Almost Gosple 2

Gospel's a wide tent and this one parks right at the edge of it. Some of these artists would probably argue they don't belong here, but they do. There's enough choir, enough conviction, and enough of that feeling you can't quite name to hold it all together. I had fun with this pick. I was looking around for a specific feel and sound that is almost gospel. Well, some of it probably is. If I thought it might fit in a tent with Debra Winger and Steve Martin, it was probably okay. If you know, you know. Faith optional, good ears required. Happy Birthday Mom.

Almost Gosple 2

19 Michael Jackson - Will You Be There

20 U2 featuring New Voices of Freedom - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

21 Dottie Peoples & The Peoples Choice Chorale - He's An On Time God

22 Sounds Of Blackness - Hold On (Change Is Comin')

23 Fred Hammond - No Weapon

24 Hezekiah Walker - Grateful

25 Kirk Franklin - Brighter Day

26 Ai Factory Song - Many Men

27 Lamp House - Because I Got High 

28 Replayd Music - Words I Saved For You

29 BeBe & CeCe Winans - Addictive Love

30 Lauren Daigle - You Say

31 Tobymac - Feel It

32 Marc Cohn - Walking In Memphis

33 Solomon Ray - Goodbye Temptation

34 Travis Greene - Intentional

Almost Gosple 1

This is the first of a series of picks I'm making of almost gosple (notice how I spell it on the cover). I actually made a gospel playlist many years ago, but the new series feels fresh and fun. Sometime back then, I made that Gospel Brunch pick that captured this same spirit—uptempo tracks with big energy, revival vibes, and a mix of soulful grooves that make you want to stand up, clap, and move. This Almost Gosple playlist builds on that idea, blending classic soul, crossover hits, retro reimaginings, and uplifting sounds that aren't all strictly worship but carry that joyful, choir-driven punch. Those boxers in their blue robes sure look ready to belt out some harmonies—hope the choir director gave them the right pitch! Make sure you also look at the After Hours picks from a week ago or so! I'd love to hear what you think of all these.

Almost Gosple 1

01 Kirk Franklin - Wanna Be Happy

02 Vintage Soul - Never Gonna Give You Up

03 Sam Smith - Stay With Me

04 Soul'd Out - Humble (1950's Soul Version)

05 RetroScope - Bring Me to Life

06 Digital Connect - Unbreakable Hope

07 Mary Mary - Shackles (Praise You)

08 Sinach - I Know Who I Am

09 The Staple Singers - Respect Yourself

10 Hezekiah Walker - Souled Out

11 Tasha Cobbs Leonard - Already Good (Tasha Slide)

12 The Edwin Hawkins Singers - Oh Happy Day

13 Replayd Music - Truth I Know

14 Solomon Ray - Find Your Rest

15 Soul Jazz Era - Take Me to Church

16 RetroFlow Soul - Purple Rain

17 Rhythm&Velvet - Somebody to Love (Gospel Soul)

18 The Flipside - Dancing Queen

Gospel Brunch

Sometime in the 90's, I put this pick together. One of my most favorite Steve Martin movies is Leap Of Faith. Brilliant movie and it had great music in it. It reminded me of a few other tracks by the Violent Femmes (and the Mercy Seat - Gordon Gano). Throw in some music from Sister Act (also from 1992) and a couple I figured would be perfect with them and this compilation came together. The name came from a gospel show that the House of Blues put together (a great show). I saw it in several cities and it was always top grade. Music and food! I am sure that there are other people that know this music inside and out who could leave a great number of suggestions in the comments, but I am at my limit here. Uptempo gospel that makes me want to stand up and clap and dance from not all gospel bands. I'd love to know more. I think it would be hard to top this one, but I would love to be wrong.

Gospel Brunch

01 Patti LaBelle - Ready For a Miracle

02 Ann Nesby - I'm Getting Ready

03 Lyle Lovett - I'm A Soldier In The Army Of The Lord

04 Aubrey Ghent - Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus

05 Violent Femmes - Jesus Walking On The Water

06 The Mercy Seat - I Don't Need Nobody Else (But Jesus)

07 Campbell Brothers featuring Katie Jackson - I Feel Good

08 John Pagano - Change in My Life

09 Bessie Smith - On Revival Day (A Rhythmic Spiritual)

10 Beyonce - Swing Low Sweet Chariot

11 Mahalia Jackson - We Shall Overcome

12 The St. Francis Choir Feat. Lauryn Hill, Ryan Toby, Devin Kamin & Ron Johnson - Joyful, Joyful

13 Pops Staples - I Shall Not Be Moved

14 Prince Dixon - Get Right Church

15 James Brown - The Old Landmark

16 The Mercy Seat - Let Me Ride

17 The Housemartins - I'll Be Your Shelter (Just Like A Shelter)

18 Whitney Houston with the Georgia Mass Choir - I Go To The Rock

19 Shirley Caesar and Ann Nesby - The Stone

20 The Staple Singers - Uncloudy Day

21 Angels of Mercy - Rain Celebration Medley

22 Deloris And The Sisters - Will Follow Him (Chariot)