This playlist is comprised of 12 secular songs that ‘take you to church,’ well sort of. These songs aren’t necessarily fueled by Christianity.

Religious themes appear frequently throughout pop music.  That said, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the respective artists are Christians or religious in the least.  The songs that appear on this playlist are moving in some respects, but clearly secular.  In fact, some even have their fair of skepticism – you may recognize them from our Religiously Skeptical Gems playlists.  Without further ado, here are 12 secular songs that ‘take you to church.’  Featured artists include Hozier, Kesha, and Sam Smith.

1. Sam Smith, “Pray”

Album: The Thrill of It All, 2017

Capitol 

“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.”

2. Macklemore, “Church” (Ft. Xperience)

Album: Gemini, 2017

Bendo

When it comes to religion, musicians are ‘all over the map.’ Some are outspokenly religious, some are quietly/moderately religious or spiritual, and others are indifferent.  On “Church,” Macklemore speaks on his religious background, but after listening, one doesn’t get the impression he’s religious per se. Ultimately, his faith seems complicated.

“Mom and pops, they used to take us to church / Saying ‘if you don’t believe, then the prayin’ don’t work’ / With the beatbox I got free on the pavement, I’m first / Music brought me to my knees, I found faith in a verse / So dear spirit, I know I gotta take a chance / And my mistakes and shortcomings finally made a man / I got some issues, I got problems, gotta make amends…”

It seems that Macklemore is thankful for the blessings bestowed upon him – his daughter, his career, etc.  But, how religious or spiritual is he? Examining “Miracle” that precedes “Church,” if we take him literally, he’s not.  Yet, the way he ends the featured lyric below is a common Christian confirmation of agreement or truth.

“…The praise won’t save me, and neither will the fan mail / I’d be a sinner, but thank God I’m not religious / And I’m addicted, drugs and women, there’s no difference / I know the right, but the wrong is just so tempting / I got a phobia, fear of what I’m missing, amen.”

3. Kesha, “Praying”

Album: Rainbow, 2017

Kemosabe / RCA 

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.  Where has she been hiding this? The most surprising moment is when she nails a high F that no one – NO ONE – thought she could hit. Judging by the content, 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.  Her “Tik Tok” days are over.

4. DJ Khaled, “Nobody” (Ft. Alicia Keys & Nicki Minaj)

Album: Grateful, 2017

Epic

Betty Wright lends her legendary soulful pipes on “Interlude (Hallelujah),” an interlude that sets the tone for “Nobody.” “Nobody” is one of the highlights for DJ Khaled on his gargantuan Grateful album.  On “Nobody,” he taps Alicia Keys and Nicki Minaj, who unsurprisingly make a formidable duo. Brilliantly sampling “Nobody Knows,” performed by Pastor T.L. Barret & The Youth Choir, Khaled, Keys, and Minaj take the listeners to church.  Just listen for yourself.

5. Khalid, “Saved”

Album: American Teen, 2017

RCA 

On “Saved,” Khalid showcases incredible maturity.  His voice is awe-inspiring.  Arguably, the subject of “Saved” is youthful, yet applicable to adults as well.  Essentially, Khalid is hopeful that his ex is going to call him and reignite the relationship. In the big scheme of things, this is more fairytale and wishful thinking than realistic.  That said, young or old, who doesn’t reminisce back to a past relationship and ask ‘what if’ questions and so forth?

“But I’ll keep your number saved / ‘Cause I hope one day you’ll get the sense to call me / I’m hoping that you’ll say / You’re missing me the way I’m missing you.”

6. Rich Brian, “Gospel”

Ft. Keith Ape & XXXTENTACION

Album: Gospel – Single, 2017

88rising / EMPIRE

Three young rappers come together for one epic banger.  That’s right, Rich Chigga, Rich Brian, Keith Ape, and XXXTENTACION join forces to bless us with the “Gospel”. Okay, okay, they’re not saving souls in a moral, Christian sort of way, but they do muster up a hard-hitting banger.  XXXTENTACION kicks things off as brashly with sex on his mind.  Interestingly, he’s a self-admitted ho.

Keith Ape takes the reins next, rapping in both English and Korean. His English bars comprise of drugs, violence, and hellishness.  Rich Brian closes things out, dropping an f-bomb or two.

7. Alicia Keys, “The Gospel”

Album: Here, 2016

RCA 

“The Beginning (Interlude)” sets the tone for Here, channeling a socially conscious, poetic vibe.  This, in turn, sets the tone for the outstanding “The Gospel.” “The Gospel” is a thoughtful number blending facets of R&B, hip-hop, and singer/songwriter.  Produced by Alicia Keys, hubby Swizz Beatz, and Mark Batson, the results are superb.  Like the socially conscious intro preceding it, Keys aims for the same direction, painting a picture of families from the ghetto:

“So, we all got children, products of the ghetto / Momma cooked the soup, daddy di the yelling / Uncle was a drunk, cousin was a felon / When he got pitched, he told them he wasn’t tellin’.”

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

Album: The Life of Pablo, 2016

G.O.O.D. / Def Jam

“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.

9. The 1975, “If I Believe You”

Album: I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It, 2016

Interscope

“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.”

“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.”

10. Ty Dolla $ign, “Saved”

Ft. E-40

Album: Free TC, 2015

Atlantic

Ty Dolla $ign delivered a superb debut album with Free TC in November 2015. “Saved” was among the highlights, featuring Bay Area rap vet E-40.  “Saved” keeps the momentum rolling on Free TC without a hitch over signature production work by DJ Mustard. Among the catchiest moments of Free TC, Ty proclaims these strippers/groupies/girls he’s formerly ‘been with’ are “Tryna get saved, she wanna get saved, I ain’t gonna save her.”  In other words, they want what he can give them because he’s ‘came up’ (“Pull up in exotic, I see a little b*tch jockin’”).

11. Hozier, “Take Me to Church”

Album: Hozier, 2014

Columbia 

There is really no need to beat a dead horse in the water.  If anyone believed that Hozier was singing about God on “Take Me to Church,” they weren’t paying close attention.  This is not a praise joint – Hozier wasn’t trying to get his praise on by any means! That said, “Take Me to Church” isn’t necessarily a middle finger to the church.  Still, we all know that sex seems rarely fits into the order of service traditionally.

“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.”

Plenty has been written about “Take Me to Church.” The Pop Song Professor spends an entire video and article on one of the best songs of 2014.  The Reflector clearly states the song ‘conveys deeper meaning.’

12. Panic! At the Disco, “This is Gospel”

Album: Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die! 2013

Fueled by Ramen

“This Is Gospel” sets the tone for Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die! The song is characterized by its creative lyrics, such as:

“This is the gospel for the vagabonds / Ne’er-do-wells and insufferable bastards / Confessing their apostasies.”

Furthermore, “This is Gospel” is characterized by energetic production and a gargantuan refrain.  Groovy, with frontman Brendon Urie’s whiny, dramatic vocals shining, “This is Gospel” transcends being merely another emo song.  It’s obvious numerous musical influences are at work, a characteristic that remains afloat throughout this effort.

“If you love me, let me go / These words are knives and often leave scars / The fear of falling apart.”

Photo Credits: Capitol, Bendo, Kemosabe, RCA, Epic, 88rising, EMPIRE, G.O.O.D., Def Jam, Interscope, Atlantic, Columbia, Fueled by Ramen