Gospel songs are a way for us to express our love to God and honor Him. There are thousands of these we can search on the internet, or find in a hymn book. When you go to church, you hear people singing them with love, with passion, and with all their emotions. Sometimes, you want to cry because of the beautiful words in the song.
This kind of song is often covered by most country artists in their careers. They usually record traditional hymns that are known for a long time ago. Whatever the reason may be, we can all agree that such songs are inspiring and moving not to record. One known artist to release one of the best gospel albums is Alan Jackson.
Photo Credit: Alan Jackson/ Official Facebook Page
Alan Jackson’s Gospel Album
Jackson is known to be a man of faith. Therefore, we can’t dismiss the fact that he recorded beautiful gospel songs. One proof of Jackson’s talent in recording gospel songs is his first gospel album Precious Memories. When he released it in 2006, the album skyrocketed to number one on both the Country Albums and Christian Albums chart. In addition, it has also secured a spot on the Billboard 200.
Now, we bring to you five of the best gospel songs recorded by one of country music’s greatest country singers, Alan Jackson. In addition, let’s take a look at the brief history of these songs.
Softly and Tenderly
Jackson covered the traditional hymn “Softly and Tenderly” in his album Precious Memories. The hymn was written by Will L. Thompson in 1880. He was inspired to write the song after visiting a friend. His friend’s words served as an inspiration for his making of the hymn.
Are You Washed in the Blood?
Another single from his top-performing album made it to our list. “Are You Washed in the Blood?” was written in 1878 by E.A. Hoffman. There are not many stories written about the making of this song. However, “Are You Washed in the Blood” is a song that shows us the power of accepting Jesus into our lives.
Precious Memories
You might think that this hymn has been part of Jackson’s first gospel album, but it wasn’t. “Precious Memories” was recorded by him in 2013, where he included this as part of his second gospel album Precious Memories Volume II.
Most of Jackson’s gospel songs weren’t released as a single. Therefore, none were able to secure a spot on the chart. But, his gospel albums performed well. His second album made it to number one on the Christian Albums chart. In addition, it reached number two on the country albums chart.
“Precious Memories” was written in 1925 by J.B.F Wright, and it was covered numerous times by different artists. The song came out of a tragic experience. Wright’s song was written when he lost his five-year-old son.
The Old Rugged Cross
The hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” dated back in 1912 when George Bernard first wrote a couple of lines. He completed his work in 1913 and first performed it with Ed E.Mieras. Ever since “The Old Rugged Cross” became a song loved by many singers and people who sing in the church.
Jackson also included this in his 2006 gospel album.
In the Garden
It seems that most of Jackson’s best gospel songs came from his first album. This last song was also included in his Precious Memories album.
“In the Garden” is a Christian song that tells the story of the narrator who uses the garden as a metaphor for a place where all good things exist. In this place, he finds God, and experience the pure joy of being with Him.
The hymn was written by a pharmacist who soon became a manager at a publishing company.
These are just a few of the best gospel songs of Jackson. He has many other recordings of hymns that you might enjoy too.