Sometimes you need music that will lift your spirit, and hip-hop and R&B won’t do. So we’ve created a list of recent gospel songs to soothe your soul. The list includes youthful up-and-comers (The Walls Group, Jekalyn Carr) and longtime legends (Shirley Caesar, Dottie Peoples). When you’re done checking out our list, go listen to all the songs on our Spotify playlist.
‘If He Did It Before … Same God,’ Tye Tribbett
From his Grammy-winning best gospel album Greater Than, this single also won a Grammy for best gospel song.
‘Clean This House,’ Isaac Carree
Carree’s hit single sounds a lot like a certain R&B singer who was mired in so much controversy last year it almost seems unfair to link his name to Carree’s song. But given that “Clean This House”—from the 2013 album Reset—is a passionate plea for redemption, perhaps that certain singer should give it a listen.
‘Take Me to the King,’ Tamela Mann
This Kirk Franklin-penned tune was featured on Mann’s third studio album, Best Days, and was a dominate presence on 2013’s Billboard’s gospel songs chart even though it was released in 2012.
‘Break Every Chain,’ Tasha Cobbs
Cobbs’ major-label debut album Grace earned a Grammy nomination and features this single, which recently won a Grammy and was a regular No. 1 hit on Billboard’s gospels song chart.
‘I Got This,’ Dottie Peoples
This year, Peoples will celebrate 30 years as a gospel recording artist—her first album, Surely God Is Able, was released in 1984. Her latest, I Got This (Live), featuring this rafters-raising single, is her 15th album.
‘I Won’t Give Up’ (featuring Canton Jones), Percy Bady
This inspirational song is perfectly named, given that it took the Grammy-winning Bady four years to release his latest album, Kingdom Inspirations, after several personal struggles. Bady, who has worked with a variety of artists, co-wrote R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly."
‘Perfect People,’ the Walls Group
The quartet of siblings—three of whom are still teenagers—signed with Kirk Franklin’s label, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, in 2012.
‘Have Your Way,’ Deitrick Haddon
Haddon channels a bit of Prince and Lenny Kravitz on this 2013 Grammy-nominated hit from his latest album, R.E.D. (Restoring Everything Damaged).
‘Every Praise,’ Hezekiah Walker
This uplifting single from the Grammy-winning gospel legend was sitting on top of Billboard’s gospel song chart for much of 2013.
‘Live Through It,’ James Fortune & FIYA
Fortune and his choir, FIYA (Free in Yahweh’s Abundance), have been burning up the charts for years with their songs of spiritual renewal and uplift.
‘A Little More Jesus,’ Erica Campbell
Don’t be surprised by the urge to grab your tambourine with this pew-shaking hit, which was nominated for a Grammy for best gospel song.
‘Sunday Kinda Love,’ Israel Houghton
Houghton, who works with mega-church pastor Joel Osteen, is a five-time Grammy Award winner.
‘Greater Is Coming,’ Jekalyn Carr
The 16-year-old West Memphis, Tenn., native sings with a voice more mature than her age. A rising star in the world of gospel and definitely one to watch.
‘It’s Working,’ William Murphy
In addition to releasing gospel music—this single comes from his third album, God Chaser—Murphy is the pastor of Dream Center Church of Atlanta.
‘God Will Make a Way,’ Shirley Caesar
The grand dame of gospel music, Caesar began recording at age 13 in 1951 and has released more than 40 albums (chances are you or a relative have one at home right now). This single comes from her latest, Good God.
‘The Gift,’ Donald Lawrence
Lawrence celebrated his 20th year of recording with his latest album, Best for Last: 20 Year Celebration, Vol. 1.
‘Your Best Days Yet,’ Bishop Paul S. Morton
This single by the Canadian-born Morton, who is senior pastor at Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church in New Orleans, may just be the morale boost you need when times are tough.
‘Nothing Without You,’ Jason Nelson
Like several singers on this list, Nelson is also a pastor. His church is the Greater Bethlehem Temple Church in Maryland.
‘1 on 1,’ Zacardi Cortez
Cortez is a relative newcomer in gospel, having released his debut, The Introduction, in 2012. This intimate ballad is the lead single on the successful compilation series, Kerry Douglas Presents: Gospel Mix Vol. VI.
‘It’s Not Over (When God Is in It),’ Israel & New Breed
As well as being a solo act, Israel Houghton also records with his group, New Breed Ministries, which he founded in 1995.
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