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.
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Practice Songs for Gospel Beginners (41–50)
ONAGA (It’s Working)JJ Hairston feat. Tim Godfrey
A thrilling fusion of African gospel and American gospel by America’s J.J.
Hairston and Nigeria’s Tim Godfrey.
Featured on Youthful Praise’s 2019 album “Miracle Worker,” this piece stands out for its powerful vocals praising God, interweaving messages in Nigeria’s Igbo language.
Its vibrant melody blends traditional African rhythmic patterns with contemporary arrangements, making it a fun and approachable song even for those new to singing gospel.
The simple, accessible structure brings out the full appeal of gospel music.
Lean On MeMichael Bolton
It’s originally a hit song by Bill Withers.
The lyrics say: when you’re going through hard or sad times, you can always lean on me—just call me anytime, and I’ll help you.
In the latter part, the repeated “call me” builds in intensity, sounding like a powerful, urging call.
FREEDOM 94George Michael
It’s a song by George Michael, the vocalist of Wham!.
It started with the release of Freedom! ’90, and the music video became a hot topic at the time because it featured many famous models.
The ’94 version is a gospel-style arrangement of that.
He’s Got The Whole World In His HandIsley Brothers
It’s a friendly song like the kind children sing at church.
The lyrics say that everything in this world is in God’s hands, and it has a bright melody and a lively rhythm that makes it easy to get into.
Since it’s been sung by various artists, it might be fun to compare different versions.
PEOPLE GET READYThe Impressions
The original is by The Impressions, a group from Chicago, and they released several gospel songs.
This one sings about the American Civil Rights Movement.
Later, a stellar lineup of artists covered it, including Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, and Bob Marley.
Jesus, Lover Of My SoulEdwin Hawkins
It’s a song in which Edwin Hawkins arranged an old hymn in a gospel style.
The chorus has speed, drive, and a refreshing feel.
In the latter half, the lyrics consist only of repeating the title, but new parts are added one by one, each singing with a different rhythm and melody, making it sound completely different from the first half.
Joyful JoyfulMervyn Warren
The original song is Beethoven’s universally known “Ode to Joy” from the Ninth Symphony, but it is also beloved as a hymn.
In the film Sister Act 2, it’s sung in the moving final scene, featuring an innovative arrangement that incorporates rap.
In conclusion
We introduced songs by leading artists from the American gospel scene, such as Andraé Crouch and Aretha Franklin.
From relaxed tunes to rhythmic numbers, we hope you felt the heartwarming harmonies and powerful messages unique to gospel.
Let these classics be your starting point for beginning your gospel practice.