13 More Songs That Provide That Spiritual Refresh | Playlist 🎧

1. Shirley Caesar, “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name”

💿 Her Very Best • 🏷 Word Entertainment / Curb • 📅 1987

“Jesus (Jesus) / Oh Jesus (Jesus) / Oh how I love / Calling your name.” Ah – simple yet moving, potent lyrics! 🎙 Shirley Caesar is one of the greatest gospel musicians of all time, PERIOD.  She’s recorded numerous gospel gems, ministering to many souls that needed to be fed.  A personal favorite Caesar classic is none other than 🎵 “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name,” which appears as the second track on her 1987 album, 💿 Her Very Best.

“Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name” showcases Caesar at ‘her very best.’ She’s incredibly assertive, performing over a smooth but energetic contemporary gospel backdrop.  Even with those smooth 80s vibes supporting her, Shirley doesn’t hold back in the least.  She makes it known she’s praising ‘Him’ and she wants the whole world to hear.  Why is she so ‘bold’ in her faith? He – Jesus – has been so good, merciful, and never failed her. “When my troubles surround me / And I didn’t have to despair,” she sings on the first verse, continuing, “Lord, you told me / That you’ll be right there.”  Later, on the second verse, she recalls, “I remember the time / When I felt so all alone / When I needed you Jesus / All I had to do was call.” She makes it clear she’s ‘called him’ at all hours of the day, asserting, “When I got off my knees, Jesus / Everything was alright.” She characterizes him by numerous names, whether it’s Rose of Sharon, Lily of the Valley, or “my mountain mover.”

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🙏 Shirley Caesar, “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 12 (2021)
🔗 🎧 11 Spiritual/Not-So Spiritual Jesus Songs

2. The University of Notre Dame Folk Choir & J.J. Wright, “Perfect Praise (Live)”

Ft. Chris Dingman, Emorja Roberson, Godwin Louis, Ike Sturm, Karen Schneider & Mark McLean

💿 Catch the Spirit (Live) • 🏷 The University of Notre Dame Folk Choir • 📅 2020

There are some songs that are truly PERFECT and never grow old.  One of those is the gospel classic, 🎵 “Perfect Praise,” penned by 🎼✍ Brenda Joyce Moore.  Sometimes referenced as “Jesus is Excellent,” this gem has been covered by numerous choirs and even arranged for marching band as well – AWESOME 👏.  🎙 The University of Notre Dame Folk Choir and 🎙 J.J. Wright deliver a truly excellent rendition, recorded live in 2020, which appears on their album, 💿 Catch the Spirit (Live).

What makes this version so excellent, you ask? The awesome lead vocals by 🎙 Emorja Roberson is a huge selling point.  Of course, beyond his lead, the Folk Choir provide great supporting vocals, with the harmonies fully locked in, while the instrumentalists all shine in their respective roles.  You can tell just listening to this recording that this is indeed a favorite of the University choir – they do it justice. 

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧  Perfect 💯: 5ive Songs No. 74
🔗 🙏  The University of Notre Dame Folk Choir, “Perfect Praise”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 1 (2021)

3. Donny Hathaway, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”

💿 Donny Hathaway • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 1971

“The Son of Man speaks of Revelation / Oh, he’s reaching, reaching out his hand…” 🎙 Donny Hathaway, sadly, only lived to be 33 years old.  Despite such a short life, Hathaway left an indelible musical legacy.  Had he lived, given the sheer breadth of his collection, there’s no telling how many more classics he would’ve unveiled.  Notably, spirituality plays a gargantuan role in Mr. Hathaway’s music. 🎵 “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”, which appears on his self-titled, 1971 album, provides that perfect blend of gospel and R&B/soul. The classic was penned by 🎼✍ Dorsey Burnette.

“Magnificent Sanctuary Band” This is one of the funkiest records you’ll ever hear.  The groove – infectious to the nth degree! Additionally, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band” has a positive, soul-stirring message, hailing directly from the black church.  “From the book I read, not one but all must follow him,” Hathaway sings on the first verse, continuing, “Come and join the magnificent sanctuary band.” Amen! Donny doesn’t stop there, singing on the second verse, “Seems like temptation rules over the land / You know, those people should just remember his commandments / Come and join the magnificent sanctuary band.” As you’d expect, the centerpiece is the chorus, where Hathaway encourages all to believe, embrace, and embody Christ:

“Singing in the band, talking to the man
Bringing in the sheep all over the world as fast as he can
... Dropping everything you’re doing and join the sanctuary band.”

Hathaway is chocked-full of spirit, singing his face off.  His ministry is felt for sure, forty years after the song first arrived.  

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🙏 Donny Hathaway, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 15 (2021)

4. Yolanda DeBerry, “I Shall Wear a Crown (Soon as I Get Home)”

🎵 “I Shall Wear a Crown (Soon as I Get Home)” • 🏷 Yolanda “Yoli” DeBerry & Scott O. Cumberbatch • 📅 2019

“I shall wear a crown / I shall wear a crown / When it’s all over / When it’s all over.” The late, great 🎼✍ Thomas Whitfield (1954 – 1992) penned a gospel classic with 🎵 “Soon as I Get Home,” also referenced as 🎵 “I Shall Wear a Crown (Soon as I Get Home)”. Listen for a few short moments to any recording of the and you’ll feel the spiritual vibes. “Soon as I Get Home” is one of those records that’s built to hit you right in the soul. One particularly moving version of this popular classic arrived in 2019, courtesy of 🎙 Yolanda “Yoli” DeBerry and Scott O. Cumberbatch accompanying on piano. DeBerry performed “I Shall Wear a Crown” at a homegoing Service at First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio.

DeBerry’s voice is anointed, period.  Her tone is angelic – celestial – her ad-libs prodigious and spot-on, and her overall command and assertiveness are impressive to the nth degree.  As DeBerry sings, you truly feel it – the authenticity is undeniable.  Some people merely ‘sing’ a song but Yolanda, well, she ‘SANGS’ this one. Furthering this near indescribable spiritual experience is the backing gospel choir, which both feed off and amplify Yoli’s lead.  The thing is, with such simple yet resonating lyrics, you can see why this number evokes such happiness.  While earthly living ceases with this song (“When it’s all over”), the protagonist has been a believer – a good and faithful servant – and will spend eternity in heaven. As a preacher might say, “Ain’t that good news?”

“I’m gonna put on my robe,
Tell the story how I made it over.
Soon as I get home.”

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🙏 Yolanda “Yoli” DeBerry, “I Shall Wear a Crown (Soon as I Get Home)”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 13 (2021)
🔗 🎧 Soon: 3BOPS No. 59 (2021)

5. The Jackson Southernaires, “He Keeps on Blessing Me”

💿 Greatest Hits • 🏷 Malaco • 📅 1985

“What a gift, we have to share his love / And, independently, we live on nothing but his grace.” Amen! Hallelujah! That old-school gospel – man – it just hits different, period!  That is why a song like “He Keeps on Blessing Me” remains potent years after its arrival.  🎙 The Jackson Southernaires had a surefire, anointed gem on their hands.  Fittingly, 🎵 “He Keeps on Blessing Me” appears as the first song on their 1985 💿 Greatest Hits album.

Why is “He Keeps on Blessing Me” the perfect Sunday Refresh or perfect spiritual refresh for any day of the week? It’s a reminder and testimony of God’s goodness and mercy.   This is an inspirational, uplifting gem that encourages us to trust and lean on Him.  A prime example of the blessings and mercifulness of The Most High occurs on the second verse:

“I strayed away so many times before
And there were so many times I didn’t do right
But You gave me strength to go on through the night
And still, You watch over me each and every night.”

Although we are incredibly unworthy, ‘God’s got us’ would be a perfect summation of that verse. Throw in a sweet groove, and relatively light but potent production, and “He Keeps on Blessing Me” is nothing short of divine.  

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🙏 The Jackson Southernaires, “He Keeps on Blessing Me” : Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 16 (2021)

6. Dottie Peoples, “Little Wooden Church”

💿 Count on God • 🏷 Atlanta International • 📅 1996

“Very little money was raised / But so many souls were saved / Talking ‘bout a good time  / Oh yes, a mighty, mighty good time.”  Ah, 🎙 Dottie Peoples delivered a surefire, spirit-filled gospel classic with 🎵 “Little Wooden Church” (💿 Count on God, 1996). The production is spirited, featuring gospel instrumentation including keys and choir (🎙The Peoples Choice Chorale), as well as adding some punchy horns. On this contemporary, yet traditional-styled black gospel joint, the 🏆 Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter recollects her own unique experiences in church.  “As I let my mind go back / I can see the little wooden church,” she sings, adding, “Sitting by the railroad tracks / Just a little shabby ole place / We used to sing ‘Amazing Grace’.” Although the church building itself was modest, and those collection plates didn’t yield much, the spirit and the lessons taught and instilled were gargantuan.

Adding to the throwback nature of this contemporary gospel record is incorporating a traditional spiritual, 🎵 “None but the Righteous” (“None but the righteous… shall see God,” “I know got religion,” and “Take me to the water”). It’s fitting considering the nostalgic spiritual experience Peoples imparts, including personal anecdotes, like “I can see ole Deacon Johnson over in the corner when his soul caught fire,” or “By then, my Big Mama be happy…tears running down her face, she slowly get up and raise her hand.” Ultimately, years after arriving, “Little Wooden Church” never gets old.  Even if this isn’t your spiritual experience, it’s compelling and reminds us to remember simpler, less complicated times, and, of course, laud The Most High.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🙏 Dottie Peoples, “Little Wooden Church”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 17 (2021)

7. Zach Williams, “Chain Breaker”

💿 Chain Breaker • 🏷 Provident / Sony Music Entertainment • 📅 2017

Sometimes, we all need inspiration – a pick me up.  What better than a little J-E-S-U-S? No, not a little J-E-S-U-S, but a great big, awesome, omniscient JESUS! No false idols here, but a legitimate 🎵 “Chain Breaker”.  That’s what Christian rock singer 🎙 Zach Williams gives us on the title track from his 2017 album, 💿 Chain Breaker. 

“If you’ve got pain, He’s a pain taker
If you feel lost, He’s a way maker
If you need freedom or saving, He’s a prison-shaking Savior
If you got chains, He’s a chain breaker.”

Zach Williams offers encouragement on this rousing, well-put-together CCM joint.  He wrote “Chain Breaker” with 🎼✍ Jonathan Smith and 🎼✍ Mia Fieldes.  Lyrically, the team does a fine job of leading those discouraged or lost to ‘The Great I Am.’  Musically, the dynamic, exuberant sounds don’t hurt either – piano, organ, guitar, drums, choral backing vocals.  Even if you’re not a believer, or more casual when it comes to spiritual matters, you might dig this one 😜.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🙏 Zach Williams, “Chain Breaker”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 3 (2021)
🔗 🎧 11 Intriguing Songs Associated with Chains ⛓

8. Carrie Underwood, “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus”

💿 My Savior • 🏷 Capitol Nashville • 📅 2021

🏆 Grammy winning country music superstar 🎙 Carrie Underwood released a Christian/Gospel album, 💿 My Savior, in 2021.  When you’ve had the success that Underwood has since being crowned the winner of the fourth season of American Idol, you can do whatever you want.  Underwood has released a few singles in advance of My Savior including the beloved hymn, 🎵 “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus”. 

While Carrie is singing long established hymns, she keeps it country, remaining true to self.  For example, on “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus,” a hymn I personally grew up with, she sings differently than, say, my congregation might.  This isn’t a black gospel rendition but rather a rendition that plays to Underwood’s strengths and artistry. She does a fine job preserving the sanctity of the tune, singing expressively and authentically.  The countrification factor may not appeal to all but if you are a country music fan and Underwood fan, this take should be right up your alley.  Notably, Underwood brings more heat as the record progresses, particularly towards the end.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 11 Spiritual/Not-So Spiritual Jesus Songs

9. Ricky Dillard “You’re the Lifter”

💿 Choirmaster • 🏷 Motown Gospel • 📅 2020

“My strength comes from You / Jesus, see me through / For you’re the lifter / Of my head.” 🎵 “You’re the Lifter” serves as the incredible penultimate cut from 💿 Choirmaster, the 2020 gospel masterpiece by 🏆 Grammy-nominated gospel artist, 🎙 Ricky Dillard.  The ‘choirmaster’ himself and his brilliant choir delivers a powerful, 10-minute, must-hear ballad.  IF you need a good lift – and I’m not talking Planet Fitness – the emotional, spiritually charged “You’re the Lifter” will provide it.

Adding to the grand experience, 🏆 Grammy-winning gospel sensation 🎙 Tamela Mann provides a serious ‘lift’ towards the end of this 10-minute gem.  In the context of Choirmaster, if it felt the album was growing the slightest bit too long, “You’re the Lifter” provides a timely blessing that marvelously touches the soul.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Lift: 5ive Songs No. 14 (2021)
🔗 🎧 13 Songs That’ll Lift 🏋 You Up (Some of the ‘Em)
🔗 🙏 Ricky Dillard, “You’re the Lifter”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 2 (2021)

10. Sia, “Jesus Wept”

💿 This is Acting (Deluxe) • 🏷 RCA • 📅 2016

“A blinding white light / And I heard a cry / And it was mine / Burning to survive.” Chilling pop ballad  🎵 “Jesus Wept” appears only on the deluxe version 💿 This is Acting, the 2016 album by 🎙 Sia (Sia Furler).  This is Acting, of course, is best known for gems like 🎵 “Bird Set Free”, 🎵 “Alive,” and 🎵 “Cheap Thrills”. Still, I truly wish more folks hadn’t overlooked the stunning, moving ballad at hand.

On the gorgeous, enigmatic, haunting, and powerful “Jesus Wept,” Sia references her recovery from substance abuse. Of course, when one of the most famous scriptures from the B-I-B-L-E happens to be the title, there’s a religious/spiritual angle too:

“How Jesus wept
He wept as he
Took twelve steps
And carried me
Oh, how he wept
For thee
Resurrection on me.”

While we don’t know the ins and outs of Furler’s faith, it’s clear she is thankful for her recovery, and makes a big-time Biblical allusion. As the embedded article from I Believe suggests, Jesus wept for three reasons: (1) The pain of his friends (2) their lack of faith (3) for his coming suffering.  In the case of this personal song, all three of those reasons seem applicable. The pain with which Jesus wept specific to Sia: her addiction.  The lack of faith is evident in the song (“God shaped hole leave me empty” and “Faith creeps slowly over me”). And of course, number three – well – that’s the big one.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Secular (or Not So Secular) Songs About Jesus 2.0
🔗 🎧 Sia, “Jesus Wept”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 8 (2021)
🔗 🎧 11 Spiritual/Not-So Spiritual Jesus Songs

11. Tamela Mann, “Take Me to the King”

💿 Best Days • 🏷 Tillymann Inc. • 📅 2012

“Truth is I’m weak / No strength to fight / No tears to cry / Even if I tried / But still my soul / Refuses to die / One touch will change my life.” For gospel singer 🎙 Tamela Mann, she’s not referring to any monarch, nor her husband, David Mann (Note: They released a joint album in 2018, Us Against the World).  No, on her 2012 contemporary gospel hit 🎵 “Take Me to the King,” Mann is referencing none other than ‘The Most High,’ best known and G-O-D.  Penned by gospel’s most ubiquitous and highly decorated hitmaker, 🎼✍ Kirk Franklin, Mann sings about the awesomeness of God.  Basically, she looks to God to restore her, despite the adversities facing her in ‘this thing called life.’

The chorus is the crème de la crème of this incredibly uplifting record.

“Take me to the king
I don’t have much to bring
My heart’s torn in pieces
It’s my offering
Lay me at the throne
Leave me there alone
To gaze upon your glory
And sing to you this song
Please take me to the king.”

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 11 Songs All About His Majesty, The King

12. The Jackson Southernaires, “Heavy Load”

💿 Greatest Hits • 🏷 Malaco • 📅 1985

🎵 “Heavy Load” is a classic gospel song by legendary Jackson, Mississippi gospel collective, 🎙 The Jackson Southernaires.  Like the aforementioned 🎵 “He Keeps on Blessing Me”, “Heavy Load” also appears on their 1985 💿 Greatest Hits album.  “Heavy Load” was written by 🎼✍ Kevin Yancy and 🎼✍  Marvin Yancy.  Worth noting, another legendary black gospel group, 🎙 Mighty Clouds of Joy, also have a notable song entitled 🎵 “Heavy Load”.  It should come as no surprise that these are two different songs!

“Heavy Load,” in the hands of The Jackson Southernaires, is an energetic, moderately fast record.  Essentially, like on 🎵 “He Keeps on Blessing Me”, the group is devoted to praising God for his mercifulness – that ‘wonder working power.’ Even if the ‘pressure is on’ and you carry a ‘heavy load,’ they assert, “God’s gonna lighten your heavy load.” This is a rousing and uplifting record, meant to assuage and encourage in a bad season or a winter of discontent.  The Jackson Southernaires preaches a gospel of faith – putting your trust in Him without ceasing.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 11 Songs Where the Pressure is on

13. Vickie Winans, “Safe in His Arms”

💿 Live in Detroit II • 🏷 Light • 📅 1999

“When the storms of life are raging / And the billows roll / So glad he shall hide me safe in his arms.” Amen! Sigh, 🎙 Vickie Winans does a masterful job performing 🎵 “Safe in His Arms,” a beloved gospel song penned by 🎼✍ Darius Brooks.  “Safe in His Arms” was popularized by 🎙 Rev. Milton Brunson & The Thompson Community Singers and is considered his most popular song. “Safe in His Arms” appears on Winans’ fantastic 1999 live album, 💿 Live in Detroit II, which I can remember my mother playing many times during my teen years.

As always, Winans gives her all on this radiant, inspirational ballad.  Her voice is magnificent – utterly sublime! She’s both expressive and poised on the verses, as she testifies to God’s mercy.  One of the highlights, lyrically, are the references to the 23^rd Psalm, a personal favorite:

“Because the Lord is my shepherd
I have everything I need
He lets me rest in the meadow’s grass
He leads me beside the quiet streams
He restored my failing health
... That’s why I’m safe
Safe in his arms.”

Of course, in the hands of Winans, as “Safe in His Arms” percolates, she grows more spirited.  Her faith is undeniable, particularly as she lets loose on the ad-libs, backed by a glorious gospel choir.  She truly blesses the listener, regardless of where he or she ultimately lies in their spiritual walk.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🙏 Vickie Winans, “Safe in His Arms”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 19 (2021)