You get the opportunity to claim the spotlight and display your vocal prowess during karaoke, maybe it is a weekly ritual or perhaps you only take to the stage once in a blue moon. Either way, it is important to have some idea of what you want to sing and perform.
The best thing about karaoke is that any genre of music is acceptable, including religious (Christian karaoke songs) music, punk, rock, country, and metal. Really, anything goes, it is all about the performance and energy that each singer brings to the table.
Who says you can’t praise and rejoice while singing karaoke, after all, with the right attitude, any song can be a hit.
To help you when you feel like singing to the skies, I have compiled a list of gospel karaoke songs.
What is the Gospel Genre/ Gospel Karaoke?
If you are wanting to sing along to gospel music, I am sure you are already familiar with the genre, but if you are new to it, or dabbling, I hope the following provides a brief insight into the music and it’s meaning.
A staple of Christian media, gospel music is a traditional sub genre of Christian music. Gospel music is created, performed, interpreted, and even defined differently depending on the culture and social setting. Gospel music is created and performed for a variety of reasons, including aesthetic enjoyment, religious or ceremonial objectives, and as a commercially viable form of entertainment. Gospel music is distinguished by strong harmony with Religious lyrics and prominent singers. The history of gospel music began in the early 17th century.
Call-and-response repetition of hymns and sacred melodies was common, largely influenced by ancestral African music. Hand Clapping and foot stomping served as the primary rhythmic accompaniment in the majority of the churches. The bulk of the singing was a cappella, as in without instrumental accompaniment. The term “gospel song” is believed to have first appeared in print in 1874.
Authors such as George F. Root, Philip Bliss, Charles H. Gabriel, William Howard Doane, and Fanny Crosby were among those who wrote and composed the original gospel songs. Publishing houses for gospel music then developed in their own right. Gospel music’s viewership significantly rose with the introduction of radio in the 1920s. Gospel concerts grew to become very sophisticated after World War II, and gospel expanded into large auditoriums and became quite mainstream.
Best 15 Karaoke Gospel Songs – Here are our recommendations!
15: Who Am I – Casting Crowns
The pop rock and modern ballad “Who Am I” is about worshipping God.
The song has received numerous honours and even enjoyed success on Christian radio.
Although this song doesn’t require particularly strong pipes to perform, the chorus does rise in intensity, so be careful to warm up your vocal cords before singing it.
14: How Great Thou Art – Carrie Underwood
“How Great Thou Art,” a Christian ballad that dates back to the late 1800s, is the second-most intense and powerful worship song after “Amazing Grace”.
This song has been covered many times by different artists, such as Pentatonix and Jennifer Hudson.
Although Underwood’s rendition features some really high notes, the heartfelt melody and stirring lyrics make up for it.
13: Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) – Casting Crowns
This song was sung by the modern Christian band Casting Crowns for their 2009 album, ‘Until The Whole World Hears’.
“Glorious Day” commemorates the day Christ gave his life in order to atone for humankind’s sins and rose from the dead three days later.
It is a rock ballad that makes you want to glorify God with all of your heart and soul.
12: In Christ Alone – Keith and Kristyn Getty
The well-known gospel hymn “In Christ Alone” was written by two Christian songwriters, Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend, in 2001.
It served as an inspiration for other covers in various translations.
Even though the song has a rather high register, if you sing it with emotion, you won’t mess it up.
11: Why We Sing – Kirk Franklin
Dionne Warwick initially performed “Why We Sing” for her studio album.
The song is a statement of thanks to God for allowing us to be free in His presence.
Franklin’s song is strong and energising and gets very high towards the chorus part, but Warwick’s version is calm and mellow— I prefer Franklin’s version, perfect to get your crowd ready for the evening, with a bit more oomph.
10: Where I Belong – Building 429
The song “Where I Belong,” which was released in 2012, serves as a reminder to Christians that Paradise is where they truly belong.
The band’s most streamed song on Spotify to date is this Christian rock song, which was written for the album ‘Listen to the Sound’.
When you feel like everyone is against you, try singing this song, and let joy fill your heart!
9: Just A Closer Walk With Thee – Patsy Cline
“Just a Closer Walk with Thee” was originally a hymn before being transformed into a classic gospel ballad, as is the case with most Christian music.
The Selah Jubilee Singers made the song’s debut recording in 1941; however, the song’s author is still unidentified.
In the 1930s, when African-American churches hosted sizable conventions, this ballad gained further popularity.
The song’s cover by Cline may be more subdued, but with its straightforward lyrics and easygoing country music sound, it’s perfect for informal karaoke sessions.
8: His Eye Is On The Sparrow – Mahalia Jackson
I am recommending “His Eye on the Sparrow” by Mahalia Jackson, one of the most renowned and influential gospel singers in history, just in case you wanted to show off your vocal prowess.
Even a Grammy Hall of Fame Award was given to Jackson’s touching cover in 2010.
Make sure to warm up your voice before singing the song because it has a high register and notes that change between the verses.
7: Oh Happy Day – The Edwin Hawkins Singers
In the upbeat hymn “Oh Happy Day,” God’s grace and the gift of a new day are celebrated.
The upbeat, energising song was popular in 1969 and has since become a staple of evangelical music.
In addition, the song has been used in a number of films, including Sister Act II and License to Wed.
When you sing “Oh Happy Days” during karaoke in front of your audience, everyone will be smiling.
6: 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) – Matt Redman
The song “10,000 Reasons” is based on the Bible verses “Psalms 103:1-5,” and it discusses the endless reasons to adore and praise God.
Later, it was quite successful and had a significant impact; in 2013, it even won two Grammy Awards.
This led to Redman’s book, which details the effects and experiences the song had on many people during their difficult times, written as a result of the song’s success.
5: Above All – Michael W. Smith
“Above All,” a 1995 song by Paul Beloche and Lenny LeBlanc, discusses the greatness and death on the cross of Jesus Christ.
Smith included a cover of the song on his 2001 CD Worship.
He also sang “Above All” for President Bush’s inaugural prayer ceremony that same year.
It’s a terrific song that will elevate the spirits of you and your audience thanks to its tender melody and repetitious lyrics of reverence.
4: How Great Is Our God – Chris Tomlin
Chris Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” is one of the most popular praise songs out there and is sung in churches all throughout the world, especially the USA.
Around the globe, this song has been covered by several singers in numerous languages.
It’s also difficult to get it wrong because of the great instrumentals and the simple-to-remember words.
3: I’ll Take You There – The Staple Singers
The soul/gospel group The Staple Singers’ peppy, funky song “I’ll Take You There” is a great example.
It was a top-charting tune that has been sampled and used in numerous other contemporary songs over the years.
The song’s catchy melody and general upbeat attitude will encourage your audience to dance and sing along with you.
2: Oceans (Where Feet May Fall) – Hillsong United
The song “Oceans” from Hillsong United’s album Zion makes allusion to Peter crossing the Galilee Sea (walking on water) to meet Jesus.
The song’s core theme is about facing the unknown and putting your faith in God while doing so.
“Oceans” is a fairly simple song to sing, with a clear melody and straightforward lyrics. It gets so passionate as it approaches the chorus that you can’t help but sing along.
1: Amazing Grace – Chris Tomlin
John Newman first composed Amazing Grace as a Christian song in 1772. Over time, it was transformed into a worship song that gained popularity in the US.
It is one of the most well-known gospel songs in the English-speaking world today, in fact it is one of the most famous songs of any genre, of all time. There are various versions of this song, but Tomlin’s is the one that works with all vocal ranges.
His rendition is suitable for karaoke because it is calm and emotive without any crazily high notes in the middle.
Gospel Karaoke Songs – Closing remarks and thoughts
This list should make it easier for you to choose karaoke tunes at home or in public as a Christian karaoke song fan. There is plenty for any karaoke enthusiast to enjoy, whether they prefer hymns, country, or the traditional gospel style. At your next karaoke night, give a few of these top karaoke gospel songs a shot to see how much fun you can have while showcasing your powerful vocal range. As you learn to appreciate your exceptional voice range, you might revisit some of your old favourites or come upon some new ones. I hope this compilation inspires the budding singer within you!
Closing remarks:
In this article we hope you have benefitted from discovering the best songs when it comes to Christian karaoke songs. Of course, if you do not like my personal favourite Amazing Grace, you can choose another from the list. Alternatively, feel free to use it as a foundation to delve into various other artists and songs, good luck!
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