You don’t need to be religious to enjoy the harmonic mysteries of Gregorian chanting. While the Latin hymns are traditionally sung at Catholic mass, their striking unaccompanied monophonic tone produces a unique sound, which can be appreciated by all, no matter their ability to understand the dead language or cryptic ruminations on faith. Whether you’re looking for the perfect enigmatic ambiance to do homework or seek religious comfort, this is the DeJamz you have been waiting for.

“Parce Domine” by Stirps lesse & Enrico De Capitani – Lilly Keller

I actually have no recollection of when I started listening to Gregorian chanting. It could have been high school or four months ago, I literally could not tell you. While I am the least religious person on the planet, there is something so perplexingly delicious about the dramatic atmosphere listening to these chants creates that I cannot stop. “Parce Domine” is one of my all-time favorites and makes me feel like the Second Coming is rapidly approaching.

“Pater Noster” by Moines de Santo Domingo de Silos – Lilly Keller

Translating to “The Lord’s Prayer,” this minute-and-a-half chant echoes something that surpasses what I learned in Sunday school when I was six. Nevertheless, I find its response and answer pattern to be mesmerizing and easy to complete my homework since I have no clue what is being said. Maybe this is a sign I should start learning Latin on Duolingo. 

“Dies Irae” by Schola Antiqua & Schola Gregoriana Hispana – Quentin Blais

Sometimes I feel like dying and “Dies Irae” is the perfect backdrop to those days. Translating to the “day of wrath,” “Dies Irae” is a poem that describes the last day of judgment in the perfect seven-minute contemplative chant. I especially recommend listening to this song in a nightgown and by candlelight as it really drives home the “who dares knock on my door at this hour” vibe.

“Sanctus XVIII” by Cantori Gregoriani & Fulvio Rampi – Quentin Blais

Growing up in a Catholic school, the Sanctus was the weekly ambiance to which students passed out from heat exhaustion at all-school mass. You should have a similar reaction when you listen to this song. The repetitive lyrics have been stuck in my head all day since listening to it. 

“Anima Christi” by Marco Frisina – By Lilly Keller and Quentin Blais

Talk about feeling like you’re in a movie. This banger makes us feel like our heads are on the chopping block and eternal damnation if calling our names. The definition of soulful music, this chant is one that could quite literally raise us from the dead. Happy late Easter, everybody.