Gospel Music Songs: The Top 10
Here are the top 10 gospel music songs of all time. This list is sure to get you inspired and motivated.
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 society. 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. Called “liner notes for the soul”, gospel lyrics usually speak of personal commitment, religious experiences, and social concerns.
Subgenres include contemporary gospel, urban contemporary gospel (sometimes referred to as “black gospel”), Southern gospel, and modern gospel music (now more commonly known as praise and worship music or contemporary Christian music). Several forms of gospel music utilize choirs, use piano or Hammond organ, tambourines, drums, bass guitar and, increasingly, electric guitar. In comparison with hymns, which are generally of a statelier measure, the gospel song is expected to have a refrain and often a more syncopated rhythm.
The Different Types 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. Balances between lead instrumentation and chorus were common in smaller congregations during the 18th century. In larger churches choirs were used but solos were rare during this time period. The predominant style of gospel music was sheet music, published and distributed in various forms to allow both amateur performers to play this new style and professional singers to make a profitable income from their singing.
The first commercially released gospel song book was titled The Northern Convention Gospel Songster and was published in Albany, New York, in 1826 by Fanny Crosby (18201915). The popularity of sheet music gospel songs waned as radio broadcasting began in the 1920s; however, several gospel songs written by Crosby have become standards, such as “Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior” (1868), “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” (1869), “Blessed Assurance” (1873), “Praise Him! Praise Him!” (1875), “He Hideth My Soul” (1910).
As technology progressed so did the ability for artists to record their music which led to an increase in recorded gospel albums being made available for purchase; however, it was not until 1967 that Andraé Crouch released his album Take the Message Everywhere that contained both traditional gospel songs as well as his own original compositions which started what is now known as contemporary Christian music or CCM.
Some well-known types of gospel music include:
* Spirituals – These are Protestant Christian songs that originated from African American slaves who converted to Christianity. The slave owners would allow these spirituals to be sung on Sundays or special holidays as a way to give thanks or praise to God. Although most spirituals were passed down orally they did eventually get written down and some say that these types of gospel songs are some of the oldest ones around.
* Shouts – These are characterized by their fast tempo and often times have elements of call and response within them where one person will sing a line then the rest of the group responds back with either another line from the song or maybe just a word or two. This type of singing often took place during worship services as a way for everyone to get involved in the service regardless of whether they could read or not
* Negro spirituals – A type of religious folk song that was sung by African Americans during slavery; however, once slavery ended Negro spirituals became more entrenched in black churches where they were used both during worship services as well as after church gatherings where people would sing them while enjoying each other’s company
* White Spirituals – Just like Negro spirituals these are religious folk songs; however, they originate from white Southerners instead of African Americans. They often deal with themes such as life after death, judgment day, heaven, etc.
The Top 10 Gospel Music Songs
Gospel music is a genre of music that is based on the Christian gospel. This type of music has been around for many years and has evolved over time. There are many different styles of gospel music, but the most popular are contemporary and traditional. Contemporary gospel music is a more modern style of music that is often influenced by pop, rock, and hip-hop. Traditional gospel music is a more traditional style of music that is often influenced by blues and jazz.
“Amazing Grace”
Written by English poet John Newton in 1779, “Amazing Grace” is a beloved hymn that has been recorded by countless artists over the years. The lyrics tell the story of Newton’s journey from being a slave trader to finding salvation through God’s grace. While the song is often associated with the Christian faith, it has also been adopted by people of other religions as a message of hope and redemption.
In recent years, “Amazing Grace” has become one of the most popular gospel songs in the world, thanks in part to its timeless message and moving melody. The song has been recorded by artists ranging from Mahalia Jackson and Aretha Franklin to Johnny Cash and Alicia Keys, solidifying its place as a modern classic.
“Oh, How I Love Jesus”
1. “Oh, How I Love Jesus” is a song that was written by Frederick Whitfield in 1855.
2. The song is a Gospel music song and it is one of the most popular songs in the world.
3. “Oh, How I Love Jesus” has been recorded by many different artists over the years, including Mahalia Jackson, James Cleveland, Aretha Franklin, and Kirk Franklin.
4. The song is about how much the singer loves Jesus and how Jesus is the best thing in their life.
5. “Oh, How I Love Jesus” is a happy and upbeat song that will make you feel good when you listen to it.
“He Touched Me”
“He Touched Me” is a gospel music song written by Bill Gaither and performed by Gaither Vocal Band. The song was released as a single in 1972 and peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “He Touched Me” has been covered by numerous artists and has been a staple of the Gaither Vocal Band’s live performances.
“I Saw the Light”
“I Saw the Light” is a gospel music song that was written by Hank Williams. The song has been covered by many artists, but Williams’ version is the most well-known. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a person who has found God and been saved from their sinful ways.
“Just a Closer Walk with Thee”
“Just a Closer Walk with Thee” is a traditional gospel song written by Alfred E. Brumley and first published in 1941. The song is a prayer for God’s guidance and mercy, and has been recorded by many artists over the years.
The song became quite popular in the early 1950s after being recorded by several artists, including Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Clara Ward, and the Golden Gate Quartet. In recent years, it has been recorded by country music artists such as Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, and Emmylou Harris.
“Peace in the Valley”
“Peace in the Valley” is a gospel song written by Thomas A. Dorsey and first recorded by Mahalia Jackson. The song became a hit in 1951, reaching number one on Billboard’s “Race Records” chart, formerly known as the “Harlem Hit Parade”. Jackson’s recording of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. The song lyrics express the peaceful feeling one gets when thinking about heavenly life after a troubled earthly existence:
I’m so tired of being lonely,
I’m so tired of on my own.
I won’t be lonely, I won’t be blue,
I’m goin’ to peace in the valley with you.
“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot is a Negro spiritual. The earliest known version was published in 1867 and the song became quite popular during the Swing Revival of the 1930s. The song was recorded by numerous artists including Paul Robeson, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. In the 1960s, it was recorded by Johnny Cash and became one of his signature songs.
“The Old Rugged Cross”
“The Old Rugged Cross” is a song written by George Bennard in 1912. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is dying on the cross and his realization that his sacrifice will save humanity. The song has been recorded by many artists over the years and has become a gospel music standard.
“Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus”
Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus is a song written by Helen H. Lemmel in 1922. The song encourages listeners to “look full in His wonderful face” and reminds them that when they do, “the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
The song has been recorded by a number of artists over the years, including Loretta Lynn, Alan Jackson, and BarlowGirl. In 2009, it was named the Song of the Century by the Gospel Music Association.
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is a Christian hymn originally written by Joseph Scriven as a poem in 1855 to Console his mother who was living in Ireland while he was in Canada. The poem was set to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne”.
The hymn is commonly attributed to Charles Crozat Converse, who wrote the music for it in 1868. It became widely popular during the early 20th century and has been a staple of Christian music ever since.
The hymn has been covered by many artists over the years, including Mahalia Jackson, Johnny Cash, and Amy Grant. It has also been featured in movies such as “Oh, God!” and “The Apostle”.
Here are the top 10 gospel songs of all time:
1. “Amazing Grace” – John Newton
2. “Oh Happy Day” – Edwin Hawkins Singers
3. “”He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands” – Mahalia Jackson
4. “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” – Paul Robeson
5. “We Shall Overcome” – Lee Hays & Pete Seeger
6. “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” – Thomas A. Dorsey
7. “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” – African-American Spiritual
8. “I’ll Fly Away” – Albert E. Brumley
9. “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” – New Orleans Funeral Marching Band 10. “”Jesus Loves Me”” – Willis Miller
Conclusion
There are many different types of gospel music, and each one has its own style and history. We hope you have enjoyed learning about the top 10 gospel music songs. Whether you’re a fan of traditional hymns or contemporary Christian rock, there is a gospel song out there for everyone to enjoy.
