The Top Gospel Music of 2016: Praise and Worship
Check out our list of the top gospel music of 2016. This list includes some of the best praise and worship songs of the year.
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. Cheering also occurred apace sometimes.
The Different Types of Gospel Music
Gospel music is a genre of music that is based on the Christian gospel. The music is typically characterized by its joyous, often upbeat tempo, and its simple, yet powerful, lyrics. Gospel music has been around for centuries and has been a staple in the African American community.
There are many different types of gospel music, each with their own unique style and sound. One of the most popular types of gospel music is praise and worship music. This type of music is typically focused on the words of the song, rather than the rhythm or melody. The lyrics are often very personal and intimate, and they are meant to be a source of encouragement and hope for the listener.
Other popular types of gospel music include traditional gospel, contemporary gospel, and hip hop gospel. Traditional gospel is rooted in the sound of early African American spirituals and hymns. Contemporary gospel features a more modern sound, often incorporating elements of R&B or pop into the mix. Hip hop gospel combines elements of hip hop with traditional gospel sounds to create a unique form of expression.
The Top Gospel Songs of 2016
It’s been an amazing year for Gospel music. We’ve seen a lot of great new artists emerge, as well as some old favorites continue to bless us with their talents. Here are our picks for the top Gospel songs of 2016.
“No Longer Slaves” by Bethel Music
No Longer Slaves by Bethel Music is one of the top gospel songs of 2016. This song is a powerful declaration of freedom from our past mistakes and from the chains that have held us back. The lyrics are based on Isaiah 61:1-3, which speaks of the Lord setting us free from our captivity and giving us beauty for ashes. This song is a reminder that we are no longer slaves to our fears, to our past, or to anything else that might try to hold us back. We are children of God, and we are free!
“One Thing Remains” by Kristian Stanfill
“One Thing Remains” is a modern worship song co-written by Kristian Stanfill, Brian Johnson, and Jeremy Riddle. The song was released on February 7, 2012, as the radio single promoting Stanfill’s album Infinite Love (2012). It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.
“O Come to the Altar” by Elevation Worship
“O Come to the Altar” is a song written by Stephen McWhirter, Wade Joye, and Brooks Jones and performed by American contemporary worship music band Elevation Worship. It was released as a single on October 6, 2016, and peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart in February 2017.
“What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong Worship
From Hillsong Worship’s album let there be light.
“In Christ Alone” by Passion
“In Christ Alone” by Passion is one of the top gospel songs of 2016. This song was written by Kristian Stanfill, Matt Redman, and Stuart Garrard. The song is about the strength and hope that we have in Jesus Christ.
The Top Gospel Albums of 2016
There were some great gospel albums released in 2016. Albums that focused on worship, such as “The Passion” by Passion, “100” by Hillsong Worship, and “We Will Not Be Shaken” by Bethel Music, were particularly popular. Here are the top gospel albums of 2016, as well as some other great albums that deserve recognition.
“Let the Worshipers Arise” by Paul Baloche
Paul Baloche’s “Let the Worshipers Arise” is one of the top gospel albums of 2016. This 2-disc set features some of the most popular praise and worship songs of the year, including “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord),” “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” and “How Great Is Our God.” If you’re looking for a collection of chart-topping gospel hits, this is the album for you.
“The Only Name” by Y&F
“The Only Name” by Y&F is the third studio album released by the Australian worship group, and the first album to feature lead singer Brooke Ligertwood. The album was released on December 11, 2016, by Capitol Christian Music Group. “The Only Name” peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart.
“We Will Not Be Shaken” by Bethel Music
We Will Not Be Shaken is the ninth live album by American worship group Bethel Music. The album was released on January 29, 2016, by the group’s imprint label, Bethel Music.
The album peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums and the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart.
Background and release
On November 19, 2015, the group announced that they would be releasing their ninth live album on January 29, 2016. The album was recorded live at Bethel Church in Redding, California on September 25–27, 2015.
Critical reception
Awarding the album four and a half stars for CCM Magazine, Andrew Greer states, “The passion and celebration that pours out of every worship song will inspire listeners to cry out along.” Giving the same amount of stars at Jesus Freak Hideout, Michael Fisher writes,”This project not only captures the best of what Bethel Music has to offer currently… but may just be one of their most solid releases to date.” Rating the album a eight out of ten from Cross Rhythms, Lynne Dowell says,”This is an exciting live worship set from this multi-talented team.” Simon Dempster in a nine out of ten review from Louder Than The Music writes,’This is possibly one of their most anthemic collection of songs yet.”
“Love Ran Red” by Passion
If you love classic worship songs, then you’ll appreciate “Love Ran Red” by Passion. This album offers a fresh and modern take on some of the genre’s most popular praise and worship songs, including “How Great is Our God,” “Mighty to Save,” and “Forever.” Whether you’re a fan of Passion’s live albums or looking for a new worship album to add to your collection, “Love Ran Red” is sure to please.
“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong UNITED
“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” is a song by the Australian band Hillsong UNITED. The song was released as the lead single from their third studio album, Zion (2013). It peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart, becoming their first number-one single in the United States. The song was written by Matt Crocker, Joel Houston and Salomon Ligthelm, and produced by Michael Guy Chislett.
