10 Great Songs with Gospel Choirs
Admit it. We’ve all felt the chills when hearing the awe-inspiring roar of a gospel choir join into the melody of a song. When reaching the crescendo into hand-clapping, feet-stomping choir vocals, it’s hard to resist belting out right along with them.
To honor this musical trend, we complied a list of 10 great songs that use gospel choirs.
10. “O Children” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds kick off our list with their hauntingly beautiful “O Children.” Backing Cave’s hypnotic vocals, a choir of gospel singers provide soulful harmonies to the hymn-like song. “O Children” is also featured as the soundtrack to Harry Potter and Hermione Granger’s (awkward) dance scene in 2010’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
9. “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (Live – Rattle & Hum version)” by U2
As a part of U2’s Rattle and Hum album and rockumentary, New York choir The New Voices of Freedom accompanied the Irish rock band on a gospel version of their hit “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” To explain the collaboration in the documentary, The Edge said the track is essentially a gospel song both lyrically and musically. Rattle and Hum also features a rehearsal with U2 and The New Voices of Freedom in a Harlem church as well as a performance together at Madison Square Garden.
8. “Like a Prayer” by Madonna
Widely known for its overwhelmingly controversial music video, “Like a Prayer” by Madonna fused elements of gospel music with the music icon’s singnature pop-rock sound. Inspired by Madge’s youth as a Catholic school girl, the 1989 single keeps gaining momentum, finishing with the gospel-backed chorus complete with hand-clapping and high-note wailing.
7. “Get By” by Talib Kweli
Produced by Kanye West, Talib Kweli’s 2003 single “Get By” features gospel-like backing vocals to heighten the truthful message of the New York rapper’s lyrics.
6. “All These Things That I’ve Done” by The Killers