Top 115 Best Gospel Songs

It can be difficult to define exactly what a gospel song is. But, if we are going to look at the best gospel songs, then it is useful to understand what we are looking at and where they came from. 

Gospel songs and Gospel music are, of course, inextricably linked with Christianity. Yet, you could argue it has other roots. Christianity has been around for over 2000 years. Wherever there is some form of worship, there will usually be some form of music. 

Would we refer to the music of 2000 years ago as Gospel music? No, we wouldn’t. The reason we wouldn’t is that the term “gospel music” is a fairly recent creation in comparison to the Christianity it is linked with.

What Is Gospel Music?

It is a genre that dates back probably as far as the 17th century. There are two elements you will usually find. First, plenty of very powerful vocals, along with harmonies. The vocals may encourage “call-back” answers from a congregation. 

Second, there will usually be a rhythm created by clapping and sometimes stamping of feet. But, other genres use a similar song construction that you would not consider Gospel. So what is the difference?

A Specific Folk Song

Gospel music began to take the shape we know now in the 18th century, motivated by the slave trade. It was a form of a folk song within a community but with a religious slant. They evolved as a way for slaves to express their feelings, and for some, to keep their spirits up.

Christianity was a new concept to the vast majority of the slaves. It promised freedom and something better to come. And, with the mass conversions that were occurring, it was seen as a way of escaping slavery and oppression. 

A way of motivating themselves that one day they would have their freedom. Of course, it was religious, and in particular, Christianity-based.

The roots of all American music…

But, it was the slaves and the later African-American communities that were responsible for the creation and perpetuation of what came to be known as gospel music. And, in many ways, for its very intense development. 

From it came Blues, and eventually Jazz. Today, the term Gospel music is used by communities of all ethnic groups and bears little relation to the original music and ideals. Although, some of the earliest songs are still sung in certain communities. 

The Earliest Songs

Most of the very early songs that were sung have long been confined to history and only exist in a handed-down form. Slaves were not given much encouragement to read and write. Let alone compose music.

However, there are still plenty of gospel songs and original music around. And they are mixed in with more recent compositions to form a formidable body of work. Some of them will go back a long way; others will be quite recent. And there may be one or two surprises along the way. 

I am not one of these people who thinks that an electric guitar and a drum kit are going to send me “downstairs.” After all, as Cliff Richard sang, “Why should The Devil have all the good music?” So, let’s take a look at some, starting with one of the most respected and famous of the spiritualist slave songs…

Top 115 Best Gospel Songs

1 Wade In The Water

Let’s start with one of the most famous gospel and spiritual songs ever. It is not known who wrote the original song. There weren’t too many songwriting credits afforded to slaves.

It is known as a “sorrow song,” but it had another meaning. It was used on the Underground Railroad by slaves fleeing captivity. One of the heroes of the time, Harriet Tubman, used it as a code on the journey. 

Often hunted by men with dogs, “Wade in the Water” meant just that. Get in the river where they can’t pick up your scent. It is a gospel song that still resonates today in the South, and will likely remain one of the best gospel songs ever.

Want to know more? Then check out my in-depth look at The Meanings Behind Wade in the Water.

2 Go Tell It on the Mountain

This is a very old African-American spiritual and gospel song that dates back to at least 1865. The music and lyrics were compiled by John Wesley Work, Jr. The Peter, Paul, and Mary version was reworked a little to fit closer to the story of The Exodus.

It was originally and still is considered a Christmas song. The original words refer to the Nativity. However, it has inherited a wider meaning and is a popular song both in the gospel and secular circles.

3 Amazing Grace

This has been one of the most popular religious songs over the last 200 years. The basic tune goes back a long way. However, we do know the words were written in 1772 by the English Anglican poet John Newton.

Ironically, Newton was a slave trader who worked the ships carrying to them their destinations. However, he reformed his ways around 1755 and became an abolitionist. 

The song fell out of favor in British church services during his lifetime. It was later revived during the 19th century in America.

A song everyone knows…

It has been recorded more times than most other songs, and I have included the Judy Collins version. Her 1985 version was recorded for Christmas in the UK of that year on an album of the same name. It is available in America only as an import.

Two hundred years and still going strong. This is a song that forms an important part of many religious communities. And is easily one of the best gospel songs ever.

4 Here Again by Elevation Worship

Coming more up-to-date now with this song from Elevation Worship. They are a group formed in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the city’s Elevation Church. They perform at their church at weekends but also perform concerts and tours across America.

A simple song that is very much a more modern type of gospel song.

5 What A Friend We Have In Jesus by Tennessee Ernie Ford

Ernest Jennings Ford, or Tennessee Ernie Ford as he is better known, was a much-loved singer and TV personality. Perhaps best known for his song “Sixteen Tons,” he crossed the boundaries between Country music and Gospel with ease.

This is a song originally written in 1855 by Joseph Scriven. It is one of the most popular songs sung amongst Christians and has been recorded in a variety of languages. Ford’s version is often cited as the most popular.

6 Way Maker by Sinach

Gospel music covers the globe, and this is a song from Nigerian songwriter Osinachi Okoro. It also brought Nigerian gospel singer Sinach to the attention of mainstream gospel music.

Another of the more modern styles of gospel songs. Released in 2016 and quickly became a popular Christian song.

7 He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands by Laurie London

Often, when we think of traditional gospel songs and singers, we think of joyous occasions filled with music and handclaps. This is a song that seems to create that feeling.

First published in 1927, it is very much a traditional African-American song. At first, its popularity was limited to religious gatherings, but then a version was released as a single.

Setting Records…

Laurie London was a young man from Bethnal Green in East London who achieved fame as a boy singer. He had a hit with this song in 1958 while still at school at the age of only 13. On its release, it was an instant success.

It was his only hit record, but it did set a record. It became the highest charting single by a British singer in the 50s in America. 

Also, it was the only gospel song to reach #1 on the mainstream Billboard chart. That means it did better than “Oh Happy Day” by the Edwin Hawkins singers.

8 Here I Am To Worship by Hillsong Worship

Let’s pay a visit to gospel music “down under.” I say “down under,” but Hillsong Worship also has established offshoots in London and Kyiv. Established in Sydney, Australia, they have had several albums distributed by their own Hillsong Music label.

This gospel song was released in 2003 and has remained a popular song ever since. The group does not have what you might call the usual gospel sound. 

Plenty of acoustic guitars you might expect. But add some heavyweight drums that come in during the song and some very powerful group vocals. It isn’t hard to see why they are so popular in some circles.

9 Days of Elijah by Robin Mark

This was first released in 1997. It is a simple enough song offering a prophetic warning about times to come. Another song that focuses on a key Christian principle – the Second Coming.

That is a message that is going to resonate at any Christian gathering. There was a cover version by Twila Paris that brought the song back to the attention of gospel audiences.

10 Forever by Kari Jobe

Let’s have a change of pace and style now and take in a couple of tracks from Kari Jobe. Born in Texas, she has developed into an important Christian singer and songwriter. This song is a return to a much more sedate type of gospel song.

If you prefer the more peaceful gospel songs, this is a track you’re going to like.

11 Breathe On Us by Kari Jobe

This track was released in 2004 and instantly became popular amongst the Christian community in America. It was taken from her album, Majestic (Live).

It is a song that especially suits those who might be going through hard times. If you need some support and help, this is going to be a good song to listen to.

12 Gospel Train by Rosetta Tharpe

Let’s go back in time to this track. Rosetta Tharpe, or Sister Rosetta Tharpe as she is sometimes known, was a gospel singer from the 50s who has largely disappeared from our music consciousness. 

She might not be well-known today, but in her day, she was one of the most respected blues and gospel singers. She had a powerful, soulful voice and didn’t play a bad guitar either. Gospel Train is an album full of her own gospel and spiritual, Blues-based songs.

It is a jazz-influenced album that drew much attention at the time. It was one of the first gospel tracks to use musicians who were willing to give the song some creative drive.

13 Mary Don’t You Weep by Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin was known as the “Queen Of Soul.” And she was just about the most important female soul singer of her generation. But, she had another string to her bow that, for her, was just as important.

Aretha The Gospel Singer

Her father had been a minister at their local church in Detroit, and from a young age, she had been impressive in the gospel choir. At the age of 18, she got her first record deal, but she never forgot her gospel roots.

“Mary Don’t You Weep” was not a new song. It goes back probably to the late 1800s. The first recording we have of the song was by the Fisk Jubilee Singers in 1915. Aretha released her version in 1972, and the song suddenly became popular worldwide. Aretha’s natural, soulful voice fit the subject matter perfectly.

14 Swing Low (Sweet Chariot) by Etta James

This is one of the most popular and well-known gospel songs and Christian hymns. Its origins are found not in slavery but Native Americans. It was composed by Wallis Willis, a Choctaw Indian who established himself near modern-day Oklahoma. 

It is thought that he wrote it sometime after 1865. The first recording of the song we have is from 1909 and the Fisk Singers. The first mention of the song comes in 1876, in a publication about the songs of the Jubilee Singers.

A Common Theme

The song uses themes that would have been common and very familiar to the people of the time. It uses death as a way of reminding listeners of better days that are to come. It also uses repetition to enforce its message, a common trait amongst gospel songs of the time.

The song was created to allow for improvisation and the ability to be able to use the “answer-back” practices.

Memorable Performance

It is not surprising we turn to Joan Baez for what might be the definitive live performance. She sang the song at Woodstock in 1969.

Along with others, it became an important song, not only for Christians but for members of the Civil Rights Movement.

15 People Get Ready by The Impressions

Let’s keep with the train imagery for this well-known song from The Impressions. Christians fervently believe in a Second Coming, a time when they will be vindicated by a returning Messiah. A time when all wrongs will be made right. 

This song is about that and is effectively a warning to get yourself ready for that event to occur.

A Heavy Gospel Feel And Message And More…

The song was written by one of the greatest songwriters of the 60s, Curtis Mayfield. The single was taken from the album of the same name released in 1965.

On its release, it was considered a simple song with a gospel message, but it became much more than that. The reaction to “People Get Ready” was not unlike that of “We Shall Overcome” by Pete Seeger. It kept its religious gospel feel, but it became a Civil Rights anthem.

The song reached #14 in America and was another in a long line of gospel and slave songs that used the train as imagery. It has been covered by some illustrious names. These include Bob Dylan, Jeff Beck,  Bob Marley, Vanilla Fudge, Aretha Franklin, Phil Collins, and Seal.

A Song Borne Out Of Disillusionment

Composer Curtis Mayfield wrote the song amidst his growing sense of disillusionment with the social and political issues of the time. Many of his songs from this period reflected his deep feelings.

16 Yes, He Lives

Most people know these days of Cliff Richard’s religious leanings. If he has always been a Christian, he kept it very quiet during his Rock n Roll years. However, it has been a long time now since he professed his faith in Christianity.

He has made many religious recordings, but they were always a little pious for most people. He decided with his Small Corners album to use up-and-coming American writers with a gospel leaning. On the face of it, it worked musically.

Plenty Of Positives

“Yes, He Lives” was the lead song and a single released from the album. It had a lot of positives as a song. But, despite its excellent performance and production, it failed to chart.

I have included it here because of all the positive reasons I mentioned. And because it is a modern-day worship song for those that like that style. You could ask if it is strictly a gospel song. It does have a Soft Rock edge to it, and some might object to that. 

But, it speaks of belief in Christianity, so what else do you need? I thought that was the idea of Gospel music.

17 Spirit In The Sky by Norman Greenbaum

Having introduced the idea of drums and electric guitar on the last track, let’s also include this one. This is what you could call “Gospel Rock,” a new genre. It is not really “new”; it is gospel music but just plugged in.

If you want to reach millions upon millions of people all around the world, there is no better way than a successful record. And this one was just that. Released in 1969, a time when religious music was not in fashion at all, Norman Greenbaum changed all that.

The Skeptics

There were plenty of them, but he proved them all wrong. Number one in the UK, Canada, and Australia, #3 in America, and with over two million sales, it was a huge hit.

The skeptics were not confined to record company executives. Even some Christian groups and commentators were critical of its approach to considering itself a worship song. But, they are best forgotten as it seems they missed the point.

A great track, and as a prominent radio DJ in the UK said at the time, “If that is Gospel Rock, let’s have some more.”

18 Oh Happy Day by The Edwin Hawkins Singers

Just about everyone remembers this song from when it came out in 1967. Oddly enough, it is a hymn from 1755 written by Phillip Doddridge, an English clergyman. The Edwin Hawkins version broke down any barriers that existed about Gospel music in the mainstream charts.

It reached #2 in the UK and #4 in America and brought a whole new level of attention to the gospel sound. Some criticized it, of course. But, the reality was it was a great song and a great performance. 

And the reality also was that a lot of people heard it and loved it. “Good news,” indeed.

19 We Shall Overcome by Pete Seeger

Let’s return to a more formal gospel song to finish this list of the best gospel songs. This memorable song was written as a gospel hymn in 1900 by Charles Tindley, the son of a slave. Maybe a reason that it was picked to represent the Civil Rights Movement.

Pete Seeger sang it to Martin Luther King, Jr. But, perhaps the most touching version is by Joan Baez. An anthem for the oppressed, it is a fitting way to end this list of gospel songs and music.

20 Precious Lord, Take My Hand

21 I Saw the Light

22 His Eye Is on the Sparrow

23 Go Tell It on the Mountain

24 Victory in Jesus

25 It Is Well with My Soul

26 Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

27 What a Friend We Have in Jesus

28 Holy, Holy, Holy

29 Lord, I Lift Your Name on High

30 Shout to the Lord

31 You Are So Beautiful to Me (To Jesus Christ My Lord)

32 There Is Power in the Blood

33 At Calvary

34 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

35 O Happy Day

36 I Am Thine, O Lord

37 Stand By Me

38 I Love to Tell the Story

39 Love Lifted Me

40 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

41 Take My Life and Let It Be

42 Were You There

43 Mansion Over the Hilltop

44 Nothing Between

45 There Shall Be Showers of Blessing

46 He Leadeth Me

47 Onward Christian Soldiers

48 I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

49 I Stand Amazed in the Presence

50 Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy

More 65 Best Gospel Songs

51. 51. Amazing Grace
    52. How Great Thou Art
    53. I’ll Fly Away
    54. Blessed Assurance
    55. The Old Rugged Cross
    56. When the Saints Go Marching In
    57. Just a Closer Walk with Thee
    58. He Touched Me
    59. In the Garden
    60. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
    61. Rock of Ages
    62. Jesus Loves Me
    63. Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?
    64. Because He Lives
    65. Soon and Very Soon
    66. Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
    67. You Are My All in All
    68. The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power
    69. Just As I Am
    70. I Surrender All
    71. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
    72. I Need Thee Every Hour
    73. Jesus Paid It All
    74. Nothing But the Blood
    75. When We All Get to Heaven
    76. We’ll Understand It Better By and By
    77. Shall We Gather at the River
    78. O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
    79. Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior
    80. There Is a Fountain
    81. Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
    82. Sweet Hour of Prayer
    83. Fairest Lord Jesus
    84. Take the Name of Jesus with You
    85. Redeemed
    86. My Faith Looks Up to Thee
    87. All the Way My Savior Leads Me
    88. We Are Marching in the Light of God
    89. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
    90. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
    91. When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder
    92. I Sing the Mighty Power of God
    93. Are You Washed in the Blood?
    94. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
    95. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
    96. To God Be the Glory
    97. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
    98. Revive Us Again
    99. The Church’s One Foundation
    100. He Lives
    101. Trust and Obey
    102. Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling
    103. Blessed Be the Name
    104. Jesus, Lover of My Soul
    105. Glory to His Name
    106. Amazing Love
    107. Standing on the Promises
    108. The Love of God
    109. In Christ Alone
    110. The Solid Rock
    111. Victory, Victory Shall Be Mine
    112. Brethren, We Have Met to Worship
    113. My Jesus, I Love Thee
    114. Grace Greater Than Our Sin
    115. In the Sweet By and By

How We React To Gospel Music

People react to gospel music in different ways. Those who do not believe in Christianity can take it or leave it. Mainly, of course, they leave it.

But, what is the purpose of gospel music in this century? Rather different from what it was in the 1800s in the plantations of the American South. I would have thought that the purpose of gospel music falls into two categories.

Not all gospel songs on our list are suitable for the first. But, what about the second? Does a gospel song automatically become “evil” because it has drums or an electric guitar? Of course not, and the people who put forward those ideas do more damage to Christianity than any outsider could.

Looking for Inspirational Songs?

If so, take a look at our detailed articles on the Best Songs About Silence, the Best Songs About Hope, the Best Songs About Having A Baby, the Best Songs About Breathing, and the Best Songs About Not Giving Up for more great song selections.

You’ll need to hear those songs. So, check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Headphones for Music, the Best Headphones Under $200, the Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, the Best Bass Earbuds, the Best Sound Quality Earbuds, and the Best Noise Isolating Earbuds you can buy in 2023.

Best Gospel Songs – Final Thoughts

Like all music, gospel music can be found in many shapes and sizes. It forms a very important part of history, but it can also be modern in its approach. And, as long as they are doing what they are setting out to do, encourage Christianity, then surely that is good.

Until next time, happy listening.