Christian music is one of the things I could talk about for days, non-stop. God has used it to save my life, get me through tough patches and help show me who Jesus is. The artists, songs, and message of hope across every style of Christian music have impacted me in powerful ways. Because of that, I’ve also been fascinated by songs of faith from artists outside the traditional “Christian music” label. Some started as Christian artists before stepping away from the title (NF, Red, P.O.D.), while others found faith later and began singing about it (Carrie Underwood, Tori Kelly, Elvis). One band that fits both molds, and one of my favorites, is Twenty One Pilots.
Starting in 2009, Twenty One Pilots released their self-titled album, which quickly earned them a following. It was deep, raw, and full of references to faith, with some songs that sounded like outright prayers. Since Josh Dunn (formerly of House of Heroes) joined Tyler Joseph in 2012, the duo has released music that’s given listeners hope and made them one of the biggest bands in the world. Both members are Christians, and Tyler’s dad is even a pastor. They’ve never shied away from weaving faith into their music. Most notably, their groundbreaking No. 1 album Blurryface carried several faith-centered songs, and last year’s “Backslide” from Clancy reflected the same themes. Now, with their latest record, Breach, they’ve delivered what might be their most faith-centered project yet.
I’m not someone who twists mainstream songs into “Christian” ones, especially when that’s not the artist’s intent. But Breach doesn’t need stretching. This album is raw, vulnerable, and unmistakably filled with hope that only God brings. It even reminds me of their earlier work, like Vessel, while still feeling as edgy and fresh as their recent projects.
The opener, “City Walls,” sets the tone immediately with a powerful cry about breaking free from addiction, depression, and fear. The chorus calls out for God’s help to overcome, using parallels of breaking into a city to overthrow enemies. The bridge especially shines like on it, using an iconic lyric from Twenty One Pilots' song "Holding Onto You" (one of their biggest songs on faith) with the phrase "entertain my faith" as a plea for God to save us as we choose to have faith in Him, in the middle of doubt.
Two other standout faith-centered tracks are “Garbage” and “Downstairs.” “Garbage” is an honest, vulnerable song about feeling lost and broken. The bridge stopped me in my tracks: “Would You move closer if I grew quieter? Maybe this is You, maybe You don’t fix, and You like it like this.” I know I've prayed prayers like this. Our humanity and imperfections are what God uses so often to grow us. It just takes surrender, listening to Him, and honesty, like Tyler sings in this song. The lyrics continue to yell out, "don't give up on me" as a plea for God to help us in the middle of our lowest. Even during their tour, a video went viral of Tyler taking a pause during the performance of this song to lay down his mic and pray.
“Downstairs” goes even deeper with many listeners, even those not looking for Christian themes, have called it a worship song of sorts. It’s raw, breathtaking and personally, it’s made me cry more times than I can count. Without explicitly saying “Jesus” or “God,” the lyrics point directly to Him: “You can have all I’ve made and all I’ve ever known, You can have both my lungs if You ask me so, cause I want to be the one after Your own heart.” Never has a song outside being called "Christian music" pulled me closer to God like this one has. Other tracks like “Talley” and “Center Mass” are also theorized to have references to faith or prayers in disguise, but even if you set those aside, Breach stands as Twenty One Pilots’ most honest exploration of faith yet.
My generation, especially, is searching for hope that can change lives. These songs are honest about struggles, brokenness, and how hard life can be — while pointing toward Someone who can save us in the middle of it all. Even as a bold believer, I’ve been reminded to be real with God and trust Him to heal and break through in my life. One of the lyrics in the song "Drum Show" on this album says, "I've been this way, I want to change," which is a powerful theme in this album.
I first discovered Twenty One Pilots about two years ago through “Heavydirtysoul” (sampled at the end of “City Walls”), when I heard the line: “Can You save my heavy dirty soul, from me?” From that moment, I became a fan. Their music speaks directly to mental health, anti-suicide, and pressing on when life gets tough. While they may not be considered a “Christian band,” they’re unafraid to highlight the truth that there’s only One who can save, lead, and give us hope. The special edition, Breach: Digital Remains, closes with “Drag Path,” a song that perfectly captures the album’s heartbeat: “When I see the devil’s eyes, I’ll look away and smile wide, You found me, proof is in the adversary, You found me.” It’s a reminder that while the enemy wants to destroy us, God meets us in the struggle and saves us.
At its core, Breach is about hope—the desire to change, the desperate need for God, and the courage to admit it. Hearing Twenty One Pilots share the lifeline that’s carried them through, Jesus, and wrapping that truth in music millions are listening to is powerful. At the time of writing, Breach is the No. 1 album in the world. That’s because hope, when told creatively and honestly, resonates deeply. And there’s no hope more powerful than the redemption of Jesus.
Bradden Ford is a Christian music junkie charged with maintaining NewReleaseToday's new release database of artists and releases. He lives just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
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