What's Missing From Gospel Music?

In case you are living under a rock, or just not into this genre in general, there are many people who think that music, specifically gospel music, just is not what it used to be. To longtime appreciated listeners, most would agree that the sound has adapted and changed to fit the times of today. But many do not agree with the direction in which gospel music is going.

One of the first things that people might say is missing from gospel music is the traditional praise and worship hymns. These are typically sung with heavy melancholy or joyful lyrics being taken in by organ percussion and old mass choir melodies. Today’s gospel, well contemporary gospel, is more focused on instrumentals and melodies appealing to the unbelievers or new believers with ties to secular songs to make them feel more relatable.  

Another thing that might be missing from gospel music could be the fact that many artists don’t have the intent behind the music in the first place, or lack of scandal. In recent days, there has been much speculation around gospel artists because of their involvement in scandals whether it be for their conduct outside of their profession or their use of. Most notably the likes of Kirk Franklin and Hillsong, there’s no denying that people even in this industry have their faults and are reaping the consequences. Many think that artists of this magnitude are what give the gospel such a bad representation or just make people think of religious beliefs as a joke altogether. 

A third staple in what is perhaps missing from gospel music is more of the inclusion of other artists that do not use gospel as their genre of choice, without bias. There are all types of songs that feature secular musicians in an attempt to bring people to the faith, songs with artists such as Tasha Cobbs and Nicki Minaj, Kirk Franklin on his collaborations on songs with Kanye West and Chance The Rapper are just some that come to mind. But many would argue that this takes away from the message that Christians are to be around unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Although this may help unbelievers or wayward Christians see their favorite artist be around strongly in the faith and start to come around, some see it as nothing more than a monetary opportunity.

The final thing that may be missing from gospel music is the inclusion of younger and older artists on records and albums alike. While there is certainly an opinion about how traditionally sounding music is supposed to be, there’s no denying that the blending of two different sounds from two different generations undoubtedly gives the gospel something new to hold on to and something new to believe in again. Maybe there is hope for new and old artists to collaborate. Everyone would win and old and new demographics would certainly be welcome for charts and accolades.

There is something missing from all genres of music that any fan or ear can spot. With the addition of these suggestions, perhaps this can be what gives gospel music its edge and fire as it has had in the past.