms with an atheist

God bless, it’s a beautiful fucking mess

God bless the trans kid in Texas

God bless the gods that don’t exist

Sometimes I wish it all would end

But, God bless, it’s a beautiful fucking mess.”

Supporting Rogers in the post-chorus are choral vocals, which are everything.  They give off gospel vibes.  Beyond the singing and songwriting, the musical backdrop is incredible, too. The arrangement and production are never overdone – it is just right.  As awesome as the instrumental is, Mike Sabath ensures Jake Wesley Rogers is the focal point.  Is there any way you can listen to the blessing that is “God Bless” and not beam with pride? Nope! It is awesome!

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7. Juno Lev, “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)”

when they find your body » Milkboy » 2021

Juno Lev, when they find your body (EP)[📷: Milkboy]

“I spent all of last night in god’s bed / Mom, please don’t get upset / ‘Cause now I’ll be immortalized / I’ll be immortalized.”
Ooh-wee, Juno Lev (Jack Braun, who formerly performed as Jackfruit), I’m speechless 😶! Anytime spirituality is woven into music, it creates a compelling, thought-provoking listen.  “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)” is a prime example of a song with spiritual elements that easily catches the ears. The open-minded and progressive souls will eat this up, while those who are the most god-fearing will cry foul.  “I saw god in a Trader Joe’s / Buying organic blueberries / Prettiest man I’d ever seen.” Noted, Juno Lev. “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)” is the fourth track from their 2021 EP, when they find your body. Juno Lev produced this LGBTQ gem with the talented Zach Benson.

After god kissed Juno Lev, with dried apricots in one hand, they assert, “I think my teeth are gonna rot.” The other experiences with god (Lev uses ‘god’ lowercased throughout) are questionable too, including “Lips sliding open in a prayer” (a blowjob), and stating that sex with him was “As close to heaven as I’ll get”.  Arguably the best line: “Second coming in a bathroom stall / But now god won’t return my calls, wrote him a love letter.” Holy shit! Beyond mixing queer sex and god, the music is heavenly on “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better).” The electronic sound palette (keys and pads) shine.  The drum programming and snaps that arrive during the second verse are sweet.  The snare drumming is a superb touch. Of course, Lev is the star, singing expressively and gorgeously.  They are authentic to the nth degree, even as the lyrics are playful… and blasphemous 🤭. Adding to the allure are tuneful melodies from the get-go.  Oh, and how about one final lyrical shout-out?  At the end, can I get an “Amen, ah men?” Perhaps the sex could’ve gone better on “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)”, but the song remains a surefire, queer-to-the-nth-degree bop! We Stan!

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8. Behemoth, “The Shit Ov God”

The Shit Ov God » Nuclear Blast » 2025

Behemoth, The Shit Ov God [📷: Nuclear Blast]

“Eat my flesh, drink my blood / I am the shit ov God.”
‘Holy shit’ is an appropriate reaction to the intro of “The Shit Ov God”. The Polish metal band Behemoth is fascinating.  They have consistently embraced anti-Christian, blasphemous, and satanic elements in their music. That is part of their allure.  Behemoth remains ‘infernal as hell’ on the promo single and third track from their 13th studio album, The Shit Ov God.  “The Shit of God” is dark, heavy, and hellish. Who would have it any other way or expect something different? This shit that Nergal (Adam Darski) sings about, as well as the rest of the band plays, hits you right in the chest.  Nergal’s vocals are coarse and unrefined, while the lyrics are damning.  “You brighten the north, I rage down south,” Nergal sings in the first verse, continuing, “This heretic’s homily I offer thee now.” And, holy shit, the homily, which appears in the chorus, is heretical to the nth degree. Behemoth scrambles the letters of Jesus and In His Service, transforming them into pessimistic, unholy things:

“I for ingrate

E to eradicate

S for scorn

U for useless

S for the shame

J for the joyless

H to humiliate

S for thy son unloved

We are the shit ov God

We are the shit ov God.”

Wow… In the second verse, Nergal continues embracing the left-hand path: “They say you’re almighty, an illusion I quell / You serve up in Eden, I reign in hell.” Behemoth remains firmly committed to its renowned atheistic, satanic vibes on “The Shit Ov God”.

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    9. Bentley Robles, “GOD IS A F**KBOY”

    UGLY CRIER (DELUXE) » Bentley Robles Music » 2024

    Bentley Robles, UGLY CRIER (DELUXE) [📷: Bentley Robles Music]Matters of the heart can fuck you up, badly, particularly at the hands of a fuckboy. The term, albeit vulgar, elicits a worthwhile conversation regarding dating, however. In the case of fearless pop artist Bentley Robles (Bruno Pazzi Robles), an UGLY CRIER, love, or the illusion of love, has done a number on him, courtesy of fuckboys.  “My friends always say that I ruin new things cause of you,” he sings in the first verse of “GOD IS A FUCKBOY”, adding, “Spend all my time blaming myself / But I don’t really think it’s my fault / It’s just that I’m built like this / I’m clinically a romantic guy.” Fair enough. So, who’s to blame for you “cry-ing about boys that don’t deserve it?” The ultimate fuckboy – God, apparently 🫢. In the second track of UGLY CRIER (Deluxe), Robles has an epiphany – one considered blasphemous by some!

    “I never thought much about him before this

    But in this moment on one thing, I’m focused

    If God led me straight to you

    Then God must be a fuckboy too.”

    Robles is boldly honest, which makes him captivating as a musical artist.  It doesn’t stop there. He adds, “I wish that someone could see / That the big guy is picking on me / Wish I could just send him a text like / ‘Daddy, just give it a rest’.” There’s also, “And they say, I can do all things in God but / He’s doing a really bad job, yeah / I don’t know why / He spends his time / Sending me so many bad guys.” Over the exuberant, synth-driven production (FLORIO), Robles states that He (aka God) “is a fuckboy” repeating it numerous times.  Associating God with fuckery take some stones. Robles, all told, delivers an ear-catching, PRIDE beaming, pop song.

     

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    10. James Ingram & Michael McDonald, “Yah Mo B There”

    It’s Your Night » Qwest » 1983

    James Ingram, It’s Your Night [📷: Qwest]

    “Heavenly Father watchin’ us fall / We take from each other and give nothing at all.”
    James Ingram (1952 – 2019) and Michael McDonald (b. 1952) conjured up some soulful, spiritual magic in their duet, “Yah Mo B There”, which appears on Ingram’s 1983 album, It’s Your Night. During his lifetime, James was nominated for 14 Grammys, winning two. His second Grammy win, at the 27th Annual GRAMMY Awards, was for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for “Yah Mo B There.”  As for McDonald, he has won five Grammys, earning his fifth win alongside Ingram.  Ingram and McDonald composed this award-winning classic alongside the late, great Rod Temperton (1949 – 2016) and the late, great producer extraordinaire, Quincy Jones (1933 – 2024). A pop hit, “Yah Mo Be There” peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.

    So, why such an odd title like “Yah Mo Be There?”  With spiritual matters in mind, Yah Mo Be There is a play on Yahweh or God. James Ingram mentions ‘Heavenly Father’ in the excerpted lyrics from the first verse.  He adds, “So if your luck runs low, just reach out and call His name.” ‘His name,’ of course, is Yahweh. In the chorus, Ingram and McDonald sing, “Yah Mo B there / Whenever you call,” asserting God will be there with you when you call/petition upon him.  McDonald’s second verse is composed similarly: “‘Cause it’s a long road that leads to a brighter day, hey / Don’t let your heart grow cold, just reach out and call His name.” Both musicians put their foot into this classic, showing off the sheer beauty of their instruments.  Speaking of instruments, the musical accompaniment is top-notch, too, led by an infectious groove and keyboards. Harmonically, the progression stands out, as does the key scheme (verses and chorus are in differing keys). The bridge (“No matter how many dreams slip away / Yah will be there”) also contrasts verses and chorus. Ultimately, Ingram and McDonald deliver a spiritually driven, timeless, and tuneful masterpiece with “Yah Mo B There”. 

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      11. Norman Hutchins, “God’s Got a Blessing (with My Name on It!)”

      Nobody but You » JDI Entertainment, Inc. » 2002

      Norman Hutchins, Nobody But You [📷: JDI Entertainment, Inc.]

      “Get ready for your blessing / Get ready for your miracle.”
      Amen! Hallelujah! The late, great Norman Hutchins (1962 – 2025) recorded a surefire, gospel music gem with “God’s Got a Blessing (with My Name on It!)”. This is one of Hutchin’s best-known songs, appearing as the fifth track from his 2002 album, Nobody but You. As the song turns 25, its positive, uplifting message endures. How does one obtain this blessing? Keeping the faith and believing that God will come through!

      “God’s Got a Blessing (with My Name on It!)” sounds exuberant from the get-go.  This is what gospel music should sound like.  The praise band is locked in: keys, organ, guitar, bass, and drums.  Beyond the bright, inspired instrumental, the singing is anointed – filled with joy and jubilance.  Sure, there is adversity, but the end to those troubles is in sight! “It makes no difference what you’re going through / You’re going to make it, God’s gonna see you through,” Hutchins sings soulfully in the first verse, and adds, “This is another test, it won’t last always.” True that! The second verse is similar, where he adds, “Troubles and trials come to make you strong / Keep on believing, you keep holding on.” Woo! Backed by an anointed choir, Norman encourages us to be on the lookout for our blessing – it has our name on it! After the second chorus, Hutchins and company vamp, keeping the faith and not giving up! As an old gospel hymn says so eloquently, “There is No Failure in God”.  We all need to believe that “God’s Got a Blessing (with My Name on It!)”.

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      12. Mitty Collier, “I Had A Talk with God Last Night”

      The Warning » Mitty Collier » 1972

      Mitty Collier, The Warning [📷: Mitty Collier]

      “I had a talk / With my man last night.”
      Mitty Collier (b. 1941), now Pastor Mitty Collier, is most renowned for her romantic soul classic, “I Had A Talk With My Man”.  Personally, it ranks among my favorite songs from an extensive soul catalog (I consider it to be underrated).  Interestingly, according to Secondhand Songs, “I Had A Talk with My Man” was adapted from “I Had a Talk with God”, written by the late, great gospel music legend, James Cleveland (1931 – 1991). After shifting from soul to gospel, Collier recorded a sacred version of her secular hit, fittingly titled, “I Had A Talk with God Last Night”. The subject of her original is replaced by someone much bigger: God. “I had a talk with God last night / I cried, oh Lord, please make things alright,” she sings in the first verse, and continues,  “And He said He’d all my battles fight / I had a talk with God last night.” “I Had A Talk with God Last Night” is the sixth track from her 1972 album, The Warning.

      “I Had A Talk With My Man” had its fair share of gospel sensibilities.  Unsurprisingly, “I Had A Talk with God Last Night” leans into them more.  The record has a traditional, black gospel sound and aesthetic.  The instrumentation within the accompaniment is piano, keyboard (which performs bright string-like sounds), guitar, bass, and drums. The record is slow in tempo, with a lilting feel.  It is bluesy and oozes with soul. I adore the grittiness and huskiness of Collier’s vocals. She sings the uplifting, spiritual lyrics with incredible expression and nuance.  She gives her all in her performance, with the authenticity and sincerity being indisputable.  In the second verse, she sings, “I prayed for Him, to guide me right, oh yes I did / And help me find peace, and a better life.” Amen, Pastor! Of course, the record concludes powerfully, with Collier thanking Him “For giving me victory,” and adding, “And whenever I need Him, He’s so good, He’s so good to me / Oh yes He is, Yes He is, / Oh, yeah, I had a talk with my God last night.”  All told, Pastor Mitty Collier truly ushers in the spirit in a mighty, powerful way on “I Had A Talk with God Last Night” 🙌. 

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      13. The Beach Boys, “God Only Knows”

      Pet Sounds » Capitol » 1966

      The Beach Boys, Pet Sounds [📷: Capitol]

      “I may not always love you / But long as there are stars above you / You never need to doubt it / I’ll make you so sure about it.”
      Can you fill in the next line? If you recited or sang, “God only knows what I’d be without you,” you’d be correct! “God Only Knows” is considered to be the crème de la crème from the legendary, Grammy-nominated surf rock band, The Beach Boys. It appears as the eighth track (in mono) on their 1966, platinum-certified album, Pet Sounds.  The remastered version is the 22nd track on the LP. Brian Wilson (1942 – 2025) and Tony Asher (1939 – ) wrote “God Only Knows.” Brian also produced it. The beloved classic snuck into the top 40 of the pop charts, peaking at number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100.

      Carl Wilson (1946 – 1998) sings lead on “God Only Knows,” and it’s beautiful.  His voice is one of the reasons this ranks among the top of The Beach Boys’ musical catalog.  The first verse is incredibly memorable, with successive verses similarly penned. “If you should ever leave me / Well, life would still go on, believe me,” Carl sings in the third and final verse, continuing, “The world could show nothing to me / So what good would living do me?” The answer is the familiar refrain, “God only knows what I’d be without you.” Brian and Bruce Johnston (1942 – ) assist Carl in the song’s outro, which continues that familiar refrain. Beyond the impeccable songwriting and Carl’s lead vocals, the musical backdrop is delightful.  In addition to the standard rock/pop instrumentation, “God Only Knows” features the organ, band, and orchestral instruments (flute, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, French Horn, strings), and accordion.  So, with all the gloriousness that “God Only Knows” brings to the musical table, where does the controversy arise? God. The song title featured God, leading some radio stations (*cough* in the South 😏) to ban it. That’s unbelievable, isn’t it?

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      ~ Table of Contents ~ » ~ intro ~

      13 Gripping Songs That Reference God (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic Records, Aware Worship, Bentley Robles Music, Capitol, EMPIRE, Facet, JDI Entertainment, Inc., JORDY, Milkboy, Mitty Collier, Nuclear Blast, Qwest, Universal Music GmbH, Warner; Gerd Altmann, Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

       

      Categories: EvergreenLGBTQMusicPlaylistsPop Culture

      the musical hype

      The Musical Hype (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and music theory/composition, respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.

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