29 Great Black Gospel Songs You Must Listen To
Gospel singers are some of the most powerful singers out there who can belt it out like no other. Many of these songs have gone on to become classics in American music since their first recording; they are sung by people in churches all over the world every day!
Here is a list of the best 29 best black gospel songs to listen to:
1. Oil & Water – Travis Greene ft. Anthony Hamilton
Another great song from one of my favorite gospel groups; I love how this song builds into a huge anthem with just the right amount of edge added by Hamilton. The group all have excellent voices which they use to their advantage, adding lots of harmonies and layering sounds to make an epic tune that never fails to inspire!
2. Trouble of The World – Mahalia Jackson
This moving spiritual was recorded at Columbia studios in 1952 by 'The Queen of Gospel' herself; if you like Gospel then Mahalia was the original artist you would hear so her influence shines through in this song.
3. Oh Lord How Excellent Is Thy Name – Rev. Cleophus Robinson
This sprightly gospel tune is performed by the legendary Gospel Trumpet of Brother Cleophus Robinson, an artist who was greatly responsible for the expansion of gospel music beyond its traditional roots and into mainstream America where it remains today.
4. Where can I Surrender - The Oak Ridge Boys
This beautiful rendition of the gospel hymn is performed by The Oak Ridge Boys. You should check out all their work as they are a fantastic traditional country and gospel quartet.
5. Almighty God – Brian Courtney Wilson
The song Almighty God by Brian Courtney Wilson is about the creator of life who's able to overcome any obstacle. It starts with a call for everyone in need, reminding them that He will answer their prayers and concerns due to His love which never fails. The singer then states how powerful our Creator really is, emphasizing on his ability to supply all needs when we are at our lowest point- "No weapon formed against us shall prosper".
The lyrics encourage listeners not lose hope as they continue walking this journey called life because everything happens according to divine timing.
6. It Won't Be Long - Andrae Crouch
Listen to Andrae Crouch's It Won't Be Long son, a song about how God is always there for His people.
The beginning of the lyrics are sung in first person by someone who has gotten into trouble and needs help from Jesus. As it progresses through its final verse, however, this prayer changes perspective as the speaker realizes that he or she doesn't need saving but rather wants forgiveness—and then ultimately comes to realize they have been loved all along even before reaching out for help.
7. Still Standing – The Martins
A great family gospel group that is one big happy family in real life too! Their dynamic sound really helps propel this song with its uplifting lyrics about how we should never give up no matter what happens.
8. Holy One - Rance Allen Group
This is a gospel-style piece full of lyrics about praise and worship. The song's title track sets up an atmosphere in which to pray for God.
9. God’s got it - J Moss
J Moss is one of the most unique gospel singers I've heard and this song showcases his skills as a singer along with his rapping abilities.
10. Blood Will Never Lose Its Power - Smokey Norful
This song is very different from Norful's usual style, but it has powerful lyrics that remind us how no matter what happens we can never lose the power of the blood of Jesus Christ which saved us from our sins.
11. Praise Him - Canton Spirituals
These are another great family gospel group who have been singing together for decades; their harmonies in this track make me wish they were singing just outside my window because they sound so good!
12. Great Is The Lord - Joe Pace
A gospel singer of the same caliber as Fred Hammond; Joe Pace is an extremely talented artist who gets to show off here in this song by Kirk Franklin. This song is obviously talking about how good God is, but it also talks about how we should always stay humble and focused on Him like a child regardless of our success which can often be misinterpreted in the secular world.
13. Lord I Surrender - The Florida Mass Choir
The Florida Mass Choir's "Lord I Surrender" is a soulful rendition of the opus, where they express their hearts to God and ask him for guidance through difficult times.
14. Take Me To The King – Tamela Mann
Tamela sings this powerful ballad with her beautiful voice, but she also has some excellent backup from guest star Israel Houghton whose rich vocals help make another great contemporary Gospel tune.
15. God Loves you - The Canton Spirituals
This mellow song will have you singing along to its lyrics as well as swaying your head from side to side in complete admiration at how talented The Canton Singers are.
16. Walking - Mary Mary
Mary Mary is a contemporary gospel duo comprising of sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell and Trecena Atkins-Campbell. Whether you are aware or not these two ladies have been recording music since the mid 90's with their first big break being the 2001's hit single 'Shackles (Praise You)'. This song was originally on their 2005 album 'Mary Mary' and it's very hard to pin down their style as they sing a little bit of everything, but this is a powerful track that was included on the Best Gospel Songs: 2012 list.
17. Glory To His Name - The Brooklyn All-Stars
This song is taken from an upcoming project by The Brooklyn All Stars which features some of gospel music's most successful artists; the lead vocals are shared by Fred Hammond & Vickie Winans with Rance Allen, Byron Cage, Walter Hawkins & Israel Houghton also featuring.
18. Resurrecting - Tye Tribbett
"Resurrecting" by Tye Tribbett is a song that flows well when leading worship at church. It's so easy to remember all of the words; this upbeat gospel track is perfect for any praise team looking for some new material or even just something fresh.
19. Heavenly Choir - The Canton Spirituals
Another classic hymn that is given a modern twist by the wonderful vocal talents of The Canton Singers.
20. Jesus - Kierra Sheard
Kierra's successful career began when she won the BET Award for Best Gospel Artist back in 2002 at age 14; with four albums under her belt, Kierra has worked with some of Gospel Musics' biggest names including Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond & Hezekiah Walker to name just a few.
21. He Brought Me - Dorinda Clark Cole
The lyrics of the song are about bringing someone to Christ, and "saving" them from their sins. The chorus starts out with a question: Do you know how loved you are?
22. I Will Bless The Lord - Hezekiah Walker
This song comes from Hezekiah Walker's 'Love God, Love People' album which features plenty more songs that were inspired by gospel artists like James Fortune & Dottie Peoples. Walker has his own band called The Heart of Praise and they provide all the great-sounding backgrounds for this song.
23. Let it Go - Kirk Franklin
It's hard to not include one of Kirk Franklin's songs in a top ten Gospel list like this, even though there are good arguments for other tracks such as 'Just A Closer Walk With Thee'; but I decided to go with the original big hit which is probably most known by non-gospel music fans thanks to its inclusion on movie soundtracks such as 'The Fighting Temptations', 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' & 'Bruce Almighty.
24. Go Get It - Mary Mary
I've always enjoyed Mary Mary's songs whether it's their uptempo songs or the slower songs such as this one, which is from their 2006 album 'Mary Mary' and was originally written & sung by Chaka Khan when she was in her early teens.
25. I Love The Lord - Hezekiah Walker
Another song from Hezekiah's 'Love God, Love People' album that deserves a listen especially if you're a fan of Kirk Franklin. The track has a nice upbeat feel to it and the talented background singers really add to the overall sound of this wonderful gospel song.
26. Repay You - Pj Morton Feat. J Moss
Repay You by Pj Morton Feat. J Moss is an amazing tune which discusses how one should be humble and thankful towards people who have done things for them, but did not expect something in return
27. Nobody But Jesus - Kelly Price
One of the greatest hits for worship by Kelly Price; Nobody but Jesus can save us from the depths of our sin. We are all born into this world with a sinful nature, and without Christ's redemption we will never be free from it.
28. The Cry - William McDowell
The cry worship is a song that was created to speak on the brokenness of God's people. It speaks about how some are living in their sin, not realizing it until they seek out help from others and find none.
29. Hear my Voice - Rance Allen Group
Hear my Voice by Rance Allen Group is a gospel song about the power to heal through prayer. It playfully alludes that God hears our prayers and will answer them, but it also acknowledges people's reluctance to pray due their lack of faith in hearing back from God. I personally think this track invokes feelings of joy because its lyrics suggest an intense hope for better things ahead despite present circumstances.
