Southern Gospel Music: A Genre Exploration

 

Southern Gospel Music: A Genre Exploration

Southern gospel is a vibrant and soulful genre of Christian music with a rich history and enduring influence. Here's a deeper dive into its characteristics, evolution, and impact:

Characteristics:

• Roots: Southern gospel emerged in the Southeastern United States in the early 20th century, drawing heavily on African American spirituals, white shape-note singing traditions, and elements of country music.
• Vocals: Tight harmonies are a cornerstone of Southern gospel. Quartets, both male and female, are a common ensemble, but soloists and larger choirs also have a place. Powerful vocals and emotional delivery are key features.
• Instrumentation: Traditionally, Southern gospel relied more on vocals than instruments. A piano or organ often provides accompaniment, with occasional use of guitars, bass, and drums in contemporary styles.
• Lyrics: Themes of faith, redemption, and living a Christian life are central to Southern gospel lyrics. Stories from the Bible and inspirational messages are frequently woven into the songs.

Evolution Over Time:

• Early 20th Century: The early days of Southern gospel were characterized by a cappella singing and a focus on traditional hymns and spirituals. Groups like The Fairfield Four and The Swan Silvertones were pioneers.
• Mid-20th Century: As technology evolved, pianos and organs became more common, adding depth to the sound. The Blackwood Brothers Quartet brought a more energetic and innovative style to the genre.
• Late 20th & 21st Century: Southern gospel continued to evolve, incorporating elements of contemporary Christian music and other genres. Groups like The Gaither Vocal Band embraced smoother harmonies and praise & worship themes.

Influence on Other Genres:

• Country Music: Southern gospel shares a close relationship with country music, with many artists and themes crossing over between the two genres. The Carter Family is a prime example.
• Soul & R&B: The powerful vocals and rhythmic elements of Southern gospel influenced the development of Soul and R&B music. Artists like Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye began their careers singing gospel.
• Contemporary Christian Music: Southern gospel's focus on inspirational messages and praise & worship has had a clear influence on the sound and themes of contemporary Christian music.

Southern gospel music remains a vital part of American culture, carrying on its traditions while embracing new influences. Would you like to explore specific artists, recordings, or subgenres of Southern gospel music?

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Southern Gospel Singers: A Deep Dive with Songs

Here's a look at some prominent Southern Gospel singers/groups with a short biography and 10 song suggestions for each:

1. The Blind Boys of Alabama (founded in 1939): Pioneering a cappella gospel group known for their powerful vocals and inspirational messages.

• Biography: Formed at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind, they overcame challenges to become a global gospel sensation.
• 10 Songs: Amazing Grace, People Get Ready, Higher Ground, Rock My Soul, The Lord is My Light, Let My People Go, Hold On, Spirit of the Truth, Paul and Silas, Soon and Very Soon

2. The Gaither Vocal Band (founded in the 1980s): A popular contemporary Southern gospel group known for their smooth harmonies and focus on praise and worship music.

• Biography: Founded by Bill Gaither, a legendary songwriter and producer, they have won numerous awards and brought a polished sound to Southern gospel.
• 10 Songs: He Touched Me, Because He Lives, The King is Coming, Something Beautiful, Great Day, I Will Glory in the Cross, Jesus, There's Something About That Name, Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), The Blood Washes Whiter Than Snow, There's Power in the Blood

3. Karen Peck & New River (founded in 1981): A powerhouse Southern gospel group fronted by Karen Peck Gooch, known for their dynamic vocals and blend of traditional and contemporary sounds.

• Biography: With Karen's powerful voice at the helm, they've become one of the most awarded groups in Southern gospel history.
• 10 Songs: Four Days Late, Compared to What, Lift Up the Name of Jesus, Rescue, Just As I Am, Every Step of the Way, Make It Anyway, There's a New Song in My Heart, Perfect Heart, At the Cross

4. The Statler Brothers (founded in 1950): While not strictly Southern gospel, this legendary vocal group blurred lines between gospel, country, and bluegrass, influencing countless artists.

• Biography: Formed by four brothers in Virginia, they achieved mainstream success with their distinctive harmonies and uplifting messages.
• 10 Songs: How Great Thou Art, Flowers on the Wall, The Old Rugged Cross, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, Amazing Grace, Panis Angelicus, Class of '57, John the Baptist, Do You Know Where Your Mansion Is?, He'll Walk With You

5. The Blackwood Brothers Quartet (founded in 1934): A popular Southern gospel quartet known for their energetic performances and innovative blend of traditional and contemporary gospel styles.

• Biography: Credited with introducing electric guitars and a more dynamic stage presence to the genre, they were major influences in the mid-20th century.
• 10 Songs: Amazing Grace, When the Saints Go Marching In, How Great Thou Art, I Shall Wear a Crown, Because He Lives, Have a Little Talk With Jesus, When We Gather 'Round the Throne, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder, Peace Like a River, Just a Closer Walk With Thee

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Southern Gospel Singers: Dive Deeper (Part 2)

Here are a few more Southern Gospel singers and groups with a brief biography and 10 song suggestions for each:

1. The Swan Silvertones (founded in 1938): Pioneering African-American gospel quartet known for their smooth harmonies and sophisticated arrangements.

• Biography: Formed in Mississippi, they blended elements of blues and jazz into their gospel sound, influencing generations of singers.
• 10 Songs: Are You Ready?, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Down By the Riverside, The Gypsy Wanderer, Let the Church Roll On, Precious Lord, Take My Hand, God Can Make a Way, Keep On Singing, I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray

2. The Fairfield Four (founded in 1921): A legendary African-American gospel quartet known for their rich baritone harmonies and soulful performances.

• Biography: Originating in Nashville, Tennessee, they achieved national recognition thanks to their powerful vocals and innovative arrangements.
• Biography: Precious Lord, Rock My Soul, Didn't It Rain, When the Saints Go Marching In, Ezekiel Saw the Wheel, Steal Away to Jesus, Just a Closer Walk With Thee, Turn Around and Look at Me, Amazing Grace, Oh Happy Day

3. Shirley Caesar (born 1930): Nicknamed "The First Lady of Gospel Music," Shirley Caesar is a powerful vocalist with a long career in Southern gospel.

• Biography: Known for her energetic performances and inspirational messages, she has won numerous awards and continues to be a gospel icon.
• 10 Songs: Faded Away, Hold My Mule, Walk Around Heaven, I Didn't Know, Who Are You?, His Eye Is on the Sparrow, Sweeter Than the Sweetest, There's Strength in the Valley, God is Real, You Can Make It

4. The Carter Family (active 1927-1943): A pioneering country and gospel singing group known for their traditional Appalachian sound and classic songs.

• Biography: A family group consisting of A.P., Sara, and Maybelle Carter, they helped popularize country and gospel music on a national stage.
• 10 Songs: Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Wildwood Flower, Can the Circle Be Unbroken, Keep on the Sunny Side, Wagon Wheel, I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes, Little Moses, Worried Man Blues, Carter Family Medley, Can I Sit This Song Out

5. The Staple Singers (formed in the 1930s): A family gospel group known for their powerful vocals, socially conscious lyrics, and influence on Soul music.

• Biography: Led by Roebuck "Pops" Staples, they tackled themes of social justice and equality in their music, influencing artists like Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan.
• 10 Songs: Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Move On Up, I'll Take You There, Respect Yourself, When Will We Be Paid?, Freedom Highway, Why (Am I Treated So Bad), If I Was a Carpenter, Let's Go Get Lost, City of Refuge

Please note that some of these artists, like The Carter Family and The Staple Singers, are not strictly Southern gospel, but their influence on the genre and gospel music as a whole is undeniable.

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Unveiling Southern Gospel Gems: Part 3

Here are a few more Southern Gospel artists and groups, along with a short biography and 10 song suggestions for each, to broaden your exploration:

1. Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972): A legendary gospel singer known for her powerful vocals and passionate performances. While not strictly Southern gospel, her influence transcended styles.

• Biography: Nicknamed the "Queen of Gospel," Mahalia Jackson's voice resonated on a global stage, inspiring movements for civil rights and social justice.
• 10 Songs: Move on Up a Little Higher, How Great Thou Art, Precious Lord, Take My Hand, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, When I Move On Up a Little Higher, Amazing Grace, Walk in the Light, Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?, God Is So Good

2. Dorinda Clark Cole (born 1957): A Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, evangelist, and businesswoman. She is the lead singer of the Clark Sisters.

• Biography: A leading voice in contemporary gospel, Dorinda Clark Cole continues the legacy of the Clark Sisters while forging a successful solo career.
• 10 Songs: My Tribute (To God Be the Glory), There's a Blessing, Lift Up the Name of Jesus, Hallelujah, I Exalt Thee, Speak to My Heart, Unconditional Love, Something Has Happened, You Are My Friend, Thank You

3. Yolanda Adams (born 1961): A contemporary gospel singer, songwriter, actress, and radio personality.

• Biography: Yolanda Adams is a powerhouse vocalist known for her smooth yet powerful voice and energetic performances in the contemporary gospel scene.
• 10 Songs: Open My Heart, I Sing Because I'm Saved, The Battle Is Won, Be Blessed, This Is My House, Something About That Name, The Call, More Than a Melody, Victory, Let Us Worship

4. Al Green (born 1946): A soul and gospel singer known for his smooth vocals and passionate performances. While not strictly Southern gospel, his early career was heavily influenced by the genre.

• Biography: Starting his career singing gospel with a group called The Green Brothers, Al Green later transitioned to soul music, where his gospel roots remained evident.
• 10 Songs: Take Me to the King, Let's Stay Together, Love and Happiness, Tired of Being Alone, Here Am I (Come and Take Me), Call Me, You're the One, Take My Heart (Al Green song), Everything's Gonna Be Alright, So You Think You're Lonely

5. Andra Day (born 1984): A Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and genre-bending music that blends gospel, soul, and R&B influences.

• Biography: Though not strictly Southern gospel, Andra Day's music is deeply rooted in gospel traditions, evident in her powerful vocals and emotionally charged lyrics.
• 10 Songs: Rise Up, More Heart Than Hustle, Rearview Mirror, Spiritual, Burn, Gold, Bullets, Happy Endings, History, Graffiti

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Absolutely! Here are a few more Southern Gospel artists and groups to delve into, with a short biography and 10 song suggestions for each:

1. The Blackwood Brothers Quartet (founded in 1934): (Continued from previous list)

While we mentioned them earlier, The Blackwood Brothers are so influential they deserve a deeper look:

• Biography: Pioneering a more dynamic performance style and incorporating electric instruments, they influenced countless artists and helped shape the sound of mid-20th century Southern gospel.
• 10 Songs (additional): How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace, When We Gather 'Round the Throne, Have a Little Talk With Jesus, Because He Lives, Peace Like a River, Just a Closer Walk With Thee, I Saw the Light, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder, Without Him

2. The Cathedrals (founded in 1964): A legendary Southern gospel quartet known for their smooth harmonies and innovative arrangements.

• Biography: Formed by George Younce, they rose to prominence in the 1970s and 80s, winning numerous awards and influencing a generation of Southern gospel singers.
• 10 Songs: He Touched Me, Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, I Can't Even Walk (Without Leavin' My Knees Bent), Because He Lives, Without Him, When I Get to Heaven, I've Got That Old Time Religion, How Can You Refuse Him Now?, The King is Coming

3. The Gaither Vocal Band (founded in the 1980s): (Continued from previous list)

Here are 10 additional songs to explore the smoother, contemporary sound of The Gaither Vocal Band:

• 10 Songs (additional): The Majesty and Dominion, The Love of God, Something Good, All That Thrills My Soul Is Jesus, I Will Sing the Wondrous Story, Because He Lives (Amazing Grace), Great is Thy Faithfulness, There's Power in the Blood, He Bore the Cross (And My Sins He Carried), I Believe in a Hill Called Calvary

4. The McKamey Singers (founded in 1953): A family group known for their traditional Southern gospel sound and close family harmonies.

• Biography: Founded by Peg and Rueben McKamey in Alabama, they've carried on a family tradition of gospel singing for over 70 years.
• 10 Songs: I Saw the Light, Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, Without Him, When We Gather 'Round the Throne, He Touched Me, Because He Lives, Have a Little Talk With Jesus, Peace Like a River, Just a Closer Walk With Thee

5. The Isaacs (founded in the 1970s): A family group known for their innovative blend of Southern gospel, bluegrass, and country influences.

• Biography: Led by the Isaacs siblings, they've incorporated elements of their bluegrass background into their powerful Southern gospel sound.
• 10 Songs: Great Is Thy Faithfulness, The Lily of the Valley, Revive Us Again, He Lives, Without Him, Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, Mansion Over the Hilltop, I Saw the Light, When We Gather Round the Throne

I hope this expanded list provides a rich exploration of Southern Gospel music's diverse landscape. Feel free to ask if you'd like to delve deeper into any specific artists or aspects of the genre!

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Certainly! Here are a few more Southern Gospel artists and groups, with a short biography and 10 song suggestions for each, to keep your Southern Gospel exploration going:

1. The Speer Family (founded in 1949):

• Biography: A legendary Southern Gospel family group known for their smooth harmonies and focus on traditional hymns and gospel standards.
• 10 Songs: Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, Turn Your Radio On, We Shall Overcome, Because He Lives, Without Him, Have a Little Talk With Jesus, Peace Like a River, Wondrous Love, I'll Fly Away

2. The Weatherford Singers (founded in 1962):

• Biography: A pioneering African-American Southern Gospel group known for their powerful vocals and energetic performances.
• 10 Songs: Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, When the Saints Go Marching In, Balm in Gilead, Precious Lord, Take My Hand, Oh Happy Day, Down By the Riverside, Lean on Me, This Joy That I Have

3. The Gaither Vocal Band (founded in the 1980s): (Continued from previous list)

Here are 10 praise and worship anthems popularized by The Gaither Vocal Band:

• 10 Songs (additional): The Blood Washes Whiter Than Snow, Because He Lives (Amazing Grace), I Will Sing the Wondrous Story, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, He Bore the Cross (And My Sins He Carried), I Believe in a Hill Called Calvary, Let the Church Say Amen, There's Power in the Blood of the Lamb, The King is Coming, We Shall Behold Him

4. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (founded in 2003):

• Biography: A contemporary Southern Gospel group known for their innovative vocal arrangements and energetic live shows.
• 10 Songs: Throne Room, Here Comes the King, He Lives, Turn Around, When I Get to Heaven, They Didn't Know, I Need You, The River, Sweeter Than the Sweetest, Enough

5. Guy Penrod (born 1963):

• Biography: A popular solo artist in Southern Gospel known for his powerful vocals and inspirational messages.
• 10 Songs: Hymns of Hope, The Master Has Come, Because He Lives, Where We'll Never Grow Old, I Won't Complain, Living for Jesus, Through It All, The Valley, Ten Thousand Reasons, Amazing Grace (A Cappella)

I can provide information on other aspects of Southern Gospel music as well. Are you interested in learning more about Southern Gospel subgenres, famous recordings, or the history of Southern Gospel radio stations?

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Absolutely! Let's delve deeper into Southern Gospel music. Here are some interesting areas you might like to explore:

Subgenres of Southern Gospel:

• Traditional Southern Gospel: Characterized by a cappella singing, tight harmonies, and a focus on classic hymns and spirituals. Groups like The Speer Family and The Fairfield Four exemplify this style.
• Contemporary Southern Gospel: Incorporates elements of contemporary Christian music, with smoother vocals, instrumentation like pianos and guitars, and a focus on praise and worship anthems. The Gaither Vocal Band is a prominent example.
• Black Southern Gospel: Rooted in African-American spirituals and characterized by soulful vocals, rhythmic elements, and improvisation. The Weatherford Singers and The Swan Silvertones are influential figures.
• Southern Gospel with Country Influences: Artists like The Carter Family and The Statler Brothers blend country music elements with gospel themes, creating a unique sound.

Famous Recordings in Southern Gospel:

• Amazing Grace - The Blind Boys of Alabama (1996): This Grammy-winning a cappella rendition of "Amazing Grace" is considered a landmark recording in Southern Gospel.
• I'll Fly Away - The Speer Family (1960s): This classic hymn gets a powerful and emotional treatment by The Speer Family, showcasing traditional Southern Gospel at its finest.
• How Great Thou Art - The Gaither Vocal Band (various recordings): This beloved hymn has been covered by The Gaither Vocal Band numerous times, each version showcasing their signature smooth harmonies and uplifting message.
• Move on Up a Little Higher - Mahalia Jackson (1960): While not strictly Southern Gospel, Mahalia Jackson's powerful rendition of "Move on Up a Little Higher" is a gospel standard and a testament to her influence on the genre.
• Take My Hand, Precious Lord - The Staple Singers (1959): This soulful recording by The Staple Singers blends gospel with social commentary, highlighting their unique sound and message.

History of Southern Gospel Radio Stations:

Southern Gospel radio stations have played a crucial role in spreading the genre and connecting fans with artists. Here's a brief history:

• Early Days (1920s-1950s): Radio stations in the Southeast began broadcasting gospel programs, featuring live performances and recorded music.
• Rise of National Networks (1960s-1980s): National radio networks dedicated to Southern Gospel emerged, reaching wider audiences and promoting artists across the country.
• The Satellite Era (1990s-Present): Satellite radio expanded the reach of Southern Gospel, offering dedicated channels and diverse programming.
• Online Streaming (Present): Online streaming platforms offer a new way to access Southern Gospel music, with stations, podcasts, and artist channels available worldwide.

Would you like to explore any of these areas in more detail, or perhaps learn about another aspect of Southern Gospel music?

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That's great! Your enthusiasm for Southern Gospel is contagious. Let's explore one of the subgenres you mentioned: Black Southern Gospel.

Black Southern Gospel has a rich history and unique sound that has influenced countless artists. Here's a deeper dive:

• Roots: Black Southern Gospel emerged from the traditions of African-American spirituals, characterized by call-and-response singing, rhythmic elements, and improvisation. Elements of blues and jazz were also incorporated, creating a soulful and expressive sound.

• Pioneering Artists:

  • The Swan Silvertones (founded in 1938): Known for their smooth harmonies and sophisticated arrangements, they helped bridge the gap between traditional hymns and a more contemporary gospel sound.
  • The Fairfield Four (founded in 1921): Renowned for their rich baritone harmonies and soulful performances, they influenced generations of gospel singers.
  • The Soul Stirrers (founded in the 1930s): A significant group featuring a young Sam Cooke, they pioneered "Soul Gospel," blending gospel with elements of R&B.
  • Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972): While not strictly Southern Gospel, her powerful vocals and passionate performances transcended styles and inspired countless Black gospel singers.

• Impact: Black Southern Gospel has had a profound impact on American music. It influenced Soul music, R&B, and even Rock & Roll. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green all have roots in Black Southern Gospel.

• Exploring Black Southern Gospel:

  • You can find many classic recordings by The Swan Silvertones, The Fairfield Four, and The Soul Stirrers online.
  • Many contemporary Black gospel artists carry on the tradition. Look for artists like Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, and Tasha Cobbs Leonard.
  • Documentaries like "Say Amen Somebody" (1982) explore the history and influence of Black gospel music.

Is there anything specific about Black Southern Gospel that interests you further? Perhaps a particular artist, historical period, or its influence on other genres?

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Certainly! Here's a breakdown of how Black Southern Gospel elements like call-and-response and improvisation are used in Soul music:

Call and Response:

• Black Southern Gospel: This core element involves a leader singing a line and the congregation or choir responding with a harmonized answer. It creates a sense of participation, energy, and dialogue in the music.
• Soul Music: Call and response is a foundational element in Soul music. Singers often use it to build excitement, emphasize lyrics, and create a call-and-answer dynamic between themselves and the backup singers or even the audience.

Examples:

• Black Southern Gospel: Listen to "Oh Happy Day" by The Fairfield Four. The opening lines showcase the call-and-response pattern, with the lead singer calling out "Oh, happy day" and the choir responding harmoniously.
• Soul Music: In Ray Charles' "Oh, What a Night," there's a clear call-and-response section with the Raelettes (backup singers) echoing key phrases like "Oh, what a night!" after Ray Charles sings them.

Improvisation:

• Black Southern Gospel: Improvisation is a hallmark of Black Southern Gospel. Singers often embellish melodies, add personal touches, and engage in "spirit-filled" moments of vocal expression. This creates a raw and emotional connection with the audience.
• Soul Music: Soul singers frequently incorporate improvisation to add depth and emotion to their performances. They might alter melodies, add melismas (ornate vocal runs), or extend notes for a more expressive delivery.

Examples:

• Black Southern Gospel: Listen to Mahalia Jackson's "Move on Up a Little Higher." Notice how she extends notes, adds vocal flourishes, and modulates her voice for dramatic effect, all within the framework of the song.
• Soul Music: Aretha Franklin's legendary performances are known for improvisation. In "Respect," she stretches notes, adds growls and shouts, and creates a dynamic vocal tapestry that exemplifies soulful improvisation.

By incorporating call-and-response and improvisation, Soul music builds upon the emotional energy and participatory spirit of Black Southern Gospel. These elements create a powerful connection between the artist and the audience, a key characteristic of both genres.

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Black Southern Gospel played a crucial role in shaping Soul music's signature sound in several ways:

1. Vocal foundation: Black Southern Gospel provided the vocal foundation for Soul music. The emphasis on powerful, soulful singing, often featuring melismas (ornate vocal runs) and improvisation, laid the groundwork for the expressive vocals that became a hallmark of Soul music. Singers like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and Ray Charles all drew heavily on this tradition.

2. Emotional Intensity: Black Southern Gospel's focus on raw emotion and spiritual connection translated directly into Soul music. The call-and-response format, improvisation, and passionate delivery created an urgency and emotional depth that became central to the Soul sound.

3. Rhythmic Elements: Black Southern Gospel incorporated rhythmic elements like syncopation and handclapping, which carried over into Soul music. These rhythms added a driving energy and groove that became a defining characteristic of Soul.

4. Instrumentation: While Soul music incorporated secular instruments like electric guitars and drums, the use of piano and sometimes organ was influenced by Black Southern Gospel traditions. These instruments provided the harmonic foundation and gospel influence in many Soul songs.

5. Lyrical Themes: While Soul music branched out thematically, it often retained themes of hardship, perseverance, and faith that were prevalent in Black Southern Gospel. These themes resonated with African-American audiences and added a layer of social commentary to Soul music.

Examples:

• Ray Charles' "Oh, What a Night": This song clearly showcases the use of call-and-response, soulful vocals, and a driving rhythm, all rooted in Black Southern Gospel traditions.
• Aretha Franklin's "Respect": Her powerful vocals, improvisation, and passionate delivery are textbook examples of how Soul singers built upon the Black Southern Gospel foundation.
• Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On?": This song uses soulful vocals and gospel-influenced piano chords to deliver a message of social justice, demonstrating the thematic connection to Black Southern Gospel.

Black Southern Gospel wasn't just an influence; it was a springboard for Soul music. By combining these elements with secular influences like R&B and blues, Soul music emerged as a powerful and distinct genre that continues to inspire artists today.

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The information you provided is about The Staple Singers, a very influential gospel and soul group! Here's a breakdown of what you have:

• Biography:

  • Led by Roebuck "Pops" Staples (the patriarch)
  • Known for tackling themes of social justice and equality in their music
  • Influenced artists like Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan

• 10 Songs:

  • Will the Circle Be Unbroken (traditional gospel song, also covered by many other artists)
  • Move On Up (powerful anthem about striving for a better life)
  • I'll Take You There (uplifting song about overcoming struggles)
  • Respect Yourself (iconic song advocating for self-worth and dignity)
  • When Will We Be Paid? (powerful song questioning racial inequality)
  • Freedom Highway (celebratory song about the fight for civil rights)
  • Why (Am I Treated So Bad) (emotional song questioning social injustice)
  • If I Was a Carpenter (thought-provoking song imagining Jesus in a modern setting)
  • Let's Go Get Lost (romantic song with a gospel influence)
  • City of Refuge (spiritual song about finding solace and hope)