The Best Gospel Songs to Add to Your Music Collection

Here are our picks for the best gospel songs to add to your music collection. These songs are sure to lift your spirits and provide encouragement.

Precious Lord, Take My Hand – Thomas A. Dorsey

This song was composed by Thomas A. Dorsey in 1932 and has been sung by a number of artists over the years, including Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston. It is a beautiful, simple song that is perfect for anyone looking for a taste of traditional gospel music.

Amazing Grace – John Newton

This classic hymn was written in 1779 by Englishman John Newton, a former slave ship captain who later became an outspoken abolitionist. Newton was himself a remarkable story of redemption, and his hymn has become an enduring reminder that God’s grace is available to all of us, no matter how far we have strayed from Him.

How Great Thou Art – Carl Boberg

How Great Thou Art – Carl Boberg is a gospel song that was written in 1885 by a Swedish missionary. The song is based on a poem that Boberg had written in honor of his homeland. The poem was translated into English in 1924, and the song has been recorded by many different artists over the years. One of the most popular versions of the song was recorded by George Beverly Shea in 1955. Shea’s recording of the song became an international hit and won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Song in 1966.

He Touched Me – Bill Gaither

This gospel song is a beautiful testimony to the power of Jesus to change lives. The lyrics tell the story of a man who was once full of anger and pain, but who found forgiveness and peace when he met Jesus. The song is upbeat and hopeful, and the message is clear – Jesus can change anyone, no matter how far gone they may seem.

The Old Rugged Cross – George Bennard

First written and performed in 1912, George Bennard’s classic hymn has been recorded by everyone from country music legend Hank Williams to gospel great Mahalia Jackson to rock icon Bob Dylan. The simple yet profound lyrics have resonated with Christians for over a century, and the song’s message of hope and redemption continue to speak to us today.

In the Garden – C. Austin Miles

This beautiful ballad is based on a 1912 poem by C. Austin Miles, and it has been recorded by artists like Al Green, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson. The simple, evocative lyrics describe a conversation between Jesus and the singer, and the song has been a staple of Southern gospel music for decades.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Joseph Scriven

First published in 1855, Joseph Scriven’s hymn was written as a letter of consolation to his mother who was mourning the death of his fiancée. It is a gentle reminder that we always have Someone to lean on, no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in.

Blessed Assurance – Fanny Crosby

Fanny Crosby was known as the “Queen of Gospel Songs” and penned more than 8,000 hymns and gospel songs in her lifetime. “Blessed Assurance” is one of her most beloved, and has been recorded by everyone from Mahalia Jackson to Carrie Underwood. The lyrics are a beautiful expression of faith and assurance, with lines like “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.”

Peace in the Valley – Thomas A. Dorsey

“Peace in the Valley” is a song written by Thomas A. Dorsey in 1937. The song was a hit in 1951 for Red Foley and the Foley-Dorsey Band, and has been covered by many artists including Mahalia Jackson, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and Elvis Presley.

The song’s popularity has led to it being included in several gospel music collections, including the Grammy-winning Amazing Grace: 44 Gospel Classics (1999) and the Platinum-selling Peace in the Valley: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley (2007).

Just a Closer Walk with Thee – Traditional

This traditional gospel song has been covered by many artists including Mahalia Jackson, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, and Aretha Franklin. The message of the song is one of surrender and reliance on God to help us through the struggles of life.