13 Songs That Show Relentless Faith features music courtesy of Blind Faith, Kirk Franklin, Sharon Jones, Reba McEntire, and Whitney Houston among others.

On the Grammy-nominated gospel-rap song “Ultralight Beam,” featured artist The-Dream sings, “I’m tryna keep my faith.”  Notably, the gospel choir highlights the powerful word. The 13 songs that appear on this playlist exhibit relentless faith, no matter what the circumstances are.  A couple of these songs also appeared in other religion-centric playlists, including 11 Secular Songs That Make Reference to God, Secular (or Not So Secular) Songs About Jesus 2.0, 10 Powerful Songs Referencing God, and Five Uplifting Contemporary Gospel Songs. Is “13” an unlucky number? Nah – we have the power of faith that overpowers any superstitious nonsense!

1. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, “Call on God”

Soul of a Woman • Daptone • 2017

In November 2016, the world lost a true treasure in soul musician Sharon Jones, at the age of 60.  After a late career breakthrough, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings were among the crème de la crème of the soul revivalist movement.  Jones gets a proper ‘closing act’ with the posthumously release Soul of a Woman, which includes the superb, laudatory record, “Call on God.” “Call on God” fittingly concludes Soul of a Woman in the gospel-infused, deep-, southern soul style. Jones’ vocals are incredibly powerful and sincere.  Here, at the very end, Jones is witnessing – testifying to God’s goodness, mercy, and ‘wonder working power.’ #Relentless Faith

2. Marvin Sapp, “Close”

Close • Provident • 2017

Marvin Sapp showcases a beautiful vocal tone throughout the course of “Close” (Close). As the song progresses, the performance grows progressively more rousing, thanks to authentic, emotional lead vocals, backing choral vocals, and dynamic production.  Gospel music is naturally filled with the spirit, meant to uplift its recipients, much like the minister at the church “fills up” the parishioners.  “Close” packs the same punch, giving the listener the utmost hope and conviction to make it through life’s hardships and many tribulations.  In that regard, “Close” is pitch perfect.

3. R. Kelly, “Leap of Faith”

Happy People / U Saved Me • Jive • 2004

Few will deny that R. Kelly is a polarizing person to the nth degree. His obsession with sex shouldn’t merely be brushed off – it seems to be his biggest vice. However, throughout the course of a controversial, yet incredibly successful career, faith, inspiration, and spirituality have all played pivotal roles in his music.

On “Leap of Faith” from the inspirational-gospel half of Happy People / U Saved Me, Kelly sings:

“You kept the fire burnin’
You kept hope alive
And when my soul was fallin’ 
You helped me to survive
And you led the way
Encouraged me to take that leap of faith.”

4. Whitney Houston, “I Look to You”

I Look to You • RCA • 2009 

The spiritual R. Kelly makes another appearance as the songwriter-producer of Whitney Houston comeback single, “I Look To You.” Essentially an adult contemporary R&B gospel song, Houston sings about leaning and depending on God.

“I look to you
I look to you
After all my strength is gone
In you I can be strong
I look to you
I look to you
And when melodies are gone
In you I hear a song 
I look to you.”

5. Hezekiah Walker, “Better” 

Azusa the Next Generation 2 – Better • Azusa Inc. / Entertainment One • 2016

Hezekiah Walker’s contemporary gospel anthem is bursting with encouragement, exuberance, and sheer excellence.  It doesn’t hurt that the choir is on-point or that the modulations (key changes) amplify the power of the message.  Simply put, “It will get better / because God is in control.” “Better” naturally emphasizes the importance of faith in God to attain deliverance.  Even if you’re not the most religious individual per se, the positivity is infectious.

6. Reba McEntire, “Back to God”

Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope • Big Machine • 2017

Yes, “Back to God” has appeared on a number of playlists. It’s justified though – it’s just that faithful, prudent, and superb. Reba McEntire blessed the world with her first gospel album in 2017, Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope.  “Back to God” ranks among the most moving moments.  With all the problems that plague the world, Reba asserts, “We gotta give this world / Back to God.” This is a song that certainly appeals to the Christian base, embracing the power of faith and prayer above all.

7. Kanye West, “Jesus Walks”

Album: The College Dropout

Roc-A-Fella, 2004

“I walk through the valley of the Chi where death is / Top floor the view alone will leave you breathless…” Kanye West made a huge statement when he released “Jesus Walks.” It’s rare that rappers mention Jesus in the slightest in their raps, so West definitely went “against the grain.” “Jesus Walks” still isn’t quite appropriate for a tent meeting or church service, but to an extent, West affirms his faith.

“(Jesus walk)
God show me the way because the Devil’s trying to break me down
(Jesus walk with me)
The only think that I pray is that my feet don’t fail me now
(Jesus walk)
And I don’t think there’s nothin’ I can do now to right my wrongs
(Jesus walk with me)
I wanna talk to God but I’m afraid cause we ain’t spoke in so long.”

8. Blind Faith, “Presence of the Lord”

Blind Faith • Polydor • 1969

“I have finally found a way to live, just like I never could before / I know that I don’t have much to give, but I can open any door / Everybody knows the secret, everybody knows the score / I have finally found a way to live, in the color of the Lord.” Before Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood were successful as solo artists, they were members of the short-lived band Blind Faith, who released a self-titled album in 1969.  One of the most notable songs from that album was “Presence of the Lord,” a gem chock full of faith.

9. Commodores, “Jesus Is Love”

Album: Heroes

Motown, 1980

“Jesus is love / He won’t let you down / And I know he’s mine forever / Oh, in my heart.” Commodores and Lionel Richie take the power of Jesus seriously on their soul-gospel gem, “Jesus Is Love.”  While “Jesus Is Love” is considered a standard in both genres, compared to the more secular Commodores/Richie songs, it’s underrated.  It shouldn’t be – this is arguably the soul collective’s deepest, most touching song.  The affirmation of faith coupled with a societal need for faith is deep.

10. Mariah Carey, “Heavenly (No Ways Tired / Can’t Give Up Now)”

Album: Me. I Am Mariah

Def Jam, 2014 

Despite some great songs, Me. I Am Mariah was a bomb for Mariah Carey.  Nonetheless, she showed her gospel music chops on the fantastic “Heavenly (No Ways Tired / Can’t Give Up Now).” Essentially, the song fuses two gospel songs that use the same tune.  Famously, “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired” is a Rev. James Cleveland staple, while “Can’t Give Up Now” notably appears on the Mary Mary debut, Thankful (2000).

11. Mali Music, “I Believe”

This Is Mali • RCA • 2014

“I’m just one of them ole people who’s got to hold on / Sometimes I can’t see, but I still believe / He’s taking care of me.” On “I Believe,” the closing song from Mali Is…, Mali Music asserts his belief despite the fact that others are turning away from God.  Lyrically, he paints a picture of an ever-growing secular world devoid of faith.  According to Mali, “People of God don’t even read their Bibles / There’s no faith no trust in the word / But everybody seems to be quoting scripture / It’s just another word they heard.”

12. Carrie Underwood, “Jesus Take the Wheel”

Some Hearts • Arista, 2005

“Jesus take the wheel / take it from my hands / ‘Cause I cannot do this on my own / I’m letting go / So give me one more chance / Save me from this road I am on / Jesus take the wheel.” While Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks” wouldn’t be the sermonic selection in most religious services, Carrie Underwood gem “Jesus Take the Wheel” has a shot. Underwood tells the story of a woman who sees her life flashing before her eyes while driving home for Christmas.  Knowing she’s losing control, she prays that “Jesus take the wheel.” Ultimately, the bigger picture of Underwood’s classic is letting Go and letting God.

13. Kirk Franklin, “I Smile”

Hello Fear • Verity • 2011 

“I smile, even though I’m hurt see I smile / I know God is working so I smile / Even though I’ve been here for a while / I smile, I smile…” “I Smile” is the perfect example of exhibiting relentless faith in spite of difficult times.  Kirk Franklin is the master of writing songs that appeal to both gospel and secular audiences. From the start, Franklin is positive to the nth degree, dedicating the song “to recession / Depression and unemployment,” before his choir proclaims “a new day.”

Photo Credits: Arista, Azusa Inc. / Entertainment One, Big Machine, Daptone, Def Jam, Jive, Motown, Polydor, Provident, RCA, Roc-A-Fella, Verity