The 14 best gospel songs ever

Hear all the songs now premier.org.uk/topgospelsongs

1. You called me friend - Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ

As the world’s biggest Fred Hammond fan, I can honestly say that his music has walked with me through every season. The one song that truly sits at the core of who I am is ‘You called me friend’. One of my first memories is of listening to it with my brother Matt and just marvelling at how wild a thought it is that God, the holy and all-powerful creator, doesn’t just want to be our Father, but wants to be our friend.

There’s a line in the song that says: “What is man that you are mindful of him? / Could an awesome God find common ground with him?” Every time I hear it, I’m humbled all over again. That lyric captures the mystery and mercy of the gospel in just a few words. It reminds me that God didn’t wait for us to reach him. He came to us.

I’m not just loved from a distance, I’m invited into relationship with God himself.

Adam Brooks is a speaker, life coach and church operations manager. He also presents Sundays with Adam on Premier Gospel every Sunday from 9am to 1pm. Listen at premier.plus

2. Nice with Christ - IMRHAN

I love ‘Nice with Christ’ because IMRHAN openly shares his testimony in the very first line, setting the tone for the song. I also appreciate how boldly he talks about what God has done in his life. There’s no holding back. It’s the kind of song that immediately draws you in, and it’s been incredible to see how it’s resonated with so many people, reaching millions. 

This was one of IMRHAN’s first singles as a gospel artist after years of making secular music (see p.68), so it really marks a milestone in his life and a powerful new beginning. The blend of amapiano sounds and scripture throughout makes a song of celebration. It’s a new sound for the UK gospel scene.

Chantelle Johnson is a broadcast presenter and producer on Premier Gospel, the UK’s number one gospel station. She hosts the weekday Daytime Show, where she connects with thousands of listeners across the UK and beyond through warm, insightful interviews and uplifting gospel music. Listen at premier.plus

3. Oh happy day - Edwin Hawkins Singers

I remember performing ‘Oh happy day’ in the late 1980s as part of the All Nations Centre youth choir in Vauxhall, London. That choir included a very young Muyiwa, who would later go on to become an award-winning gospel artist in his own right (and guest-edit this month’s magazine).

The song was released in 1968 by the Edwin Hawkins Singers at a time of turbulence in the civil rights movement in America. For me, it proclaimed that despite the ongoing struggle against racism that Black people faced, it was a happy day “when Jesus washed my sins away”.

Recorded at Ephesian Church of God in Christ in Berkeley, California, it conveys that classic Black Church gospel sound. The haunting echo of the church hall, the call and response of the choir, the outstanding lead vocals by Dorothy Combs Morrison…It made it to number one in multiple European single charts and number two here in the UK. 

The song won Hawkins a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Soul Performance in 1970, and was later made popular in the famous film Sister Act 2 with Whoopi Goldberg in 1993. As gospel music goes, it really doesn’t get any better!

Bishop Mike Royal is general secretary of Churches Together in England

4. King of kings (He’s a wonder) - CeCe Winans

I come from a musical family and we would often sing together acapella. During a difficult season, my mum woke me and my siblings up an hour earlier than usual each day for about a month and we sang together, worshipping God before starting our day. So, music has always been a core part of my Christian faith. 

CeCe Winans is one of Mum’s favourite artists and, as a child, I remember listening to this particular song on repeat. I was a super-sensitive child and I saw how difficult it was for my mum after she and my dad divorced. I felt this was a song that lifted her up spiritually and gave her joy. 

On the day I got baptised, she played it super loud in the car and in the house. I remember her dancing and singing and just being so happy. 

Tola Doll Fisher is creative director and editor of the Premier Woman Alive brand and host of the ‘Woman Alive’ podcast. Subscribe at womanalive.co.uk

5. I don’t mind waiting - Jonathan Butler feat Dr Juanita Bynum

This song was part of my life even before I became a Christian. I was drawn to its message long before I fully understood it – a declaration of trust that God has already brought us through every situation we will face. It feels like speaking both to yourself and to the enemy, saying with conviction: “I don’t mind waiting.”

When I lost my first husband and began walking closely with Jesus, this song took on a deeper meaning. In that season, the affirmation: “I don’t mind waiting on you, Lord” became a lifeline. It reminded me of Isaiah 40:31 and Psalm 42 – promises that those who wait on the Lord will find renewed strength, even in silence or uncertainty.

Musically, it’s everything I love – classical instrumentation blended with gospel soul. Juanita’s voice carries the depth of personal testimony, while Jonathan’s arrangement wraps it in grace, creating something both intimate and grand.

What resonates most is that waiting isn’t portrayed as passive. It’s active worship. It’s choosing to trust God’s timing, to call it a privilege and an honour. In every pause and delay, this song reminds me that God is working.

Alisa Latty-Alleyne, author of From Grief to Glory (Independent), is the UK and Ireland national director for the Christian Broadcasting Network, leading initiatives to see 1 million people encounter Jesus through media, digital evangelism and humanitarian outreach. She draws on more than 20 years of leadership experience across corporate, charity and ministry sectors to inspire transformation and faith in action through creative storytelling

6. Touch the hem of his garment - The Soul Stirrers feat Sam Cooke

This gospel song was recorded in the early 1950s, and featured the legendary US soul singer, Sam Cooke. It recounts the story of  how the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years, touched the edge of Jesus’ cloak and was healed. I like the fact that the song is faithful to scripture and explores the motivations and faith of a desperate woman in search of Jesus’ healing interventions. 

The Soul Stirrers were one of the leading gospel groups at the time, known for their powerful, soaring vocals. Their live performances were renowned for their mesmeric qualities that would leave church audiences enraptured. 

When I was growing up, my dad would often play gospel music and ‘revival’ Jamaican tunes on his Bluespot stereogram (a type of record player) after church on a Sunday. This was one of the songs that he used to play, so it brings back happy memories every time I hear it. 

Richard Reddie is a writer, researcher, cultural and religious commentator and broadcaster. He is the author of several books and is the director of justice and inclusion at Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

7. Such love - Graham Kendrick

There are many songs that formed my musical landscape but there are some moments that truly touched my soul.

The first time I heard this song was in a rehearsal with Graham Kendrick. I’d been a Christian all my life and knew who Jesus was but, when I heard this song, I experienced an encounter of epic proportions. I felt the tangible love of God in the most intense way that it reverberated in me for days: “Such love weeps for the shame I know / Such love paying the debt I owe / Such love stilling my restlessness / Such love filling my emptiness.” 

These lyrics still ring true and are more real to me than the music I play and sing.

Noel Robinson is an award-winning worship leader, songwriter and producer based in the UK who travels extensively across the world sharing his heart for revival 

8. Olorun agbaye (You are mighty) - Nathaniel Bassey feat Chandler Moore and Oba

I love this song firstly because it brings together different gospel artists, including African Americans and Africans. This is a great collaboration demonstrating intercultural unity. As part of its arrangement, the song uses an African genre of music described as Afro gospel, which makes it very rich and intercultural. 

I strongly believe that we need to popularise the use of languages other than European ones in theology. And this song uses Yoruba, an African language, to eulogise God in the true fashion of how you would sing praise to an earthly king. 

Rev Dr Israel Oluwole Olofinjana is an African public missiologist with a particular focus on intercultural justice. He is the director of the One People Commission, an intercultural network of the Evangelical Alliance, and the founding director of the Centre for Missionaries from the Majority World

9. To God be the glory - Andraé Crouch & The Disciples

I first heard this song back in the 1970s, but recently it has really impacted me. In 2023, I was awarded an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University Belfast. Then in May 2025, I received an MBE. The lyric: “How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me?” have impacted me afresh. 

I felt very unworthy to receive these honours but 1 Samuel 2:30 tells us that God honours those who honour him. So, I give God the glory for everything he has done in my life. Queen’s University and King Charles may have honoured me, but I can do nothing in my own strength. Everything I am honoured for is because of God’s Holy Spirit in my life and his creativity flowing through me.

Marie Lacey MBE is the founder and director of the 120-voice Belfast Community Gospel Choir. She is a passionate and demonstrative worshipper. Gospel music, particularly choral music, is her passion

10. Only praise - TY Bello feat Nosa

I love this track, not just because it’s another powerful Ty Bello collaboration but because it’s deeply tied to one of the most difficult seasons of my life.

In 2022, everything that could go wrong, did. Life, work, ministry, relationships, finances, health, family – it all seemed to unravel at once. I was also busy navigating the global aftermath of George Floyd’s death and the wave of high-profile leadership failures across the Christian world. There was death, personal loss and, in the middle of it all, I was suddenly fast-tracked into two major surgeries, while my co-director was fast-tracked into three. Overnight, I went from leading and helping others to needing support with almost everything.

As my world narrowed, I became painfully – but beautifully – aware of what truly mattered. It was in that stripped-down space that I heard ‘Only praise’ for the first time. The vocals are beautiful, simple and to the point! That moment became a catalyst. God had my attention in a way I don’t think would have been possible otherwise. 

Rev Dr Kate Coleman mentors and coaches change-making leaders from diverse sectors, backgrounds and communities. She is a past president of the Baptist Union, past chair of the Evangelical Alliance Council and the founding director of Next Leadership. Kate has more than 35 years of leadership experience in the Church, charity, voluntary and business sectors

11. So come - Israel Houghton and New Breed

I was new to Christianity when I first heard Israel’s Deeper Level album. I had been immersed in church as a new believer and was fast adding great songs like ‘Shout to the Lord’ and ‘In Christ alone’ to my list of favourites. But I’ll never forget where I was when I first heard this song. 

I was in my then-manager’s car, driving to an event where I was due to share my testimony. When I heard Israel’s voice boldly confessing scripture in this spontaneous prophetic style, it blew my mind. Lines like: “You’ve taken the precious from the worthless / And given us beauty for ashes, love for hate” stirred my spirit so deeply. I felt the Holy Spirit moving on the M1! I love all that Israel has contributed to gospel music; it has inspired me greatly. 

Philippa Hanna is a UK-based worship leader, singer-songwriter and author. She has toured with artists ranging from Lionel Richie to Leona Lewis and released her latest worship record Stained Glass Stories with Integrity Music

12. More than anything - Sunday Service Choir

The first time I heard this song, I was going through a point in my faith where I felt very disconnected, let down by pastoral care and isolated. I had stopped going to church a few years prior because of something that happened which made it difficult for me to trust the institution of church. 

I was driving one morning, thinking how much I missed going to a church and how disconnected I felt from Jesus. I decided to put on some gospel music. The presence of God filled the car. This song came on and I was bought back to the foundation of our faith: it’s believing in and loving Jesus more than anything. It moved me to tears.

That weekend, I decided to go to a church again after a long break and felt an instant uplift, as though I’d returned home. 

Cassandra Maria is an award-winning content creator, comedian and presenter on Premier Gospel. You can catch her weekdays from 6pm-9pm. Listen at premier.plus

13. Where do I go (my help) - Mark Beswick and the Power Praise Worship Band

This is a stunning, contemporary gospel and soulful setting of Psalm 121 which asks: “Where does my help come from?” and answers: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

It was recorded live in London and written by two Brits – Howard Francis and Mark Beswick. Their songs were the soundtrack to a movement called Power Praise, whose gatherings were generation-changing for the UK gospel community. 

When I was invited to work on an album with soul royalty Jocelyn Brown, I played her this song – and Jocelyn fell in love with it too and included it on her landmark album True Praises (Kingsway). It is a UK gospel classic!

Les Moir had the joy of recording two of the pioneering UK gospel albums and has worked with Integrity Music, London Community Gospel Choir, Noel Robinson, Israel Houghton, Sinach and Muyiwa

14. Marvelous - Walter Hawkins and The Love Center Choir

I love this song because it speaks of God’s magnificence and awesomeness through gifting his creation with salvation. The song’s message resonates strongly because it is performed in the wonderful style of gospel music. I’m always touched deeply when I hear the lyrics because it reminds me of God’s great love. 

I’m also moved by the soulful tones of gospel legend Walter Hawkins who sings the lead, and his exceptional backing singers. The song starts off with Hawkins singing of the wonders of God and the miracle of salvation. It’s then brought to a crescendo with the singing of the choir, who reinforce the marvellousness of God through their powerful harmonies. The song never fails to touch hearts when performed live. It is, in my view, an exemplary example of the perfect gospel song.

Marcia Dixon MBE is editor of Keep The Faith magazine, a public relations specialist, speaker and event organiser

Hear all the songs now premier.org.uk/topgospelsongs