Best Gospel Songs of All Time
It’s difficult to select the best gospel songs because the intent of gospel music is to minister to the soul of mankind. Gospel music is much more than melodies and harmonies. A gospel song may speak to one man’s soul, but not another.
Its melodies and harmonies can bring immense joy or moments of sheer peace. For this reason selecting purely on musical merit alone is not enough when discussing gospel songs as it may speak differently even between two people – every song stands for something different in one’s life journey!
We’ve chosen the best gospel songs of all time based upon their overall impact on the Christian Church and their ability to move the genre progressively forward.
What is Gospel Music?
For a complete description and chronology of modern gospel music, read our blog post on the history of gospel music.
Who is the greatest gospel singer of all time?
In gospel music circles, artists purposely try to avoid calling a certain singer “the best” because the nature and purpose of gospel music is to worship God in song. But one of the most revered gospel singers in history is Mahalia Jackson for her transformative gospel songs with Thomas Dorsey in the early days of gospel music.
What makes a song a gospel song?
Gospel songs are composed and performed for the specific purpose worship and praise to God. However, gospel songs also minister to people who don’t know God so they are not restricted to religious or ceremonial settings.
What is black gospel music called?
Traditional black gospel is music that is written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding African American Christian life, as well as (in terms of the varying music styles) to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music. It is a form of Christian music and a sub-genre of gospel music.
Top Gospel Songs
Goin’ Up Yonder
A gospel music favorite from the legendary Walter Hawkins.
Precious Lord (Take My Hand)
A classic gospel hymn by Aretha Franklin from the Album The Atlantic Albums Collection
Oh Happy Day
A classic gospel song by Edwin Hawkins from the Album Oh Happy Day: The Best Of The Edwin Hawkins Singers
I Love the Lord
A remake of a gospel classic by Whitney Houston from the Album The Preacher’s Wife
His Eye Is On the Sparrow
Mahalia Jackson sings her rendition of this gospel hymn from the Album The Essential Mahalia Jackson
He Saw the Best in Me
One of Marvin Sapp’s greatest hits from the Album Here I Am
He’s Able
Kirk Franklin’s hit gospel song from the Album Kirk Franklin and the Family
Alabaster Box
A somber gospel song by Cece Winans from the Album Alabaster Box
I Surrender All
Another great gospel song from Cece Winans shows why she is a gospel legend.
Peace in the Valley
Elvis Pressley’s rendition of this great gospel music.
Order My Steps
This song is performed by the GMWA Women of Worship from the Album Order My Steps-A Tribute To Gospel Legend Al Hobbs
Soon and Very Soon
Andrae Crouch has written dozens of gospel music’s most memorable melodies. This song is from the Album Platinum Praise Collection: Andrae Crouch
Shackles (Praise You)
Mary Mary ushered gospel music into the 21st century. This song is from the Album Thankful
God Favored Me
Pastor Hezekiah Walker is a legendary gospel singer and songwriter.
As Long As I Got King Jesus
This is a foot-stomping gospel song from Vickie Winans.
Jesus Be a Fence
This is Fred Hammond’s version of a gospel music classic from the Album Purpose By Design
I’ll Take You There
The Staple Singers are true staples in gospel music history. This hit song is from the Album Staple Singers Greatest Hits
Holy is the Lamb
Juanita Bynum’s rendition of an aged gospel tune from the Album More Passion
Blessed and Highly Favored
The Clark Sisters are gospel music royalty. This song features their famous vocal style from the Album Live: One Last Time
My Soul Has Been Anchored
This timeless gospel classic is performed by Douglas Miller from the Album Classic Gold: Unspeakable Joy
He’s An On-Time God
Dottie Peoples has spent a lifetime making timeless gospel music. This hit song comes from the Album On Time God
There is a Balm in Gilead
One of the most famous songs ever recorded by The Clark Sisters. This song is from the Album Beginnings
Cooling Water
The Williams Brothers have a catalog of memorable gospel songs. This one comes from the Album Duets
The Potter’s House
One of the most popular gospel songs by Tramaine Hawkins from the Album 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best Of Tramaine Hawkins
A Change Is Gonna Come
A Sam Cooke classic from the Album 30 Greatest Hits: Portrait of a Legend 1951-1964
I Can Go To God In Prayer
A gospel favorite by Albertina Walker.
Stir Up the Gift
Colorado Mass Choir’s classic gospel song from the Album Watch God Move
Hold My Mule
Pastor Shirley Caesar sings this stirring gospel song from the Album The Ultimate Collection
Mary Don’t You Weep
Aretha Franklin performs a traditional gospel song from the Album Amazing Grace: The Complete Recordings
Everything’s Gonna Be Alright
Gospel veteran, Al Green, sings his signature silky vocals over this gospel song from the Album Testify: The Best Of The A&M Years
I Give You Praise (feat. Richard Smallwood)
A great gospel song by Robert E. Person.
Walk in the Light
A timeless classic gospel song by Aretha Franklin from the Album One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
Peace Be Still
Vanessa Bell Armstrong is a legend of gospel music. This song is from the Album Peace Be Still
Be Grateful
A timeless gospel song by Walter Hawkins from the Album Love Alive II
Healed
An unforgettable praise song by Donald Lawrence from the Album I Speak Life
Rain On Us
Legendary gospel singer, John P. Kee, produced this chart-topping gospel song from the Album The Essential John P. Kee
Total Praise
This award-winning gospel classic is performed by the legendary Richard Smallwood from the Album Richard Smallwood With Vision – The Praise & Worship Songs of Richard Smallwood
Tomorrow
The Winans revolutionized the male gospel group with this song from the Album Tomorrow
So Good to Know (The Savior)
A great song by gospel super-group, Commissioned, from the Album Will You Be Ready
Jesus is His Name
This transformative gospel music was performed by Ricky Dillard & The New Generation Chorale from the Album A Holy Ghost Take-Over
I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired
Performed by Mighty Clouds of Joy from the Album The Ultimate Collection
The Presence of the Lord Is Here
A gospel music classic by Byron Cage from the Album Byron Cage
You Brought the Sunshine
An awesome gospel song by The Clark Sisters from the Album You Brought The Sunshine / Unworthy
Changed
A spiritually redeeming song by Tramaine Hawkins from the Album All My Best To You
You Are Good
Israel & New Breed perform this high praise song from the Album Alive In South Africa
Take My Hand, Precious Lord
Mahalia Jackson sings Thomas A. Dorsey’s gospel classic from the Album Gospel Music Anthology (It Was Jesus)
How Great Thou Art
Clara Ward and The Clara Ward Singers from the Album Somebody Bigger Than You & I
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Mahalia Jackson from the Album Gospel Music Anthology (Peace in the Valley)
He Was There All The Time
The amazing James Moore from the Album Live In Detroit (Live)
Shake the Devil Off
A classic gospel song by Dorothy Norwood
For Every Mountain (Live)
A great gospel choir song by Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers from the Album Setlist: The Very Best Of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers
Lord Don’t Move That Mountain
Legendary gospel song by Inez Andrews from the Album The Soul Of Gospel
Oh How I Love Jesus
Rev. James Moore from the Album It Ain’t Over (Til God Says It’s Over)
Center Of My Joy
The Richard Smallwood Singers from the Album The Center Of My Joy
I’m Not Tired Yet
A historic gospel song by The Mississippi Mass Choir from the Album Not By Might, Nor By Power
Marvelous
Walter Hawkins & The Love Center Choir from the Album Singing Bishops Vol 2
Take Me Back
A timeless gospel song by Andrae Crouch from the Album Classic Gold: Best of Andrae: Andrae Crouch and the Disciples
Stand
Modern gospel music by Donnie McClurkin from the Album The Journey (Live)
The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power
Andrae Crouch & Disciples from the Album New Beginnings Gospel Series: Andrae Crouch
God Is
James Cleveland & The Southern California Community Choir from the Album It’s A New Day
Have You Got Good Religion
Rev. Clay Evans & The Fellowship Choir from the Album What He’s Done For Me
There Is No Way
Ricky Dillard & New G from the Album Unplugged… The Way Church Used To Be
Trouble Don’t Last Always
Rev. Timothy Wright from the Album I’m Glad About It
Sweeping Through the City
Shirley Caesar from the Album A-Men Golden Gospel Greats
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
A classic gospel song by Reverend Timothy Wright
The Holy Place
Ricky Dillard & New G (New Generation Chorale) from the Album No Limit
I Feel Like Going On
Bishop Marvin Winans from the Album The Gospel Music Celebration, Pt.1: Tribute to Bishop G.E. Patterson
Room At The Cross/At The Cross
Rev. Clay Evans from the Album I’m Going Through
Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name
A gospel music classic by Shirley Caesar
Thank You
Walter Hawkins from the Album Singing Bishops 3
God Wants A Yes
James Hall Worship & Praise from the Album Trip Down Memory Lane
Gospel Songs Download
Final Thoughts
Gospel music has been inspiring people around the world for centuries now, with some timeless classics that are still being sung today—just like these three iconic gospel songs from different eras! Whether you prefer upbeat numbers or contemplative hymns, there is something here for everyone who loves gospel music. So take a few moments out of your day to listen to these classics—you won’t regret it!