13 Songs Associated with Heaven and/or Paradise | Playlist 🎧

“13 Songs Associated with Heaven and/or Paradise” features music courtesy of Bazzi, Bruno Mars, Khalid, Julia Michaels, and MARINA. 

Folks who subscribe to Christianity or Catholicism believe in an afterlife following physical death.  Those who aren’t too keen on religious things tend to believe that nothing happens. Regardless of your stance, the afterlife has been covered throughout musically historically, and remains a prevalent topic in the 2010s. Hell (no pun intended), we’ve covered the afterlife and things associated with it on a number of playlists on The Musical Hype, including 11 Songs That Explore the Afterlife, Inferno: 13 Songs Representing the 9 Circles of Hell, and 18 Songs About Angels & All Things Angelic.

13 Songs Associated with Heaven and/or Paradise focuses specifically on the most coveted afterlife destination.  Yeah, it’s a ‘hell’ of a lot more celestial than hell…something like that.  13 Songs Associated with Heaven and/or Paradise features music courtesy of Bazzi (“Paradise”), Bruno Mars (“Locked Out of Heaven”), Khalid (“Paradise” and “Heaven”), Julia Michaels (“Heaven”), and MARINA (“Handmade Heaven”) among others.

1-2. Khalid, “Paradise” & “Heaven”

Free Spirit • RCA • 2019

After wowing with his debut album, American Teen in 2017, and tiding over fans with his EP, Suncity in 2018, Grammy-nominated R&B artist Khalid returned with his sophomore LP, Free Spirit.  Given the uniqueness of his instrument, it was unsurprising that Free Spirit was a highly-anticipated album release.  While Free Spirit lacks the ‘free-spiritedness’ that its title or 21-year old singer touts, it delivers too ‘heavenly’ moments, perfectly suited for this playlist: “Paradise” and “Heaven.”

“You go searching for paradise / You sit back and close your eyes / We’re burning, yet so alive.” “Paradise” successfully blends urban contemporary, alternative R&B, and classic soul cues.  John Hill and DJ Dahi kill it on the production end, particularly using detuned synths.  Khalid flaunts his vocal prowess.  There are some respectable lyrical moments as well, many of which are reflective – introspective.

“And I’ve been thinking a little deeper
Contemplation, getting cleaner
See no leaders, need more teachers
I’m in shambles, I don’t sleep much.” 

“Even if we don’t survive / We were right by being wrong / Don’t look back to the wreck / Stay with me, turn your head.” The more ‘heavenly’ cut of the two, “Heaven,” contextually within Free Spirit, is a great companion cut to “Alive” which precedes it.  Also, like “Paradise,” it’s quite reflective. Also, given its status as a place for the departed soul, “Heaven” naturally references ‘the end.’

“Heaven, make me an offer
Lord, there’s nothing for me left out here
Heaven, if you come over
Oh, I know how to make us disappear.”

This Father John Misty co-write appears in the right spot on Free Spirit, arriving as the penultimate record.

3. MARINA, “Handmade Heaven”

LOVE + FEAR • Atlantic UK • 2019

“I carry along a feel of unease / I want to belong like the birds in the trees.” Hmm, sounds like a perfect example of escapism, a common topic in music of various genres.  MARINA drops the name Marina and the Diamonds for her 2019 studio album, LOVE + FEAR.  Initially, the Welsh pop singer released LOVE only, from which our song at hand, “Handmade Heaven” appears. Even on LOVE + FEAR, “Handmade Heaven” serves as the opening record.

MARINA sounds fantastic on “Handmade Heaven,” flaunting her lovely, upper register, and singing with incredible ease while still packing a punch.  Amplifying her performance is warm production work, that’s also pretty epic at the same time.  The most dynamic moment arrives on the chorus, which is also the most memorable moment of the “Handmade Heaven.”

“But in this handmade heaven, I come alive
Bluebirds forever color the sky
In this handmade heaven, we forget the time
‘Cause birds of feather fly together.”

During the stellar chorus, the vocal production is ‘on fleek’ and the instrumental palette is incredibly rich – synths, drums, strings, etc.  Another noteworthy moment? The bridge, where MARINA sings:

“And I could no longer ignore
The ivy growing tall
This life don’t suit me anymore
The writing’s on the wall.”

4. Bazzi, “Paradise”

Paradise [Single] • 2019

“Let’s go to (Paradise) / This shit feels like Friday nights / This shit make me feel alive / I feel like we in paradise, paradise.” That’s a pretty compelling picture of paradise, don’t you think? After wowing with his debut LP, COSMIC, in 2018, pop/R&B singer Bazzi returned with brand-new music in 2019 in advance of his sophomore LP.  Among his new songs comes “Paradise,” just in time to lock down a spot on this playlist, sigh.  For the 21-year old musician, the vibes are good – the optimism is through the roof.

“I’m gettin’ lucky like coins in the well / Goodbye to my haters, I’m wishin’ you well.” Bazzi’s idea of paradise encompasses love/sex (“Hands on your body, I’m grabbin’ your ass”) and partying and popping drinks (“Well, my drink is almost out and I’m about to pour another”). A good way to sum up “Paradise” – the drip is real. Friday night, totally carefree vibes.  The weekend! Additionally, the “Paradise” is respectably and effectively produced, shining brightest during the chorus section (excerpted at the beginning of the blurb).

5. Julia Michaels, “Heaven”

Fifty Shades Freed • Republic • 2018

“Love’s my religion / But he was my faith / Something so sacred / So hard to replace.” Grammy-nominated pop singer-songwriter Julia Michaels gets heavenly with “Heaven”, one of the highlights from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack released in 2018. “Heaven” commences enigmatically – there’s a ‘sketchiness.’ The vibe of this record fits the perception and sensibilities of the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise.

Vocally Michaels sings expressively, showcasing the beauty of her voice sans over-singing. The production keeps things light – a selling point. Another selling point is the memorable chorus.

“No need to imagine
‘Cause I know it’s true
They say ‘all good boys go to heaven’
But bad boys bring Heaven to you
It’s automatic
It’s just what they do
They say ‘all good boys go to heaven’
But bad boys bring heaven to you.”

“Heaven” also appears on the playlists, 11 Songs That Explore the Afterlife and 18 Songs About Angels & All Things Angelic.

6. Fall Out Boy, “Heaven’s Gate”

M A N I A • Island • 2018

“Would you give me, give me, give me, give me a boost / A boost over heaven’s gate, yeah / … ‘Cause everything else is a substitute for your love.” M A N I A, the (surprisingly) Grammy-nominated, seventh studio album by Fall Out Boy, wasn’t the most well-received album by the collective. Nonetheless, the LP has its share of moments including the soulful “Heaven’s Gate.”  Contextually, “Heaven’s Gate” follows another ‘spiritual’ number, “Church,” ultimately contrasting everything in the Fall Out Boy catalogue up to this point.

Call “Heaven’s Gate” Patrick Stump’s stab at R&B within the band (he already done that himself on his solo album, Soul Punk).  It’s not soul-saving, spiritual food, but it definitely nourishes the ears.  Does God sit upon a throne on this celestial track? Meh – he has bigger fish to fry and better things to do. “Heaven’s Gate” also appears on the playlists, 11 Songs That Explore the Afterlife and 18 Songs About Angels & All Things Angelic.

7. George Ezra, “Paradise”

Staying at Tamara’s • Columbia • 2018

“If it feels like paradise running through your bloody veins / You know it’s love heading your way.” George Ezra, known for hits, including “Budapest”, “Cassy O’”, and “Listen to the Man” (Wanted on Voyage), shows off tremendous energy, enthusiasm, and personality on “Paradise”, the second single from his sophomore album, Staying at Tamara’s.

From the jump, “Paradise” is fun and light-hearted, with a heaping spoonful of tongue-in-cheek. George Ezra delivers a charming, playful vocal performance, stretching out monosyllabic words into multisyllabic ones (“mind” and “time”). He showcases his signature deep, robust vocals, but also drops some impressive falsetto. The production work matches his enthusiasm and big personality, making “Paradise” a pleasure from start to finish. Clearly, Ezra is ‘feeling the feels’ of love, and it’s nothing short of celestial.

8. Marilyn Manson, “Heaven Upside Down”

Heaven Upside Down • Loma Vista • 2017

“I can hear the scream of trumpets / Smell the ash and sulfur / Talons of battalions scratch at the sky / Like black feathers and scorpion eyes.” Marilyn Manson, the ripest of shock rockers, dropped an exhilarating tenth studio album in 2017, Heaven Upside Down.  Despite being past his most lucrative prime, Brian Hugh Warner does his best to keep the controversy alive and well.

There’s plenty to love about Heaven Upside Down, including “Heaven Upside Down,” the record on hand.  Arriving as the penultimate track, “Heaven Upside Down” is consistent and enjoyable – in the most damning way possible.  Despite featuring ‘heaven’ in its song title, this record’s not very heavenly or angelic in the least. On an album where Marilyn Manson consistently reverses things, “Heaven Upside Down” proves to be a perfect example.

“Hold my hand and spin around
This is heaven upside down…”

“Heaven Upside Down” also appears on the playlists, 11 Songs That Explore the Afterlife and 18 Songs About Angels & All Things Angelic.

9. Troye Sivan, “Heaven

Ft. Betty Who

Blue Neighbourhood • Capitol • 2015

Throughout his 2015 debut album, Blue Neighbourhood, South African born, Australian-bred pop musician Troye Sivan showed off indisputable talent as well as an authentic peek into his world. “Heaven,” featuring Betty Who is among the deepest songs from Blue Neighbourhood.  It reeks of vulnerability, finding Sivan questioning his sexuality and salvation. “Without losing a piece of me / How do I get to heaven,” he sings on the chorus, continuing, “Without changing a part of me / How do I get to heaven?”

Thematically, this is something of a grey area in music – how many songs have been written about this emotion or issue? It’s often discussed, but to be portrayed musically, it’s fresh and definitely piques both brain and heart. “Heaven” also appears on the playlist 18 Songs About Angels & All Things Angelic.

10. Bruce Springsteen, “Heaven’s Wall”

High Hopes • Columbia • 2013

“Come on men of Gideon / Come all mean of Saul / Come all sons of Abraham / Waiting outside heaven’s wall.” Some Biblical references here… interesting! In 2013, ‘The Boss,’ Grammy-winning rock icon Bruce Springsteen, released an album comprised of previously unreleased, unheard material, and reinterpretations of his work. High Hopes didn’t supersede or supplant his best work, but he still delivered some terrific, noteworthy moments. The heavenly song at hand, “Heaven’s Wall,” is a prime example.

Bruce Springsteen opens “Heaven’s Wall” with a bang.  It features an infectious, ruckus percussive groove, as well as inspired, backing vocals singing “Raise your hand.” “Raise your hand” marks a recurrent, key lyric, specifically on the chorus:

“Raise your hand, raise your hand, raise your hand
Raise your hand, raise your hand, raise your hand
And together we’ll walk into Canaan land
Raise your hand, raise your hand, raise your hand.”

Tom Morello, who appears on a couple of songs throughout High Hopes, impresses on lead guitar, adding even more punch to this upbeat cut.  Perhaps “Heaven’s Wall” doesn’t possess Springsteen’s career-best songwriting, but it remains infectious and feel-good.

11-12. Coldplay, “Hurts Like Heaven” & “Paradise”

Mylo Xyloto • Parlophone • 2011

Depending on who you ask, there’s a debate on the quality of Coldplay after a certain point in their career.  Often that point follows their 2008 Grammy-winning album, Viva La Vida.  Chris Martin and company would return in 2011 with Mylo Xyloto, an album that didn’t quite receive the same critical praise, and found Coldplay tweaking their sound to incorporate more synths and more pop cues.  Regardless, I personally vouch for at least two songs on Mylo Xyloto, both of which perfectly fit this heavenly, paradise-centric playlist.

“Oh, you used your heart as a weapon / And it hurts like heaven.” The first song of the duo is “Hurts Like Heaven,” which arrives as the second track on Mylo Xyloto, and the first full-length track overall.  Obviously, the song title stands out on its own, changing a common phrase (“Hurts like hell”) around (“Hurts Like Heaven”).  As referenced earlier, “Hurts Like Heaven” is a specific example of the band departing from its sound – something of a shocking opener.  Even with Martin and crew experimenting, including exhibiting arguably their brightest sound yet, the production is a selling point, particularly the lushness.  Additionally, Chris Martin sounds compelling, delivering a lovely vocal performance overall.

“When she was just a girl / She expected the world / But it flew away from her reach / So she ran away in her sleep / And dreamed of para-para-paradise.” Following up “Hurts Like Heaven” is some serious ‘ear candy’ with “Paradise.” Once again, the sound is a bit of a departure for Coldplay. Even so, the sound palette and production work are stellar – lovely strings, synths, and sick, anchoring pop-leaning drum groove.  What more can you ask for? Martin continues to shine in the vocal department, ever the alluring frontman. While there are arguably better Coldplay songs, one thing “Paradise” has compared to some of them is that it’s definitely catchy, particularly the chorus (even if it’s simple AF).

“And dream of para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh.”

13. Bruno Mars, “Locked Out of Heaven”

Unorthodox Jukebox • Atlantic • 2011

“‘Cause you make me feel like / I’ve been locked out of heaven / For too lo-o-ong, for too lo-o-ong…” The brilliant urban-pop cut “Locked Out of Heaven” appears as the second track off of Unorthodox Jukebox, the Grammy-winning sophomore album by Bruno Mars. Initiated by a cliché count off (“1-2, 1-2-3-4”), a killer groove is established from the jump. The production is solid – not under- or over-produced by any means.

“You bring me to my knees, you make me testify / You can make a sinner change his ways.” Hmm, seems a bit blasphemous if examined in a religious context as opposed to a pop context… Anyways, the songwriting is catchy, particularly the well-written pre-chorus (“Cause your sex takes me to paradise…”) and the aforementioned chorus at the top of the blurb. To prevent any monotony, the half-time switch up towards the end is a smart musical change.

[Photo Credits: Atlantic, Capitol, Columbia, Island, Loma Vista, Parlophone, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Republic]