3 Rock Albums That Explore Spirituality and Religion

Rock music covers a lot of ground thematically. From the titular sex and drugs to more lofty ideas, there is a rock song for everyone–even the religious. Though rock music is diametrically opposed from religion in many people’s minds, there is the odd few artists who have used the rough and tumble genre to express their devotee status. Find three rock albums that explore spirituality and religion, below.

Videos by American Songwriter

All Things Must Pass – George Harrison

George Harrison was one of the most explicitly spiritual rock artists of all time. He borrowed elements of the Hare Krishna tradition and injected it into his post-Beatles material. His most famous effort is unarguably All Things Must Pass. The title alone nods to an enlightened state of mind. The content within expounds on his world view. From songs about the bridge between Christianity and Hinduism to ones about more earthly pursuits, All Things Must Pass was Harrison‘s manifesto.

My sweet Lord
My Lord
Mmm, my Lord

I really want to see you
Really want to be with you
Really want to see you, Lord
But it takes so long, my Lord

[RELATED: “I Gave It to George (Harrison)”: If It Wasn’t for David Crosby, ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ May Have Never Existed]

Slow Train Coming – Bob Dylan

Slow Train Coming was released amid Bob Dylan’s controversial turn towards Christianity. While some fans found his new ideology a little disorienting, the music he made in this era was some of his most passionate. Take “Gotta Serve Somebody” for example. Dylan delivered a plain-spoken, candid message of religious devotion with this track. Dylan spent the entire accompanying album with his head up to the sky, speaking to a higher power. It might not play well with his entire audience, but no one can deny Dylan’s fervor.

But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the Devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody

The Boatman’s Call – Nick Cave

While the other two albums on this list are more expressly spiritual or religious, Nick Cave’s The Boatman’s Call explores the divine through the lens of a love affair and addiction. Cave’s relationship with religion is muddy, which ultimately makes for a more complex album. This album will speak to those who have found themselves toying with agnosticism. Cave has never shied away from the grey areas of life. In fact, he revels in them here.

There is a kingdom
There is a king
And he lives without
And he lives within

There is a kingdom
There is a king
And he lives without
And he lives within

(Photo by Solomon N’Jie/Getty Images)