13 Superb Gospel-Tinged Secular Songs | Playlist

13 Superb Gospel-Tinged Secular Songs features music by Ariana Grande, Father John Misty, Florence + The Machine, Hozier, Kanye West & Lenny Kravitz.

Not everybody believes in God, period.  Some cling onto their respective religion, while others have no religion.  Neither perspective really drives this particular playlist.  13 Superb Gospel-Tinged Secular Songs features songs that incorporate gospel music cues and sensibilities, not necessarily the themes of the genre itself.  That means that this list can feature songs that embrace all things spiritual and others that denounce it.  Musicians contributing to the superb nature of these gospel-tinged songs include Ariana Grande, Father John Misty, Florence + The Machine, Hozier, Kanye West, and Lenny Kravitz.

1. Hozier, “Nina Cried Power” (Ft. Mavis Staples)

Nina Cried Power (EP) • Rubyworks / Columbia • 2018

“It’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’ / It is the groundin’ of a foot uncompromisin’ / It’s not forgoin’ of the lie / It’s not the openin’ of eyes / It’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’.” Nina Cried Power opens ‘powerfully’ with title track “Nina Cried Power.” Hozier is in full-on soul mode (think gospel), fitting given his legendary collaborator, Mavis Staples. Here, both musicians pay ode to various musicians who were unafraid to protest via their songs.  The names include legends like Nina Simone, James Brown, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and John Lennon.  The chorus – with names changing – is the best part of the record:

“And I could cry power (power)

Power (power)

Power, lord

Nina cried power

Billie cried power

Mavis cried power.”

2. Ariana Grande, “God is a Woman”

Sweetener • Republic • 2018

Arguably, Ariana Grande makes her boldest statement yet, one that God himself might question – “God is a Woman”. Naturally, the urban-pop record isn’t about spiritual matters, unless you consider sex to be spiritual.  At the beginning, she establishes a sensual theme on the chorus.

“You, you love it how I move you

You love it how I though you

My one, when all is said and done

You’ll believe God is a woman

And I, I feel it after midnight

A feeling that you can’t fight

My one, it lingers when we’re done

You’ll believe God is a woman.”

Wow! She’s so good in bed that after making sweet love with her, you’ll believe that “God is a woman…” – something like that.  There’s more sacrilege on the verses, including “Baby, lay me down and let’s pray” on the first, and “And boy, if you confess, you might get blessed.” Woo Ari, you’re bad girl! The best moment of this soaring, slickly-produced urban-pop ballad comes during the outro.  Here, Grande delivers her best vocals, ascending to that next level. While the most devout, pious Christians may take offense to the ‘blasphemy’, those open-minded and devout fans of Grande will definitely be in heaven.  The gospel choir that backs her sounds awesome.

3. James Bay, “I Found You”

Electric Light • Republic • 2018

“I Found You” gives English singer/songwriter James Bay one of the most soulful songs of his career.  This gospel-infused number may be the most pleasant surprise of Electric Light. That said, why should anyone be surprised? Bay broke into the game with a degree of soulfulness.  Clearly, upon recording this cut, backed by choral vocals, he was listening to some soul.  He slays – that is all!

“I found you

I can’t believe I get to know you

Whoa, I can’t believe I get to show you

I had no one ‘til I found you

‘Til I found you.”

4. Florence + The Machine, “Grace”

High as Hope • Virgin • 2018

“I’m sorry I ruined your birthday / I guess I could go back to university / Try to make my mother proud / Stop this phase I’m in, she deems dangerous.” Move on over “Big God” – the spirituality is even more pronounced on the high-flying “Grace,” or is it?  Grace happens to be Florence Welch’s beloved sister, also functioning as a terrific spiritual reference to grace itself.  Welch and co-producer Emile Haynie do an exceptional job of amplifying the gospel sensibilities.  Among the best of Florence + The Machine’s High as Hope.

5. Lenny Kravitz, “Here to Love”

Raise Vibration • BMG Rights Management • 2018

On “Here to Love,” which appears on the album Raise Vibration, Lenny Kravitz puts down the guitar completely – shocking.  Instead, he’s accompanied by piano, Mini-Moog, and strings, courtesy of David Baron.  Furthermore, he gets a lift from a 12-member choir.  Key words include love, peace, and unite – “We must all unite / There’s no more segregation.” In the context of Raise Vibration, Kravitz continues to think about a more perfect place.

6. Father John Misty, “God’s Favorite Customer”

God’s Favorite Customer • Sub Pop • 2018

Listening to “God’s Favorite Customer,” the superb title track from Father John Misty’s 2018 LP, Josh Tillman’s religious past is perceptible through the musical arrangement, production, harmonic scheme, and the songwriting.  The instrumentation plays a sizable role in the effectiveness of this number, incorporating electric piano, organ, and harmonica, in addition to the standard acoustic piano, acoustic guitars, drums, and supporting vocals (Weyes Blood).  The supporting vocals are absolutely chilling. Beyond the gospel-infused cues, there’s also the spiritual lyrics of the chorus, even as Tillman is no longer “God’s Favorite Customer” as he was when he was an evangelical Christian.

“Speak to me

Won’t you speak, sweet angel?

Don’t you remember me?

I was God’s favorite customer.”

7. Kesha, “Praying”

Rainbow • Kemosabe / RCA • 2017

Kesha gave us all chills on “Praying”, the promo single for Rainbow.  “Praying” marked her first departure – a stark contrast from her past work. A ballad, it’s clear from the jump she’s aiming for empowerment for herself, and others who’ve been in an unfortunate situation.  By the end of the song, the powerhouse vocals are mind-blowing. Dr. Luke is definitely in the doghouse:

“‘Cause you brought the flames and you put me through hell

I had to learn how to fight for myself

And we both know all the truth I could tell

I’ll just say this is I wish you farewell

I hope you’re somewhere prayin’, prayin’

I hope your soul is changin’, changin’

I hope you find your peace

Falling on your knees, prayin’.”

It should also be noted that Rainbow features numerous instances of Kesha ‘stepping up her game,’ opting for empowerment and thoughtfulness over gimmickry and silliness.

8. Sam Smith, “Pray”

The Thrill of It All • Capitol • 2017

“You won’t find me in church (no) reading the Bible (no) / I am still here and I’m still your disciple / I’m down on my knees, I’m beggin’ you, please / I’m broken, alone and afraid.” Sam Smith excels at balladry. On “Pray”, the second single from his sophomore album, The Thrill of it All, he focuses on religion.  He expresses his skepticism towards religion, yet, feels he needs to pray and try to believe in something.

“I’m young and I’m foolish, I’ve made bad decisions

I block out the news, turn my back on religion…

Lately, that shit ain’t been gettin’ me higher

I lift up my head and the world is on fire

There’s dread in my heart and fear in my bones

And I just don’t know what to say

Maybe I’ll pray…

I have never believed in You, no

But I’m gonna pray.” 

9. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, “Call on God”

Soul of a Woman • Daptone • 2017

In November 2016, the world lost a true treasure in soul musician Sharon Jones, at the age of 60.  After a late career breakthrough, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings were among the crème de la crème of the soul revivalist movement.  Jones gets a proper ‘closing act’ with the posthumously released Soul of a Woman, which includes the superb, laudatory record, “Call on God.” “Call on God” fittingly concludes Soul of a Woman in the gospel-infused, deep-, southern soul style. Jones’ vocals are incredibly powerful and sincere.  Here, at the very end, Jones is witnessing – testifying to God’s goodness, mercy, and ‘wonder working power.’

10. Kanye West, “Ultralight Beam” (Ft. Kelly Price, Kirk Franklin, The-Dream & Chance the Rapper)

The Life of Pablo • G.O.O.D. / Def Jam • 2016

“We on an ultralight beam / We on an ultralight beam / This is a God dream / This is a God dream / This is everything / This is everything.” “Ultralight Beam” commences The Life of Pablo hauntingly, embracing the spiritual side of the ever-polarizing Kanye West.  “Ultralight Beam” is by far the best song from the album. West taps a star-studded guest list that includes Kelly Price, Kirk Franklin, The-Dream, and Chance the Rapper. Minimalistic yet epic, Kanye West has crafted a spiritual masterpiece assisted by a chilling gospel choir, a rousing Price, and the fiery, pitch-perfect rhymes from Chance the Rapper.

11. The 1975, “If I Believe You”

I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It • Interscope • 2016

“I’ve got a God-shaped hole that’s infected / And I’m petrified of being alone now / It’s pathetic, I know.”  It’s no secret that The 1975 frontman Matthew Healy isn’t a believer.  Healy is both an atheist and a humanist. The gorgeous “If I Believe You” features gospel music cues, yet questions putting faith and stock in God.  Think of “If I Believe You” as a “humanist’s skeptical petition to God/a higher power.” This is a gospel-alternative record that lacks faith… something like that.

“And if I believe you

Will that make it stop?

If I told you I need you

Is that what you want?

And I’m broken and bleeding

And begging for help

And I’m asking you Jesus, show yourself.”

12. Hozier, “Take Me to Church”

Hozier • Columbia • 2014

“My church offers no absolutes / She tells me ‘worship in the bedroom’ / The only heaven I’ll be sent to / Is when I’m alone with you / I was born sick, but I love it / Command me to be well.” Despite numerous spiritual references and some gospel music cues, Hozier was NOT singing about God on “Take Me to Church.” “Take Me to Church” isn’t necessarily a middle finger to the church, but it dabbles in sex and sexuality – specifically targeting oppression of homosexuals in Russia, two things that are often frowned upon within many Christian churches. The Pop Song Professor spends an entire video and article on one of the best songs of 2014, while The Reflector clearly states the song ‘conveys deeper meaning.’

“Take me to church

I’ll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies

I’ll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife

Offer me that deathless death

Good God, let me give you my life.”

13. Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Sacrilege”

Mosquito • Interscope • 2013

“Fallen for a guy / Fell down from the sky / Halo round his head / Feathers in our bed / In our bed, in our bed.” “Sacrilege” serves as the opener from Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ 2013 album, Mosquito.  Karen O and company don’t explicitly denounce God or religion, but they do highlight the hypocrisy that some supposed Christians exhibit.  Arguably, the aforementioned lyrics suggest this angel from above (a Christian we’ll presume) isn’t as angelic what he says he is or pretends to be, etc. He’s sinning as much as ‘the devil’ who’s in bed with him, not to get too Biblical or preachy.  Notably, “Sacrilege” also features a gospel choir…

“Asked if I would try

To leave this all behind

Halo round his head

Burning in our bed

In our bed, in our bed.”

The music video for “Sacrilege” is more disturbing than the song itself.  It features British Model Lily Cole burned at the stake for her promiscuity and adultery with the men, as well as a woman, in town.  Remember, one of the Ten Commandments is, thou shalt not commit adultery. Sure, they are literally burning her at the stake, but the bigger takeaway is the utter hypocrisy.

Photo Credits: BMG Rights Management, Capitol, Columbia, Daptone, Def Jam, GOOD, Interscope, Kemosabe, Pixabay, Republic, Rubyworks, Sub Pop, Virgin