Practice songs for gospel beginners
I’ve put together a selection of songs that are suitable for practice for those new to gospel.
Gospel is a form of religious music that originated in the United States within Protestant Christianity, and the word also means “good news.”
The distinctive vocal style heard in church singing is something many singers admire and try to emulate.
Practice Songs for Gospel Beginners (1–10)
JOYWhitney Houston
This is a song from the movie The Preacher’s Wife starring Whitney Houston.
It’s by Kirk Franklin, a leading figure in the gospel world, and the chorus has a powerful low end that makes it really cool.
Since it’s a song about joy, it’s also suitable for weddings.
My Life Is In Your HandsKirk Franklin
This is a song by Kirk Franklin, a charismatic figure in the gospel world and a Grammy Award winner.
Its message is: “No matter what hardships or suffering I face, I’ll be okay, because my life is in God’s hands.” The deep lyrics resonate in a song that feels like a personal conversation.
HALLELUJAHQuincy Jones
The original piece is Handel’s “Hallelujah,” which is extremely famous, but this is a gospel arrangement from a super project that Quincy Jones poured his heart into.
From the very beginning it features a powerful chorus, and as the piece progresses, the breathtaking call-and-response and harmonies unfold in four parts.
Again I Say RejoiceIsrael & New Breed
This is a classic by the American gospel group Israel & New Breed, known for its powerful chorus and uplifting rhythms.
Created by group leader Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsey, the song weaves together elements of funk, R&B, and jazz to express praise filled with joy and faith.
It was included on the 2004 album “Live From Another Level” and won Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year at the 36th GMA Dove Awards in 2005.
With the driving energy of its horn section and drums, and a simple, approachable melody line, it’s perfect for anyone looking to try gospel choir singing.
Souled outHezekiah Walker
It means “I offer my everything to God.” Hezekiah Walker, who is also a pastor, coined the word “Souled” by combining “soul” and “sold,” meaning “the soul is sold out (to God).” It’s a track that makes you move your body.
Gonna be a lovely dayKirk Franklin
This is Kirk Franklin’s cover of Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day.” It’s a song about how thinking of you makes everything in the world go right—turning it into a lovely day.
It incorporates elements of hip-hop and pop, placing it in the new genre of urban contemporary gospel.
Take Me BackAndrae Crouch
The song means, “I’ve lived a blessed life, but it feels like I’ve grown far away from you.
Please bring me back to you.” In the gospel world, the legendary Andraé Crouch became popular for creating accessible, soul-infused songs.