As 2024 comes to a close, the editors at the Inspirational Gospel Music Channel thought it would be a good time to reflect on the gospel music scene of the past year.
To that end, we assembled the top 10 songs that helped to define 2024.
These are the songs that listeners are most likely to remember because of their impact on the culture of the past year, whether they went viral, represented a defining moment for a particular artist, or represented a defining moment for gospel music in general.
These are not necessarily the songs that won the most awards or achieved top placement on Billboard charts. But rather, in the future, these are the songs that will allow us to pinpoint 2024 within history and transport us back to this moment in time because of their unique significance.
The Top 10 Songs of 2024 are...
"The Grateful Chant" - Lisa Page Brooks
Editor's Note: "The Grateful Chant" was THE viral music sensation of the year. Overnight, it seemed like everyone was chanting "The devil is a liar (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)." It had been a tough year for Lisa Page Brooks with the passing of her husband, Bishop Michael Brooks, in July 2024. So it was pleasant surprise to see Lisa smile again after so much grief and heartache. (And it didn't hurt that the tune was catchy!)
"That's My King"- Cece Winans
Editor's Note: There's a reason Cece is one of the top selling female gospel artists ever. It seems as if she's able to produce hits year after year. "That's My King" had ubiquitous airplay and ended the year as Billboard's Gospel Song of the Year. And it didn't hurt that the song was also part of the soundtrack for the hit Christian film, "The Forge."
"Yes"- Karen Clark Sheard
Editor's Note: Karen re-emerges! Karen Clark Sheard wears many hats. She's the First Lady of the Church of God in Christ. She's a member of the iconic the Clark Sisters. She's the mother to talented kids in gospel. But it had been nearly 10 years since Sheard produced a solo album. Her 2024 album, STILL KAREN, reminded everyone that she's a talented solo vocalist in her own right. And there's probably no song on the album that captures the talent and inspirational quality of Karen Clark Sheard more than the song "Yes."
"You Carried Me (Unplugged) - Jekalyn Carr
Editor's Note: Jekalyn shares the shine with her new album. It's hard to believe that Jekaln Carr is not even 30 years old yet. However, she's achieved so much at such an early age. Her album “Jekalyn Carr Presents... The Inspiration Project” was her way of helping other artists and providing them a moment in the spotlight.
"Church Doors" (Terry Hunter Remix)- Yolanda Adams ft.Sir The Baptist, Donald Lawrence & Co
Editor's Note: 2024 was the musical re-birth of Yolanda Adams. From the late 1990s to the 2010s, Yolanda Adams was everywhere. Whether she was hosting her own radio show, hosting an award show, singing the National anthem, or becoming the first Gospel artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Song, it goes without saying that the powerhouse vocalist had reached an unprecedented amount of fame. In recent year, she's probably most visible as the star of BET's "Kingdom Business." So people were waiting for her highly anticipated musical comeback, and she delivered! Her joyous, up tempo single "Church Doors" represents Adams first solo single in 10 years and leaves no doubt that her vocal prowess is still in tact.
"Right Where You Are" - DOE
Editor's Note: Dominque Jones (aka, DOE) has had a fairytale few months- from getting married to her husband, Orlando "I Am Son" Palmer in August 2023 to delivering her first child, Shiloh, in late 2024. In addition, the career for the 6-time Grammy nominee continues to rise. Her 2024 album, HEART OF A HUMAN, emanates heart and warm and signifies a high point in her life, both personally and professionally.
"Working for Me" - Tamela Mann
Editor's Note: Beyonce's foray into country music helped to spark a national conversation about who can sing country music and what should country music sound like. However, Tamela Mann's playful, but inspirational song, "Working for Me" proves that gospel artists can also sing country (and can do it well too!).
"Hold On 2 Your Faith"- Deitrick Haddon & Voices Of Unity
Editor's Note: Calling Deitrick Haddon the "Bad Boy of Gospel" is quite the misnomer. True, his stint on the reality TV show "Preachers" exposed dirty details behind his split from his 1st wife Damita. And yes, relatively recent viral video of him "freak dancing" with his second wife Dominique may be antithetical to the image that some may have of a preacher. However, it's undeniable that Haddon's voice is anointed and his musical lyrics are clever. His blend of R&B, gospel, and raw authenticity carves a lane that no one else in gospel music occupies.
"Do It Anyway" - Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Editor's Note: For a few years now we've been witnessing the transformation of Tasha Cobbs Leonard. The round-faced girl with the cherubic cheekbones, perpetual smile, and powerful voice is now a mother, pastor, entrepreneur, and author. Earlier this year, she released her autobiography, Do It Anyway, which details the highs and lows from her young life. Lately, Cobbs has been venturing more into business, including becoming the first African American female owner of a The Athlete's Foot franchise. Her song "Do It Anyway" not only showcases her vocal talent, but it also represents how resilience and endurance have transform her into the woman she is today. One day, we will look back and wonder when did we first realize that Tasha Cobbs Leonard had transformed into a full formed woman and a business mogul.
"Hide Me" - Juanita Bynum
Editor's Note: 2024 marked the return of Juanita Bynum to the gospel music scene. Her EP, HIDE ME, was her first musical release in 12-years. Moreover, it was first musical release since losing her mother Katherine Bynum in 2022. While Bynum is known as a dynamic preacher on a global scale, this new EP is more intimate as it blends worship with deep introspection and reverence.
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