13 Holy Songs That Are Holy in Name Only | Playlist 🎧

1. Ozzy Osbourne, “Holy for Tonight”

Ordinary Man • Epic • 2020 

Ordinary Man (2020) marked the 12^th studio album by metal icon Ozzy Osbourne.  Furthermore, Ordinary Man marks his first original music (as a solo artist) since his 2010 album, Scream. Osbourne may be past his prime, but he sounds reinvigorated throughout Ordinary Man at 71 years old. Most relevant to this holy-themed list is the song, “Holy Tonight.”

“Pray for me, father, for I know not what I do,” Osbourne sings on the first verse of the record, continuing, “I am the monster, yeah, you must have read the news.” “Holy for Tonight” is one of many songs on the album that explores ‘the end.’ Sort of like the stellar title track, “Ordinary Man”, “Holy for Tonight” finds Ozzy referencing the ‘dash’ in his life, as well as spirituality and preparing for his last breath.

“It’s gonna be a lonely night
It’s gonna be the longest of my life
I might have told a million lies
But I’ll be holy for tonight.”

There are some truly lovely and epic musical moments, including choral vocals, strings, and capturing that big, vintage 70s pop/rock power ballad sound.

2. Miranda Lambert, “Holy Water”

Wildcard • Vanner / Sony Music Entertainment • 2019

“Mmm, they’re sellin’ snake oil from the pulpit / At the church on main / They’re makin’ deals with the Devil / In the good Lord’s name.” Wow! On her seventh studio album, Wildcard, Grammy-winning country artist Miranda Lambert maintains such consistency, adding another winning album to her discography.  Throughout the project, there are no shortage of musical gems. Among those musical gems is the fifth track, “Holy Water.”

Picking up where the first verse left off, Miranda Lambert adds, “I’m stuck at home missin’ a dirty soul cleansin’ / Ain’t got a dime for the tithe / I believe amusing, personal communion / Can lead you right to the light.” Sure… “Holy Water” is a compelling cut, incorporating elements of gospel and funk, while still remaining idiomatic of country. Lambert’s vocals are quite soulful, drawing from southern gospel music. The backing vocals further amplify the excellence of the song. Besides the colorful lyrics featured on the verses, the chorus is a selling point:

“Gimme some of that holy water
A bit of that holy water
Just a nip on that holy water
Holy water gonna make us drown.”

3. Galantis, “Holy Water”

Church • Atlantic • 2020

In 2020, Grammy-nominated, Swedish electronic production, songwriting, and DJ duo Galantis (Christian Karlsson and Linus Eklöw) returned with their third studio album, Church.  Church arrives more than two years after The Aviary (2017).  Galantis earns a spot on this most holy affair thanks to “Holy Water,” which appears as the fifth track on Church.  “You are my church tonight / My holy view.” Sigh let the church say YES!

“Holy Water” features bright vocals courtesy of British singer Cathy Dennis, who goes uncredited, at least as a featured artist.  Even so, “Holy Water” wouldn’t have nearly the same ‘saving grace’ without her breath vocals painting the major-key backdrop produced by Karlsson (Bloodshy), Henrik Jonback, and Jimmy ‘Svidden’ Koitzsch.  Furthermore, the lyrics are pretty sweet, making references to spiritual things, even if the content is quite secular.

“I wanna drown in your holy water
You know a sin never felt so good
I wanna drown in your holy water
A-Amen (A-Amen, A-Amen).”

Also, worth noting, the drop is pretty epic as well.

4. Fantasia, “Holy Ghost”

Sketchbook • Rock Soul / BMG Rights Management • 2019

The Definition of… (2016), the fourth studio album by Fantasia had its moments.  That said, it wasn’t the most accomplished album by the Grammy-winning R&B artist, nor did it sell the way previous albums had. She’d follow-up The Definition of… with a fantastic holiday album, Christmas After Midnight, which unfortunately, didn’t get the notoriety that it deserved. After multiple albums issued on a major label, her entertaining sixth studio album, Sketchbook, marked her first independent effort.  The resulting project easily outpaces The Definition of… Among the best moments from the album is “Holy Ghost,” which fits the criteria of this playlist.

Fantasia taps into her gospel roots with “Holy Ghost.”  That said, “Holy Ghost” opts for the 2010s, hip-hop-oriented approach to gospel as opposed to sat Rev. James Cleveland or Shirley Caesar.  This isn’t a record filled with ample depth, but it’s fun and finds her praising her Lord and Savior.  So, compared to many of the songs on ‘HOLY’ SONGS IN NAME ONLY, it has its fair share of legitimate holy moments.

5. DJ Khaled, “Holy Mountain”

Ft. Buju Banton, Sizzla, Mavado & 070 Shake

Father of Asahd • Epic • 2019

“We the Best Music / DJ Khaled!” DJ Khaled dropped Father of Asahd in 2019. Thankfully, compared to the album preceding it (Grateful), he didn’t find it necessary to give listeners 90 minutes of music.  Still, with a couple of exceptions, such as the Grammy-winning “Higher” and the song at hand, “Holy Mountain,” Father of Asahd is more compilation than a polished, cohesive album.

“Holy Mountain” commences Father of Asahd with a bang, period.  There’s lots to like or at a minimum, appreciate about the opener.  First and foremost, the production is epic, co-produced by Major Seven.  Secondly, the Jamaican, reggae influence is ‘novel,’ but ultimately, endearing.  The featured artists on “Holy Mountain” are Buju Banton (particularly notable given his legal troubles), Sizzla, Mavado, and rising star, 070 Shake.  070 Shake sounds particularly strong on the chorus, while the sample of “One Spliff a Day” (Billy Boyo) is like the ‘cherry on top.’

Notably, on Father of Asahd, Buju Banton returns for the closer, another ‘holy’ song, “Holy Ground.” “Holy Ground” samples the Lauryn Hill gem, “To Zion”. It isn’t as entertaining as “Holy Mountain,” but it certainly gives the freed reggae artist a respectable solo outing.

6. FKA twigs, “holy terrain”

Ft. Future

MAGDALENE • Young Turks Recordings Ltd. • 2019

“For a man who can follow his heart / Not get bound by his boys and his chains / For a man who can follow his heart / And stand up in my holy terrain…” In 2019, FKA twigs released her sophomore album, MAGDALENE.  MAGDALENE was best known for one particular song, “Cellophane”. The minimal, alternative/ alt R&B gem, which appeared as the eighth best song on The Musical Hype’s 51 Best Songs of 2019, closes the album stunningly.  Unfortunately, “Cellophane” just doesn’t fit this holy playlist but the unique bop “holy terrain,” featuring Future does!

Future sets the tone on “holy terrain” on the intro with his typical, ‘druggy’ delivery (“Make a hunnid bands off the brick, pure yayo”).  Despite what you think about the rapper, there’s actually quite a vibe here – I like the way he fits into the record.  Of course, “holy terrain” really shows its surefire excellence when FKA twigs enters into the picture, blessing the listeners with her gorgeous instrument, particularly as the record progresses.  Arguably the best part of this song dabbling in matters of the heart as opposed to spiritual things is the pre-chorus:

“Will you still be there for me, once I’m yours to obtain?
Once my fruits are for taking and you flow through my veins?
Do you still think I’m beautiful, when my tears fall like rain?
My love is so bountiful for a man who is true to me.”

7. Cody Jinks, “Holy Water”

Lifers • Cody Jinks / Rounder • 2018

“I walk around on pins and needles / Around people I can’t even name / I keep on passin’ church steeples / Prayin’ that my God is still the same…” Hmm, it’s clear that Cody Jinks hasn’t stepped foot in a church for a long time… The country artist keeps things traditional throughout the course of his eighth album, Lifers (2018). Ultimately, the results are nothing short of consistent and utterly incredible. Jinks excels at bringing the past to the present on, Lifers.  He kicks things off with a bang, thanks to “Holy Water.”

On “Holy Water,” Jinks asserts, “Maybe it ain’t the bottle that I need.” Essentially, he’s been a ‘bad, bad boy’ and he needs to atone with spiritual things as opposed to, well, whiskey. It’s a solid start, balancing rock and country favoring the 1970s. I especially love the prominence of the guitars, sigh. Too bad for Jinks that the holy water doesn’t have a lasting effect:

“Too much is not enough; it’s not the love, it’s not the lust that grips me
It must be the whiskey.”

8. Death from Above 1979, “Holy Brooks”

Outrage! Is Now • Warner • 2017

Canadian punk-rock duo Death from Above 1979 – Jesse F. Keeler and Sebastien Grainger – returned with its third studio album, Outrage! Is Now, in 2017. It’s interesting that Outrage! is only the duo’s third studio album – they’ve been in existence since the early 00s. Though not prolific, Death from Above 1979 proves quality trumps quantity any day throughout the course of the album, a 10-track, 36-minute affair.

The holy song at hand, “Holy Books”, was issued as an advance single from the album. It’s souped-up from the jump. The guitars sound menacing, rather hellish.  Grainger delivers aggressive and passionate vocals.  Lyrically, it’s clear that he’s not onboard with the whole God-fearing, Christian thing, with the chorus summarizes his sentiments effectively:

“I don’t go for no holy books
Those ancient rhymes they ain’t got no hooks.”

The tempo remains quick for nearly the first two minutes.  A change of pace arrives at around the 1:55 mark.  The tone changes along with the tempo – the exuberant rebelliousness fades.   This is an unexpected, but brilliant instrumental shift. The original scheme returns right before the three-minute mark, reviving a sense of familiarity.  Here, Death from Above 1979 return to the infectious, atheistic chorus.  Ultimately, “Holy Books” is captivating to the nth degree. The music is energetic, and the vocals are filled with passion and angst.

9. Jamila Woods, “Holy”

HEAVN • Jagjaguwar • 2017

“Though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no love,” Jamila Woods sings on the first verse of “Holy,” continuing, “Oh, my smile, my mind reassure me I don’t need no one.” Obviously, the lyrics have some Biblical (Psalm 23) and spiritual elements, but more notably, tap into matters of the heart.  “Yea, the bad days may come / The lover may leave,” Woods sings on the bridge, adding, “The temple you be / You’re all that you got.” “Holy” appears as the 18^th track on HEAVN, her debut album, released in 2017.

Vocally, Jamila Woods sounds absolutely fantastic.  She sings beautifully over a backdrop that blends the warmness of gospel, the cleverness of jazz, and embraces neo-soul/throwback R&B vibes.  Adding to the gorgeousness of this number are the harmonic progression and the backing vocals.  Of course, thematically and lyrically, “Holy” is totally woke, as stated in the aforementioned paragraph.  The centerpiece is exactly what you would expect – the chorus:

“Woke up this morning with my mind set on loving me
With my mind set on loving me
I’m not lonely, I’m alone
And I’m not holy by my own…”

Beyond the chorus though, the outro, embracing Psalm 23 once more, is pretty lit:

“My cup is full up, what I got is enough
Nobody completes me, don’t mess with my love
Surely, surely, surely, surely goodness and mercy
Shall follow me.”

Amen Jamila Woods, amen!

10. Alicia Keys, “Holy War”

Here • RCA • 2016

Alicia Keys’ “Holy War”, a single from her sixth studio album, HERE, is socially conscious. Keys moves beyond R&B on Here, showing growth, while also serving as a departure from the singer/songwriter’s past.  “Holy War” doesn’t match up with classics from the Grammy winner, but it’s definitely an intriguing, worthwhile record.

Alicia Keys delivers soulful vocals, which help to balance the ‘different’ sound of the record. The socially conscious vibes are evident from the onset.  On the first verse, she sings:

“If war is holy and sex is obscene
Then we got it twisted in this lucid dream
Baptized in boundaries, schooled in sin
Divided by difference, sexuality and skin.”

The lyrics clearly lack the more commercial, R&B-sound of her past but the subject matter is important – relevant in the bigger scheme of things. Keys’ vocals are yearning and expressive on the chorus, which is catchier than the rest of song.  It sums up Keys’ meaningful message:

“Maybe we should love somebody
Maybe we could care a little more
Maybe we should love somebody
Instead of polishing the bombs of holy war.”

11. A$AP Rocky, “Holy Ghost”

Ft. Joe Fox

AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP • RCA • 2015

“Church bells and choir sounds, tell ‘em, ‘Quiet down’ / Bow your head, the Most High’s around cocktails / Guys and gals miss me, ties and gowns happen now / My entire sound is how you tryna sound? Stop it now.”  Jesus. Church CLEARLY isn’t a place where you will find rapper A$AP Rocky. “I got my own relationship with God, Lord.”

Despite the title “Holy Ghost,” a surefire highlight from Rocky’s 2015 sophomore album, AT. LONG. LAST. A$AP, he’s definitely NOT rapping about praising God. Also, it should be noted that he takes issue with church officials.

“The pastor had a thing for designer glasses
Yeah, I'm talkin’ fancy plates and diamond glasses
The ushers keep skimmin’ the collection baskets
And they tryna dine us with some damn wine and crackers.”

12. Father John Misty, “Holy Shit”

I Love You, Honeybear • Sub Pop • 2015

“Age-old general roles / infotainment, capital / Golden bows, and mercury / Bohemian nightmare, dust bowl chic…” Say what? Despite the fact that “Holy Shit” (I Love You, Honeybear) is an attention-getter, Father John Misty (Josh Tillman) never mentions the popular exclamatory phrase once within the lyrics. Rather, the title “Holy Shit” is a description of an overall collection of overwhelming emotions and situations, many of which are far beyond the musician’s control. The song embodies the phrase rather than saying it.

Don’t get it twisted though – “Holy Shit” is brutal honesty. A perfect lyrical example:

“Ancient holy wars
Dead religious
Holocausts
New regimes, old ideas…
Eunuch sluts
Consumer slaves
A rose by any other name
Carbon footprint
Incest dreams
Fuck the mother in the green…”

A heady song, despite referencing random situations and things, like most Father John Misty songs, it’s nothing short of brilliant. Yeah, it’s a lot to take in, but will definitely incite a “holy shit!” reaction. “Holy Shit” appeared previously on the shit-filled playlist, 13 Songs with Every Kind of Poo Imaginable, as well as 15 Songs Featuring Profanity in Their Title.

13. Jay-Z, “Holy Grail”

Ft. Justin Timberlake

Magna Carta… Holy Grail • S. Carter Enterprises • 2013

“You’d take the clothes off my back and I’d let you / You’d steal the food right out my mouth / And I’d watch you eat it / I still don’t know why, why our love is is so much…” I don’t know why either Justin Timberlake, sigh! The aforementioned lyrics hail from “Holy Grail,” which initiates Magna Carta… Holy Grail, the 12^th studio album by Jay-Z.  As you might be able to read into given the aforementioned lyrics, Hov receives heavy assistance from Justin Timberlake – a heaping dose to be precise!  After the intro (more like a bridge) and chorus, by the hunky pop singer, Jay-Z finally gets his moment in the spotlight, with a harder backdrop compared to his collaborator.

Jay-Z has his fair share of lyrical moments. A prime example?

“Blue told me to remind you niggas
Fuck that shit y’all talking about
I’m the nigga caught up in all these lights and cameras
But look what that shit did to Hammer…”

That said, perhaps his flow itself is more compelling than what he actually spits.  And even though there’s a lot of Justin Timberlake on “Holy Grail,” well, JT ‘does the damn thing.’ My favorite part from Timberlake has to be the bridge, which is similar to the intro.  Here, Justin’s vocals are commanding and incredibly ripe:

“You get the air out of my lungs whenever you need it
And you take the blade right out my heart
Just so you can watch me bleed
And I still don’t know why, why I love you so much.”