13 More Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience

Reading Time: 20 min read

13 More Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience features songs by Chris Brown, DeathbyRomy, Frankie Grande, Ghost, Marvin Sapp & Samuel Saint.

Once again (because I’m plagiarizing myself and don’t feel like trying to be clever), let the church say, amen! AMEN! Let the church say, hallelujah! HALLELUJAH! Let the church say blasphemy, heresy, and utter sacrilege! Blasphemy! Heresy! Utter sacrilege! Ooh-wee! While there are some Godly, reverent, and spiritually pure moments on 13 More Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience, the sequel to 13 Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience (2025), but, most of these songs aren’t intended for the church. Yes, there is a Marvin Sapp cut, por ejemplo, which seems spiritual on paper, but we must even take pause when examining “Close the Door”… Four words: Ushers, close the doors! More blasphemous, heretical, and sacrilegious are the likes of Frankie Grande and his “Glitter Jesus” 😬, and Ghost, who are… “Satanized” 😳 😳 😳! Damn…ed!

Less stricter than 13 Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience (2025), 13 More Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience is conceptual, loosely based around elements or parts of a church service, or things associated, without being properly pious or sacred. 13 More Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience features songs by Chris Brown, DeathbyRomy & Palaye Royale, Frankie Grande, Ghost, Marvin Sapp, and Samuel Saint. So, without further ado, let’s get into this nontraditional church experience, and prepare to repent in advance! Again, I say, ushers, close the doors!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Frankie Grande, “Glitter Jesus”	2. DeathbyRomy & Palaye Royale, “PRAY TO ME”	3. Chris Brown, “Holy Blindfold”	4. Dusty Springfield, “Son of a Preacher Man”
5. Jake Wesley Rogers, “God Bless”	6. Scott Hoying, “PRAY”	7. Samuel Saint, “Pray the Gay Away”	8. Jake Wesley Rogers, “Hot Gospel”
9. Ghost, “Satanized”	10. Marvin Sapp, “Close the Door”	11. James Ingram & Michael McDonald, “Yah Mo B There”	12. Sister Janet Mead, “The Lord’s Prayer”
13. The Beach Boys, “God Only Knows”

1. Frankie Grande, “Glitter Jesus”

Hotel Rock Bottom » Casablanca / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 2025

“I will reflect all the light from the shine of my skin / So you can fuck who you want and get your glam on.” Oh, snap, Frankie Grande! Mr. Grande is a character… understatement. Flamboyant and unapologetic, he is one-of-a-kind, something he confirms on his 2025 debut album, Hotel Rock Bottom. The song at hand, “Glitter Jesus”, is the tenth track. Unsurprisingly, it is fierce and blasphemous to the nth degree. “With the body of techno / With the body of disco,” he asserts in the pre-chorus, concluding, “With the body of Glitter Jesus.” I mean, in the Bible, in Exodus 20, it clearly states thou shalt have no other gods before me, and yet, here is Glitter Jesus, the god of the gay club. #Slay 💅 🤭.

“Glitter Jesus” matches its bold title by being turnt up from the get-go. It features sleek, electronic production from Slush Puppy that is chock-full of synths. The opening synth riff is irresistible to the nth degree. You won’t be able to get it unstuck from your head as much as you try! Tuneful! Of course, our flamboyant Frankie serves up a performance that is fierce to the nth degree, characterized by breathy vocals, rhythmic melodies, and sheer, unfettered naughtiness. Jesus, I mean, Glitter Jesus, states, all-knowingly, in the second verse, “I will absorb all the hate, go get your gay on / Let it bear my faults, let them all scream my name / I will lay down my life so you can sin on.” Let the gay club say, AMEN, AMEN, AMEN 🌈! The centerpiece of the brief but intriguing “Glitter Jesus” is the chorus, where the focus is on our gay lord and savior… 😬 Let me repent in advance:

“All eyes in the club on Glitter Jesus

Throw stacks and drugs on Glitter Jesus

Thigh highs and a strap-on, Glitter Jesus

All eyes in the club on Glitter Jesus.”

Ooh-wee, Frankie!

Appears in:

Frankie Grande, Glitter Jesus: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 No. 65 (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

2. DeathbyRomy & Palaye Royale, “PRAY TO ME”

HOLLYWOOD FOREVER » DeathbyRomy » 2025

“Pray to me like Jesus / Worship me forever / When you’re at your weakest / I can be your savior.” Ooh-wee, it’s giving heresy, DeathbyRomy (Romy Flores), and Palaye Royale! The singer and rock band collaborate on “PRAY TO ME”, the religious imagery-laden single and penultimate track from Romy’s 2025 album, HOLLYWOOD FOREVER. Flores co-wrote the heavy, minor-key cut with Ally Duesbury and AWAY (Dan Alm). AWAY, Midoca, and Omri are credited as producers. The sound of “PRAY TO ME” is one of its best attributes, blending traditional rock sounds with a sleek electronic palette. The love is dark in the hands of Romy and Palaye Royale vocalist Remington Leith.

DeathbyRomy performs the initial chorus (excerpted above), first verse, pre-chorus, and following chorus. With her powerful and expressive vocals and bold lyrics, she is unapologetic, setting the blasphemous tone. “Crucifix, three six, I’m a misfit / Blasphemous, plagued bitch with the sickness,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “Heaven’s Gate Kool-Aid when I’m mixin’.” In the pre-chorus, she asserts, “I’m your pain and I’m your pleasure / I’m the ode to your disaster.” Oh, snap! Palaye Royale (Remington) performs the second verse, continuing the blasphemy: “I bow down like a good disciple / Repent before me, I’ll show you the Bible.” They join forces in the pre-chorus, later singing collaboratively in the bridge (“Take my wings and tear them off / Tie my hands to the edge of the cross…”) and the epic final chorus, the first not sung exclusively by DeathbyRomy. An undisputed, hard-rocking bop, “PRAY TO ME” thrives thanks to strong vocal performances, hellish songwriting, tuneful melodies, and stellar production. Does repenting mean anything if you can’t resist listening to something blasphemous over and over? Haha.

Appears in:

~ Table of Contents ~

3. Chris Brown, “Holy Blindfold”

“Holy Blindfold” » Chris Brown Entertainment / RCA » 2025

“Ooh, your arms provide my shelter / Only way I sleep through my unrest.” Noted, and respected, Chris Brown. The Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter has always possessed an amazing voice, but his antics and over-sexualized, rinse and repeat music have left more to be desired at times. On “Holy Blindfold”, Brown delivers a clear change of pace, sounding starkly different from his unholy brand of music. Brown co-wrote “Holy Blindfold” with Tenroc, Jon Bellion, Jordan K. Johnson, MarcLo, Stefan Johnson, and Xplicit. The Monsters & Strangerz, Bellion, and Tenroc produced it.

“Holy Blindfold” begins fittingly with an ethereal sound. It is enigmatically beautiful. Adding the excellence is a marvelous, anchoring groove. Overall, the musical backdrop is lush and colorful, particularly toward the end of the song. Matching the beauty of the production is a well-rounded, gorgeous vocal performance by Brown. His tone is terrific. The vocal production gets the most out of him. Although there is no profanity, Brown does reference sex: “Sex like the rain in the desert / She blazin’ hot as embers / Euphoric touch, I’m floatin’ away.” Still, this is kinder, gentler Chris Brown. The melodies are tuneful from start to finish, with the chorus earning the record’s top honors:

“Let the sky fall

If I’m lookin’ at you, then my lens is a rose

(Lookin’ at you, lookin’ at you)

(If I’m lookin’ at you, then my lens is a rose)

Holy blindfold (Ooh)

When I’m lookin’ at you, God rest my soul

Feel like I saw the light

I feel like.”

What does he feel like? “Do-do-do-do, do-do-do / Do-do-do-do (God rest my soul).” That post-chorus is sweet, too. “Holy Blindfold” is a welcome, much-needed contrast for Brown.

Appears in:

A Heaping Dose of H Songs (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

4. Dusty Springfield, “Son of a Preacher Man”

Dusty in Memphis » Atlantic » 1969

According to the late, great Dusty Springfield (1939 – 1999), “The only one who could ever reach me / Was the son of a preacher man.” Some preacher’s kids do have reputations… Springfield was the first to record “Son of a Preacher Man”, written for another legendary singer: Aretha Franklin. Franklin covered it in 1970 but turned it down initially. Springfield landed a hit with this John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins-penned tour de force. Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd, and Arif Mardin produced it. “Son of a Preacher Man” is the third track from Springfield’s soulful 1969 LP, Dusty in Memphis. It peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s four top 10 hits.

So, what kind of things did the son of a preacher man, cited as ‘Billy Ray’ in the song, teach Dusty Springfield? I can guarantee they weren’t Biblical! While his father, the preacher, would visit, “That’s when Billy would take me walkin’ / Out through the backyard, we’d go walkin’ / Then he’d look into my eyes / Lord knows, to my surprise…” He was a bad, bad boy! In the second verse, Dusty informs us, “He’d come and tell me everything is alright / He’d kiss and tell me everything is alright / Can I get away again tonight?” So, while the preacher was doing God’s work, Billy Ray and Dusty were getting busy! It’s understandable why Aretha Franklin initially turned it down (she was the daughter of Rev. C. L. Franklin). Dusty sings playfully and beautifully throughout “Son of a Preacher Man.” Her performance is soulful, but often a subtler brand of soul. She understood she wasn’t Aretha, but she made a timeless record with her fabulous, distinct instrument. Beyond her sweet pipes and the support of background vocalists, the arrangement and production are selling points. The Memphis sound (sick drum groove, robust bass, and joyful, articulated horns) is written all over “Son of a Preacher Man” without ever overpowering Dusty, who holds her own by the end. This is a prime example of a blue-eyed soul classic.

Appears in:

~ Table of Contents ~

5. Jake Wesley Rogers, “God Bless”

In The Key Of Love » Facet / Warner » 2025

“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 (such as mom) and desiring to be yourself (those jockstraps, which are gay, gay, gay). 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 that the focal point is Jake Wesley Rogers. Is there any way you can listen to the blessing that is “God Bless” and not beam with pride? Nope! It is awesome!

Appears in:

~ Table of Contents ~

6. Scott Hoying, “PRAY”

“PRAY” » Scott Hoying » 2025

“But hey, have a little faith (Faith) / The pain’ll go away,” Scott Hoying sings on his 2025 single, “PRAY”. Pain is a hard thing to eradicate, with emotionally and psychologically charged pain being harder to overcome than physical pain in some respects. The Grammy winner asserts in the pre-chorus, “Even if it’s one step, two steps, three steps back / Maybe back’s the new on-track / Betcha didn’t think of that.” Can’t say that I have, Scott… Hoying and Toby Gad wrote and produced “PRAY”. As always, Scott is beastly on the vocals, showing off his beautiful, nuanced pipes. He also shows off ample personality in this thoughtfully written anthem that encourages living your truth. The gospel-infused pop musical backdrop doesn’t hurt either. Let all the gays rise to their feet and say, YASSS 🙌!

“I tried to pray (Pray) / Pray, pray, pray / But it only got stronger / Makin’ me wonder, what’s goin’ on here.” Hmm, what was Scott praying for, pray tell? He was praying the gay away… Ugh 😤. Unfortunately, Hoying was a victim of that horrible thing called conversion therapy, which does substantial harm and no good. As Hoying sings in the chorus, the therapy was a failure, and instead of becoming heterosexual, he remained or became even more gay 🌈. He continues singing, “I can’t wait for that day / When love can be free, and I can be me / Now that can be my version of therapy.” You better preach, Scotty! If you cannot be who you are meant to be, that makes for a miserable life. Life is fleeting, so who wants to feel trapped in a false narrative or repress who they are? Hoying provides more ear-catching lyrics. “Like my daddy said, ‘Toughen up’ / Rub some dirt in it, life gets rough,” he sings, adding, “One shot / Don’t go waste it on silly dreams / Like being what you ain’t supposed to be / ‘Cause hey, you gotta find your way (Which way?) / That’s why you gotta pray.” Amen… to being true to yourself and not living lies – be you, boo! One of the best moments comes in the outro, where Hoying asserts, “Everything turned out alright / ‘Cause I found the love of my life / We took a strut down the aisle / And we feelin’ perfectly fine.” Scott Hoying has delivered a hymn that the LGBTQ+ community and allies can get behind. Now, if we could only get everybody onboard with the prayers of “PRAY”, that would totally – wait for it – SLAY 💅!

Appears in:

~ Table of Contents ~

7. Samuel Saint, “Pray the Gay Away”

“Pray the Gay Away” » Samuel Saint » 2023

“You got to get down on your knees, now boy / And pray the gay away.” Homophobia and the sin of homosexuality are real, folks. Country singer-songwriter Samuel Saint captures it perfectly in his 2023 song, “Pray the Gay Away”. After his daddy found out he kissed another boy (🫢), he advised him to pray the gay away. Bad, narrow-minded advice, mind you, but, depending on where you live, and what church/religion you are a member of, it’s sadly, not far-fetched. Despite this useless advice, Saint makes the most of it with a memorable chorus for the ages:

“He said, you got to pray the gay away

Now, each and every day

You go to, let the Lord come inside you

Now God’s the only way

You got to give your life to Jesus

And stop dreaming about penis

You got to pray gay away

You got to pray gay away.”

Ooh-wee! Not stop dreaming about penis 😜! After his gay awakening, Samuel Saint still finds himself… gay. After joining his high school football team (football is such a masculine, man’s sport), he is enamored by “the quarterback,” who is “Tall and black.” But, suppressing those feelings and his teenage hormones, Saint instead sings his daddy’s anti-gay song. If football couldn’t un-gay him, surely the military in the third verse could! Ha! When referencing his bunk mate, he admits, “I could barely keep it in my pants / When he was wearing his beret / But I knew I had to fight it / Because Jesus wouldn’t like it.” Bummer! In the fourth and final verse, Sam is, unfortunately, a sad and lonely man, but he’s got Jesus… Samuel Saint delivers a fantastic satirical gay country song with “Pray the Gay Away”. His voice sounds superb, the melodies are tuneful, and the musical backdrop is countrified with southern gospel vibes (it’s that piano and those gospelized background vocals). The big takeaway is, live your truth – be who you are meant to be. Don’t become a sad, lonely man or woman who regrets not being true to oneself. The gay can’t be prayed away, nor should it be. Let that rainbow shine fearlessly and proudly 🌈 💅!

Appears in:

~ Table of Contents ~

8. Jake Wesley Rogers, “Hot Gospel”

In The Key Of Love » Facet / Warner » 2025

“When you’re looking out a great, big window / Talking to your therapist / And you say don’t wanna let go / But you don’t wanna exist.” Ooh-wee! That is a lot! Openly gay, Missouri-bred pop singer/songwriter Jake Wesley Rogers released his debut album, In The Key Of Love, in May 2025. He wrote the intriguing “Hot Gospel” alongside producer Dallas Caton.

The instrumental backdrop is a fine canvas for Rogers to paint upon with his voice. His instrument is distinct and incredibly expressive. Jake always brings his ‘A game,’ singing authentically and sincerely. The first verse (excerpted above) sets the tone. Memorably, in the pre-chorus, Rogers mentions his Missouri roots, God, and not needing “to believe to do it well.” Again, do what, Jake? “Do the hot gospel,” of course, he sings in the chorus, continuing, “Do the bad believer / Do the broken healer / Do the saint, do the spell / Do the heaven, do the hell.” The second verse is shorter than the first but remains thought-provoking. “Hot Gospel” closes with an outro where Jake asserts, “I’m going to make the most of this hill / I’m gonna do the hot gospel.” At least part of that hill seems to be God and the conservative nature of Missouri. Rogers is incredibly talented. The entertaining and reflective “Hot Gospel” is a prime example of his elite artistry. It is well-written lyrically and musically (harmony, melody, and instrumentally).

Appears in:

~ Table of Contents ~

9. Ghost, “Satanized”

Skeletá » Loma Vista Recordings » 2025

“There is something inside me / And they don’t know if there is a cure.” Oh, snap! “A demonic possession / Unlike any before.” Damn. More like, damned! Regarding Ghost, the Grammy-winning Swedish band excels at blasphemy, heresy, and Satanism. “Satanized”, the promo single from Skeletá, is no exception. Tobias Forge brings the heat – hellish heat! Forge, Salem Al Fakir, and Vincent Pontare composed an infernal, religiously skeptical listening experience. Gene Walker produced it.

Despite the darkness of the minor key, “Satanized” features an exuberant music backdrop. The guitars roar in sinfulness! Forge delivers clear and expressive vocals. He brings the melodies to life and catches our ears with those sharp, damning lyrics. “I’ve invested my prayers / Into making me whole,” he adds in the first verse. In the second and third verses, Forge’s character, Papa V Perpetua, is skeptical of the church, God, and religion. “Through a life of devotion / I’ve been quelling my urges to burst,” he sings in the second verse, continuing, “I’ve been fighting the notion / To, by love, be coerced.” Damn, again! In the third, he asserts, “I have begged God for the remedy / But I’m no longer sure.” The centerpiece is the chorus, where Papa V Perpetua has switched to the left-hand path, full throttle:

“Blasphemy, heresy

Save me from the monster that is eating me

I’m laicized

Blasphemy, heresy

Save me from the bottom of my heart I know

I’m satanized.”

Holy shit! Feels like an appropriate response. Even if you are a God-fearing Christian, you cannot deny how much ass Ghost kicks on this blasphemous, heretical, and satanic gem. “Satanized” rocks!

Appears in:

Bops That Pop: Jan, Feb & March 2025

~ Table of Contents ~

10. Marvin Sapp, “Close the Door”

“Close the Door” » Marvin Sapp » 2025

“Ushers, close the doors. Close the doors! CLOSE THE DOORS!” Pastor and Grammy-nominated gospel singer/songwriter Marvin Sapp earned himself a viral moment. He was heavily scrutinized for his method of attaining ‘donations’ at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World convention in 2024, which ‘blew up’ in March 2025. Since then, the “Never Would Have Made It” singer has had many folks proclaiming they “Never would have paid it” – the $20 Sapp challenged them to give and instructed the ushers to close the doors. The backlash has been gargantuan, inspiring memes, parody videos, and, according to Sapp, death threats. So, what does a disgraced pastor/gospel singer/songwriter do in the face of adversity? Pray, of course, but beyond that, in Sapp’s case, he did what so many do when the finger is pointed at them – double down… sort of. Sapp told CBS News Texas, “I was like, well, since they’re capitalizing on it, I’m going to capitalize on it as well.” Hence, Sapp released “Close The Door”, written with Kloten Perine and Rodney East.

Sapp made a bold move addressing his controversial viral moment via song. Positively, there is no doubt that Marvin Sapp is a fine singer. The contemporary R&B-infused gospel backdrop of “Close The Door” works soundly, with the keys leading the charge. The musical underpinnings are intact as well, with a splendid harmonic progression. Supporting Sapp’s dynamic lead vocals are beautiful background vocals. The musicianship is not controversial in the least. The problem is the controversy Sapp is embroiled in, taking no responsibility, and ‘playing the victim’ (“Oh, no matter what, they don’t believe me”).

“Close the door on anxiety

On the pain and disdain that keeps chasing me

Close the door on the ridicule

And on the noise that tries to make me lose my cool

God has a purpose, and He will restore

So, I’ll just close the door, close the door, close the door.”

Sapp opens up a can of worms early on in “Close the Door”. He samples his infamous donation speech in the background. After getting that off his chest, he proclaims his good intentions lyrically, essentially saying he was misunderstood. Despite the hate he’s received, he looks to God, and he is closing the door on various things that can bring him down, etc. In the second verse, he highlights the ridicule he has faced at the hands of others, including how it has affected his family. I never agree with/cosign death threats – that was a bridge too far. The problem is, recording this song did nothing to diffuse the situation. Many people have had issues with how the church, especially celebrity and megachurch preachers, handle money. While some (his most faithful followers) believe that Sapp ‘took a bullet,’ others were ready to reignite discourse about him after releasing “Close the Door”.

Appears in:

Marvin Sapp, Close the Door: Controversial Songs No. 14 (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

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

It’s Your Night » Qwest » 1983

“Heavenly Father watchin’ us fall / We take from each other and give nothing at all.” James Ingram (1952 – 2019) and Michael McDonald (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 27^th 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 B 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 by the instrumentation 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”.

Appears in:

James Ingram & Michael McDonald, Yah Mo B There: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 53 (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

12. Sister Janet Mead, “The Lord’s Prayer”

A Time To Sing » Southern Cross Music Pty Limited » 2002

“Our Father / Who art in heaven / Hallowed be Thy name / Thy kingdom come / Thy will be done / On earth as it is in heaven.” Amen! Believe it (and you should 👏) or not, those Biblical words were part of a top 10 hit on the pop charts. Christian music rarely crosses over sizably, but Australian Catholic nun Sister Janet Mead (1937 – 2022) took her pop/rock rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer” to number four on the Billboard Hot 100 😮. Mead also earned a Grammy nomination at the 17^th Annual GRAMMY Awards for Best Inspirational Performance (Non-Classical). It should not be a shock that “The Lord’s Prayer” was Mead’s sole hit on the pop charts.

“The Lord’s Prayer” makes petitioning to God sound fun. It rocks 🤘! This is a rousing Christian rock track. It conveys the message of the scripture while also catching the ear. Janet Mead delivers a well-rounded vocal performance. She never over- nor undersings, blessing us with her beautiful tone and bringing the tuneful melodies and timeless scriptures to life. The excerpted lyrics are the ‘chorus,’ recurring numerous times. Other parts of one of the most famous scriptures serve as distinct sections. “Gives us this day our daily bread / Forgive us our trespasses” (Matthew 6:11-12) craft the verse. The final part of The Lord’s Prayer, “Our Lord lead us not into temptation / But save us from evil / And the kingdom, the power / And the glory forever / Will be Yours” (Matthew 6:13), appears in the bridge. Sister Janet Mead ministered to many through her once-in-a-lifetime take on “The Lord’s Prayer”.

Appears in:

~ Table of Contents ~

13. The Beach Boys, “God Only Knows”

Pet Sounds » Capitol » 1966

“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 22^nd 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?

Appears in:

The Beach Boys, God Only Knows: Controversial Songs No. 20 (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~ » ~ intro ~

13 More Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Casablanca, Chris Brown Entertainment, DeathbyRomy, Facet, Loma Vista Recordings, Marvin Sapp, Qwest, RCA, Samuel Saint, Scott Hoying, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner; AcatXIo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

13 More Songs That Capture a Nontraditional Church Experience | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on September 3, 2025September 3, 2025