Secular (or Not So Secular) Songs About Jesus 2.0 | Playlist

After delivering ‘10 Secular (Or Not So Secular) Songs About Jesus’ back in 2016, here is an updated version – ‘Secular (Or Not So Secular) Songs About Jesus 2.0.’

Jesus! What comes to mind when Jesus is mentioned? Nothing short of sheer awesomeness – “wonder working power.”  Basically, Jesus is the man, and he’s not even a man!  But this isn’t a Sunday school lesson or sermon from the pastor, it’s a playlist of secular songs whose title and/or content reference Jesus. Secular is used loosely, considering some of these songs double as religious, but the respective artist is a secular artist rooted in a particular genre.  Originally published as 10 Secular (Or Not So Secular) Songs About Jesus on August 13, 2016, here is an updated version of Secular (or Not So Secular) Songs About Jesus 2.0.

1.Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, “Jesus Alone”

Album: Skeleton Tree

Bad Seeds Ltd, 2016

Standout “Jesus Alone” sets the tone for Skeleton Tree, initiating the LP eerily and enigmatically.  Despite its unsettling tenor, “Jesus Alone” is indisputably gorgeous in the same right. The first reaction towards the tragic death of his son Arthur, Cave uses his poetic gifts to express his grief.  Even when he’s not explicit in imparting his own situation, there’s the sense Cave is being figurative; metaphorical.

“You’re a young man waking / covered in blood that is not yours / you’re a woman in a yellow dress / surrounded by a charm of hummingbirds.”

The chorus is reverent, yet grave: “With my voice / I am calling you”

2. Sia, “Jesus Wept”

Album: This is Acting (Deluxe)

RCA, 2016

Sia’s album This is Acting is dominated by a few select songs, particularly no. 1 hit single “Cheap Thrills.” Even so, in its deluxe version, there’s an absolutely stunning, moving ballad that deserves more attention than it received: “Jesus Wept.” “Jesus Wept” is (or should be) the crowning achievement of the deluxe version This Is Acting.  It is absolutely gorgeous – enigmatic, haunting, and powerful.

“How Jesus wept / He wept as he / Took twelve steps / And carried me / Oh, how he wept / For thee / Resurrection on me.”

3. Tech N9ne, “Need Jesus”

Ft. Stevie Stone & JL

Album: The Storm

Strange Music, 2016

“I don’t know why they wanna call me up every Easter Sunday to the altar / Maybe the music I am doin’ is never gospel, sinner is what they call ya…” On “Need Jesus,” Tech N9ne is assisted by Stevie Stone and JL. Tech N9ne raps about perceptions more so than his spiritual walk.  He does use spiritual references to intensify his message. He’s certainly unapologetic, giving no f**ks: 

“My mother was a Christian but I used to go with the wicked for the stick and what’s the problem…”

4. Kanye West, “Jesus Walks”

Album: The College Dropout

Roc-A-Fella, 2004

“I walk through the valley of the Chi where death is / Top floor the view alone will leave you breathless…” Kanye West made a huge statement when he released “Jesus Walks.” It’s rare that rappers mention Jesus in the slightest in their raps, so West definitely went “against the grain.” “Jesus Walks” still isn’t quite appropriate for a tent meeting or church service, but to an extent, West affirms his faith.

“(Jesus walk) / God show me the way because the Devil’s trying to break me down / (Jesus walk with me) / The only think that I pray is that my feet don’t fail me now / (Jesus walk) / And I don’t think there’s nothin’ I can do now to right my wrongs / (Jesus walk with me) / I wanna talk to God but I’m afraid cause we ain’t spoke in so long.”

5. Carrie Underwood, “Jesus Take the Wheel”

Album: Some Hearts

Arista, 2005

“Jesus take the wheel / take it from my hands / ‘Cause I cannot do this on my own / I’m letting go / So give me one more chance / Save me from this road I am on / Jesus take the wheel.” While Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks” wouldn’t be the sermonic selection in most religious services, Carrie Underwood gem “Jesus Take the Wheel” has a shot. Underwood tells the story of a woman who sees her life flashing before her eyes while driving home for Christmas.  Knowing she’s losing control, she prays that “Jesus take the wheel.” Ultimately, the bigger picture of Underwood’s classic is letting Go and letting God.

6. Logic, “Young Jesus”

Ft. Big Lenbo

Album: The Incredible True Story

Def Jam, 2015

“Hip-hop descendant, gold Jesus on my pendant / Got to pull it out for everyone that’s in attendance” Logic doesn’t even incorporate spirituality into “Young Jesus.” Him and featured guest Big Lenbo dive into an awesome flex-fest devoid of praises. The only reference that comes close to lauding The Most High is Logic’s featured lyric about “Jesus on my pendant.”  Ultimately, “Young Jesus” is a throwback, 90s rap joint with both MCs on autopilot.  It won’t earn salvation, save for saving rap…

7. Commodores, “Jesus Is Love”

Album: Heroes

Motown, 1989

“Jesus is love / He won’t let you down / And I know he’s mine forever / Oh, in my heart.” Commodores and Lionel Richie take the power of Jesus seriously on their soul-gospel gem, “Jesus Is Love.”  While “Jesus Is Love” is considered a standard in both genres, compared to the more secular Commodores/Richie songs, it’s underrated.  It shouldn’t be – this is arguably the soul collective’s deepest, most touching song.  The affirmation of faith coupled with a societal need for faith is deep.

8. Michael Ray, “Real Men Love Jesus”

Album: Michael Ray

Warner Music Nashville, 2015

“Real men love women / Fast cars and livin’ / Out on the edge so far / They’re gonna need forgivin’ / real men like football.” Country songs are no stranger to referencing Jesus. Michael Ray does just that on this beautiful ballad from his self-titled debut. Arguably, “Real Men Love Jesus” is more about simplicity and commonplace American traditions, particularly in the south.  For some folks, this song will play stereotypically and ultra-conservatively – likely those who doubt a “real man” looks the same universally.  Ray doesn’t go into depth about his relationship with Jesus, but references his opinion that loving Jesus is a characteristic of a “real man.”

9. Kid Rock, “Jesus and Bocephus”

Album: First Kiss

Warner Bros., 2015

“‘Cause I got Jesus and Bocephus / they both help me to live my life / I went from Jim Beam to my Bible / With Jesus and Bocephus right there by my side.” This one’s pretty simple.  Two things are important to Kid Rock: (1) Jesus and (2) Hank Williams, Jr., also known as Bocephus. Put the two together, and you have “Jesus and Bocephus.”

10. Green Day, “Jesus of Suburbia”

Album: American Idiot

Reprise, 2004

“I’m the son of rage and love / the Jesus of Suburbia / from the bible of “none of the above.” Few associate Green Day with Jesus. They’re correct to NOT associate the two. “Jesus of Suburbia” makes religious references, but not in the most “Christian way possible.” Sift through the lyrics of the conceptual rock song and it’s definitely NOT biblical! Over its course and many parts, it’s clear that the protagonist is rebellious and could care less about moral and spiritual authority – he is on his own path and controls his own destiny.

“Everyone is so full of shit / born and raised by hypocrites / hearts recycled but never saved / from the cradle to the grave.”

11. Avicii, “Sunset Jesus”

Ft. Sandro Cavazza

Album: Stories

Avicii Music, 2015

“So give me hope, give me hope, give me hope on this lonely ride / Cause I know one day, I’ll be the one in the sky.” On “Sunset Jesus,” Sandro Cavazza paints a picture of ambition and the struggles to fulfill it.  Using California – Sunset Jesus – as the setting, it’s clear that the dream is be famous.  The problem is standing out in a crowd of dreamers, many who failed. “California, don’t let me down / Seems so golden, but there’s struggle all around / Sunset Jesus, came to me / he once was waiter, now he’s a savior making money on the street.”

12. Depeche Mode, “Personal Jesus”

Album: Violator

Warner Bros., 1990

“Your own personal Jesus / Someone to hear your prayers / Someone who cares / Your own personal Jesus / Someone to hear your prayers / Someone who’s there.” Depeche Mode makes it simple on “Personal Jesus.” Jesus isn’t referring in the least to the son of God.  Rather, Jesus in the context seems to be a lover.  Yes, “Jesus is love” – or so Commodores and Lionel Richie told us – but it’s not quite the same love Depeche Mode implies.

“Lift up the receiver / I’ll make you a believer / I will deliver / I’ll make you a believer.”

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

Album: 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.

Photo Credits: Bad Seeds Ltd, RCA, Strange Music, Roc-a-Fella, 19, Sony, Def Jam, Motown, Warner Music Nashville, Warner Bros., Reprise, Aviici Music, Sire, Interscope