2016’s Best Gospel Music

Find out which gospel music albums were the best of 2016. See which artists topped the charts and won the biggest awards.

What is Gospel Music?

Gospel music is a genre of Christian music. The creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of gospel music varies according to culture and social context. Gospel music is composed and performed for many purposes, including aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, and as an entertainment product for the marketplace.

The History of Gospel Music

Gospel music is a genre of Christian music. The creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of gospel music varies according to culture and social context. Gospel music is composed and performed for many purposes, including aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, and as an entertainment product for the marketplace.

Gospel music usually has dominant vocals (often with strong use of harmony) with Christian lyrics. Gospel music can be traced to the early 17th century, with roots in the black oral tradition. Hymns and sacred songs were often repeated in a call and response fashion. Most of the churches relied on hand clapping and foot stomping as rhythmic accompaniment. Guitars, pianos, tambourines, drums, and cymbals were sometimes used as well.

The first published use of the term “gospel song” probably appeared in 1874 when Philip Bliss released a songbook entitled Gospel Songs. A Choice Collection of Hymns and Tunes Old and New designed “for use in gospel meetings”.
It is possible that the term “gospel song” was originally used in more general reference to gospel hymns than specifically to black gospel music.

The Different Types of Gospel Music

Gospel music is music that is written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Christian life, as well as (in terms of the varying music styles) to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music. Like other forms of Christian music the creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of gospel music varies according to culture and social context. Gospel music is composed and performed for many purposes, including aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, and as an entertainment product for the marketplace.

Gospel music usually has dominant vocals (often with strong use of harmony) with often subservient instrumentation. Brown (1999) says gospel music has emphasize on vocalists and holidays (p. xxiv). Spirituals are often associated with gospel music, sharing the same style but with non-religious lyrics. Closely related to spirituals are work songs that have also been influenced by African American culture. While many white musicians gravitated toward country, folk, and old-timey music to express their spirituality outside of traditional Christian hymns, Black Gospel music drew heavily upon the traditions of whites—especially theapi/gospel-music”>blues and jazz.

The origins of gospel music are closely related to the development of Negro spirituals in the United States during the Tegular Facebook group spanned fifteen genres from rock to soul to disco.” In addition Black Gospel Music has influenced Contemporary Christian Music artists such as Amy Grant, Andrae Crouch Sheldon Curry Brandon Heath Broadcast The Hoppers Kirk Franklin The Imperials James Cleveland Jason Nelson Jekalyn Carr Jessy Dixon John P. Kee Kevin Davidson & Levite Camp LaShun Pace Le’Andria Johnson Mali Music Marvin Sapp Mary Mary Michelle Williams Moses Tyson Jr Myron Butler & Levi Nicol Sponberg Norman Hutchins Richard Smallwoodsmoot The Sounds of Blackness Steve Lawrence & Eydean Schwartz The Staple Singers Take 6 Tasha Cobbs Tara Greene Ted & Sheri Thomas A Dorsey Walter Hawkins Willie Mae Ford Smith The Winans Yolanda Adams Zack Williams

Gospel Music comes in many different forms such as:
• Contemporary Gospel – is a subgenre of gospel that combines contemporary R&B style with gospel elements/lyrics
o Example Artists: Commissioned, James Cleveland, Andrae Crouch
• Traditional black Gospel – emphasizes group vocals often accompanied by piano or organ; known for its use of call-and-response patterns
o Example Artists: Pilgrim Jubilees, James ClevelaR&B stylend Richard Smallwood
• Quartet Gospel – close male harmony groups; originated in barbershops
o Example Artists: Interstate Qut Golf Clubbin’ BBD SWV Dru Hill Jodeci 112 Boyz II Men New Edition Al B Sure Devante Swing Bell Biv DeVoe Blaque Cassie Christopher Williams Color Me Badd Craig Mack Daisy Eagan Debbie Gibson Diana Ross En Vogue Gansta Boo Ginuwine Grace Jones Heavy D Horizons Jagged Edge Jade Janet Jackson Jody Watley Jon B Keith Sweat Kelly Price Lauryn Hill Lisa Lisa LisaRenee Geyer Macy Gray Mariah Carey Mary Jane Girls Melba MooreMichael Jackson Montell Jordan Natalie Cole Naughty By Nature Patti Austin Pebbles Portrait R KellyRamsey LewisRick James Rockell Rocq E Streetz Salt N PepaShanice Shelby Lynne Sly Fox Taylor Dayne Tina Arena TLC Tony Toni Tone Vanessa Williams Victor Wooten Whitney Houston Willow Smith Zoegirl
• Praise & Worship – a more mellow sound used in churches; tends not incorporate blues/jazz influences
o Example Artists: Kurt Carr Donnie McClurkin Isaac Carree Israel Houghton James Fortune Jessica Reedy Marvin Sapp Mary Mary Phillip Bailey Richard Smallwood Smokey Norful Troy Sneed William Murphy Yolanda Adams Zacardi Cortez

The Best Gospel Music of 2016

It’s been a great year for gospel music, with many new artists emerging and established artists releasing new albums. Here are our picks for the best gospel music of 2016.

The Best Gospel Albums of 2016

While artists like Kirk Franklin, Lecrae and Marvin Sapp continued to make waves in the gospel music world in 2016, there were also a number of new faces that made their presence felt this year. Gospel music fans were treated to stellar debut albums from the likes of Jekalyn Carr, Tasha Cobbs and Jonathan McReynolds, while veterans such as Fred Hammond and Donnie McClurkin delivered projects that were among the year’s best.

Check out our list of 2016’s best gospel albums below.

1. Kirk Franklin – Losing My Religion
2. Jekalyn Carr – The Life Project
3. Tasha Cobbs – One Place Live
4. Jonathan McReynolds – Make Room
5. Marvin Sapp – Close
6. Lecrae – Church Clothes 3
7. Fred Hammond – Worship Journal (Live)
8. Donnie McClurkin – The Journey (Live)
9. James Fortune & FIYA – Dear Future Me
10. Casey J – The Gathering of Worshippers

The Best Gospel Songs of 2016

The best gospel songs of 2016 manage to capture the spiritual and somber feeling of gospel music while still sounding modern and relevant. This year’s list features both iconic names in the genre as well as some new, up-and-coming artists.

Some of the best songs on this list include “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” “Blessed Assurance,” and “Amazing Grace.” If you’re looking for a modern twist on classic gospel songs, check out “Raise a Hallelujah” by Bethel Music or “Do It Again” by Elevation Worship.

Why Gospel Music is Important

Gospel music has been around for centuries and has been an important part of the Christian faith. It is a genre of music that is uplifting and brings people closer to God. Gospel music is also a great way to evangelize and reach out to non-believers.

Gospel Music Connects Us to God

Gospel music is one of the oldest genres of music. It dates back to the 1700s, with its roots in Negro spirituals and African American gospel songs. Gospel music has always been an important part of the African American church experience, serving as a source of spiritual inspiration and community building.

Today, gospel music is enjoyed by people of all faiths and backgrounds. It has undergone a significant evolution over the years, incorporating elements of other genres like soul, R&B, and hip hop. But at its core, gospel music is still about lifting up the name of Jesus and testifying to God’s goodness.

Gospel music is an important part of our spiritual lives because it helps us to connect with God on a deeper level. The lyrics of gospel songs speak to our hearts and minds, teaching us about God’s love for us and how we can live our lives according to His will. Additionally, gospel music is a powerful form of prayer and worship. When we sing praises to God with all our heart, mind, and soul, we open ourselves up to His presence in a special way.

Gospel Music Brings Us Joy

Gospel music has been around for centuries and it has always been important to the black community. It is a form of expression that allows us to connect with our spirituality and express our joy. Gospel music is also a way for us to connect with our culture and heritage. When we listen to gospel music, we are reminded of our history and the struggles that our ancestors went through. Gospel music is an important part of our culture and it should be celebrated.

Gospel Music Helps Us to Express Our Faith

Gospel music is so important because it helps us to express our faith. When we sing or listen to gospel music, we are reminded of the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This type of music is also a great way to praise and worship God. It is a way for us to express our thankfulness for His blessings in our lives. Additionally, gospel music can be a great tool for evangelism. When we share the gospel message through song, we have the ability to reach people who may not otherwise hear about the good news of Jesus Christ.