In this article, you will get a list of the best 51 gospel songs of all time.
Gospel music is one of the most popular music genres in the world. Artists have composed millions of gospel songs to preach diverse religious teachings.
1. Here I am To Worship – Hillsong Worship
This is one of Hillsong’s favorite gospel songs of all time. It was released in 2003 and has remained among the top gospel music in the industry. The song’s primary theme is worshiping the Lord. The lyrics vividly describe why the Lord deserves all the glory.
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2. Shackles (Praise You) – Mary Mary
Since it was released in 2000, this song has not lost its popularity. It was composed by Erica Campbell and Trecina Atkins-Campbell, also known as Mary Mary. The song talks about praising the Lord for his deeds. Its popularity may have been impacted by the combination of different genres in this song. The chorus has R&B sounds while the rest of the song uses rhythmical Hip-hop sounds.
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3. The Cross – Prince
This is one of the songs in Prince’s 1987 Sign O’ The Times Album. The song has a profound spiritual message about the second coming of Jesus Christ. It uses a slow-building guitar which makes it one of the best rock gospel music tracks. Prince renamed the song to The Christ in 2001 after joining Jehovah’s Witnesses.
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4. Mary Don’t You Weep – Aretha Franklin
This song has been in the music industry for years. The Fisk Jubilee Singers had recorded it first in 1915. In 1972, Franklin produced a version that transformed the song and pushed its popularity worldwide. The vocals used in this song helped to create an opening for the Amazing Grace album. In 2018, Prince released a cover version that attracted younger audiences to love the music.
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5. Oh Happy Day – The Edwin Hawkins Singers
The Edwin Hawkins Singers released the song in 1969. However, several cover versions of the song have helped propel it to the top list of gospel songs. Many Christians know this song as it is popular in churches and religious functions. Mica Paris, a British gospel singer, released a rejuvenating cover version in 2020.
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6. Days of Elijah – Robin Mark
This song was released in 1997. It is one of the best gospel songs with a prophetic message. Mark tells the audience to ‘prepare Ye the way for the Lord’ in one of the lines. Any Christian would resonate with the message in this song as it reminds them of the promises the Lord has made to the righteous people. In 2005, Twila Paris did the cover version, which gave the song a new life.
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7. Never Would Have Made it – Marvin Snapp
If you are looking for the best song to thank the Lord, this is one of the best gospel songs for you. Snapp gives praise to the Lord for helping him achieve his dreams. He says that were it not for the Lord; he would not have made it to the levels he has achieved. Since it was released in 2007, the song has remained one of the top hits in his Thirsty Album.
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8. When Mama Prayed – Randy Travis
This song was released in 2002. It was part of the Rise and Shine Album. Its popularity can be attributed to the popularity of the Country Music Genre among audiences of all ages. The song appreciates parents who teach their children the religious ways and lead them to Church.
9. Sanctuary – Jessy Dixon
Dixon released this song in 2006. The song also includes famous gospel musicians Bill Gaither and Gloria Gaither. The message in this song is simple; pleading with the Lord to make us holy and pure. This song is the best choice for anyone who yearns to be filled with Holy Spirit.
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10. Never Give Up – Yolanda Adams
This is the best choice for anyone trapped in faith. Adams reminds them never to give up or abandon their faith. The song was released in 2001 as part of her Believe Album. It encourages the audience to gather courage and persevere any temptations they may be going through.
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11. Imagine Me – Kirk Franklin
The song was released in 2005, and it has remained one of the best Christian music songs of all time. It won several awards, including Grammy Awards for Gospel Music in 2007. The song has a message to remind all religious people to focus their life on Christ. It also preaches the Gospel of overcoming all the hardships and worries we may be facing.
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12. I Don’t Mind Waiting – Juanita Bynum
It was released in 2006. Bynum reminds the audience that they should wait for the Lord patiently. She insists that waiting for the Lord is the best option no matter what we may be going through. This song was part of her A Piece of my Passion Album.
13. You are Great – Juanita Bynum
This is another Bynum song in her A Piece of My Passion album, released in 2006. The song praises the Lord by pronouncing that he is the greatest and incomparable. Bynum states that the Lord deserves all the glory. The song is the best choice during praising.
14. We Fall Down – Donnie McClurkin
This song was part of the 2000 album titled Live in London and More. The message in the song is that, despite the challenges we face, we must not be defeated. If we fall down, we should wake up and continue with the journey. This song is the best choice for those going through challenging situations.
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15. Breathe on Us – Kari Jobe
This is a great worship song released in 2004. It was part of Jobe’s Majestic album. The song pleads with the Lord to fill us with the breath of heaven. It is one of the best Christian songs during low moments. It calls on the Holy Spirit to hear us and fulfill our needs.
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16. Follow God – Kanye West
This is popular gospel music by Kanye West. It was produced and released in 2019. Kanye West is one of the best hip-hop artists in the modern age. Although he is known for secular music, his gospel songs have gained incredible popularity, especially in the Jesus is King album. It won the Billboard Music Award for Top Gospel Music in 2019.
17. Come Before His Presence – Phillip Balley
Although released in 1986, the song has remained one of the favorite Christian music tracks ever produced. It pulls the audience to the Lord. Balley reminds us that we should come to the Lord’s presence and enjoy his favors and love. This is a good choice for people with certain burdens. They can lay all of their needs at Jesus’ feet.
18. I Won’t Go Back – William McDowell
McDowell released this song in 2011. It has remained a favorite song for most Christians who are staunchly holding to their faith. The song encourages the audience never to go back to their dark days. It also reminds the audiences of joy, peace, and grace after changing their ways and accepting Jesus.
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19. Total Praise – Richard Smallwood
This is one of the most inspiring songs by Smallwood. It was released in 2001. It is the best gospel music choice for those willing to praise the Lord in all circumstances. Smallwood used entertaining classic tunes, which makes this song appealing to all generations.
20. Precious Lord, Take My hand – Asidors
This is a 2021 top gospel hit by Asidors. It is part of the artist’s 2021 album collection. The song is a kind of prayer that a believer can make to the Lord.
21. Hallelujah – Rhema Marvanne
This is one of the most spiritually fulfilling songs. It is part of Rhema Marvanne’s 3rd album titled Believe. It is a popular song all over the world. Several cover versions have helped to propel the song to be one of the favorites among modern worshipers.
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22. Amazing Grace – John Newton
It is one of the most popular and cherished hymns in the last two centuries. Amazing Grace was created in 1779 by John Newton, who worked on a slave ship. However, this song fell out of favor during Newton’s time and was revived in the 19th century during the awakening of religion in America. Since then, it has been the most performed song in many religious gatherings.
23. What A Friend We Have – Tennessee Ernie Ford
What a Friend We Have is a song originally written by Joseph Scriven in 1855. It became one of the most popular songs among Christians and reproduced in many versions in multiple languages. Tennessee Ernie performed the best version of this song in 1960. Ernie’s sort is the most popular among many people.
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24. 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) – Matt Redman
Matt Redman released his song 10000 reasons in 2012 in his eighth album. After its release, it became a very widely held and adored song. In the 2013 Grammy awards, it won Best Contemporary Christian Music. In the same year, it won the Song of the Year Dove Awards.
25. Blessed Assurance – Fanny Crosby
This is a Christian hymn written in 1873. Crosby wrote this song reflecting her walk in faith as expressed by Apostle Paul in the bible. Christians love this song because it reassures them of God’s blessings. Its well-orchestrated lyrics will move you even if you are not religious.
26. The Old Rugged Cross – George Bennard
Bennard was a Methodist evangelist and wrote the original version of the song Old Rugged Cross in 1915. It is one of the most cherished country gospels of all time. It has a powerful message to Christians who may be lost in the way and encourages them to come back to the loving hands of God.
27. Jesus Paid It All – Elvina Hall
Originally this song was written in 1865 by Elvina Hall, a street Methodist at the time. It has a powerful message on the sacrifice of Jesus to save his people. It has well-composed lyrics and melody that compel non-believers to become Christians and retain their salvation.
28. I’ll Fly Away – Albert E. Brumley
I’ll Fly Away is a song that Brumley initially wrote in 1929. He used to pick cotton on his Father’s farm when he wrote it. This song has become popular among many Christians and assures them to fly away to heaven, where they will live in joy with the Lord.
29. In Christ Alone – Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
In Christ alone is the modern-day Christian hymn. It was released in 2003 by Getty and Townend. Since its release, it has been reproduced in many versions and gained acceptance among many Christian churches. Its lyrics encourage believers to put all their trust in Christ, who will take care of their problems.
30. I will Sing – Don Moen
It is a worship song originally written by Don Moen and released in 2000. It is a powerful song that encourages Christians to sing to the Lord despite their current situations. In the lyrics, he says it may seem complicated to sing during his darkest moments, but he affirms he will sing, praise, and honor the Lord.
31. Because He lives – Bill and Gloria Gaither
Bill and Gaither wrote the lyrics of this song in 1960. It is one of the most sung gospel songs among Christians. According to Gather, they were inspired to write it following the social and economic hardships they experienced. It is a beautiful song to listen to because it has a message of hope that everything will be okay because God is in control.
32. How Firm a Foundation – John Rippon
This is a Christian hymn written in 1787. It has gained more popularity amongst American Christians than in any other part of the world. This song has been sung in many funerals of prominent political leaders. For example, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson had this played at their funerals.
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33. I Need Thee Every Hour – Annie Sherwood Hawks
Sherwood was born in 1895 in Hoosick, New York. She loved poetry, and most of her poems were published by local papers. I Need Thee Every Hour is a song she wrote expressing her relationship with God. Its lyrics are compelling and suggest the constant need for Christ in our lives.
34. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing – Robert Robinson
Robinson wrote this song in 1758 at the age of 22 years. It has been almost three centuries since he wrote it but its words of praise continue to inspire new generations. Its main message is praising God for his everlasting glory in our daily lives.
35. How deep the Father’s love – Stuart Townend
This was a hymn written in 1995 and became popular immediately, and now it is sung by all Christians worldwide. According to Townend, the song is about praising God for his everlasting love for us. In its lyrics, believers are encouraged to put God first in their lives as his love will guide them throughout their lives.
36. It Is Well with My Soul – Horatio Spafford
“It Is Well” is a Christian hymn written in 1871. Spafford wrote this song after passing through a hard time in his life. He had lost his children in a ship accident and his fortune after the famous Chicago fire. In the song, he consoles himself and affirms that God had great plans for him despite the challenges he was facing and that everything would be well.
37. Break Every Chain – Tasha Cobbs
Will Reagan initially performed the song in 2009. However, Cobb’s version of the song was the first commercially upheld by many Christians. Its main message is trusting in the power of Christ, who can do all things. Christians are encouraged to trust Him with all their problems.
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38. You Raise Me Up – Secret Garden
Secret Garden was a Norwegian-Irish duo, and they released this song in March 2002. Due to its powerful message, it was accepted among Christians, and many artists wanted to do different versions of the song. Among these artists was an Irish Band called Westlife who did the most popular version in 2005.
39. Upon This Rock – Larry Norman
It is a gospel published by Normann in 1969. Unlike most gospel music of its time, “Upon This Rock” was released in the rock genre version. Norman wrote the song to reach young people tired of what he termed as empty gospel songs. The music has retained its popularity up to date.
40. I Saw the Light – Hank Williams
Williams wrote and released this music in 1947. He performed it in a country classic version, and it was accepted among many country music lovers. It has retained its popularity to this date. You should have it in your playlist because of its excellent melodies and message.
41. Wings Of A Dove – Ferlin Husky
Husky wrote this song in 1960. It was inspired by the biblical story of Noah, who sent a dove to find out whether the water had dried after the great floods. The song’s central message is about the love of God and how he is ready to do anything to show it to humans.
42. Higher Ground – Stevie Wonder
This is a song in Wonder’s album Innervisions that was released in 1973. The lyrics are about getting a second chance and using it more appropriately. It is a great song to listen to as it shows you how God always has better plans for you.
43. He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands – Laurie London
The song, as the title implies, assures that God is in control of everything. There are many versions of the music released over the years. The bible’s acknowledgment of God’s presence in our daily lives inspired its lyrics. It’s great music to listen to in your free time.
44. God, you’re so Good – Passion & Travis Greene
Travis Green was brought up by his mother, who was a minister in a local church. In one of his interviews, he said this background cultivated his love for gospel music. The song “God You’re So Good” is a song to praise the Lord for his good deeds in our lives.
45. The Lord’s Prayer – Dinah Washington
![Dinah Washington - The Lord's Prayer [1953]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/e2B1qm8ZpS0/0.jpg)
This song was released in 1952. The Lord’s Prayer was unique at its time because it was the first singing version of the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. It is an excellent song to listen to because you can learn the prayer fast in music.
46. There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood – William Cowper
William Cowper wrote this song in 1772. He wrote the hymn while recovering from depression. Cowper read the bible that was his main inspiration in writing the music. It’s almost been three centuries since its inception, but the song continues to inspire many people up to date.
47. Touch The Hem Of His Garment – Sam Cooke
This song was released in 1956. It was inspired by a biblical story of a woman who was bleeding for 12 years. People saw her as an outcast, but she was made whole again when she touched the hem of Jesus’s garment.
48. He Reigns – Kevin Levar
Levar released this song in 2010. It is one of the fulfilling religious songs in the current times. The central theme of this song is the power of Jesus. In the lyrics, Levar compels people worldwide to accept and adore Christ in their lives.
49. Peace in the Valley For Me – Mahalia Jackson
Jackson released this gospel song in 1939 and, since then, it has gained in popularity amongst many Christians around the globe. It was among the first gospel songs to sell a million copies. Moreover, there are many covers done by different artists over the years.
50. Praise is What I Do – William Murphy
Walker is a notable and famous American Gospel music artist. One of his most well-known songs is Praise Is What I Do. He is known to perform most of his songs with his church choir. The theme of this music is to compel believers to praise God all the time.
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51. I Know Who I Am – Sinach
Sinach released this song in 2013. It is one of the motivational gospel songs you would love to listen to. I Know Who I Am reminds believers that Jesus has their final say in their lives. In the lyrics, the song encourages believers to face life with courage because they are conquerors.
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As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.
