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Brief playlist “8 Secular ‘Amen’ Songs” features music courtesy of Halestorm, Panic! At the Disco, and Rich Brian among others.

“Can I get a hallelujah? / Can I get an amen?”. Religious references run rampant in popular music, even though often the message is skeptical, or doesn’t give ‘honor and glory’ to God or other deities. Because religion is among my personal favorite topics, another religious-musically intersected playlist arrives with 8 Secular ‘Amen’ Songs.  Unsurprisingly, 5/8 of the playlist features a song simply titled, “Amen.” Artists appearing on this short but sweet playlist include Halestorm, Panic! At the Disco, and Rich Brian. 

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1. Panic! At the Disco, “Say Amen (Saturday Night)”

Pray for the Wicked • Fueled by Ramen • 2018

Brendon Urie and Panic! At the Disco are ‘tuned-in and turned-up’ “Say Amen (Saturday Night)”. The production is a work of art, including fantastic keyboard work and synths.  Later, the gargantuan chorus adds horns and massive, pummeling drums. The choruses represent the most epic moments for sure, as well as summing up the record’s message.

“I pray for the wicked on the weekend / Mama, can I get another amen? / Oh, oh, it’s Saturday night, yeah / Swear to God, I ain’t ever gonna repent / Mama, can I get another amen? / Oh, oh, it’s Saturday night, yeah.”

The push-and-pull is what makes “Say Amen (Saturday Night)” so compelling. Urie is struggling with spirituality versus being free and living it up.

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2. Rich Brian, “Amen”

Amen • 88rising / EMPIRE

“I’m givin’ my number to any bitch lookin’ like Rhonda.” Amen? Rich Brian considers himself a religious person.  Fair enough.  When annotating the opener from his self-titled debut album for Genius, he admits to saying amen a lot.  “Amen” is not religious or spiritual itself, however.  The record launches abruptly with the agile rhymes, backed by skeletal production.  God isn’t part of the script, save for Brian spitting, “I’m thinkin’ ‘bout havin’ many kids / Even Osama gon’ be like, ‘Goddamn that’s a lot of kids.”

Again, not spiritual, save for his self-admitted mistakes: “I’m still learnin’, I’m still fuckin’ up, correct me if I’m wrong.” Again, amen. “Amen” also appears on the playlist, 27 Secular, Religious-Referencing Rap Songs.

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3. Dierks Bentley, “Woman, Amen”

The Mountain • Capitol Nashville • 2018

“She gives me faith / She gives me grace / She gives me hope / she give me strength.” Arguably, Dierks Bentley exhibits more faith on “Woman, Amen” compared to Rich Brian on “Amen.” Maybe it’s the considerable age difference between the two artists, sigh.  Perhaps the country singer is simply in a deeper place in his spiritual walk.  The premise of “Woman, Amen” is both paying ode and giving thanks.  Bentley pays ode to his wife (“I need all the cracks in my shattered heart / Cause that’s where her love gets in”) and gives thanks to God (“Every night I should be on my knees… / Thank God for this woman, Amen”).  “Nothing On but the Stars”, another song from Bentley’s 2018 album, The Mountain, appears on the playlist, 13 Songs Fueled by ‘Nothing’.

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4. Chase Rice, “Amen”

Lambs & Lions • Broken Bow • 2017

“And to not knowing the secrets of life / but damn sure knowing where it starts / Amen, amen, amen.” Country artist Chase Rice is in reflective mode throughout the course of ballad, “Amen.” “Amen” is arguably the most beautiful records to grace this list. The production work is gorgeous, comprised of piano, strings, and gospel choir. On the verses, Rice mentions a variety of life occurrences and poignant memories: “Disagreement with one of your buddies / So you squared off, then you made up / With a tailgate cold beer apology.”  The chorus is where Rice’s bread is buttered, however.

“In a roman candle sky / A July praying for rain / Yeah, sparks out the window, cigarette / With her silhouette caught in the flames / The keys to a fix-it-up dream / A love, and a first crush heart / And to not knowing the secrets of life / but damn sure knowing where it starts / Amen, amen, amen.”

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5. Anthony Hamilton, “Amen”

What I’m Feelin’ • RCA • 2016

“If I had to testify I could only say she’s the truth / It’s like prayers went up and sent me you.” Anthony Hamilton is among the most underrated R&B artists in the game.  After years and years trying to make it in the game, he finally earned his breakthrough album with Comin’ From Where I’m From in 2003 (talk about the exemplification of the modern soul album).  Even though the North Carolina soul singer has failed to rack up the same commercial sales as some of his contemporaries, he’s rightfully been a highly-demanded collaborator.  On “Amen,” the forty-something Grammy-winner superbly dips into ‘trap soul’ without ‘selling his soul’ you might say. He keeps it churchy, southern, and soulful, but adds a dash of swagger.  “Got me saying Amen / From the bed to the stove / From the church to the job / Best thing I know.”

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6. Halestorm, “Amen”

Into the Wild Life • Atlantic • 2015

“My life / My love / My sex / My drug / My lust / My god, it ain’t no sin / Can I get it? / Can I get an amen?” Prior to the arrival of Halestorm, 8 Secular ‘Amen’ Songs was missing some rock to ‘put it over the top.’ With the biting, hard-hitting “Amen,” Lzzy Hale is all about having freedom and control over life without any barriers.  In the accompanying music video, that point is illustrated brilliantly, as incredibly disgruntled workers basically say ‘F it’ and refuse to let their lives be controlled and ruined by someone else.

“Someone’s gotta hate / It’s never gonna change / Gets harder everyday / This is one hell of a place / Keep your heart from freezing / To keep yourself believing / But I won’t run / I’m not afraid / I’ll look ‘em in the eye / Gonna hear me say / It’s…”

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7. Meek Mill, “Amen”

Ft. Drake

Dreams and Nightmares • Warner Bros. • 2012

“I just wanna thank God / For all the pretty women he let into my life.” Meek Mill isn’t talking about church services – at least those affiliated with God.  Mill is referencing the club and all the sins associated with it – alcohol, guns, and women.  The collection plates aren’t for tithes and offerings, but rather ‘popping bands’ among other things.  In my experience, hymns usually don’t refer to “A lot of bad bitches in the building.” Maybe he’s referencing Delilah?  Something that should be noted about “Amen” is the fact that this collaboration with Drake is unlikely to ever happen again… Also, this particular record also appears on another playlist, 27 Secular, Religious-Referencing Rap Songs.

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8. Lady Gaga, “Black Jesus + Amen Fashion”

Born This Way • Interscope • 2011

“Amen! / On the runway, dressed in his best / Amen, fashion! / On the runway, work it, Black Jesus.” Lady Gaga doesn’t seem to be referencing Jesus explicitly on “Black Jesus + Amen Fashion.” According to an interview with E!, “Black Jesus + Amen Fashion” is “a representation of an entirely new way of living.” Downtown New York opened her eyes, apparently. The free “Amen” also appears on the playlist, Secular (Or Not So Secular) Songs About Jesus 2.0.

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Photo Credits: 88rising, Atlantic, Broken Bow, Capitol Nashville, EMPIRE, Interscope, RCA, Warner Bros.

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