2014’s Best Black Gospel Music: Praise and Worship
Contents
Looking for the best black gospel music of 2014? Look no further than our list of the top praise and worship songs of the year!
Introduction
Over the past year, the gospel music community has been blessed with an abundance of great new music. This two-disc set celebrates some of the best of that music, with 35 songs of praise and worship drawer from both established artists and newcomers. There are plenty of familiar faces here, including Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs, James Fortune & FIYA, Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago, Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar Choir, Israel Houghton, Kurt Carr Singers, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Ted Winn, Jessica Reedy, Travis Greene, Rance Allen Group, Brian Courtney Wilson, William Murphy Project, Kierra Sheard featuring Tye Tribbett, Jason Nelson, James Hall Worship & Praise Choir featuring Walter Hall Jr., Jonathan McReynolds featuring Mali Music and VaShawn Mitchell. But there are also some lesser-known (at least to general audiences) names that deserve attention as well: anointed vocalist Bri (Briana Babineaux), gifted Youthful Praise leader J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise featuring Damien Sneed and Richie Righteous. Certainly no collection of 2014’s best black gospel music would be complete without Tamela Mann’s game-changing hit “Take Me to the King,” which closes out disc one on a high note. The second disc includes some traditional gospel (“He’s Done Enough” by Bebe Winans feat. Marvin Winans Jr.), straight-up worship (“Yes You Can” by CalledOut Music), and urban inspirational anthems (“No Greater Love” by Smokie Norful).
Best Black Gospel Music of 2014
If you’re a fan of black gospel music, you’re in for a treat. This year has seen some amazing work from both new and established artists. Here are some of the best black gospel albums of 2014.
“Break Every Chain” – Tasha Cobbs
Tasha Cobbs’ hitsingle “Break Every Chain” was released in 2013, but it continued to gain popularity throughout 2014, becoming one of the year’s most popular songs. The song is a powerful ballad about overcoming adversity and tribulations, and its message resonated with listeners around the world.
“I Can Only Imagine” – Tamela Mann
“I Can Only Imagine” is a song performed by gospel singer Tamela Mann. The song was released in 2014 and quickly became a hit on the gospel music charts. The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart and remained at the top spot for nine weeks. “I Can Only Imagine” was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song.
“Take Me to the King” – Tamela Mann
“Take Me to the King” is a song performed by Contemporary Gospel singer Tamela Mann. The song was released in June 2013 as the lead single from Mann’s album Best Days.
The music video for “Take Me to the King” was directed by Jay Martin and premiered on BET’s 106 & Park on June 28, 2013.
“Take Me to the King” peaked at number one on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and remained at the top spot for fifteen consecutive weeks. The song also peaked at number four on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Songs chart and number twenty-six on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Conclusion
As the world of music changes, so does the sound of gospel music. With an increase in the number of independent and unsigned artists, there is a greater opportunity for new and innovative sounds to be heard. While some traditionalists may resist the change, there is no doubt that the black gospel music scene is evolving. This list represents some of the best new music that 2014 had to offer.
